Do you think there will be an updated Bass Driver Deluxe or Programmable Bass Driver with the new features?
Brent
Call Tech 21. They'll tell you what's in the pipeline.
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Call Tech 21. They'll tell you what's in the pipeline.
Al Kraft
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The folks at Tech 21 have always been very open and frank whenever I have called with any type of question.
I can't say I like the new version as much as I do the previous BDDI. I just can't get a sound out of it that I would prefer over my previous BDDI or VT Bass DI. Will be selling soon.
Interesting. If you set it the same as the old version (leaving the mid flat) does it not sound the same? If not I wonder if the entire circuit was redesigned....
Al Kraft
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This is really interesting because I read something very similar on Basschat. Tech21 commented that because of a difference/variance in the pots (not sure if that was referring to a typical tolerance issue or unique to the pots they're using on the newer versions) you could not simply turn to your usual settings and get the same tone/voicing.
Their suggestion was to use your ears to get to your sound and not to rely on your previous settings with the the previous design. I'm sure you've already fiddled with the knobs enough to know if this box will get you where you want to be, but I figured I would pass along what I had read just in case.
It's a little disappointing to hear a second report of someone who liked the BDDI only to discover that this newer version doesn't seem to be "the same and then some". Although it does help me to not second guess my decision to keep my older version BDDI and VT Bass. Thanks for posting!
On the previous version I run the blend halfway, bass at 10, treble at 12 drive at 1030 and presence at 1. Never had an issue with a mid scoop or getting lost in a mix.
On the new version I tried the same settings and to my ears it's just nowhere near the same. The mid knob I don't find helpful at all. I found it just deepened and muddied up the tone whether it was 500 or 1,000. I had to boost the presence knob way up to around 3 o'clock to get some clarity. Whether I cut or boosted EQ, I just couldn't get a tone that I liked. Not to say others won't. I was hoping this would be similar to the RBI.
When I get back home I'll give it another try as it took me a while to figure out the VT Bass DI and how to match it to the Character Series pedal but so far it hasn't been a promising experience. Hopefully Tech 21 will continue to offer the previous version.
That was my hope as well but unfortunately it's not. I like the harshness of the RBI, this unit is a lot deeper.
Al Kraft
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It's interesting how in amps and pedals some of the best solutions are the simplest ones. Adding more flexibility and options doesn't always translate to better, just like new and improved doesn't always mean better, especially if you liked the original! 
With the newer Bass Driver DI we removed one of the midrange cuts. If you leave the mid control at Noon you will not get the same tone. You need to dial back the Mid control. Pots tolerances are what they are. Even with two identical pedals the same settings will not translate exactly the same. Which version of the Bass Driver are you comparing?
Interesting.
When I spoke with one of the Tech 21 technical reps a few months ago, I was told that the 800 Hz dip was still present in the new Bass Driver DI.
Is that not the case?
EDIT: I just checked with the spectrum analyzer and the 750/800 Hz dip is still there.
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The Para Driver DI has a semi parametric midrange controlthat is placed "before" the SansAmp circuitry. It has a more open ended tonal capability and is also able to get more distorted (if desired) because of the aforementioned placement of the midrange. It also has a 4.7 Meg Ohm input impedance that makes it suitable for use with acoustic instruments that use piezo pickups as well as various electric instruments.
While there are some crossover sounds between the units the Para Driver does not have the Presence control circuitry that the Bass Driver DI has and will not get that aggressive sizzle.
While there are some crossover sounds between the units the Para Driver does not have the Presence control circuitry that the Bass Driver DI has and will not get that aggressive sizzle.
A few hours of A/Bing the two and I've decided I really like it. It's the Sansamp BDDI for people who don't like the Sansamp BDDI.
Definitely similar, but definitely different. If you thought the original has too much scoop and sounds clanky and unnatural then you'll like the new version. It sounds much more natural, less "affected" to me. Switching the lows to 40hz and boosting while cutting the mids gets you a HUGE fat tone. The Drive and Mid control work together to get a better overdriven tone than I can get from the old model. To me it's MUCH more flexible. I was able to get several usable tones that I couldn't replicate with the original. BUT I was also able to make the original do things the new model couldn't. For example the punch, clank, and compressed feel of the SVT setting on the original could not be matched by the new model, no matter how I set the knobs. Version 1 seemed tighter in the lows and just sat better in the mix. I think I'll end up keeping both.
Overall it's another great pedal from Tech21. My only complaint is that it doesn't have a Speaker Sim switch like the VTDI.
Definitely similar, but definitely different. If you thought the original has too much scoop and sounds clanky and unnatural then you'll like the new version. It sounds much more natural, less "affected" to me. Switching the lows to 40hz and boosting while cutting the mids gets you a HUGE fat tone. The Drive and Mid control work together to get a better overdriven tone than I can get from the old model. To me it's MUCH more flexible. I was able to get several usable tones that I couldn't replicate with the original. BUT I was also able to make the original do things the new model couldn't. For example the punch, clank, and compressed feel of the SVT setting on the original could not be matched by the new model, no matter how I set the knobs. Version 1 seemed tighter in the lows and just sat better in the mix. I think I'll end up keeping both.
Overall it's another great pedal from Tech21. My only complaint is that it doesn't have a Speaker Sim switch like the VTDI.
How is the overlap between the V2 BDDI and the VT Bass DI? Worthwhile having both or too redundant?
Al Kraft
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Thanks for doing this comparison and sharing your results!
I have a VT too, I'll compare them this weekend.
Probably the best way to compare would be by putting the various controls at maximum and minimum. The Programmable version uses digi-pots and those will not easily compare to the DI with passive audio pots.
Al Kraft
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First off, there is no criticism at all intended in the comment I'm going to make. My experience with the Tech 21 pedals is that there is enough variability in the pots that you can't move from pedal to pedal and set "your desired sound" with micrometer precision and expect identical results. I'm a Tech 21 fan and my advice with their pedals is to use your ears to dial in what you're looking for and use the knob labels as a guide without treating them as though they are calibrated lab instruments. As always, YMMV!
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