Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (86)
$269.00
Amazon
4.4 (44)
$269.00 Used
Reverb
5.0 (16)
$269.00 New
$223.00 Used
Thomann
4.9 (160)
$277.00
Gear4Music
£244.00

Average Price: $261

High-end/Boutique

$70

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your bass game with the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2, a versatile preamp and direct box pedal that has been a staple in live and studio setups for years. This upgraded version offers an expansive array of tonal controls, making it the ideal addition to any modern bass rig. Harness the power of flexible tone shaping with adjustable midrange frequencies and a switchable bass control that lets you choose between 40Hz and 80Hz, perfect for dialing in the low-end pulse of 5-string and 6-string basses. Whether you're plugging into a bass amp or running direct to a PA, the Bass Driver DI V2 ensures your sound remains consistently rich and robust.

Craft your signature sound with intuitive controls for Drive, Presence, and Blend, which allow you to infuse everything from subtle warmth to wooly distortion into your tone. The presence control is particularly effective at enhancing harmonic overtones without upping the volume, ideal for slap bass enthusiasts. With both XLR and 1/4" outputs, this pedal is ready to integrate seamlessly into any setup, offering not just supreme flexibility but reliability in any performance scenario.

Key Features:

  • Controls: Level, Blend, Treble, Presence, Drive, Mid & Bass
  • Switchable Bass Frequency: 40Hz/80Hz
  • Midrange Frequency Shift: 500Hz/1000Hz
  • Outputs: XLR, 6.3 mm Jack, and Parallel 6.3 mm Jack
  • +10 dB jack output, -20 dB XLR output
  • Power Options: Phantom power, 9V battery, or AC adapter (not included)
  • Phantom and Ground Connect XLR switch for noise reduction

Product specs

Type Preamp/DI bass pedal with 3-band EQ and frequency shift
Form Factor Pedal
Analog/Digital Analog
EQ 3-band EQ, Presence, Mid Shift, Bass Shift
Inputs 1 x 1/4" (in)
Outputs 2 x 1/4" (Out, Parallel Out), 1 x XLR (DI out)
Power Source 9V DC power supply (sold separately), phantom power
Power Usage 6mA
Batteries 1 x 9V
Height 2.0"
Width 4.75"
Depth 3.75"
Weight 14 oz.

FAQs

What type of power supply does the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 require?

The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It can also be powered by phantom power or a 9V battery.

Can the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 be used with both active and passive basses?

Yes, the SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 is designed to work effectively with both active and passive basses, providing versatile tone shaping regardless of your bass's electronics.

What are the output options on the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2?

The pedal features multiple outputs, including a 1/4" out, a parallel 1/4" out, and an XLR DI out, allowing for flexible connectivity in various performance and recording setups.

How does the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 enhance bass tone?

The SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 provides a 3-band EQ with Presence, Mid Shift, and Bass Shift controls, allowing you to shape your tone with precision and achieve sounds ranging from warm vintage to modern punchy tones.

Is the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 is ideal for live performances, offering direct connection to PA systems with its DI output while maintaining the warmth and character of your bass tone.

Philip Brennan

Philip Brennan

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 Review and Demo

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 Review and Demo by Philip Brennan

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 Review and Demo

Philip Brennan

Philip Brennan

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 Sansamp Bass Driver V2 DI - Manual Settings Demo by Silent Underground Studio

Tech 21 Sansamp Bass Driver V2 DI - Manual Settings Demo

Silent Underground Studio

Silent Underground Studio

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 | Review | Rodney McG by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 | Review | Rodney McG

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers exceptional tone both in the studio and on the road

