Which type of Sansamp?

djaxup · #1 08-08-2011, 06:02 AM

Hi!

i had a PDDI that i stupidly sold. I want the sansamp magic back. Out of the given options, which one do you advice and why? The ones i am looking for are:

- BDDI
- Paradriver DI
- VT Bass
- RBI

The rest of my Setup:

Wal MK1 4-string (kinda hot output like a musicman)
GK 1001RB-II
as a choice: Fender TBP-1 Preamp that i run into the GK effects return if needed
412 Cab with Eminence Neos

Pedals:
MB Compressore
Boss Tuner
Catalinbread SFT

Right now, I'd buy the Paradriver - but I'm still not sure which one to buy.

Thanks!

Duke21 · #2 08-08-2011, 06:14 AM

If you liked the PDDI, just buy a new one. The Paradriver DI is probably a smart upgrade from the BDDI due to the mid control. The RBI is not the same class regrading size or price. Probably the best thing if you want more tone possibilities
The VT bass VS the BDDI is a "an issue". The VT bass have that mid control and more gain, and suppose to get you closer to the SVT sound. The BDDi have the blend control which many tend to like.
I own the PDDI. If I had to choose something else, I'll go for the VT bass deluxe or the RBI. The RBI is probably the ultimate sansamp, but I like the compactness of the pedals.

Bassmike62 · #3 08-08-2011, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke21

I own the PDDI. If I had to choose something else, I'll go for the VT bass deluxe or the RBI. The RBI is probably the ultimate sansamp, but I like the compactness of the pedals.

Word.

djaxup · #4 08-08-2011, 07:11 AM

thanks for the answers so far.

i just dont need the programmable slots of the PDDI or the Deluxe two Inputs.
I have read a lot about how the PDDI sounds worse than the others. I cant comment on that because i have never tested them 1vs1... i liked the sound of it.

The Paradriver looks best to me, but i need to be sure that it is suited to add grit to an electric Bass, the description of it sounds to me like: nice for acoustic guitar and bass, and can also be used for e-bass.

Bassmike62 · #5 08-08-2011, 07:31 AM

Mmmh... The SansAmp Bass Driver is probably a better option, then. Check out Harmony Central reviews, it'll probably help.

TECH 21 - SansAmp Bass Driver DI

Duke21 · #6 08-08-2011, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassmike62

Mmmh... The SansAmp Bass Driver is probably a better option, then. Check out Harmony Central reviews, it'll probably help.

TECH 21 - SansAmp Bass Driver DI

The Paradriver is just the BDDI with an additional knob.

Bassmike62 · #7 08-08-2011, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke21

The Paradriver is just the BDDI with an additional knob.

Yup, agreed.

Should've added IMO, 'cause I always prefer bass-dedicated pedals as opposed to "pedals who also sound good on bass". Less risk of low-end loss, which doesn't necessarily mean low-end loss is a problem with the Paradriver.

chessrocks · #8 08-09-2011, 12:14 AM

Low end loss is definitely not a problem with the para driver.

As others have mentioned ... it's a BDDI with an extra knob and no "presence" control. If you like a big, mid-scooped sound with some believable tube fuzz simulation, it's a pretty neat box.

djaxup · #9 08-09-2011, 03:25 AM

Thanks guys, that eliminates my concerns with the paradriver.

tech21nyc · #10 08-09-2011, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke21

The Paradriver is just the BDDI with an additional knob.

Not really. The Para Driver is a different circuit and can be used for bass, guitar, vocals, keys etc. It has a 4.7megOhm input that is useful for instruments equipped with piezo pickups.

Duke21 · #11 08-09-2011, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech21nyc

Not really. The Para Driver is a different circuit and can be used for bass, guitar, vocals, keys etc. It has a 4.7megOhm input that is useful for instruments equipped with piezo pickups.

But will the Paradrive manage to cover the BDDI sound?

tech21nyc · #12 08-09-2011, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duke21

But will the Paradrive manage to cover the BDDI sound?

It can get close but will not have quite the "sizzle" as the BDDI due to the lack of the presence control.

Duke21 · #13 08-09-2011, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech21nyc

It can get close but will not have quite the "sizzle" as the BDDI due to the lack of the presence control.

Thanks good to know!
I love my PBDDI. Could only consider then RBI or the VT bass deluxe instead!

DMC2020 · #14 08-09-2011, 02:49 PM

I really like the VT Bass sound the best

pbasswil · #15 08-09-2011, 04:06 PM

I have the Para Driver. I first bought it for use with piezo pickups, but recently started using it with a Lull P/J.

I like the Mid EQ with the freq. sweep; that's handy.

I'm not bonkers about the sound of the Drive, and would never set it above 10:30 or so.

It's actually quite a complicated device to get your head around at first.
There's a little Blend knob that brings both the Drive circuit and the Amp/Speaker sim in and out.
The Amp/Speaker sim is actually an EQ curve that gets superimposed on wherever you've set the Bass/Treble/Mid knobs. The sim is quite mid-scoopy. So you can use the Blend knob as kind of a second Mid EQ knob. (I also hear bass boost in it, but a Tech21 guy insists that's an audio-acoustic illusion.)

The only catch is: Blend doesn't just bring the amp/speaker sim in and out: it's also a blend for the Drive circuit! Since I'm not big on the Drive anyway, that's not a big problem for me.

I have a VT Bass (version 2.0) on order. V. 2.0 has a simple defeat button for the Speaker Sim. But I'm also having some mods done to it, to add a mid-EQ freq. sweep control added, among other things.

Kenner · #16 08-09-2011, 04:19 PM

My set up is kinda similiar in regards to a "hot" bass (Alembic Epic), and I use a Markbass Compressore, Vt Deluxe, to a GK RB1001/210. I really dig the VT Deluxe. I used to use a VT pedal to a BDDI before the Deluxe....

I'm sold on the VTD, but, to each their own.

Kenner · #17 08-09-2011, 04:25 PM

....and you'll learn to love the programmable options..... : )

tech21nyc · #18 08-10-2011, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbasswil

...
The Amp/Speaker sim is actually an EQ curve that gets superimposed on wherever you've set the Bass/Treble/Mid knobs. The sim is quite mid-scoopy. So you can use the Blend knob as kind of a second Mid EQ knob. (I also hear bass boost in it, but a Tech21 guy insists that's an audio-acoustic illusion.)

If you scoop the midrange your bass and treble will seem boosted. Conversely if you put a bump in the midrange, your bass and treble will seem to have been cut.

The only catch is: Blend doesn't just bring the amp/speaker sim in and out: it's also a blend for the Drive circuit! The SansAmp circuit emulates a tube amp in its entirety. Preamp, power amp and speaker cab. The amp portion of the circuit IS the drive.

..

.