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Average Price: $234

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$201+

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Description

Unleash the full spectrum of your bass guitar's potential with the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Effects Pedal. This versatile pedal is a must-have for bassists seeking to elevate their sound, whether on stage or in the studio. With its SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation Circuitry, this pedal faithfully replicates the warm, rich tones of a classic tube amp, providing your bass with an authentic, dynamic range that will captivate any audience.

The Bass Driver DI offers intuitive controls for tailoring your sound, including presence, level, and blend knobs that allow for precise tonal shaping. Its full EQ section is specially designed for bass, offering 12dB of cut/boost to sculpt your sound with precision. Whether you're aiming for a deep, round low-end or a punchy, articulate mid-range, this pedal is equipped to deliver.

Designed for bassists who demand flexibility and reliability, the Bass Driver DI is compact yet powerful, fitting seamlessly into any pedalboard setup. With its durable construction, this pedal is built to withstand the rigors of gigging while maintaining the clarity and quality of your tone.

Key Features:

  • SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation Circuitry for authentic tube amp tones
  • Intuitive presence, level, and blend controls
  • 12dB of cut/boost EQ tailored specifically for bass
  • Compact and robust design, perfect for gigging and studio use
  • Direct Input (DI) functionality for seamless integration into live and recording setups

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

What is the primary function of the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI?

The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI serves as a preamp and DI box, allowing bassists to achieve amp-like tones directly through a PA system or recording console without using an actual amplifier.

Does the SansAmp Bass Driver DI work well with both active and passive basses?

Yes, the SansAmp Bass Driver DI is designed to work effectively with both active and passive basses, providing versatile tone shaping and DI capabilities for various bass setups.

Can the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI be used in a live performance setting?

Absolutely, the SansAmp Bass Driver DI is well-suited for live performances, offering bassists the ability to send a balanced signal to the PA system while shaping their tone with its onboard controls.

What are the key tone controls available on the SansAmp Bass Driver DI?

The SansAmp Bass Driver DI features controls for drive, presence, blend, bass, treble, and level, allowing users to customize their sound from clean to overdriven tones.

Does the SansAmp Bass Driver DI require a power supply?

Yes, the SansAmp Bass Driver DI requires either a 9V battery or a standard 9V power supply for operation, ensuring flexibility in various performance environments.

Is the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI suitable for recording applications?

Yes, the SansAmp Bass Driver DI is ideal for recording, providing bassists with a high-quality direct signal that emulates the warmth and character of a mic'd bass amp.

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 SansAmp Bass Driver DI (Manual Sample Settings) by Alberto Camps

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI (Manual Sample Settings)

Alberto Camps

Alberto Camps

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI by The Bass Channel

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for Sansamp Bass Driver DI Review - Watch BEFORE You Buy! by OnlineBass Guitar

Sansamp Bass Driver DI Review - Watch BEFORE You Buy!

OnlineBass Guitar

OnlineBass Guitar

Video thumbnail for Tech21 Sansamp Bass Driver DI [Quick Demo] by Rafael Freitas

Tech21 Sansamp Bass Driver DI [Quick Demo]

Rafael Freitas

Rafael Freitas

Reviews

PROS

  • Distinctive "clanky" high-end adds punch and growl

  • Versatile frequency shift buttons for mid and bass

  • Presence knob enhances string attack in mixes

  • Blend knob offers customizable sound mixing

  • Useful parallel out port for unaffected signal

  • Known for epic bass tones, unmatched by other products

  • Perfect for recording, bypassing amp EQ and pre-amp

  • Adds warmth and punch, ideal for punk rock tones

  • Includes 9v battery, considerate feature

  • Highly recommended for experimenting with sound

CONS

  • Battery compartment is delicate compared to the rest of the unit

  • Raw, less refined sound compared to newer versions

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 DI Effects Pedal.

Features and functionality

  • The newer SansAmp models include a mid knob and a 500/1000Hz toggle, addressing previous complaints about mid-range control.

    Source
  • The 40/80Hz toggle for the Bass knob is designed to manage sub frequencies, particularly useful for extended range basses.

    Source
  • The pedal is often used at the end of the signal chain to shape the sound, with all EQ on the amp set flat.

    Source
  • It's noted that the overdrive section lacks filtering, causing potential flubbiness when too much bottom end is sent to it.

    Source
  • The Steve Harris signature model features two gain channels, cab simulation, and an internal tuner, though the tuner is noted as not highly accurate.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SansAmp Bass Driver DI is praised for enhancing live performances, offering a sound akin to an Ampeg SVT setup without needing an amp.

    Source
  • Some users find the overdrive flubby unless used with a bass having an active EQ circuit, allowing for better control over the distorted frequencies.

    Source
  • The SansAmp can emulate a tube-like distortion with the "bite" button, providing a gnarly, clanky attack reminiscent of Steve Harris' tone.

    Source
  • The pedal can achieve a growly midrange with a supportive low end by cutting lows on active EQ and adding them back via the pedal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users prefer the Darkglass Vintage Microtubes or Aguilar Tone Hammer for DI/preamp duties, citing superior sound quality over the SansAmp.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the SansAmp for its robustness, claiming it continues to function well even after rough handling or exposure to adverse conditions.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Shavo Odadjian uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Effects Pedal

Shavo Odadjian

Guitarist, Bassist

System of a Down

...
Verified via Siteofadown

Shavo Odadjian is listed as using the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Effects Pedal on Siteofadown, a dedicated System of a Down fan site.

See how Zach Stephenson uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Effects Pedal

Zach Stephenson

Singer, Guitarist

Hockey Dad

...
Verified via YouTube

at 13:05 you can see it on his board

See how Richard Dotson uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Effects Pedal

Richard Dotson

Bassist, Music Producer

The Frights

...
Verified via Twitter

I took a picture of his pedal board when they played at Amoeba Records in august.

See how Martyn Millard uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Effects Pedal

Martyn Millard

Bassist

Orange Goblin

...
Verified via Bass Guitar Magazine

In an article by Bass Guitar Magazine, Martyn Millard of Orange Goblin discusses using the Tech 21 NYC Sansamp Bass Driver for his bass setup.

See how DJ TECHNORCH uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Effects Pedal

DJ TECHNORCH

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

At the start of his livestream, a Bass Driver is seen amongst DJ TECHNORCH’s setup.

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 DI Effects Pedal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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mamukagafrindashvili

mamukagafrindashvili

Gear IQ 279

B

beneshanks

Gear IQ 136

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