ok so im looking at different preamps and i have been looking at the sansamp RPM and RBI, Ive read all that it says on the Tech21 site but im still not sure on the difference. So what is the difference and which is better. Id like a PSA 1.1 but i dont have the money.
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RPM vs RBI
- Thread starter JeremyJJackson
- Start date
fill out your profile please.
from what I've gathered, the RBI is an emulation of an SVT like dirty tube sound, and the RPM is a cleaner tube sound.
when you get both and run them together, pure magic drips out of your cabinet.
from what I've gathered, the RBI is an emulation of an SVT like dirty tube sound, and the RPM is a cleaner tube sound.
when you get both and run them together, pure magic drips out of your cabinet.
there ya go i updated my profile. I usually dont even look at profiles because i dont put my info on the internet for security reasons.
So what your saying is that i should get both? How would i hook that up would i run the rpm through the rbi's effects loop or go from one into the other and then into the poweramp?
Also both of those together is about the price of a PSA 1.1 so should i just shell out for that in the first place?
So what your saying is that i should get both? How would i hook that up would i run the rpm through the rbi's effects loop or go from one into the other and then into the poweramp?
Also both of those together is about the price of a PSA 1.1 so should i just shell out for that in the first place?
they're both great on their own, you don't need both, I'm just saying I've seen it done with AWESOME results.
the PSA 1.1 is primarily a guitar preamp that works well with bass, while the RPM/RBI are bass-specific, so I would go with one of them, whichever your music calls for.
if it's grind, then RBI. if it's clean, jazz or something, then the RPM.
edit: aw see, now that you've done your profile I can see you already have an SVT. like i said before, the RBI is loosely based on coping the SVT tube grind tone, so if thats what you're looking for, then thats what you want.
however, I see you also have an svp, so I would say get the RPM unless you want three rigs with the same basic tone instead of tonal options.
the PSA 1.1 is primarily a guitar preamp that works well with bass, while the RPM/RBI are bass-specific, so I would go with one of them, whichever your music calls for.
if it's grind, then RBI. if it's clean, jazz or something, then the RPM.
edit: aw see, now that you've done your profile I can see you already have an SVT. like i said before, the RBI is loosely based on coping the SVT tube grind tone, so if thats what you're looking for, then thats what you want.
however, I see you also have an svp, so I would say get the RPM unless you want three rigs with the same basic tone instead of tonal options.
alright thanks for the advice, thats really something you cant get by reading the manufacturers site. Ill try both before i buy them though.
and thats the best advice anyone here can give you.
and you're welcome, I hope you find what you're looking for. I love my BDDI to death.
- Jun 29, 2006
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They are very different. Do a search - this has been discussed in detail and at length many, many times.
I've had both. The RPM is a much better choice in my opinion. Alot more tonal control over your mids than the RBI.
Sounds more "solid" to me as well.
Sounds more "solid" to me as well.
The RPM was originally intended for acoustic guitar amplification if I'm not mistaken.
To me the RPM is the far superior sounding unit in most situations. The only time I would choose the RBI over the RPM is if you're looking for a grindy rock tone. That's not to say that the RBI can't do clean, its just that the RPM does clean better to my ears. The RPM is voiced a little darker, has better control over the midrange and doesn't get as clanky sounding as the RBI.
From what I've heard, the RBI (mostly because of the Presence knob) is better suited for aggressive pick tones found in punk and metal.
The RPM has a variable mid frequency control which the RBI does not.The gain structure is a bit different between the two also.
I currently use both together, but IMO each sounds great when run solo.
If I had to pick just one then I'd definitely go with the RBI. The main reason is that it does the SVT thing especially well. Also, I prefer zingy bass tones and the Presence control of the RBI gives me all the sparkle I want from my tweeterless bass cab.
If I had to pick just one then I'd definitely go with the RBI. The main reason is that it does the SVT thing especially well. Also, I prefer zingy bass tones and the Presence control of the RBI gives me all the sparkle I want from my tweeterless bass cab.
