Sansamp DI-2112- 2 questions

[phorm]

Hi Everyone,
I am looking at the Sansamp DI-2112, and had 2 questions.

1. I know there is a switch to combine the two different channels, what output do you need to use for the combined sound once you flip that internal switch?

2. It is on all the time. How would you bypass that to use another effect?

Thanks for any insights you have. I read the manual, but those questions weren't answered.

 

[ThudThudThud]

I can only guess that the answer to Question 2 is that this is basically a pre-amp, and would be the last thing before your amp. Any other effects would come before it in the signal chain.
That's where I've put my SansAmp products in the past.

 

[sunyata]

When you combine the outputs using the internal switch, use the 1/4" Mix/Drive Out or either of the XLR outputs (as near as I can tell based on testing mine) to get the combined signal. There is no way of which I'm aware to set the box to allow the signal through unaltered, as the Mute button simply mutes the entire signal. If you've got a straight pedal chain and this pedal's in it, it's applying its signal no matter what. If you want to set up something that acts like a bypass you'd probably need something like a line selector pedal (e.g. Boss LS-2) configured in your chain so that you can include/exclude the DI-2112 from the signal path as desired.

The previous poster indicated that you'd have to put all other effects before it in the signal chain, but if you're using 1/4" outputs, there's nothing preventing you from having other effects after it and before the power amp.

 

[phorm]

Thanks for the info. I noticed this in the manual about the tuner output:

TUNER 1/4” OUT: As long as the unit is plugged in, the tuner output
provides a constant, unaffected signal at all times, regardless of the position of
the Level controls or the status of the Mute switch. This output can also be
used as a buffered out to send a transparent signal to other outboard gear.

I wonder if you could output to another device(ex. Darkglass pedal in my case) and mute the sansamp using that tuner output.

 

[sunyata]

The problem with the tuner out is that, like you noted, it's a completely separate unaffected path. If you put some effects down the tuner out path then they're only going to operate against the unaffected signal regardless of the DI-2112 being muted or not, and if you wanted to to bring the DI-2112 in to or out of the signal path with those other effects, you can't do it with a foot press...you're down to unplugging/re-plugging cables.

 

[phorm]

Yea, you would need to use something like an LS-2. What I don't understand is they made the YYZ in "pedal" form with a switch. This is also in "pedal" form, but no switch. I can understand the rack mount always being on, but why even bother with a pedal like format with this if it can't act like a pedal.

 

[mikezimmerman]

Because not everyone has a rack?

Yea, you would need to use something like an LS-2. What I don't understand is they made the YYZ in "pedal" form with a switch. This is also in "pedal" form, but no switch. I can understand the rack mount always being on, but why even bother with a pedal like format with this if it can't act like a pedal.

 

[sunyata]

The point about rack versus pedal actually made me think...if the DI-2112 doesn't fit the bill for the OP, perhaps the Sansamp YYZ pedal does? Doesn't have all the I/O bells and whistles of the DI-2112 (just 1/4" in, 1/4" out), the 2 channels (deep/drive) are permanently mixed with a control to change the blend, but maybe it works better for how you want to use it if you're set on one of these Geddy Lee signature items.

 

[phorm]

It actually might be better. I have one of Sansamp's original DI's. I liked the fact that you could shift the mids on the DI-2112, changing the frequency that you are trying to tame. That is the one thing lacking on the original Sansamp DI, no mid control, just bass and treble. I know they put a mid in the second version of the original.

 

[phorm]

Because not everyone has a rack?

That is very true. I know I am not rack worthy myself. It just seems weird that it looks like a pedal, but you can't bypass it. I don't know too many guitarists/bassists that use just one pedal. I know I have to go from rockers to slow blues songs and that wouldn't necessarily work with songs like that. It almost seems like it is more a studio DI than for playing live, unless you are a Rush Cover band, and need one signature sound. I have seen Rush a couple of times, and his sound is pretty consistent for the whole concert.

 

[darkwasthenight]

That is very true. I know I am not rack worthy myself. It just seems weird that it looks like a pedal, but you can't bypass it. I don't know too many guitarists/bassists that use just one pedal. I know I have to go from rockers to slow blues songs and that wouldn't necessarily work with songs like that. It almost seems like it is more a studio DI than for playing live, unless you are a Rush Cover band, and need one signature sound. I have seen Rush a couple of times, and his sound is pretty consistent for the whole concert.

The classic BDDI and VTDI also have footswitches, but I can't imagine many players use them. Most of the time they're found at the end of the chain as an always-on DI or preamp - I certainly don't use mine and would happily take a mute or channel function instead.

The only real use I could see for the switch is if you're using one as a drive box in front of an amp and not coming out of the XLR line. I suppose you might want to switch between a totally clean dry DI and a more vibey 'amp' sound, but either the contrast would be pretty steep or you'd have to keep the settings fairly mild to prevent jumps.

 

[phorm]

That is how I use mine, just going into my amp. I have the BDDI for some songs, and use the Darkglass B7K for others. When I record, I mic my cab, and taking a second input using the DI out of my Mesa head. Probably not using them the way they are intended.

 

[BobKos]

Yea, you would need to use something like an LS-2. What I don't understand is they made the YYZ in "pedal" form with a switch. This is also in "pedal" form, but no switch. I can understand the rack mount always being on, but why even bother with a pedal like format with this if it can't act like a pedal.

I agree with this. I bought the DI-2112 but in retrospect I think I should have bought the YYZ. I didn't realize you couldn't turn it off! I currently am using the DI-2112 as a preamp in front of a 2 channel power amp, but I would rather have it chained and switchable in my Mesa amp's signal chain. The addition of a switch would have made this a much more versatile product for me. I suppose it is intended primarily as a DI / preamp with pedal like form factor. I will probably end up with the YYZ pedal. I can't imagine the need to run this effect full time unless as stated previously you are in a Rush tribute band or use that tone 100% in an originals band.

 

[Derek Williams]

I agree with this. I bought the DI-2112 but in retrospect I think I should have bought the YYZ. I didn't realize you couldn't turn it off! I currently am using the DI-2112 as a preamp in front of a 2 channel power amp, but I would rather have it chained and switchable in my Mesa amp's signal chain. The addition of a switch would have made this a much more versatile product for me. I suppose it is intended primarily as a DI / preamp with pedal like form factor. I will probably end up with the YYZ pedal. I can't imagine the need to run this effect full time unless as stated previously you are in a Rush tribute band or use that tone 100% in an originals band.

I'm not sure how much sense it would make with the 2 outputs if there was a bypass switch. Would it mute the Drive side entirely and just use Deep? Or send the bypassed signal down both? Or would the bypass switch only work if you were using a single output? The Orange Bass Butler is a similar pedal and it has a foot switch, but turns on/off the Drive side and doesn't bypass the Clean side.

 

[Eric Wolfe]

Aa