Your thoughts on sansamp?

[klokker]

I have a VT Bass Deluxe that I use when I need a DI and don't need an amp. Even then, 95% of the time I by-pass it. It's a good product, but I just don't like pedals at all, except for a tuner.

 

[bassrich]

I love the BDDI! I use it 1st in my pedal chain (as a preamp and tone shaping tool). It has a great sound, with thumpy lows and crispy highs. I love the presence control, which basically give more (or less) attack, especially with a pick.

I understand why some people hate on the pedal because of the mid scoop, so you may want to pass on it if your sound is ALWAYS mid-range and/or Jaco-esk. I get that sound naturally with the pedal off, and/or I use the bridge pickup. I use this pedal to change my sound from the natural mid-range nasal sound. The mid scoop gives me a whole new palette. They have deviated from the magical BDDI formula with the Para and VT to satisfy the people who don't love it.

IMHO the mid scoop is in the perfect frequency, the tone controls are usable and musical, and the presence control is unique and irreplaceable. Tech 21 nailed it. There is a reason certain pedals become a standard and have staying power.

Mine is modde with a switch to get rid of the mid scoop it is on the net if you want to give it a try

 

[StudioGC]

The Sansamp / Tech21 VT Bass DI has become a permanent piece of my rig. In fact, in many smaller gigs, it IS my rig. I own my band's PA system, and have ensured that it's capable of delivering both monitor and FOH bass to support what we do without my having to carry an amp. On larger stages, I revert to a stage amp and cabinet, but I still use the VTDI as the front end for everything. Heartily recommended if you enjoy a classic Ampeg sound in a tiny, versatile box.

What Bufalo says...
My Sansamp Tech 21 has become part of "my" sound. My GK 212ii is a good amp on its own, but the Sansamp adds a flavor too it that makes it a fantastic sounding amp.

I also like the Sansamp for the times I use another bass rig I'm unfamiliar with, I can easily dial in "my" sound with it.

I haven't used it yet as a DI, but it's there if I need it.

 

[Bassmann79]

"Don't leave home without it"

 

[bassfran]

Another BDDI owner here for many years. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the speaker emulation feature of these units. Bang for buck, the BDDI is tough to beat; a pro D.I., multiple signal-routing options, control over e.q., a bit of crunchy distortion if you like, and the ability to simulate a miked cabinet directly, all in an analog signal path.

However, if I'm to understand OP's needs correctly I'd recommend a used head/4-10 cab set up. The used market is ripe nowadays with cheap old school bass amps that should last until your kids are ready for college. Peavey, SWR, Hartke, etc.. Check your local Craigslist and try before you buy.

 

[OldFenderPlayer]

I've regularly used my Tech21 Sansamp DI (just the basic model, whatever that is called) for many years and its always with me at rehearsals and gigs. I use it exclusively as a way to color my tone, and it makes a good bass amp sound like a great bass amp. Its one of the best stompbox investment I've ever made (it ties with the Boss tuner pedal). On a few occassions I've used it as a direct box and played through the PA, but I didn't like having to hear myself through the monitors. When I record I use a plain old direct box and a mic on my speaker cabinet. But it is never used with my B-15 or B-18 ... nothing comes between me and my Port-a-flexes!

 

[logicman69]

I've used them before, but never cared for them. Though to be fair when I was trying them out, I was using a pretty killer rig that put out an amazing sound, so it was kind of pointless for me. Good option if you go direct allot or want to change up the tone of your current rig. I'v always wanted to experament with this and a powered speaker (QSC K12 or similar), but the price point is just too high for me

 

[Steve Dallman]

When the BDDI was first developed, scooped mids were the style of the day. Today, the design is a bit long in the tooth. We used a programmable one at church (we use in ears) but recently switched to a TC Electronics head which we use only as a post EQ DI. It is worlds better.

I have a Behringer BDDI knockoff. I paid $25 for it new. Stock, I could use it at church interchangeably with the Sans Amp. It sounds and acts the same. I modded it a year or two ago to be able to dial out the fixed mid cut and to be able to switch out the mid notch. It became much more usable than the Sans Amp and even the sound techs liked it better, which led to getting something to replace the programmable Sans Amp.

 

[KickingBass]

I'd highly recommend the Sansamp VT Bass DI even over the regular Sansamp. IME the Sansamp kicks your tone into the next level and the VT has the added versatility of a mid knob. My $.02.

