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Farewell to the Bassdriver?

FLV

FLV

Sep 14, 2013
150
182
#1
I've been using the Sansamp Bassdriver for a couple of years now, and I was quite happy with the results. However, recently it occured to me that the way it affects the tone makes almost every bass sound similar or downright the same. Also, the fat tube tone it offers is great, but I've been looking for some more clarity and I've been able to achieve that only through lowering both drive and tone knobs.

What are some reasonable alternatives? I've been thinking about the Aguilar Tone Hammer, based on reviews, samples and some recommendations although I've never tried it (or any other DI for that matter). The good stuff is that it seems similar in terms of price so maybe I'd be able to trade my Sansamp for it. Or maybe I'm making a mistake and I should stick to the trusted Tech21 box? :)
 
#2
If you like your sound, you may be there already. That said, trying out different stuff can be rewarding, even if it just lets you know the sansamp is what you wanted all along. The good news is, they are readily available if you decide to go back. The tonehammer is a good place to start, I think. If you want to go clean, the MXR Bass Preamp is very uncolored. The MXR DI+ is also nice...dead simple and bulletproof. It has a naturally modern sound, and you can add that scoop tone in via the "color" switch if you find yourself missing that from the sansamp tone. If you want to go more into tube sound territory, I would check out the Vintage Microtubes Deluxe.

Whichever direction you go if you decide to try something else, give yourself 30 days with the new box if you can, 2 weeks minimum. It will take your ears a little while to adjust to a new sound, and it may take you a bit of knob twisting to get where you need to be. Every pedal has something it does well, even if it's not the thing you were wanting initially.
 
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#4
Thanks for the suggestions, I think I'll go with it and try a Tone Hammer, since I found a fairly cheap one. From what I've read though, there are two versions of it - old and new. Does anyone know more about it?
 
#5
FLV said:
Thanks for the suggestions, I think I'll go with it and try a Tone Hammer, since I found a fairly cheap one. From what I've read though, there are two versions of it - old and new. Does anyone know more about it?
Click to expand...
+1 for the Tone Hammer. I also have the original SansAmp Bass Driver DI, for me it scooped out the midrange and clarity too much, so I use it mostly as an active DI with the controls bypassed. I bought a Tone Hammer here off the classifieds, it can get plenty "tubey" with the ASG setting and it has a sweepable midrange that is very powerful. I use it with my GK, for those occasions when I need something different, its also a great DI and perfect for recording direct.
 
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#6
I understand the love/hate for the SansAmp BDDI. It does have that tone to it, however I don't believe it's one-dimensional. The OP probably doesn't need this, but here are some tips:
  • The Blend control can be your friend. The sample settings in the BDDI manual typically have Blend maxed (fully clockwise), but keeping it between noon and 2 o'clock will add clean tone to the signal and reduce the apparent mid scoop
  • Not everyone is aware that the Presence control is boost only -- setting it to noon results in a significant treble boost
  • The Bass and Treble controlss can cut and boost. PRO TIP: you can enhance midrange by reducing bass and treble; I've known a few bassists who do this with the BDDI
All that said: not trying to change the OP's mind. For mids, I definitely agree with the ToneHammer suggestion.
 
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#7
Have you ever considered a more transparent type of driver or one that doesn't have a baked in EQ? While it doesn't have the DI and EQ features of the SA, the Fairfield Barbershop is a beautiful little box that just adds the extra *something* I was always trying to get with my SA pedals. While I still love the BDDI and VT for what they do, the Barbershop edged them out for me. Might be worth a try and they are very easy to flip here.
 
#8
The good old Sansamp still rocks. And I am not sure if I get what you are saying.
I still think a P bass sounds like a P bass...and the same with a Stingray.
Actually, I think the Sansamp can help accentuate some of the bass' characteristics, but maybe that's just me.

I'll vouch for a different pedal if you need some mids. These days I'm toying around with the new Boss BB-1X. It doesn't really do the saturated super heavy thing very well. But it excells at adding a hint of grit to your basic sound. It kind of reminds me of the Sansamp but with a more inherent mid-heavy tone. It just sits wondefully in the mix with a P bass.
 
#11
LSMFT6 said:
Check out their VT Bass line. Same company, way more tonal control.
Click to expand...

True. In all settings you get the great SansAmp tube emulation, but as noted it allows for greater tonal control. The Character knob is the key: you get the BDDI scoop on the counterclockwise side, but it's flat at noon, and when pushed clockwise you get more mids and crunch.
 
#12
Sorry to dig up an old thread but I just wanted to say that I've finally bought the Tone Hammer and so far I'm much, much happier with the sound. The adjustable mid tone is great, and it really allows to bring out the best from my bass. Thank you all for the suggestions!
 
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#13
No apology needed its cool to hear the final result and how the board helped you out! For myself I find the BB-1X and excellent choice with tone options. Overall for a nice transparent boost for any bass guitar (active/passive) I typically run Level and Blend at 12 o'clock, High, Low, & Drive at 1 o'clock. But feel free to adjust as one sees fit, it is clean and quite regardless. I run my Keeley Bassist after the BB-1X using the factory limit setting (Comp 3:1, TH -20...-30) and the gain set at 6+ to accomplish a very nice additional clean boost :)
 
#14
It would be better to compare out SansAmp Para Driver DI to the Aguilar Tone Hammer since the Para Driver is a similar pedal. It has sweepable midrange that can be used with or without the SansAmp tube emulation. The Aguilar has the AGS circuit which can be turned on or off and the Para Driver has the SansAmp circuit which can be turned on or off or a blend of both. The Bass Driver can be used without the SansAmp tube emulation as a clean DI with active Bass and Treble control but lacks the sweepable mids that both the Para Driver and Tone Hammer have.

Aguilar Para Driver

EQ: EQ:
Bass +/- 18 dB @ 40 Hz Bass +/- 12 dB @ 80 Hz
Mid +/- 17 dB @ 180 Hz to 1 kHz Mid +/- 16 dB @ 160 Hz to 3 kHz
Treble +/- 18 dB @ 4 kHz Treble +/- 12 dB @ 3.2 kHz
 
#15
Wait a minute now.......if it takes two weeks to adjust to the sound of equipment before you may like it....how does that stack up when you're playing gigs?
Your band , audience, sound engineer doesn't have two weeks to decide if they like it. Whatever you've got right now goes (or not).
 

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