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If you think the SansAmp logo is big on the RBI, check out the new XB Driver pedal!
Ok, long time tech 21 guy, I currently own and use multiple bddis in different racks, both v1 and v2 as well as the anniversary edition, the fly rig 2, landmark 300 full stack. I've owned many others (RBI, VTRM, vt, programmable, ect).
My question is, why is the new preamp better? What makes it better other than something new and cool? I mean, it seems killer and looks the part, but for $500 is it going to make a real noticeable difference?
I run my bddi v2 into an ampeg svt II non pro. Mainly for adding drive and extra eq. I run a second one off the parallel for FOH. Sound killer...but can it be better? I'm all about supporting tech 21...but $500 is $500
My question is, why is the new preamp better? What makes it better other than something new and cool? I mean, it seems killer and looks the part, but for $500 is it going to make a real noticeable difference?
I run my bddi v2 into an ampeg svt II non pro. Mainly for adding drive and extra eq. I run a second one off the parallel for FOH. Sound killer...but can it be better? I'm all about supporting tech 21...but $500 is $500
Bottom line: if you're happy with your tone, you don't need the XB Driver -- or any other pedal, for that matter.
As for the price point: I get it, $500 is a lot for a pedal. But to put that in perspective, the Tech 21 DP3X dUg Pinnick pedal (my current favorite) is $330. The XB has a buttload more bells and whistles... roughly twice as many knobs and switches... but costs less than twice as much.
As for the price of the DP3X: it's comparable to other crossover distortions I'm aware of.
My take on the XB is that it’s marketed to players who want some of the capabilities of digital gear (parallel processing, crossover) in an analog unit. And you know it’s gonna sound amazing ‘cause it’s Tech21. The pricing is on par with competing premium gear with similar capabilities.
The XB Driver is probably also a good option for bass players who want to get into Sansamps but can’t decide which of the many varieties to get… Boom, just grab the XB and it’ll probably be the only one you’ll ever need. And with its capabilities.. it makes Darkglass preamps obsolete lol. The XB driver may be the perfect preamp for bass players who just want to own one preamp that does everything. It seems like the swiss army knife of bass sansamps…. But is it worth it for someone like me who already owns a Q/strip, bass driver, para driver, GT2, and oxford?? I’m not sure yet… it does absolutely seem worth it if you don’t already own other Tech 21 products though.
What makes it "better" in my eyes is the crossover feature.
However, it would be a useful feature (for me) only if one can achieve unity level (of the clean part of signal) between the clean channel and the mix crossover mode...so it would be possible to switch between these two without changes to level of low frequencies...
However, it would be a useful feature (for me) only if one can achieve unity level (of the clean part of signal) between the clean channel and the mix crossover mode...so it would be possible to switch between these two without changes to level of low frequencies...
New GED-2112 owner here. Boy this box really does produce lots of different usable "rock bass" sounds, despite me not really chasing Rush tones.
I received my RBI, and I’ve been using it at home for the last few days. It’s plugged into my Crest CA9 into a Mesa PH610.
Why did I wait so long to buy one?!?
This is an incredible preamp! It’s amazingly versatile. I can dial in warm, cleaner tones, up to super gritty tones, and everything in between.
If you’re interested in buying one, I highly recommend it!!
More or less, but I think it also depends on what version of BDDI you're comparing against. The RBI is most closely related to what Tech 21 calls the v1 of the BDDI.
The low end roll-off is a little different (not bad, just different), and IME the Presence control, while doing the same thing, functions slightly differently between the two. Example, on the BDDI, if the Presence setting goes from low to high, the Presence setting on the RBI goes from medium to high.
I have both, I still like both. In what ways specifically are you curious about how they compare?
And RBI mid control is 1kohm where BDDI v2 has mid shift button 500hz and 1kHz. In overall, RBI sounds somehow higher quality IMO, maybe something to do with power supply that is 18V (?) internally vs. 9V for BDDI. I have heard also, but not confirmed, that RBI bass control is band type where BDDI is shelving type even both are in 80hz.
I've had an RBI several times and for me it never sounded the same as a Bass driver, either version. Great piece though.
Took receipt of a second-hand RBI today from a fellow TB'er, to try as a supplement to my GED-2112. I wonder if I can do the trick of combining the two the way you can with RBI/RPM. Not sure how that affects the dual output of the GED.
Boy, the RBI is an instant winner. Different enough from the RPM in its voicing. With a Jazz bass, it makes this wonderful, throaty and rounded tone, in fingerstyle, that is just what I consider archetypical Jazz Bass. With a P, I could quickly dial in a very satisfying low thumping tone, where there isn't a ton of definition, but some "hidden" drive for good measure that makes it cut. So far, the Presence is a useful control, but I tend not to use much of it, depends on the song I guess. But the low end authority of both of these Tech 21 boxes are really satisfying, and they sound so much like records I love. I'm only sad I didn't try these earlier. Getting lots of Tchad Blake vibes from both, which makes me a happy guy.
All smiles.
Boy, the RBI is an instant winner. Different enough from the RPM in its voicing. With a Jazz bass, it makes this wonderful, throaty and rounded tone, in fingerstyle, that is just what I consider archetypical Jazz Bass. With a P, I could quickly dial in a very satisfying low thumping tone, where there isn't a ton of definition, but some "hidden" drive for good measure that makes it cut. So far, the Presence is a useful control, but I tend not to use much of it, depends on the song I guess. But the low end authority of both of these Tech 21 boxes are really satisfying, and they sound so much like records I love. I'm only sad I didn't try these earlier. Getting lots of Tchad Blake vibes from both, which makes me a happy guy.
All smiles.
so my V1 switch is interment i do have soldering skills what should i look for when i open her up