  • Robust build quality ensures durability

  • Easy to use with an excellent manual for guidance

  • Offers excellent connectivity options, including phantom power

  • Features like new mid and bass shift buttons provide versatile tone shaping

  • Acts as a great clean DI signal enhancer for studio applications

  • Can significantly reduce noise from bass setups

  • Allows for a wide range of sound styles and tones

  • Solid construction; built like a tank

  • Can be powered via phantom power, reducing cable clutter

CONS

  • Clean signal from the balanced XLR not as open as dedicated DI boxes

  • Sound effect is not very versatile, mainly offering an Ampeg SVT+810 vibe

  • The pedal's iconic sound might feel dated to some users

  • Jack sockets can be too tight, making cable insertion difficult in tight spaces

  • Relatively expensive for its features compared to other preamp pedals

  • Speaker simulation's hollow Ampeg 810 vibe may not appeal to all

  • Some might find the pedal less useful without the ability to disable speaker simulation

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 V2.

Features and functionality

  • The SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 is praised for its 'tube brightness', enhancing crispness and clarity in effects pedals and adding a tube-like sound to solid-state amps.

    Source
  • The SansAmp is often used to bypass amp preamps entirely, utilizing its XLR out for direct PA integration, enhancing live performance flexibility.

    Source
  • The V2's mid control is crucial for achieving desired tones, especially in metal genres, due to its ability to distinguish between different bass sounds.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The SansAmp is often compared to the Darkglass B7K Ultra, with users noting the BDDI offers a more modern tone while the VT DI is more vintage.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the original SansAmp version over the V2, citing better reception, though specific reasons for this preference were not extensively detailed.

    Source
  • The programmable version lacks a mids control, making it difficult to achieve specific sounds compared to the V2, which is more favored for tonal versatility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SansAmp is highly regarded in studio settings for its ability to emulate tube amp saturation and can even be used for vocal overdrive effects.

    Source
  • Owners frequently use the SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 as a standalone preamp with various amps, including Ampeg and MusicMan HD130, showing its versatility across different setups.

    Source
  • For players switching between different basses, adding an EQ pedal can help maintain the V2's settings while adapting to each instrument's unique sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the SansAmp significantly improves the sound of cheap amps, making them sound professional with its strong preamplification capabilities.

    Source
  • One owner reported that the SansAmp made a cheap Squier Jazz Bass sound significantly better when used with headphones, highlighting its ability to enhance budget instruments.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the pedal's ability to fix frustrating bass tones instantly, especially when using the blend control fully engaged on the SansAmp setting.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • For optimal setup, it's recommended to use the SansAmp with a flat EQ on the amp and adjust the amp’s EQ based on room acoustics to prevent bass runaway.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Version 2 Review - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 impresses with its thoughtful upgrades, including new mid and bass control shifts, enhancing its versatility across various music styles. While retaining the beloved features of its predecessor, the V2 offers push-button toggles for ease of use. It's lauded for its reliability in both live and studio settings, providing consistent tone across different rigs. However, those unfamiliar with the original may need time to explore its full potential. Overall, it's a rock-solid, versatile DI box that remains a staple for bassists, earning a positive nod for its enhanced capabilities and dependability.

positive

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 | REVIEW - Guitar Interactive Magazine

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 impresses with its versatility, delivering everything from vintage tube tones to modern slap sounds. It excels in offering extensive EQ controls compared to its predecessor, the RBI. The compact form factor makes it a great portable option for live settings, while still maintaining the core classic SansAmp sound. However, it lacks the RBI's extensive connectivity and interface options, which are better suited for studio setups. Ultimately, it's a choice between portability with added tone control or studio expandability. Either way, this unit will satisfy bassists seeking rich tones.

positive

Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI v2 – MusicPlayers.com

musicplayers.com

The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 is a robust and versatile update to a classic, now featuring expanded EQ controls to cater to five- and six-string basses. Retaining its legendary overdrive tone, the pedal's added mid and bass shift EQs provide enhanced sound flexibility. While the $210 price tag is not the lowest, the pedal's durability and sound quality make it a solid value for both live and studio use. Minor downsides include the lack of an included power supply, but it remains a must-have for any bassist seeking dynamic and refined tone shaping.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 14 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
spencerobrien

Great for grit

Great to add low end grit to your tone. Best feature is the Prescence setting, it acts like a mid control for your bass.