 

[ThudThudThud]

I've had SABDDI since the early 90s. It's great. Maybe the signal to a power amp is a little weak...but that's not the point.
It'll also make an average sounding rig sound good. It's 'close' to the sound of an Ampeg when you turn the blend knob all the way clockwise. It's a good DI too.

I've since added (yes ADDED) an SAPBDDI my board (at the end of the signal, and I use the XLR out for recording/PA DI) as I like having the option of three separate 'amps'. I have one set quite flat, one SVT-ish, and one more flip-top sounding.
To my ears, the Programmable is a little crisper than my 'vintage'(???) SABDDI. A little more hi-fi, if that's the word. More signal to the power amp too.
The SABDDI stays as a stomp box for 'that sound.'

 

[EastCoastThump]

Disclaimer: SansAmp is not my preference, but I've used a lot of them.

NO MID CONTROL KNOB ... BAD IDEA

Even on the SansAmp models that don't have a mid knob, you can balance the mid content by adjusting lows, highs, and output. But that's a bit tweaky until you get used to it, and not ideal for dialing adjustments on stage. That said, some SansAmp models do offer a knob for mids.

What's with all these type pedals providing distortion but not compression? IMO - distortion is a niche effect on bass. Sure, use it for that one song. But I'd expect this type of "Sans Amp" pedal, to live up to the name, to provide EQ, compression, and DI.

Compare the input and output signals. As pudgychef noted in post #39, there's compression on the output.

Another BDDI owner here for many years. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the speaker emulation feature of these units.

Yes. Some kind of low-pass filtering is especially important when sending OD or distorted signal to FOH or FRFR monitors. Otherwise, the high frequencies are schranchy gack. Although Tech 21's HPF & LPF cab emulation doesn't respond the same as a reactive cabinet load. But when you can'tcount on the FOH or monitor techs to run cab emulation or a LPF, it's a whole lot better than simply sending full-range grit pedal through the PA.

 

[Scottkarch]

I've been playing with the MXR M80 Bass DI. Similar unit to the basic SansAmp. I really like it. I'd like to try out the VT and see what kind of tones it has. My band is moving towards ampless on stage. I've been going DI into the board and then wired or wireless IEMs. The MXR is nice and clean, basic active Bass Mid Treb control I don't use the distortion.. an amp or cab sim could be just the thing. I need to find one to try. Anyone in the NW chicago suburbs with a VT I could try out some time?

 

[rtslinger]

I like a lot of the sansamp stuff and still have a BDDI which works great IMHO.
For your $ situation, I would consider the Behringer for now, then put the extra 160$ in a gear fund to either get a bigger rig OR upgrade your DI once you see how it works for you and what you want...

My BBDI is in my gig bag as a back in case the Sans fails I too love the Behringer and have used it on many a live gig

 

[Ric5]

Even on the SansAmp models that don't have a mid knob, you can balance the mid content by adjusting lows, highs, and output. But that's a bit tweaky until you get used to it, and not ideal for dialing adjustments on stage. That said, some SansAmp models do offer a knob for mids.

I owned 2 sansamps without the mid knob ... I never used them and sold them both ... Get a bass VT better pedal and a mid control ...

Trying to control mids without a mid knob is a bummer

 

[Kombo]

I have a cheap EQ pedal I use with it to control my mids and its fine.

 

[Medicine Man]

+1 on the aguilar tone hammer pedal. I would recommend saving up for an amp, though. Playing direct is great for veterans with a solid sound guy, but up and comings will need an amp sooner than later.

 

[Right_Butterscotch64]

I really like the SCR concept but I'd hesitate to use it since it doesn't have a speaker Sim function like the BD or VT DI. I've never used the SCR so if it's a non issue to any of the owners correct me.

 

[angrychair]

I sold my Sansamp on reverb for $125 and paid the difference for a used Darkglass B7K on the classifieds here and haven't regretted it for 1 second.

 

[TeamBill]

I used the sansamp in the past....as well as a host of other pedals and amps etc etc...almost 20 years of touring....but now I find the best bass tone is a good FOH guy. the advancements of built in preamps I no longer have the need to color my tone. I just go wireless, tuner, Neve RNDI that goes to FOH. If the mix is good in my ears...boom.....playing on the road a lot....less is ALWAYS more.

 

[godblender]

I've been using the VT Bass DI for about a year with excellent results. I also used to own the VT Bass Deluxe but sold it because I just didn't need the additional presets. They're both solid pieces of kit and the built-in LPF on the speaker sim is a must have for me.

I run an Empress ParaEq after the VT Bass in case I need some fine tuning eq adjustments depending on the venue but honestly find the VT's eq to be fine in most situations.