Tech 21 Introduces the SansAmp Bass Driver DI Version 2

[TalkBass]

The SansAmp Bass Driver DI has been an arsenal staple for players and studios almost since the day it was introduced in 1994. This all-analog multi-function, multi-application pedal dials up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between.

With the popularity of 5- and 6-string basses having gone beyond being a trend and becoming mainstream, Tech 21 has “modernized” Version 2 to enable switching the bass frequency to extend further into those lower registers. A mid-range control was also added along with a switch to adjust its frequency. The core of the SansAmp Bass Driver and all of its tones remain true to its original design.

www.tech21nyc.com

 

[cchorney]

So is it a VT Bass clone or a floor version of an RBI?

 

[birminghambass]

So is it a VT Bass clone or a floor version of an RBI?

Pretty sure it's a floor RBI. Wish it had the speaker sim button.

 

[Rickter]

So is it a VT Bass clone or a floor version of an RBI?

My understanding is that it is not a VT Bass clone, but a true update to the original Bass Driver. They added a mid control as well as the freq selectors for the bass and mid influence. Additionally they added the option of +10db on the output so that the pedal will be better able to drive power amps and perform similarly to it's rack mount counterpart, the RBI.

 

[47VevetS]

Does anyone have a pic of it? Ive been going back and forth on wich to get, the regular or the VT DI,.....curious if this tops both, I want that Ampeg growl.

 

[47VevetS]

Sorry, nevermind, clicked on the website

 

[Rickter]

From what I understand from my research, the Bass Driver can cop the SVT sound plus some others such as a bassman. By comparison the VT Bass is specific to Ampeg tones, B15 through SVT.

That's my only hold up with the VT. I love the SVT tone, but I want more versatility. With the addition of the adjustable bass frequency (changing it to 50hz should get you close to the Ampeg Ultra Low), the adjustable mid frequency (making the bass driver closer to the Paradriver/RPM), plus the new +10db boost to the output option allowing the use of the pedal direct to a power amp like the RBI or RPM, I'm almost sold on the Bass Driver for my choice.

I just have to figure out how to get that pillow tone that I heard in a V4-B recently. If I could figure that out for the Bass Driver, Para Driver or VT Bass, then I'd be sold. Done and done.

 

[Blearyeyes]

All I know is while working on an a live album for the the Fenians, "Have fun or get out!" The bass player wanted to fix a few flubs in the live tracks. He brought in an older version of this pedal and it took me about 30 seconds to dial in an exact replica of his live sound. Punched-in a few lines and there you are. I was pretty blown away. Makes me GAS for this pedal.

Does anyone know how Versatel this thing is?
I think he used Ampeg stuff live and maybe that is why it worked so well.

 

[Rickter]

All I know is while working on an a live album for the the Fenians, "Have fun or get out!" The bass player wanted to fix a few flubs in the live tracks. He brought in an older version of this pedal and it took me about 30 seconds to dial in an exact replica of his live sound. Punched-in a few lines and there you are. I was pretty blown away. Makes me GAS for this pedal.

Does anyone know how Versatel this thing is?
I think he used Ampeg stuff live and maybe that is why it worked so well.

That would stand to reason. The Bass Driver pedals have long been seen as a pedal sized SVT. However they can get more tones than just that. The Para Driver pedal is more versatile still.

 

[Blearyeyes]

That would stand to reason. The Bass Driver pedals have long been seen as a pedal sized SVT. However they can get more tones than just that. The Para Driver pedal is more versatile still.

I just looked at that one. Looks like a good one to try out.

 

[Rickter]

I just looked at that one. Looks like a good one to try out.

From the research I've been doing, doesn't seem like you can go wrong with the BDDI, the Para Driver or the VT Bass.

 

[meatwad]

I like it! It has exactly what most have said was missing - a mid control.

 

[matante]

I like it! It has exactly what most have said was missing - a mid control.

So does the Paradriver.

 

[pudgychef]

Sold...sometimes a 2 band ray gets a bit too scooped for me via my original Sans Amp...

Am I being greedy hoping for a programmable version?

 

[Rickter]

Sold...sometimes a 2 band ray gets a bit too scooped for me via my original Sans Amp...

Am I being greedy hoping for a programmable version?

Not at all, I have been thinking about that too. Was hoping that they would eventually update the programmable BDDI with the same feature set.

 

[matante]

You can do a mid bump with the original by turning down the bass and treble knobs. It's designed for that.

Sold...sometimes a 2 band ray gets a bit too scooped for me via my original Sans Amp...

Am I being greedy hoping for a programmable version?

Not at all, I have been thinking about that too. Was hoping that they would eventually update the programmable BDDI with the same feature set.

 

[Rickter]

You can do a mid bump with the original by turning down the bass and treble knobs. It's designed for that.

Right, but would prefer the V2 updates to the BDDI showing up on the programmable as well. Select bass freq, select mid freq, dedicated mid control. Big selling points for me. The B/T controls that adjust your mids for you is a little to close to the Fender tone stack for my liking.

 

[matante]

Right, but would prefer the V2 updates to the BDDI showing up on the programmable as well. Select bass freq, select mid freq, dedicated mid control. Big selling points for me. The B/T controls that adjust your mids for you is a little to close to the Fender tone stack for my liking.

Problem is the mid can only be switched between 500hz and 1khz. Why? They give you a sweepable mid control with the Paradriver, why do they think bass players wouldn't want one too? The Paradriver also has a rumble filter to get rid of the low lows, a feature which many bassists would want. Some will even by a standalone filter for $100, like the sfx pedal. Why would Tech21 remove a feature that's already in the Paradriver when they make their bass version? Something about the design seems half-assed to me.

 

[Rickter]

Problem is the mid can only be switched between 500hz and 1khz. Why? They give you a sweepable mid control with the Paradriver, why do they think bass players wouldn't want one too? The Paradriver also has a rumble filter to get rid of the low lows, a feature which many bassists would want. Some will even by a standalone filter for $100, like the sfx pedal. Why would Tech21 remove a feature that's already in the Paradriver when they make their bass version? Something about the design seems half-assed to me.

To my knowledge, they haven't made a three channel or programmable ParaDriver. Also, the ParaDriver does not include the switchable bass frequency. The ParaDriver is not meant to be Bass specific, but to encompass multiple instruments and microphones, hence it's more robust feature set.

 

[matante]

Right, but would prefer the V2 updates to the BDDI showing up on the programmable as well. Select bass freq, select mid freq, dedicated mid control. Big selling points for me. The B/T controls that adjust your mids for you is a little to close to the Fender tone stack for my liking.

Oh and I don't think the 2-band on the original bass driver is a Fender thing. I think it's an old Ampeg Baxandall thing. It seems that to Tech21, bass amp = Ampeg, and everything they do for bassists is based on that.