Roles:
bassmeisterjay707

The industry standard, The best!

There is nothing to dislike about the Sansamp BDDI. I use it all the time and couldn't be without it. The tones you can get out of this pedal are amazing! the tube sounds are just flawless!

Roles:
Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Machine Girl uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2

Machine Girl

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Machine Girl live [Full show] @ Bi Nuu - Berlin 08.02.2026 [4K]" by Berlin Concert Connoisseur on YouTube, Matt from Machine Girl is seen using the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2.

See how Kevin Otten uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2

Kevin Otten

Bassist

KNocked Loose

...
Verified via Photo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCRGCzQeA7Y Kevin can be seen using the Tech 21 SansAmp BDDI V2 during a performance in New Jersey in 2016.

See how Traa Daniels uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2

Traa Daniels

Bassist

P.O.D.

...
Verified via Instagram

Taken from Traa's official instagram profile.

See how Lucas Harwood uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2

Lucas Harwood

Singer, Bassist

King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard

...
Verified via Photo

Lucas Harwood uses the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 as his pre-amped signal to the front of house (FOH), as evidenced by a post on Instagram by user duskytracks with the caption "New rig who dis?"

See how Nick Jost uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2

Nick Jost

Bassist, Keyboardist

Baroness

...
Verified via Photo

This rig rundown has the pedal at the end of his signal chain, so that’s probably his front of house tone

See how Paul Gray uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2

Paul Gray

Bassist

UFO

...
Verified via Facebook

In this picture of Paul's Wingmen rig, you can see a Sansamp Bass Driver DI V2

See how 藤田 (Fujita) uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2

藤田 (Fujita)

Bassist

ネクライトーキー (Necry Talkie)

...
Verified via Photo

the pedal featured in Fujita's pedalboard posted on Twitter

See how Nick Seymour uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2

Nick Seymour

Bassist

Crowded House

...
Verified via Photo

I took a picture of Nick Seymour's pedal board at the Crowded House show in Atlanta, GA on August 30, 2024, which shows he uses a Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2.

See how Adam Roethlisberger uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2

Adam Roethlisberger

Singer, Bassist

Nile

...
Verified via Facebook

In a video shared on Facebook, Adam Roethlisberger is shown and mentions using the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2.

See how Brandon Michael uses Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2

Brandon Michael

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "MTD USA Artist - Brandon Michael of Allegaeon - Rig RunUP," Brandon Michael is shown using the Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 around the 2:28 mark, as documented by Michael Tobias Design on YouTube.

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 V2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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shane_e_davis

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Gear IQ 59

meerootz

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colin_bartoldus

colin_bartoldus

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cerebullet

cerebullet

Gear IQ 152

tomwilson87

tomwilson87

Gear IQ 700

meerootz

meerootz

Gear IQ 640

mad_max

mad_max

Gear IQ 507

tdfaszy

tdfaszy

Gear IQ 72

3 alternative and related items for Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2, curated by the Equipboard community.

Behringer V-Tone BDI 21 Bass Amp Modeler - Driver - DI

$20.60 - $36.90

cheaper alternative

Great cheaper alternative if you're starting out, I've gigged and recorded with it for a few years before upgrading to a Tech 21 and never had any issues. The plastic housing will be a worry for some, but if used as an "always on" pedal the minimal switching means you won't have any issues, and also means it's light enough to just throw in a gigbag. It's cheap enough that I bought a second as a backup, but never had to use. Highly recommend for small gigs with either a house bass amp or going straight to a desk.

Darkglass Electronics Microtubes Infinity Preamp Pedal

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high-end alternative

It does everything the Sansamp doors plus a load more! It’s the Swiss Army knife equivalent of a pedal when the Sansamp is a well formed knife

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