Tech 21 lost their minds?

[Clark Dark]

When I purchased my Mo'Bass the MSRP was $1,800 but at retail the price was $1,200. There's always a mark up which can be negotiated.

 

[Argassab]

I can get some pretty cool OD tones running SansAmp preamps in parallel. Example: RPM for clean lows, RBI for dirty mids/highs.

Is the RPM on channel 1 & the RBI on channel 2 then bridge out?

 

[alaskaleftybass]

If i had the extra cash to toss around, 1800 would go to a Sadowsky...

If I had an extra $1,800 my wife would sniff it out and I'd be handing it over.....

 

[grocker]

If I had an extra $1,800 my wife would sniff it out and I'd be handing it over.....

Pretty much how it goes, sad but true...

 

[higain617]

It looks awesome. Why can Aguilar, Demeter, etc. command that kind of price, but not Tech 21? As for the OD blending concept, I go the cheaper route with a multi-band distortion pedal (putting most drive on the mids).

 

[Handyman]

It looks awesome. Why can Aguilar, Demeter, etc. command that kind of price, but not Tech 21? As for the OD blending concept, I go the cheaper route with a multi-band distortion pedal (putting most drive on the mids).

That's a clever idea. Which pedal do you use for that?

 

[Doc Mojo]

I would gladly pay $4000 for that amp.

Pass that smoke over to me brother. Make me glad to pay my taxes.

 

[dannster]

If you want a pedal version of dUgs tone: Tech21 VT Bass DI. dUg loves it. It'll do that high grind he likes. Solid tones available in it.

He uses it here:

 

[StayLow]

Sounds fantastic to me.

I just cranked these videos through a proper system with big speakers and though the pedal sounds good in the Fuse video above, the amp sounds far superior on the low end. That's despite the NAMM video being recorded just via camera mic while the Fuse video is properly recorded and produced.

If I needed that tone, I'd surely consider it. Tech 21 makes very solid stuff, so it should last.

 

[Fuzzbass]

Is the RPM on channel 1 & the RBI on channel 2 then bridge out?

That's a great idea, but I don't believe my power amp will support stereo inputs when bridging. So, I use JGR's idea for running SansAmp preamps in parallel, and I send the parallel mono output to the power amp:
http://www.talkbass.com/threads/something-cool-for-sansamp-rbi-rpm-users.317368/

Notes:

• I prefer running into the RBI first and then blending in the RPM, but there isn't much difference if the levels are even
• The VT-RM (rackmount) preamp is fully compatible with this parallel config
• Someone here on TalkBass paralleled RBI, RPM, and VT-RM! I own all three, but prefer to keep my rack rigs at 4U (my power amp is 2U)

Pic of VT-RM paralleled with RPM.

Oh... here's audio of this very rig. Forgive my clams, I blame them on NYE.

 

[Argassab]

@Fuzzbass

That is a one raunchy bass tone right there!

Thanks for the link. A good read. But, that rig is only in my dreams.

I just ask the above question out of stupidity if it is applicable as I do not have any idea nor access to these gear. I only have the VT bass deluxe pedal.

 

[higain617]

That's a clever idea. Which pedal do you use for that?

I use a VFE Triumvirate. I put a Fairfield Barbershop in front of it for added punch.

 

[andrew]

I use a VFE Triumvirate. I put a Fairfield Barbershop in front of it for added punch.

Brimstone XD is a great option in pedal form too.

 

[husky123]

Brimstone XD is a great option in pedal form too.

Agreed, that and one of the most underrated OD's the Ashdown LoMenzo Hyperdrive. That pedal does an AMAZING job of just distorting the midrange spot that you choose. Sweepable mids and wide or narrow Q. I can get close what I heard out of the T21 dUgger but it doesn't quite have the same level of pain.

 

[andrew]

Agreed, that and one of the most underrated OD's the Ashdown LoMenzo Hyperdrive. That pedal does an AMAZING job of just distorting the midrange spot that you choose. Sweepable mids and wide or narrow Q. I can get close what I heard out of the T21 dUgger but it doesn't quite have the same level of pain.

Big Lomenzo Hyperdrive fan here too! That is definitely an underrated pedal.

 

[higain617]

I ended up with the VFE because a local store carries them. I'm sure there are lots of other options.

 

[andrew]

I ended up with the VFE because a local store carries them. I'm sure there are lots of other options.

Actually there aren't a lot of options for crossover distortion pedals, cool you found one you like. I'd be into hearing the VFE, I didn't know they made one until you mentioned it.

 

[higain617]

The VFE has a 3-band EQ with separate drive knobs for each. The mids can be a bit harsh alone, but sounds great in the mix. I love the clean lows with some top end grind. VFE is made in WA state, so they may have a Van distributor. If I wasn't out of town right now, I'd rip a demo of it.

 

[CL400Peavey]

I'm terrible at math, so if I'm wrong, please help me out. But here goes:

Matrix power amp (perhaps the only lightweight power amp on the market that is more or less equivalent to that of the dUg) -
$600 - $1149, depending on model

Tech 21 RBI (for clean) and RPM (for dirt) - $329 x 2 = $658

Rack compressor - DBX 1066 (perhaps the most common model, for argument's sake) = $429

Mixer/blend unit (cheapest, high quality unit that's commercially available) = Radial Bigshot mix, $139

Total (provided you buy everything new; the gear I listed does have, by all accounts, strong resale value - thus, used prices won't be SIGNIFICANTLY lower, I don't think):
$1826 - $2375 and that's in a rig LARGER than two rackspaces, with additional cabling (i.e., possible failure points).

Of course, there are cheaper ways of trying to accomplish the same thing (buying used, using a heavier power amp, etc.) but there are tradeoffs...and you have to put it together yourself.

Why would you bother with a matrix amp? plenty of lightweight amps for half the price. the RBI and RPM could be had used for a decent price, they also compress your signal a fair bit, so I would count the rack compressor a waste of money.

Amp - $350
Pres - $500
Mixer - $150

$1000...

Not saying that the amp is or isnt worth the price, but you can assemble similar with used components for a lot less.

 

[andrew]

Why would you bother with a matrix amp? plenty of lightweight amps for half the price. the RBI and RPM could be had used for a decent price, they also compress your signal a fair bit, so I would count the rack compressor a waste of money.

Amp - $350
Pres - $500
Mixer - $150

$1000...

Not saying that the amp is or isn't worth the price, but you can assemble similar with used components for a lot less.

Right, but if you want to compare it with used gear you'd need to put a used price on the Ultra 1000 too and then see how much the difference is and if the weight, size and convenience of the Ultra 1000 are worth the extra cost to you or not.