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SansAmp RBI vs RPM

#62
I've been using an RBI I got used for 150.00 with a QSC power amp in a rack for my second rig into an old Mesa 4x10 and it was a little anemic on it's own but I'm running a BBE 482i with it and it's killer now. I've done about 12 gigs with this set up and it's pretty damn good, not my SVT but it'll do. I love the dirt I get with the drive and now the bottom is very round and full. I'm running the effects loop @ 50/50 and it helped a lot.
 
#63
playibanez said:
i heard the rpm is supposed to be a rackmount version of the acoustic di not the paradriver
Click to expand...

Thats what I heard too.

My major problem is, that the RPM is no more available were I live. But the Paradriver is. Its still expensive here ($383) but maybe I could import a Tech 21 product from the US.

The question is, do the RPM and the PD sound the same? Can anyone confirm that? I would go for the PD then because I won't have AC Power issues with the 9V Battery.

cheers,
ralf


PS. Thanx to Stingray for the Soundclips. They helped me a lot in my decision of what to get. (RPM, RBI, BDDI or PD). I think the RPM (PD?) is what I'm looking for.
 
#64
skull73 said:
Thats what I heard too.

My major problem is, that the RPM is no more available were I live. But the Paradriver is. Its still expensive here ($383) but maybe I could import a Tech 21 product from the US.

The question is, do the RPM and the PD sound the same? Can anyone confirm that? I would go for the PD then because I won't have AC Power issues with the 9V Battery.

cheers,
ralf


PS. Thanx to Stingray for the Soundclips. They helped me a lot in my decision of what to get. (RPM, RBI, BDDI or PD). I think the RPM (PD?) is what I'm looking for.
Click to expand...

Glad the clips helped in your decision. I wish I could offer you some useful input as to whether the ParaDriver sounds exactly like the RPM, but I've not tried the ParaDriver. I would assume it does, as the Tech21 website does state that the ParaDriver is the floor version of the RPM & the EQ points for the semi-parametric Mids (in the picture below) match exactly with the RPM's. The only differences I can see between the two is that the floor version has a few less connectivity features (less effected/unaffected inputs & output, 50/50 Mix effects loop, etc.) Other than that, should be the same - Tech 21's technical support should be able to confirm things for sure though.



Paradriver.jpg
 
#65
Damn it. I'm going to buy a pre+poweramp rig and I'm really torn between these two. I'm not a big fan of fuzz or distortion on bass, but some overdrive is always nice. So basically I wouldn't have use for the RPM's distortion capabilites and therefore I'm leaning towards the RBI.

We play in B-tuning and our guitar player has got a really mid-scooped and bass emphasized sound on his Engl Powerball. Therefore I'm worried that the fixed mid-frequency of the RBI is going to be too scooped also and I'm not able to cut trough. For this reason the RPM would be better, but because our tuning would the RPM be too dark and therefore muddy? :hmm:

If someone has got the energy to listen a few songs that have got the sound I'm after Link Removed (The Insomniac -song is probably the least disturbing for most people :D).

edit: Someone also stated earlier that RPM could be better if you play with a pick and that is something I never do. So comments to the pick aspect would also so be nice.
 
#66
Implosion said:
Damn it. I'm going to buy a pre+poweramp rig and I'm really torn between these two. I'm not a big fan of fuzz or distortion on bass, but some overdrive is always nice. So basically I wouldn't have use for the RPM's distortion capabilites and therefore I'm leaning towards the RBI.

We play in B-tuning and our guitar player has got a really mid-scooped and bass emphasized sound on his Engl Powerball. Therefore I'm worried that the fixed mid-frequency of the RBI is going to be too scooped also and I'm not able to cut trough. For this reason the RPM would be better, but because our tuning would the RPM be too dark and therefore muddy? :hmm:

If someone has got the energy to listen a few songs that have got the sound I'm after Link Removed (The Insomniac -song is probably the least disturbing for most people :D).

edit: Someone also stated earlier that RPM could be better if you play with a pick and that is something I never do. So comments to the pick aspect would also so be nice.
Click to expand...

the RPM is capable of a lot of drive if you want it, but it also has plenty of clean range as well so don't let that deter you. regarding the pick, i think its pretty subjective and i wouldn't say either is better for that (or fingerstyle). i wouldn't say the RPM is dark - i would say that the RBI can get clanky very easily if you aren't careful with the presence control though - it's voiced way to agressive and a lot of the range isn't useable IMO. the parametric mids are certainly a strong point of the RPM though I also prefer its voicing overall when compaing the two. i like having both but would pick the RPM if i could only have one.


JR
 
#67
JGR said:
the RPM is capable of a lot of drive if you want it, but it also has plenty of clean range as well so don't let that deter you. regarding the pick, i think its pretty subjective and i wouldn't say either is better for that (or fingerstyle). i wouldn't say the RPM is dark - i would say that the RBI can get clanky very easily if you aren't careful with the presence control though - it's voiced way to agressive and a lot of the range isn't useable IMO. the parametric mids are certainly a strong point of the RPM though I also prefer its voicing overall when compaing the two. i like having both but would pick the RPM if i could only have one.


JR
Click to expand...

