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Average Price: $234
High-end/Boutique
$70
$201+
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Description
Introducing the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI, a versatile bass effects pedal that offers an extensive spectrum of customizable tones in a compact package. Built with bassists in mind, this pedal incorporates a comprehensive EQ with up to 12dB of cut/boost, catering to the unique tonal requirements of the bass. It also touts the renowned SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation Circuitry, providing tube-like warmth and presence. The convenience of level, blend, and presence knobs allows for meticulous tone shaping to achieve your desired sound.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive EQ with up to 12dB of cut/boost for bass
- SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation Circuitry
- Presence, level, and blend knobs for precise tone control
- Compact design for easy portability and setup
- Versatile and customizable to suit various playing styles
Product specs
| Brand | Tech 21 |
| Model | Sansamp Bass Driver D.I. |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2000s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Bass Effect Pedals, Preamps |
| Pedal Format | Standard |
FAQs
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Can the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver be used as a preamp?
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Yes, the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver functions as a preamp, providing powerful tone-shaping capabilities for bass players. It allows you to add drive and warmth to your bass signal and can be used in various setups, including direct recording and live performances.
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Is the SansAmp Bass Driver suitable for live performances?
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Absolutely, the SansAmp Bass Driver is ideal for live performances. It can drive a power amp and speakers, integrate with your existing amplifier setup, or run directly into the mixer of a PA system, offering versatility for different live scenarios.
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Does the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver work well with different music styles?
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Yes, the SansAmp Bass Driver is designed to accommodate a wide range of music styles. Its tone-shaping capabilities and drive control allow it to enhance your bass sound, whether you play rock, jazz, funk, or any other genre.
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Can the SansAmp Bass Driver DI be used for recording directly?
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Yes, the SansAmp Bass Driver DI is excellent for direct recording. It allows you to record directly to tape or disc, providing a rich and dynamic bass tone without the need for additional amplification.
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How does the drive control on the SansAmp Bass Driver affect the sound?
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The drive control on the SansAmp Bass Driver allows you to add heat and grit to your bass tone. By adjusting the drive, you can achieve anything from a subtle warmth to a full-on overdrive, tailoring the sound to your preference and playing style.
Videos
Sweetwater
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Demo - Sweetwater Sound
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Demo - Sweetwater Sound
Sweetwater
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver vs. Darkglass Microtubes B7K Ultra
The Bass Channel
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI (Manual Sample Settings)
Alberto Camps
Tech21 Sans Amp Bass Driver DI - Review
EytschPi42
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI
The Bass Channel
Sansamp Bass Driver DI Review - Watch BEFORE You Buy!
OnlineBass Guitar
![Video thumbnail for Tech21 Sansamp Bass Driver DI [Quick Demo] by Rafael Freitas](https://img.youtube.com/vi/h2bs9E-1QYk/mqdefault.jpg)
Tech21 Sansamp Bass Driver DI [Quick Demo]
Rafael Freitas
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile tone sculpting with Presence and Treble knobs
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Still highly regarded for DI bass recording after decades
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Adds warmth, depth, and punch to DI recordings
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Engineers and musicians appreciate its quality and versatility
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Useful both live and in-studio for diverse sound needs
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Simple to dial in desired sounds, from dirt to fatness
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Provides distinctive "clanky" high-end for punchy and growl tones
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Can be used as an active DI in bypass mode
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Offers a unique sound that can't be duplicated by newer versions
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Enhances the dry attack while respecting bass sound
CONS
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Midrange on Paradriver version felt narrow and twitchy
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Best used with a pick for optimal punch, limiting fingerstyle players
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May retain a raw feeling even with adjustments
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver Direct Input.
Use cases and applications
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The SansAmp Bass Driver DI is often used last in the signal chain to shape the sound going out to an amp or PA, with amp EQ set flat.
Source -
Users can simultaneously record a DI signal and mic a cab by using the wet output to the amp and XLR output to the interface, ensuring phase alignment during mixing.
Source -
For recording an unprocessed DI signal, an additional DI box with a thru-put is required, allowing a separation of raw and processed paths.
Source
Features and functionality
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The pedal's overdrive can be improved by cutting the bottom end on an active EQ circuit, then reintroducing it with the pedal for a growly midrange tone.
