Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $252
High-end/Boutique
$70
$201+
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Tech 21 VT Bass DI". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Tech 21 SansAmp Character Series VT Bass DI, a versatile tool for bass players looking for the perfect blend of modern and vintage tones. This dynamic DI pedal boasts the innovative SansAmp circuitry, allowing for a wide range of tonal possibilities, from classic tube amp warmth to the grittier sounds of modern rock.
A unique feature of the VT Bass DI is the blend control, empowering you to balance your direct signal with the SansAmp tone. The bite switch adds a new dimension to your sound, enhancing the treble while tightening the bass. This pedal is not only flexible but also sturdy, with an all-metal chassis designed for rigorous use.
Whether you're performing live or recording in the studio, the VT Bass DI offers multiple outputs for diverse applications. Use it as a standalone bass preamp to power up a PA system, studio mixer or even straight into your computer sound card. You can also plug it into your existing bass rig to add an extra layer of sonic character.
Key Features:
- Advanced SansAmp technology for extensive tonal shaping
- Blend control for perfect balance between direct signal and SansAmp tone
- Bite switch for enhanced treble and tighter bass
- Multiple outputs (1/4-inch, XLR, parallel) for versatile use
- Rugged all-metal chassis for durability
- Can be used as a standalone bass preamp, stompbox, or recording tool
- Six level, tone, and drive controls (level, mid, character, drive, low, and high knobs)
Product specs
| Type | DI/Preamp |
| Form Factor | Pedal |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4", 1 x XLR |
| Height | 2.5" |
| Width | 5.75" |
| Depth | 4.25" |
FAQs
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What type of tones can I expect from the Tech 21 SansAmp Character Series VT Bass DI?
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The Tech 21 SansAmp VT Bass DI offers a range of tones from classic Ampeg-style tube warmth to modern punchy sounds, making it versatile for various music genres, including rock, jazz, and funk.
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Can the Tech 21 SansAmp VT Bass DI be used as a standalone preamp?
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Yes, the Tech 21 SansAmp VT Bass DI functions as a standalone preamp, allowing you to shape your bass tone without the need for an external amplifier.
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Does the Tech 21 SansAmp VT Bass DI work well with both passive and active basses?
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Yes, the Tech 21 SansAmp VT Bass DI is compatible with both passive and active basses, providing consistent performance and tone shaping for different pickup types.
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What are the connectivity options for the Tech 21 SansAmp VT Bass DI?
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The Tech 21 SansAmp VT Bass DI features 1/4" input, two 1/4" outputs, and an XLR output, offering flexible connectivity for live performance and studio recording setups.
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Is the Tech 21 SansAmp VT Bass DI suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Tech 21 SansAmp VT Bass DI is designed for live performance, providing direct input to PA systems while maintaining the character and warmth of your bass tone.
Videos
The Bass Channel
Tech 21 SansAmp VT Bass DI Demo
Tech 21 SansAmp VT Bass DI Demo
The Bass Channel
WHICH BASS DI? Tech 21 Bass Driver DI V2 vs VT Bass DI
Music Bliss Malaysia
Tech 21 VT Bass DI vs. Darkglass Vintage Ultra
The Bass Channel
NAMM '13 - Tech 21 Blonde Deluxe and VT Bass DI
Premier Guitar
Tech 21 - SansAmp VT Bass DI
Bass Stuff
Tech21 VT Bass DI - Review
EytschPi42
Tech 21 VT Bass DI - Review and Tutorial
Daniel Corrigan
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers warm, vintage tones effectively
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XLR & 1/4" outs allow for flexible connectivity
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Offers broad range from clean to high gain
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Compact size with sturdy build
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Provides significant tone control and tube emulation
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Versatile across live, recording, and rehearsal settings
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Character knob enables quick tone adjustments
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Speaker simulation adds depth to sound
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Can function as a preamp or DI box with quality signal
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Supports both 9v and phantom power
CONS
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Side-mounted in- & outputs can be inconvenient
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High gain settings introduce noise
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Sensitive knobs can lead to accidental adjustments
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Requires multiple adjustments for tone changes, not intuitive
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Lower notes may distort more with active basses
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Decreased lows with high character knob settings
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tech 21 VT Bass DI.
