SansAmp Bass Driver DI vs V2 vs Programmable vs Deluxe?

[pedroyoyoma]

Hello, I'm not super knowledgeable about these pedals. Our old drummer had a Sansamp Bass Driver DI v1 that I used, and loved, but he moved and I'm looking to buy one.

As far as I can tell though, there are maybe 4 models (not including the Geddy Lee one):

- the Bass Driver v1, which I'm familiar with
- the V2
- the Deluxe
- The programmable

What is the difference? Especially in terms of sound? I don't want to lose the sound of the V1, but I usually use a 2nd distortion pedal to boost gain for specific songs. If I can keep the Sansamp sound I like, but add flexibility with the Deluxe or Programmable, I would love that.

If it helps, the sound I like is the tube/vintage warm sound that it adds, with a bit of distortion. I play a jazz bass through an SVT.

 

[el murdoque]

The Programmable is very similar to the V1, but you can store 3 presets.
The Deluxe has 6 presets, two inputs and a switchable FX loop.
The V2 gives you a mid knob plus a shift knob to lower the frequency of the bass EQ.

I have owned all of them, but I have a PBDDI which sounds a bit different to the others. The Tech21 customer support told me that this is due to the components used. Since everything runs on analog technology, no two units sound exactly alike.

 

[pedroyoyoma]

The Programmable is very similar to the V1, but you can store 3 presets.
The Deluxe has 6 presets, two inputs and a switchable FX loop.
The V2 gives you a mid knob plus a shift knob to lower the frequency of the bass EQ.

I have owned all of them, but I have a PBDDI which sounds a bit different to the others. The Tech21 customer support told me that this is due to the components used. Since everything runs on analog technology, no two units sound exactly alike.

Thank you! Sounds like I might be able to get what I want with the Programmable, or maybe get the Deluxe if I want to plug in two basses to switch live.

 

[el murdoque]

Thank you! Sounds like I might be able to get what I want with the Programmable, or maybe get the Deluxe if I want to plug in two basses to switch live.

The switchable FX loop is a treat, too. I used to have compression and reverb in the loop.

 

[michael_t]

- the Bass Driver v1, which I'm familiar with
- the V2
- the Deluxe
- The programmable

Out of the four mentioned, the BDDI v.2 is the only one with a MID control, which I find very useful in tone shaping.

When I started playing in church 9 yrs ago, the BDDI v.1 is what they had, so that's what I used. Then I decided to invest in my own VT Bass DI and that's when I found out the value of the MID knob. I've since managed to convince my church to upgrade theirs to the BDDI v.2. A big improvement from the v.1.

Now I alternate between the BDDI v.2 and the VT Bass DI.

 

[bassalien]

The Deluxe has be discontinued as far as I can tell, as I'm not able to order them anymore.
I'll get confirmation from Tech21, but as far as I know the only other SansAmp w/ multiple inputs is the Geddy Lee rackmount 2112.

There are also other models like the dUg Pinnick, the Steve Harris, and Geddy Lee pedal as well as the rackmount. Not to mention the PSA, the RBI, and I'm probably forgetting some LOL.

They're all sweet, and can get similar overdriven and warm sounds, some more crunchy than others. If you are looking for a pedal to store various settings to stomp on stage, I'd probably go with the programmable bass di or the Bass fly rig, which also adds some other effects.

 

[pedroyoyoma]

Thanks, these are are super helpful! I think I will look for a used Deluxe, and if not, grab the Programmable.

 

[tech21nyc]

The Deluxe series pedals were discontinued a few years ago.

As stated the Programmable would be the closest in sound to the v1.

The only products with multiple inputs are the RBI which has front and rear inputs and the GED-2112. That has 3 inputs. One on the front and a switchable pair on the rear of the unit. The front panel inputs always override the rear inputs. Only one input can be used at a time.

I play a jazz bass through an SVT.

You might want to also consider out VT Bass DI pedal. It is like a library of vintage Ampeg tones.

 

[Lync]

I've owned the BDDI v1, PBDDI, and now the BDDI v2. I find the low end to be cleaner on the v2. I love it-especially since I always play 5 strings.

 

[munnkyboy]

To me The Deluxe version was a mistake to discontinue....I have the VT Deluxe and sent it to Tech 21 to get an overhaul...it's by far the best thing to have all those programable presets without having to settle for some digital pedal. I wish they would bring it back, or create a programable GEDDY