Pricing and availability
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Price
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
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What is the main function of the Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI Pedal?
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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.
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Can the SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver be powered by phantom power?
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Yes, the SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver can be powered by phantom power, in addition to a 9V DC power supply or a 9V battery.
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How many programmable channels does the Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver have?
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The Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver features three programmable channels, allowing users to store and switch between different tone settings easily.
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Is the Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver suitable for live performances?
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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.
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What kind of output options does the SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver offer?
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The SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver offers both 1/4" and XLR outputs, providing versatility for connecting to amplifiers, mixers, or PA systems.
Videos
Sweetwater
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Demo - Sweetwater Sound
Reviews
PROS
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Provides great tone clarity and separation for live performance
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Versatile for both home recording and live play without an expensive bass rig
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Quick and easy to dial in 3 distinct tones or presets
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Enhances bass sound with character and thickness
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Offers solutions for mid-scoop issue, enabling punchy low-mid tones
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Transparent and high-quality tube emulation
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Phantom power option is convenient for live settings
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Portable, fits in a gig bag, reducing the need to carry heavy equipment
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Three programmable channels allow for saving favorite settings
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Reduces stage spill in smaller venues, appreciated by techs
CONS
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Some users find it lacks sufficient mid control
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Sound quality may not match newer, similar products (e.g., Bass Fly Rig)
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Requires careful adjustment as small tweaks can significantly alter the sound
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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
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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.
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Users find the overdrive feature less useful unless paired with a bass featuring an active EQ circuit to avoid flubby distortion.
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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.
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Owners using distortion find better results with a speaker simulator or low pass filter to manage abrasive highs when recording direct.
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Owners highlight the SansAmp's reliability in live settings, particularly when dealing with less experienced FOH engineers.
Source
Features and functionality
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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.
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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.
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When the SansAmp is off, the output acts as a straight pass-through, delivering the input signal without effects.
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The newer SansAmp models include a mid knob with a 500/1000Hz toggle, addressing previous criticisms of mid-scoop issues.
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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
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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.
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Comparisons
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Users often compare the SansAmp's sound to the Ampeg SVT, noting it provides an "as if" experience without the physical amp.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 37 Ratings
46
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.
99
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.
131
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.
200
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.
Artist usage
Add artist
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.
In this article from bassplayer.com [https://www.bassplayer.com/artists/zachary-carothers-on-keeping-tame-amp-tasteful] it states Zach's gear.
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.
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.
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.
In this photo of Barnes' pedalboard you can see his Tech 21 Bass Driver next to his OCD overdrive pedal.
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.
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