Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (28)
$269.00
Reverb
5.0 (20)
$249.00 New
$159.00 Used
Thomann
4.7 (167)
$279.00 $277.00 $2.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£245.00

Average Price: $239

High-end/Boutique

$70

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Product Description:

Introducing the Tech 21 SansAmp 3-Channel Programmable Bass Driver DI, your own personal bass rig in a compact box. Masterfully crafted by Tech 21, this pedal is far more than just a DI box. It's an all-analog, programmable, three-channel powerhouse that delivers hot tones right at your fingertips.

With Drive, Bass, Treble, Presence, Blend and Level controls, you can easily sculpt your sound to perfection. The real magic lies in its programmability. Find your tone, double-tap a footswitch, and voila, your signature sound is stored in that channel. It's as easy as that.

Whether you're performing live or recording in the studio, the SansAmp Bass Driver DI is your key to achieving large and expensive sounding tones without the bulk or the price tag. This pedal is your ticket to going live with just your Bass Driver DI straight into the PA or bouncing into any studio and plugging directly into the board.

Key Features:

  • Three-channel programmable DI box designed specifically for bass instruments.
  • Full tone control with Drive, Bass, Treble, Presence, Blend and Level controls.
  • Programmable settings allowing you to store and recall your favorite tones.
  • Ideal for both live performance and studio recording.
  • Compact and roadworthy all-metal construction.
  • Operable with a 9-volt alkaline battery, optional Tech 21 DC2 power supply, or via phantom power.

Product specs

Type DI
Form Factor Pedal
Analog/Digital Analog
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR
Power Source 9V DC 100mA power supply (sold separately) / Phantom Power
Batteries 1 x 9V
Height 2.25"
Width 7.25"
Depth 5.25"
Weight 1.56 lbs.

FAQs

What is the main function of the Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI Pedal?

The Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI Pedal allows bassists to achieve the sound of a mic'd vintage tube system in a direct box format. It enables users to go directly to a PA system while maintaining warmth, presence, and punch.

Can the SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver be powered by phantom power?

Yes, the SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver can be powered by phantom power, in addition to a 9V DC power supply or a 9V battery.

How many programmable channels does the Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver have?

The Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver features three programmable channels, allowing users to store and switch between different tone settings easily.

Is the Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver is ideal for live performances, providing direct output to PA systems with the flexibility of analog warmth and programmable settings.

What kind of output options does the SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver offer?

The SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver offers both 1/4" and XLR outputs, providing versatility for connecting to amplifiers, mixers, or PA systems.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 Sans Amp Programmable Bass Driver DI: Gear Up by gearuptmntv

Tech 21 Sans Amp Programmable Bass Driver DI: Gear Up

gearuptmntv

gearuptmntv

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI | Review and Demo by Zachariah Connor

Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI | Review and Demo

Zachariah Connor

Zachariah Connor

Video thumbnail for SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI demo by Stefano Scola

SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI demo

Stefano Scola

Stefano Scola

Video thumbnail for My Bass Pedalboard 2019 Part 2 - D'Addario Pedal Tuner & Sans Amp Programmable Bass Driver DI by Jordan Coley

My Bass Pedalboard 2019 Part 2 - D'Addario Pedal Tuner & Sans Amp Programmable Bass Driver DI

Jordan Coley

Jordan Coley

Video thumbnail for Test Demo Pedal Tech 21 Sansamp Programmable Bass Driver DI Feat. Lola Rouge on bass by Vincenzogrieco

Test Demo Pedal Tech 21 Sansamp Programmable Bass Driver DI Feat. Lola Rouge on bass

Vincenzogrieco

Vincenzogrieco

Reviews

PROS

  • Provides great tone clarity and separation for live performance

  • Versatile for both home recording and live play without an expensive bass rig

  • Quick and easy to dial in 3 distinct tones or presets

  • Enhances bass sound with character and thickness

  • Offers solutions for mid-scoop issue, enabling punchy low-mid tones

  • Transparent and high-quality tube emulation

  • Phantom power option is convenient for live settings

  • Portable, fits in a gig bag, reducing the need to carry heavy equipment

  • Three programmable channels allow for saving favorite settings

  • Reduces stage spill in smaller venues, appreciated by techs

CONS

  • Some users find it lacks sufficient mid control

  • Sound quality may not match newer, similar products (e.g., Bass Fly Rig)

  • Requires careful adjustment as small tweaks can significantly alter the sound

  • May become less essential with the acquisition of a preferred amp combo

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input.

Use cases and applications

  • The SansAmp Bass Driver DI is often used at the end of the signal chain for shaping sound to the amp or PA with flat EQ settings on the amp.

    Source
  • Users find the overdrive feature less useful unless paired with a bass featuring an active EQ circuit to avoid flubby distortion.

    Source
  • The pedal is praised for achieving growly mids and supportive bottom ends when bass is cut from the input and adjusted back in via the Bass knob.

    Source
  • Owners using distortion find better results with a speaker simulator or low pass filter to manage abrasive highs when recording direct.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the SansAmp's reliability in live settings, particularly when dealing with less experienced FOH engineers.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Steve Harris signature model offers two gain channels, a cab sim, and a 'bite' button for tube distortion emulation, noted for its clanky attack.

