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Sansamp bass driver DI help

Max Lawrence

Max Lawrence

Apr 27, 2019
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#1
Hey, so I've seen these sans amp things around and am thinking about getting one but I'm not entirely sure what they do. If someone could give me a quick summary of the uses of it and what it is that would be great.

The way I understand it is that it's a DI box, a preamp and a drive pedal all in one but I don't think that's 100% correct.

So I guess what I'm asking is what are its uses and how do I use it.

Also, what do theoes switches do on it.

Thanks
 
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#4
Max Lawrence said:
Hey, so I've seen these sans amp things around and am thinking about getting one but I'm not entirely sure what they do. If someone could give me a quick summary of the uses of it and what it is that would be great.

The way I understand it is that it's a DI box, a preamp and a drive pedal all in one but I don't think that's 100% correct.

So I guess what I'm asking is what are its uses and how do I use it.

Also, what do theoes switches do on it.

Thanks
Click to expand...

In a nutshell: it's as you described and intended to emulate a mic'd-up SVT rig...the Ampeg purists & enthusiasts may disagree. There's a couple dozen different models which are popular here on TB. You can probably snag a BDDI (used) for ~$100. I like 'em and use a rackmount version.

Riis
 
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#6
Zooberwerx said:
In a nutshell: it's as you described and intended to emulate a mic'd-up SVT rig...the Ampeg purists & enthusiasts may disagree. There's a couple dozen different models which are popular here on TB. You can probably snag a BDDI (used) for ~$100. I like 'em and use a rackmount version.

Riis
Click to expand...
Cool, thanks. I think I also read somwheres that I can just use it as an overdrive pedal along with my amp just like any other effects pedal. Is this true?
 
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#9
Max Lawrence said:
Cool, also, what do the switches on the left do and what positions should they be in for different situations?
Click to expand...

Yes, you can feed the front-end of a conventional bass amp or power amp. One of the switches allows you to select either instrument or line level depending on your requirements.

Riis
 
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#10
Max Lawrence said:
Cool, also, what do the switches on the left do and what positions should they be in for different situations?
Click to expand...

Are you specifically referring to the BDDI, or some other variation?

Regardless, there is lots of info in the manuals. I'd give the manuals a read for the specific models you're interested in, and then let us know if you have more questions.

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#11
There's a rudimentary EQ on there as well; I was surprised how much it was able to change my sound. Work your way through the suggested presets in the back of the manual and you'll get a good idea of its capability. The range of sounds you can achieve is pretty amazing. The BOSS ME-50B I'm using has a setting that tries to replicate the Sansamp Bass DI but I feel like it falls short.

In my humble opinion it's a really nice device to have in a pinch when playing live and you need to be sure you're really sending the sound you want to send.
 
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#14
The key functionality is the character knob. When rolled all the way to the left, Sansamp responds like a vintage amp. This included tonally, how it responds to drive etc. As you roll clockwise, the characteristics become more modern. You get more highs and the drive becomes more aggressive.

The DI emulated an 810 cabinet, if I'm not mistaken, making it's use with a PA system less harsh and more pleasing.
 
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#15
I use the programmable stomp box version in front of my MBF500. As mentioned above, there is a wide variety of tones available. With 3 saved settings to choose from, I never have to fumble with knobs on my amp during a gig. I really only use 2 of the 3 but have used the 3rd a couple of times to dial in a favorable tone on a strange stage. So versatile and really love how it cleans up your tone, regardless of what style you may choose. I've used it many times ampless, just running to front of house. Always sounds amazing!
 
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#16
Acoustic356 said:
The key functionality is the character knob. When rolled all the way to the left, Sansamp responds like a vintage amp. This included tonally, how it responds to drive etc. As you roll clockwise, the characteristics become more modern. You get more highs and the drive becomes more aggressive.
Click to expand...
The Bass Driver DI does not have the Character knob. It has a Presence knob.

The VT Bass DI has the Character knob. It does not have the Presence knob.

There are a few other differences, which is why I suggested reading the manuals. :bassist:
 
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#18
There is more than one version of these things and it's kind of hard to respond to your question without knowing specifically which one you're looking at. I have one DI that's great, but I returned another one because to me, it wasn't so great.
 
#20
It's basically a flavor pedal, you can flip it on for a second tone. I have used the BDDI for years. Most people probably run it in front of their amp, I like to run it in blended in the FX Loop (I dial in a lot of midrange on my head and use the Sansamp to add back in the lows and a little top end, and slight OD).

BDDI is great for spicing up a darker sounding amp. A lot of people have used them with Ampegs to get a little more metal cut.
 

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