Source -
The Steve Harris model's "bite" feature provides a gnarly, clanky attack, emulating tube distortion, which can be adjusted for deeper tones by modifying gain and volume.
Source -
The SansAmp Bass Driver DI has both wet and dry outputs, allowing users to send modified and unmodified signals separately for versatile recording setups.
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When turned off, the SansAmp output acts as a straight pass-through, sending an unaltered signal from the input.
Source
User experience
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Owners report that the pedal is more effective in studio settings than live performances, where it can be underutilized.
Source
Comparisons
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The Steve Harris signature model offers unique features like two gain channels, a cab sim, and a "bite" button for clanky attack tones.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 19 Reviews and 112 Ratings
80
Transformative, potent bass accessory
As a preamp, it brings tube warmth and punch to solid state amps and improves the sound quality and character of mediocre backline rigs. Never play without one.
133
A must have!
I’ve used a SansAmp Bass Driver since 1998. I have two without switches (version 0), two with switches (version 1), one with buttons (version 2). I use them live and in the studio. I’m never without my Sansamp.
387
Bass in a box
You know those scenarios when you hear people rave about pedals so much that you're not too certain whether to jump on the bandwagon? Glad I jumped on this one! Great for tidying up bass tone, sound engeineers love them and they're great to record with for demos, projects etc. and it can be used as an active DI when in bypass! This easily does more tricks than Tony Hawk! Looking to expand to rack versions at some point as well!
105
Incredible range and personalisation
This thing is magic. It has enormous range in how you can sculpt your tone and opens up endless options. From subtle to BIG tonal change it’s well worth trying.
80
The best recording tool for Bass
The Sans Amp Bass DI is a gret tool for live or in the studio. This box makes EVERYTHING sound better. When recording, go direct through the Bass Driver & No amp needed.What you get is fat tone & prescence.
253
Artist usage
Add artist
Trent Reznor is confirmed to use the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver Direct Input, as listed in the Fragility Tour program, which details the equipment utilized during the recording of "The Fragile." This information is substantiated by nin.wiki.
There appears to be confusion regarding Kevin Shields' use of the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI, as shown on a pedalboard from Rateyourmusic. The pedalboard features several unusual and unfamiliar pedals not typically associated with Kevin's stage setup. This raises doubts about its authenticity as Kevin Shields' gear. Further clarification on the origin of these pedals would be beneficial.
You can see the Bass driver on top left of those Fender SuperBassman at min 10:14
In this detailed breakdown of Chancellor's pedalboard, the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI is visible.
Robert Trujillo used the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI during Metallica's "Madly in Anger with the World" tour and the recording of the "Death Magnetic" album. This is evidenced by the video from Which Bass titled "Robert Trujillo Conspiracy: Did His Bass Rig Hold the Key to Metallica's Success in the 21st Century?" between the timestamps 7:00 and 11:35.
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A picture of some of Jason's guitars, pedals, and equipment.
In the bottom left a SansAmp Bass Driver can clearly be seen on his board.
The Sansamp Bassdriver can be seen velcroed on the side of his amprack on this video at 1:04.
Down in the bottom right, a Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI can be seen.
A Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver pedal is visible at 0:06 in this music video.
Mikey in the video at 10:05 says, "I sometimes delve into using a SansAmp..."
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Album Usage
The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver Direct Input has been featured on the following albums:
STONE (Deluxe)
Baroness (2023)
Necropolítica
Ratos de Porão (2022)
Death Atlas
Cattle Decapitation (2019)
A Deeper Understanding
The War on Drugs (2017)
The American Dream Died
Agnostic Front (2015)
Paramore
Paramore (2013)
Jar
Superheaven (2013)
Collide With The Sky
Pierce the Veil (2012)
Life Starts Now
Three Days Grace (2009)
Saudades De Rock
Extreme (2008)
Death Magnetic
Metallica (2008)
His Last Walk
Blessthefall (2007)
Shuttlecock
Super TransAtlantic (2000)
The Fragile
Nine Inch Nails (1999)
At War with Satan (Bonus Track Edition)
Venom (1984)
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 Bass Driver Direct Input, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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