Features and functionality
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Higher settings on the character knob often require reducing mids, while lower settings might need a mid boost for balanced tone.
Source -
The clean blend on the VT Bass DI is influenced by the EQ but lacks cab simulation, potentially causing fizzy tones if another drive pedal is used.
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The character knob offers varied tonal control, from classic Ampeg SVT at low settings to modern distortion at high, adjusting from rounded vintage to bright and punchy.
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The VT Bass DI's different voicing makes it a versatile choice for those seeking varied tonal options beyond the Sansamp's traditional sound.
Source
Use cases and applications
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For a clean setup, the character knob acts as a secondary mid control, affecting the tonal balance without adding drive.
Source -
Owners often use the VT Bass DI to run clean with distortion pedals like the Fuzzrocious Cat Tail, preferring the pedal as a preamp for a clean tone.
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The pedal is praised for its ability to replicate classic Ampeg tones, with settings like 10-11 o’clock for character offering a responsive, amp-like dynamic.
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A favored setup for a clean tone with a grind includes level at 1:00, character at 7:00, blend at 12:00, and bite switch on, mimicking the YYZ tone.
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The VT Bass DI is favored for its ability to pair well with other pedals like the EHX Bass Soul Food, enhancing tonal variety.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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A buffer in front can alter the high end with passive basses, causing an 'icepicky' effect; true bypass pedals may be preferable.
Source
Comparisons
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Users compare the VT Bass DI favorably to the YYZ, achieving similar tones with specific settings adjustments, highlighting its versatility and sound quality.
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Users note the VT Bass DI offers more presence and character compared to the mid-scooped voicing of the Sansamp BDDI V2, making them complementary.
Source
User experience
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Owners report no complaints from sound engineers about the DI output, ensuring the stage tone matches the front-of-house sound accurately.
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Running the VT Bass DI at 18V is preferred by some for improved headroom and sound quality, especially when using active basses.
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Owners with experience in both the BDDI and VTDI suggest using each pedal differently: one for heavy drive, the other for cleaner tones.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 19 Ratings
379
Amazing Tone and Quality Pedal
I bought this pedal a few years ago and it has since become my favorite pedal. Perfect for recording or using live (if using DI), gives amazing tone control.
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111
Artist usage
Add artist
In multiple scenes of the Youtube video from The Current, where The Claypool Lennon Delirium performed in 2019, you can see a VT Bass DI on Les pedalboard (example = https://youtu.be/dZz9kPxM7h4?t=243). Later in november of 2021 you can see the same Bass DI on his board underneath the yellow Line 6 distortion modeler in this Instagram Reel (https://www.instagram.com/reel/CWh4ncToasF/).
In a photograph shared by Darkglass on their Facebook account, the Tech 21 VT Bass DI pedal is clearly visible, confirming its use by bassist Nate Mendel.
my secret weapon #tech21nyc SansAmp VT for all my distortion needs. thanks for the hook up ???? pic.twitter.com/IVckvpACRn
In the gear section he talks about the Tech 21 VT Bass
As seen in the picture from Tech 21's website.
In the video titled "Overdriven BASS Showdown" by Kello González on YouTube, Kello González can be seen using the Tech 21 SansAmp Character Series VT Bass DI among other bass overdrive/distortion pedals.
In the YouTube video titled "Johan with The Atlantic 'Studio' Bass Gear Run Down" by Evergrey Official, Johan Niemann is shown using the Tech 21 SansAmp Character Series VT Bass DI pedal during The Atlantic concerts.
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Peter Spinazola uses the Tech 21 SansAmp Character Series VT Bass DI as part of his pedalboard setup, as seen in a photo shared by blue_diamond_philips on Instagram.
The hardware can be seen on the pictures.
Album Usage
The Tech 21 VT Bass DI has been featured on the following albums:
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 VT Bass DI, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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