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Switching from BDDI to PDDI... my one concern

T

Toadsmacker

Jun 21, 2009
93
3
Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
#1
Hey everybody,
I currently use a Sansamp Programmable BDDI, and I can get a really great sound with it that works with my band, but I think that the PDDI's mid and mid shift controls can take it to the next level without all the messing around to get mids from the BDDI. You might think I'm crazy to give up the BDDI's 3 programmable preset tones, but so far I've only had use for a single tone which can be altered by my onboard 3-band preamp. (I really like the Sansamp tone colour). I would also be losing the presence control from the BDDI, but I have it set to zero!

So, my single concern for switching to the PDDI is this: losing the 1/4" boost button. Obviously I could just increase my amp's volume, but that takes away headroom. Since the PDDI can be used by several other instruments, does it already have the boost? or will the lack of the button restrict my volume?
 
#4
Toadsmacker said:
Sweet! All in all I think that moving to the PDDI will be an upgrade for my purposes, even though the programmable BDDI might seem fancier to most
Click to expand...

I've had both, and to be honest, the only difference in my 3 presets was volume. Wasn't worth keeping it around just as a volume booster.

Now the Paradriver, that's my favorite pedal ever. That mid knob makes a world of difference. I don't miss the presence knob at all. If they made a Programable Paradriver, I think I would upgrade, otherwise this pedal never leaves my rig. EVER.

All in all, I think you'll be very happy with a PDDI.
 
#5
I have both the paradriver and the SABDDI. I'm looking at the paradriver as we speak. There is a switch to control the output between line and instrument level just like the SABDDI. If I recall accurately, the paradriver had those switches before they added them to the SABDDI in an update.

I do like the paradriver, but don't get it just thinking it is a SABDDI with a mid control. It has some similarities, but the tone is definitely different. I'm finding that I prefer the SABDDI with thicker basses like my warwick and the paradriver with my fretless jazz.

Actually, if I can live without some of the features like DI and phantom power operation, the SIB Fatdrive I just picked up may be my preffered pedal preamp for fretless. Used it last on the job. So far Daddy like.

PS: Having multiple settings on these things are overrated. Only change I ever make once it is set for the night is to bump up the drive to get more grit on a song and then turn the level down to compensate.
 
#6
As stated, the Para Driver DI has the line/instrument level switch available on either output. In addition to the sweepable midrange control it is also capable of more gain than the Bass Driver DI if needed. The input is 4.7 megOhm's which works well with piezo pickups. It can also be set for flat response if desired.
 
#7
the thing i don't like about the Bass Driver over the PBDI is that it doesn't default to On when powered up. that's pretty annoying. plus, you'd want to put rubber washers under the knobs maybe to make them less likely to shift from your favorite setting.

but it's a nice little preamp.
 
#8
behndy said:
the thing i don't like about the Bass Driver over the PBDI is that it doesn't default to On when powered up. that's pretty annoying. ...
Click to expand...

Both the Para Driver and Bass Driver use the same type of circuit. Neither pedal is "designed" to be on when power is applied. If your pedal is rack mounted and hard to get to it can me modded to be always on.
 
#9
yeah, i use my BDDI as a "i left all my gear at practice, i don't own a head that has a preamp built in" backup at the house mostly. very cool pedal, but the Tronographic Rusty Box fit my needs a bit better. i talked to (i'm spacing his name right now) the gent that does the DI-out mod on the non deluxe VT's, and he said he could mod it the way you suggest. i just never got around to it.

for me that was an annoyance 'cause i'm such a creature of habit with gear and it was something i'd always forget. lulz, until i'd already been DI'd to house with my quiet signal, noticed it off, clicked it on and almost fried some speakers.

whoopsies.
 

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