    Source
  • The SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI allows simultaneous direct recording and cab miking using its XLR and 1/4" outputs, but requires phase alignment during mixing.

    Source
  • When the SansAmp is off, the output acts as a straight pass-through, delivering the input signal without effects.

    Source
  • The newer SansAmp models include a mid knob with a 500/1000Hz toggle, addressing previous criticisms of mid-scoop issues.

    Source
  • The 40/80Hz toggle on the Bass knob is intended for extended range basses, allowing control over sub frequencies, although some users find 40Hz too muddy.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • For recording an uneffected DI sound, a separate DI box with a thru-put is necessary to bypass the SansAmp's effect on the signal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users often compare the SansAmp's sound to the Ampeg SVT, noting it provides an "as if" experience without the physical amp.

    Source

User experience

  • Some find the SansAmp invaluable for punk bands, appreciating its overdrive capabilities, even when not particularly 'tubey.'

    Source
  • It's noted that using a pick with the SansAmp can enhance its utility, while finger players find it less essential.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 37 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
luis_alho

A must have for every bass player

Great settings diversity to build your own tone. The 3 preset memory buttons allow you to go from soft to hard with just a tap.

jameesb25

3 sansamp in 1

All bass drivers from sansamp are top quality. This one is the best with having three sansamp setting to save on one pedal. 5 stars

Roles:
Genres:
kuzco_brusco

Totally worth it, and such a great distinguishing sound.

Bought this after trying out several cheaper bass driver, distortion and overdrive pedals. I knew the bassist of We Were Promised Jetpacks used it, i just couldnt afford it at the time, I tried my luck with a bass Big Muff and immediately returned it. Also walked into a show where a local band Viceroii was tearing up the stage, the bassist was using the 1 button version of the SansAmp and i was so impressed with the sound i bought mine the same week.

M

Never leave the house without it.

im using this one for several years now. prior to a gig i ask the local promoter if they have sufficient monitoring and if so, all i bring is my bass and the sansamp. it also helps preventing too much spill in smaller venues - techs will love you.

jesse_laycock

Pretty good preamp!

I used to use this almost all the time before i got a good amp. Now i have the perfect amp combo for the tone i like so i barely use it.

J

This thing is the secret sauce

With unbeatable tone and three switchable channels to store your favorite sounds, this may be the only pedal you'll ever need. Buy one.

sean_coit

GIVES MY TONE LIFE

I feel naked without this in my signal path. Great pedal!!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Colin Greenwood uses Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input

Colin Greenwood

Bassist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Tumblr

He uses programmable version of Sansamp Bass Driver DI.

See how Conor Deegan III uses Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input

Conor Deegan III

Bassist

Fontaines D.C.

...
Verified via Photo

In a screenshot from Fontaines D.C.’s Instagram page, Conor Deegan III's Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input can be clearly seen on his pedalboard. The presence of an XLR cable suggests that it is used for providing a direct input signal, while also being connected directly to the amplifier through the quarter-inch jack.

See how Chris Chaney uses Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input

Chris Chaney

Bassist

AC/DC

...
Verified via Photo

Current pedal board for Chris Chaney of Jane's Addiction

See how Zachary Scott Carothers uses Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input

Zachary Scott Carothers

Bassist

Portugal. The Man

...
Verified via BassPlayer.com

In this article from bassplayer.com [https://www.bassplayer.com/artists/zachary-carothers-on-keeping-tame-amp-tasteful] it states Zach's gear.

See how Jamie Mathias uses Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input

Jamie Mathias

Bassist

Bullet for My Valentine

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video review of the band's rig, at the 0:39 mark, it can be seen that Jamie Mathias uses the Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI. The review was conducted by Trey Xavier and published on the Gear Gods YouTube channel.

See how Rob Pope uses Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input

Rob Pope

Bassist

Spoon

...
Verified via Photo

You can see it on his instagram post showing his pedalboard.

See how Simon Jones uses Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input

Simon Jones

Bassist, Composer

Gorillaz

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo, Simon Jones is seen with a Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI box positioned in front of his monitor, confirming his use of this gear.

See how Jeremy Pritchard uses Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input

Jeremy Pritchard

Bassist

Everything Everything

...
Verified via Photo

Jeremy Pritchard is shown using the Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI on his pedalboard in a photo shared on Instagram by user jeremeej.

See how Charlie Barnes uses Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input

Charlie Barnes

Singer, Guitarist

Bastille

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of Barnes' pedalboard you can see his Tech 21 Bass Driver next to his OCD overdrive pedal.

See how Garrett Tierney uses Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input

Garrett Tierney

Bassist

Brand New

...
Verified via Photo

SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI is seen on Garrett's pedalboard.

See how Justin Harris uses Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input

Justin Harris

Bassist

Bloc Party

...
Verified via YouTube

(33:44 minute mark) - He uses this pedal for the songs he wants "less bass, more treble-y sound". He also has drive and boost programmed on the presets.

See how Chris Khalife uses Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input

Chris Khalife

Bassist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

"This is actually my favorite pedal on my board, I don't count it as an effect pedal but just cause its neccessary for my tone now."

"It just gives life to my tone."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Direct Input, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
jeff_longo

jeff_longo

Gear IQ 250

aaron_kivell

aaron_kivell

Gear IQ 191

adriancalimang

adriancalimang

Gear IQ 124

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