Sansamp RPM/RBI DAQ

John Webb · #1 02-28-2009, 02:31 PM

Help me understand the difference between the Tech20 Sansamp RPM and RBI units. The controls look the same, the cost is the same.

Do they do pretty much the same thing?

idoru · #2 02-28-2009, 02:39 PM

www.tech21nyc.com

RBI has fixed mids at 1kHz and a Presence control.

RPM has sweepable mids, no presence, but a MUCH higher gain structure.

If you're looking for a rackable distortion channel, the RPM is fantastic. I use the RPM style channel on my Landmark head 90% of the time, as I like to dial in the right mids for the band situation.

c-

bongomania · #3 02-28-2009, 03:28 PM

Also FWIW there are a couple of threads in the Amps forum that compare them in great detail, including reviews from people who use both in one rack.

John Webb · #4 03-03-2009, 09:36 AM

......gonna buy the RPM.

Hope it's the right choice.

John Webb · #5 03-04-2009, 05:02 AM

How should I connect the RPM to the 800RB?
Throught the effects loop or direct into the amp input??

Bassgrinder77 · #6 03-04-2009, 08:34 AM

I bypass the preamp of my GK 1001RBII.
I plug my bass into my SansAmp RBI front panel input and I plug my SansAmp RBI output straight into the 1001RBII return jack (which is the power-amp input).
The RBI tone SMOKES the tone of my GK preamp. I just use the GK as a brainless slave and it sounds AWESOME.

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Webb

How should I connect the RPM to the 800RB?
Throught the effects loop or direct into the amp input??

Bassgrinder77 · #7 03-04-2009, 08:41 AM

Yup, that's right.
I have the RBI and love it. I'd like to try the RPM though and see how it sounds. I've read good things.
Geddy Lee used the RBI on Vapor Trails and on the tour for that album (which can be seen on the Rush In Rio dvd) and I thought his bass sounded awesome.
He then switched to the RPM for Snakes And Arrows and that tour and his bass sounded ... also awesome.
The RPM has the mid center frequency control which is cool but I DO like where they center the mids on the RBI (1kHz) so I would probably set the RPM there.
Anyways, based on my Bass Driver DI and my RBI, I've found that SansAmp models sound different and they sound GOOD.

Quote:

Originally Posted by idoru

www.tech21nyc.com

RBI has fixed mids at 1kHz and a Presence control.

RPM has sweepable mids, no presence, but a MUCH higher gain structure.

If you're looking for a rackable distortion channel, the RPM is fantastic. I use the RPM style channel on my Landmark head 90% of the time, as I like to dial in the right mids for the band situation.

c-