ima bit confused as to which i should get...M-80 or Sansamp BDDI? for my DI and also some cool grit and dirt...both seems awesome...and yes, it's with a GK1001RBII...just a new question this time regarding both the M-80 and the BDDI...man, i know i ask tons of questions but i love to get different perspectives...
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Seriously...M-80 or BDDI?
- Thread starter raul
- Start date
I prefer the M-80 by a long shot. I like its particular sound and the control scheme much better. I typically run it with the effect on and the color switch pressed. For distortion, dial in a decent hairy gain, and tame it by blending it back into the clean channel. It's really, really nice and the only effect I need on stage.
The coolest thing about the BDDI is not its' distortion.
It's what the pedal does when you put a regular distortion stompbox in front of it.
Here's a good example:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f36/proco-turbo-rat-soundclips-364172/#post4706698
I like the Kim Gordon setting a lot.
It's what the pedal does when you put a regular distortion stompbox in front of it.
Here's a good example:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f36/proco-turbo-rat-soundclips-364172/#post4706698
I like the Kim Gordon setting a lot.
I've read nothing but good stuff about the M-80, but I've never tried one myself.
I've used a PBDDI as an always on thing for the last couple of years. Love the sounds I get out of it and it DI capabilities.
I've used a PBDDI as an always on thing for the last couple of years. Love the sounds I get out of it and it DI capabilities.
I had an M80 but didn't really like it through my rig. I thought the distortion was one dimensional. I replaced it with a VT Deluxe which I'm much happier with. But I've never used the DI on either.
I've owned both, and here is my assessment.
The Sansamp is strongest suited as a tool to make a non-stellar amp sound decent. It gives you that DI out that some amps lack, and acts as a preamp if needed in a pinch. It can give a good Ampeg-like grit (but you have a GK....)
The M-80 is a different beast. It gives great distortion (much different than the overdrive of the Sanamp). For heavy stuff, it is great- love running FF through it. Plus, the EQ was pretty good, and can help you cut cleanly through a heavy band setting when competing against the Marshalls and Mesa my two guitarists used. It is a strong stompbox in and of itself.
So depending on the music you play, judging from your rig the M-80 would be a better choice.
The Sansamp is strongest suited as a tool to make a non-stellar amp sound decent. It gives you that DI out that some amps lack, and acts as a preamp if needed in a pinch. It can give a good Ampeg-like grit (but you have a GK....)
The M-80 is a different beast. It gives great distortion (much different than the overdrive of the Sanamp). For heavy stuff, it is great- love running FF through it. Plus, the EQ was pretty good, and can help you cut cleanly through a heavy band setting when competing against the Marshalls and Mesa my two guitarists used. It is a strong stompbox in and of itself.
So depending on the music you play, judging from your rig the M-80 would be a better choice.
I´m happy with my M-80. You can dial in some slight grit, but I think the BDDI is better in that aspect. When it comes to nasty overdrive and distorion, the M-80 is great, with a lot of character.
I guess it depends on wether or not you like its character.
I guess it depends on wether or not you like its character.
I own both..
OVERALL... I carry the M80.. built like a tank... can buffer from phantom power.. quiet... useful EQ...
I'm not huge into distortion.. the reality on the distortion front is that most folks crank all the knobs to 10 then say a specific pedal sucks... this pedal is designed to "blend" with the clean side.
You can also find a used M80 for about $60
.....
nothing wrong with a BDDI... the reality is that your paying audience really can't articulate the difference... you're at a soundguy's mercy to what really happens when it leaves your box..... many Bassists will go on for hours about "their sound" then forget in a gigging situation, it's only as good as the sound guy and gear.
OVERALL... I carry the M80.. built like a tank... can buffer from phantom power.. quiet... useful EQ...
I'm not huge into distortion.. the reality on the distortion front is that most folks crank all the knobs to 10 then say a specific pedal sucks... this pedal is designed to "blend" with the clean side.
You can also find a used M80 for about $60
.....
nothing wrong with a BDDI... the reality is that your paying audience really can't articulate the difference... you're at a soundguy's mercy to what really happens when it leaves your box..... many Bassists will go on for hours about "their sound" then forget in a gigging situation, it's only as good as the sound guy and gear.
For me, the M80 was the way to go as the BDDI sound wasn't for me. A lot of people really like the BDDI tone, though.
If you want to sound like a sansamp, then you should choose the BDDI. If you want to sound like your rig does now with a little EQ and (maybe) some dirt, you'll want to go with the M80. As MNAirhead mentioned, the distortion on the M80 will thin your tone unless you use your blend knob judiciously. With the blend knob it can sound very nice and meaty.
If you want to sound like a sansamp, then you should choose the BDDI. If you want to sound like your rig does now with a little EQ and (maybe) some dirt, you'll want to go with the M80. As MNAirhead mentioned, the distortion on the M80 will thin your tone unless you use your blend knob judiciously. With the blend knob it can sound very nice and meaty.
I also use a GK1001rb-II and have the BDDI. Sounds great and as long as you blend it right you'll still have the GK-punch intact. It's always on and is there to give me grit and clarity at the same time.
Eric!
Commercial User
I have never tried the BDDI, but didn't care much for any of the other Sansamp products I have tried. The MXR is a very versatile tool that is on my small always on pedalboard. Wouldn't leave home without it.
I've owned two BDDI's, one PBDDI, an RBI, and a VT, as well as an M-80. What did I end up with? A Tronographic Rusty Box. I know it's not on your list, but give it a look. It does not have a DI like the BDDI or the M-80, so that might be a deal killer for you. Your GK already has a good DI though... 
I have both VT Bass and M-80 and i use MXR all the time.Before i did buy it i read tons of how the distortion is crap and useless - not for me,to my ears it sounds perfect.I need i little crunch and this pedal gave me what i want but it is capable far more if one needed.Help me to been heard well between two guitars and set of drums so what more could i ask for?
MXR M80. I regret selling mine and might pick up another one soon. The EQ controls are great, the sound is transparent and the distortion combined with the blend got me the amount of crunch I wanted on just the attack of the note without distorting the whole signal.
They are both really inexpensive on the used market here. Buy one or the other, or both, and try 'em out. Which ever one that you don't like you can put up for sale and move on.
I have both, and prefer the MXR. But that's just my opinion.
I have both, and prefer the MXR. But that's just my opinion.