Excellent answer - I've seen a couple post on TB saying that the RPM has a darker voice than the RBI, but I just don't see it. I've cranked the Treble (3.2Khz) on the RPM while putting it through 1st impressions testing & the thing will get as bright as anyone in their right mind would want it to go. My guess is that the "dark" references must be based on the combination of the fixed upper-midrange & especially the Presence knob of the RBI/Bass Driver - that thing can be brutal if not kept in check. The RPM doesn't have the Presence knob like the RBI/Bass Driver does - I do not miss it to be quite honest. So although I don't agree with the "dark" references, I think I can understand where those comments might be coming from. Since there is no inherently fixed upper midrange at 1Khz to contend with, nor an uber-sensitive Presence knob, the RPM may seem less bright out of the box so to speak than most previous SansAmp models. But "dark" is not accurate at all IMO. If anyone found themselves missing the 1Khz midrange center point, they could simply dial it in with the parametric mids & leave it there, in essence emulating an RBI's midrange center point. And FWIW, the Bass (80Hz) & Treble (3.2Khz) on the RPM are the same frequencies as the RBI.
 
#69
JOE EDO said:
From a new RPM owner as of 6 hours ago...this one is a keeper! JGR and STINGRAY69 know what they are talking about! Anyone want to buy an SVP-PRO and V4BH?
Click to expand...

Sweet! I was wondering if you had received it yet. Sounds like initial impressions are favorable? :D As far as the SVP-Pro goes, I sold mine off too after the RPM. You couldn't hand me one for free, I simply wouldn't use it - for real. Again, congrats! :bassist:
 
#70
hey guys, i wanted to get the rpm. but i found a good deal on a rbi so i went with that instead.

im playing the rbi right into a qsc 1202(and then into my hartke410). im a little dissapointed in it. it doesnt get as overdriven as i would like it to. i love the tone i get out of it, but it still like to be able to turn the drive up and get the thing to sound a little dirty. (anyone have any suggestions i run the drive at full and blend between half and 3/4)

i was a little skeptical about the set mid control, but it isnt as bad. i have messed around with a graphic eq and with some tinkering around it really fulls out the sound alot better then you can with just the rbi.

overall i love it minus the lack of ability to get more distortion.

*edit. figured id add some nice pics to this thread*
 
#72
Thanks JR and Stingray for the info. Clanky bass sounds are utterly disgusting and I haven't ever found use for a presence knob (this also includes the time as a guitar player, before I evolved into a bass player :D). So I'm ordering a RPM next week. Yay.

Maybe later when I have the money I will try the JGR's RPM-RBI symbiosis.
 
#73
any chance of hearing some samples of the RBI so i can compare it with the RPM.

Or if anyone cant direct me to some! :)

Also sansamp should really get the distributtion sorted for the RPM.. so far in the UK i've only found one place that has them! :|
 
#74
Implosion said:
Thanks JR and Stingray for the info. Clanky bass sounds are utterly disgusting and I haven't ever found use for a presence knob (this also includes the time as a guitar player, before I evolved into a bass player :D). So I'm ordering a RPM next week. Yay.

Maybe later when I have the money I will try the JGR's RPM-RBI symbiosis.
Click to expand...

Cool!

JR
 
#76
playibanez said:
hey guys, i wanted to get the rpm. but i found a good deal on a rbi so i went with that instead.

im playing the rbi right into a qsc 1202(and then into my hartke410). im a little dissapointed in it. it doesnt get as overdriven as i would like it to. i love the tone i get out of it, but it still like to be able to turn the drive up and get the thing to sound a little dirty. (anyone have any suggestions i run the drive at full and blend between half and 3/4)

i was a little skeptical about the set mid control, but it isnt as bad. i have messed around with a graphic eq and with some tinkering around it really fulls out the sound alot better then you can with just the rbi.

overall i love it minus the lack of ability to get more distortion.

*edit. figured id add some nice pics to this thread*
Click to expand...


no worries, all is not lost! some things to keep in mind - for maximum gain, you need to keep the blend at higher settings because the grind comes from the Sansamp emulation circuitry. The presence control also only works on the Sansamp gain - i.e. if you have the blend all the way to clean, the presence control doesn't have any effect (neither does the gain control).

so, i would run blend at 3/4 to all the way up and crank the mids up a bit - try 1-3 o'clock - this will bring out some of the grindy character as well, and counter the midscoop. be careful with the presence control - i wouldn't run it past noon and i find off to about 9-10 o'clock is better.

also something to keep in mind, try setting everything at noon (presence off) and rotate the blend control all the way from clean to dirty - in addition to scooping the mids, it does add a good bit of low end boost - i know some of this is because these frequencies get emphasized when you cut those mid frequencies, but the point being don't be afraid to cut back the bass and treble controls a bit - say to 11 o'clock - it helps balance out the tone when the blend control is all the way up and you will still have pleny of low end. best of luck!

JR
 
#77
attackbass said:
any chance of hearing some samples of the RBI so i can compare it with the RPM.

Or if anyone cant direct me to some! :)

Also sansamp should really get the distributtion sorted for the RPM.. so far in the UK i've only found one place that has them! :|
Click to expand...

i dont really have the cables needed to record to my mac but im going to try and get some and when i do, il post up some clips!!
 
#79
and jgr ive been running it pretty much how you said. mid boosted a little, treble cut, but i usually have the bass straight up. i cant get a sound i like when i turn the blend anywere past 3/4 when i have the drive cranked.

i do get a nice crunchy sound when i boost the treble but its way too bright for me at loud volumes.
 
#80
playibanez said:
and jgr ive been running it pretty much how you said. mid boosted a little, treble cut, but i usually have the bass straight up. i cant get a sound i like when i turn the blend anywere past 3/4 when i have the drive cranked.

i do get a nice crunchy sound when i boost the treble but its way too bright for me at loud volumes.
Click to expand...

you probably want to look into adding an OD pedal of some sort to get you the rest of the way there. if you decide to go this route, i'd suggest using whatever you get in conjunction with a Radial Big Shot mix - makes almost any OD sound good on bass!

JR
 

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