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question about a Sansamp RPM etc.

G

grisgrisfunk

Oct 25, 2009
35
0
#1
First I should say that I'm new to the Bass playing world. I'm not new to playing music though. I've been playing Guitar and Piano/Keys for years. I'm just new at playing Bass and Bass setups.

I was thinking of getting a Sansamp RPM for a preamp. I was wondering how versatile these units are as far as going from clean to distorted? I really don't need sparkling clean, semi clean is fine also. I am a big Geddy Lee and Steve Harris fan. Those are the two guys I wouldn't mind emulating as far as tone goes. I know alot is technique, but if I can get a rig that will help tone-wise, that would help too.

I was also thinking of getting the Avalon U-5 since I've been hearing great things about them. I already have an Ampeg 4x10 HLF cab that sounds great. But I'm curious how these units actually work since I've never used direct boxes for anything. But I am intrigued since I would like to start recording with my acoustic as well as my new bass. I'm playing a Fender American Standard P-bass with Seymour Duncan SPB-1 pickups with RS guitarworks upgraded caps/pots, etc.

What would be the best way to setup these sort of devices? Would I need a power amp, I would think so, but anyone know for sure? I want a setup that would be a great recording setup as well as a nice live setup as well. If anyone can throw some advice my way I would appreciate it!


Mike
 
#2
I did my first gig with my Sansamp RPM the other night, and through a Europower EP1500 into a Hartke 4.5XL I was able to dial in a nice, punchy tone. Can't really say much about the "drive" function as I didn't really use it. But from a little messing around in the soundcheck it seemed to me that it doesn't add "distortion" as such, more just a little bit of grit to your sound.
 
#4
the rpm was one of my absolute favorite tools for live bass. ultimately i settled into using it only for overdrive so replaced it with their vt bass stomp box.

it is very flexible (the rpm), and having owned some handful, or more :), tech21 products, the rpm was my favorite. incidentally, the tone i dialed in sounded indistinguishable from the driven bass tone i use on a gt2, which is replicable by the vt bass.

it has a very good quality di, and a ton of routing options - especially paired with a second rpm or rbi. there are some threads floating around with much praise for the rpm.
 
#5
Thanks so much for all the responses so far guys! I think I'm definitely going to go with the RPM.

Let me know if anyone else has any info on the Avalon direct box that would be great! I'm still a little confused on how to run and if I should run a power amp using it live. I"m not looking to run through a PA either. Let me know if anyone has any info on this.

Thanks again guys!


Mike
 
#8
Yeah, it is quite expensive! That's why I'm debating whether or not it's worth it.

So you ran the Sansamp first then the Avalon U5? Did you use a power amp? That is one of my questions for using it live. I was wondering how it is to run the Avalon with the Sansamp then powering it with perhaps a tube power amp into my 4x10 cab. Do you even need a power amp for this application? Let me know, thanks?!


Mike



mrkreuzschlitz said:
I've used an Avalon U5 before. Definitely one of my favorite DI's, VERY expensive and large, and I actually used it after my Sansamp. I'd go for it if you want to spend the cash, it sounds fantastic. Very very very warm.
Click to expand...
 
#9
grisgrisfunk said:
Yeah, it is quite expensive! That's why I'm debating whether or not it's worth it.

So you ran the Sansamp first then the Avalon U5? Did you use a power amp? That is one of my questions for using it live. I was wondering how it is to run the Avalon with the Sansamp then powering it with perhaps a tube power amp into my 4x10 cab. Do you even need a power amp for this application? Let me know, thanks?!


Mike
Click to expand...

Yes, you'll need a power amp although it does not need to be a tube amp.

You can snag an RPM for $225 - $250 used if patient. The Avalon U5's run ~$450. I've always considered the Sansamp stuff to be a "safe bet". It's not everybody's favorite but it does a decent job, relatively inexpensive, and you won't take a major $$ hit if you decide to sell it.

Riis
 
#11
grisgrisfunk said:
Yeah, it is quite expensive! That's why I'm debating whether or not it's worth it.

So you ran the Sansamp first then the Avalon U5? Did you use a power amp? That is one of my questions for using it live. I was wondering how it is to run the Avalon with the Sansamp then powering it with perhaps a tube power amp into my 4x10 cab. Do you even need a power amp for this application? Let me know, thanks?!


Mike
Click to expand...

Instead of the Avalon or the rack RPM, I'd consider a tech21 Sansamp paraDI. It is the pedal version of the RPM, and costs less, IIRC. :smug:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

The U5 is nice, but they are fragile, require 2 rack spaces with those huge U5 rack ears, and cost more than both of my old cars put together. They are just not THAT nice, IMHO, except perhaps in a studio.

Whether you go rack RPM or pedal RPM, you will want either a power amp or an amp with an "effects in." However, I have used the ParaDI in front of a hybrid amp--an SWR with a tube pre. It was fine, although it can also be fed into the effects input, thus by passing the built-in preamp in the head.

BTW, the ParaDI is great with any piezo or magnetic pickup, so you may find it useful for electric bass, upright, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, fiddle, etc. I have used it for all of these.
 
#12
EddieG said:
I did my first gig with my Sansamp RPM the other night, and through a Europower EP1500 into a Hartke 4.5XL I was able to dial in a nice, punchy tone. Can't really say much about the "drive" function as I didn't really use it. But from a little messing around in the soundcheck it seemed to me that it doesn't add "distortion" as such, more just a little bit of grit to your sound.
Click to expand...

The gain structure on the RPM is insane - crank the Drive, boost the Mids around 200-400 Hz and adjust Bass & Treble to taste.

You get the same sound out of the Landmark heads & Para Driver DI; it's my go-to bass distortion now.

c-
 
#14
idoru said:
The gain structure on the RPM is insane - crank the Drive, boost the Mids around 200-400 Hz and adjust Bass & Treble to taste.

You get the same sound out of the Landmark heads & Para Driver DI; it's my go-to bass distortion now.

c-
Click to expand...

I know, I'm a completel tool! I checked my settings on it this afternoon, and had the blend at around 30%, so I was getting virtually nothing!

Idoru is right, the distortion you get from the RPM is nuts, beefy as hell. Just the right amount gives you a tube-esque rock tone. So glad I bought it.
 
#17
Zooberwerx said:
Just from memory, the para DI has sweepable mids which makes it the winner hands-down IMO.

Riis
Click to expand...

Yea, thats the same thing I was wondering about the difference. The Para DI is just a little more expensive than the regular Bass Driver DI...Im still deciding whether I should get:
A- SansAmp Bass Driver DI
B- SansAmp Bass Para DI
C- SansAmp RPM

Looking for something along the lines of a Geddy tone
 
#18
ProgBass2112 said:
Yea, thats the same thing I was wondering about the difference. The Para DI is just a little more expensive than the regular Bass Driver DI...Im still deciding whether I should get:
A- SansAmp Bass Driver DI
B- SansAmp Bass Para DI
C- SansAmp RPM

Looking for something along the lines of a Geddy tone
Click to expand...

well if you decide to go with the bass driver, be sure to get the programmable one. only $10 more, and has 3 channels!
 

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