• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

TECH-21 SANSAMP RBI

Yep. I use one with a P-bass into a Mesa 2x10. Sounds pretty good. Sounds best when the Blend knob is dialed back IMO. I'm happy with it around 12:00. I got it as a backup to my Ampeg SVP-Pro, and I can get it to sound similar, but not the same.
I can't really get much of a distorted sound with my bass - I got one of them Seymour Duncan SPB-1 vintage pickups which is low output passive. Really needs hot pickups to get dirty.
But it's realiable, and sits well in the mix. You can get a LOT of different sounds out of it. Have fun!
 
Tell me how the unit sounds through a cab with a tweeter at high volumes, please.

I'm looking into buying one of these and using it as a pre amp for my Peavey Tour 700, but don't know what it will sound like considering my cab has a tweeter.

You might need to dial back the tweeter a little. I don't have a bright sounding instrument, but still need to dial back the treble to around 11:00. It causes me to tidy up my technique, which can't be a bad.
I haven't used it in a live setting, just auditions and bedroom jamming (but still really loud :smug:)
 
I run one through a Carvin BX500 2-10 combo. It is alot easier to dial in a precise tone with the RBI. The treble is super airy, and really brings alot of noise into the mix. I like the blend knob the most. Works great for the scooped mid punchy funk tones, and the drive sounds way PHAT when you crank her up. I've been running with a Crown CE2000 power amp and 2 15'' EV eliminator cabs... not that impressed. I like it better through the amp. The DI is badass on the RBI too. Playing with an Ibanez SR900 4 string. I gig 8-14 times a month and it's been holding up mighty fine. I dont even bring a rack box for it. Just set it on top of the amp, cushioned by a fat towel.
 
Anyone using one of these now? Just got one

It's been my #1 gig preamp for years now... and I've owned a number of high-dollar fancy all-tube preamps.

A few quick hints:
* Unlike the other EQ controls, Presence is boost-only. So, flat is fully counterclockwise, *not* straight up
* Nearly all the sample settings in the manual have Blend turned all the way on, but many of us prefer to set it around 50%
* A relatively small adjustment can make a big difference in tone
* Experiment, have fun!