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Sansamp Question

Hey All,

I've been playing in bands and stuff for 5 years or so now and looking to venture out as far as finding new tones and stuff go, or getting a better tone in general.

I run an ampeg svt-4 through an 8x10, pretty standard stuff, with a sonic maxmizer in the rack and its been great so far. I've never been a pedal/effects guy, but recently I was turned on in the studio to the sansamp bddi and was really impressed. My amp wasn't there so I couldnt try it out, but I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or experience using the bddi to supplement their amp tone as opposed to just using at as a pre or just a di. I'm hoping to really get closer to the perfect tone, still havent achieved it yet.

Cheers!
 
I'm a huge fan of SansAmp, I have a programmable one that's always on. Love it. I play Peavey Basses through a Hartke 5500 head and 215 cab. Sounds awesome. Did I say I love it ?

My understanding of SansAmps is that their mission in life (at least part of) is to emulate the SVT sound. I've read (I believe it's on Harmony Central) that bass players plugging through a SansAmp into a SVT rig got a crappy sound. Bad settings ? Bad unit ? Bad bass player ? Bad match ? Who knows, right ? But the comment came out often enough for me to be cautious, should I ever get a SVT rig, of course.

That being said, have you tried one with your gear ?
 
I have an RBI, and having used it and other Sansamp pedals, I will say that you CAN use them before your amp's preamp section...but unless you have an all-tube rig, the Sansamp will probably sound better as your preamp section. If you like SVT tone then you will dig using the Sansamp and will never want to get rid of it. I like the RBI because it can be used for multiple types of instruments (my worship leader will be using it for his acoustic guitar) and is great if you only want a preamp or want to go direct-in for recording or huge live gigs.
 
I was addicted for many years to the sansamp, but as better gear came my way I found I did not like it as much. I am much happier now that I am off the sansamp sauce. I still have it though as it is great for a straight di with some tone control. Eventually someone will tell you that it will take all your mids out, which it will if you boost bass and treble. If you cut in both of those you will get those mids back. I ran it most of the time with both cut to around 9-10. Have fun if you get one!