sansamp di, wtdi or tech 21

[samtastic]

Hi all,
I will be recording direct into a computer or amp mod. Not sure which.
Normally when I record I split my signal allowing the engineer to have a signal they can manipulate and mic my amp. This will be my first recording experience without an amp. I am considering a preamp/ di for the recording.
Does anyone have any recomendations ?
I am thinking of a sansamp, Eden WTDI or a Tech 21

 

[JimmyM]

Tech 21 IS Sansamp. But they make several different versions. Anything that can make the DI signal sound more like a mic'ed tube amp/tweeterless cab is what I like. My favorite Sansamp thing is the VT Bass and its associated pedals and DI. WTDI is more for folks who want a really clean full-range sound but want to do tone shaping. Pick your poison.

 

[samtastic]

I am not a fan of recording direct, I believe you loose the harmonic resonance in your sound and the bass sounds a little flat. I was leaning toward the sansamp di but after reading some post and your comments I think I might give the vt a shot.

Thanks for the info

 

[Dave W]

VTBass is a SansAmp. Tech21 makes a whole bunch of SansAmp products.

 

[heavyfunkmachin]

VT bass DI has a blend knob, and a great tone!

my 2 cents

 

[Robus]

I bought the BDDI for direct recording. In the end, it didn't work for me. It badly needs a mid eq control. Badly. Yes, I understand that the knobs are interactive, etc., etc. It still needs a mid control. Pairing it with an eq pedal helped. Then I tried recording using the DI out on my GK MB500 head and everything I wanted was right there. No more use for the BDDI.

I wish I had bought the VT instead. I might yet.

 

[eriky4003]

Robus,
I'll second the VT Bass (DI). I have an MB500 and I tried to eq out some of the Rickiness of a Rickenbacker but could not with the MB500 by itself. I purchased a VT Bass DI and noticed how more more eq control you can have over your bass sound. I made the amp eq amp flat and let the VT Bass DI do it's thang. VT Bass DI is really great with passive instruments.

 

[Nephilymbass]

Depends on what kind of tone you want and or if you plan to use other effects.

If you just one one unit (not going to use and overdrive or fuzz pedals or anything) get the VT.

I use rbi as my main tone and think it sounds great direct as long as the blend is between 10oclock and 2 o'clock. Below 10 it starts sounding like just a bass run direct, but if it's set much higher than 2oclock it starts sounding sterile. If i want a dirtier tone i use my overdrive or fuzz pedals

The rpm is also a good one.

 

[samtastic]

Normally I play a Warwick , use a few pedals ( OD, chorus, flanger) into a Eden and use either a 410xlt or ampeg 8 x 10 cab. I get a great sound. I am not sure if the di on the amp will sound as nice as using a di pedal.