Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $234

Standard/Professional

$119

$300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver DI is a game-changer for musicians seeking to enhance their sound with sophistication and warmth. Designed with bassists in mind, this all-analog "rig-in-a-box" offers a versatile solution that extends beyond the typical direct box. It features a semi-parametric EQ to allow precision tonal shaping, providing you with the ability to sculpt your sound with a 12dB boost or cut. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Para Driver DI ensures your instrument's natural character remains intact while smoothing out the harshness from pickups.

Its three-channel versatility is perfect for exploring a range of sonic possibilities, from deep, throaty lows to sparkling highs, making it an essential tool for any professional or aspiring musician. The Para Driver DI isn't just about utility; it's about enriching your sound with organic warmth that feels both familiar and fresh. Perfect for bassists, guitarists, and even keyboardists, this DI box bridges the gap between your instrument and the audience, delivering a full-bodied tone that commands attention.

Key Features:

  • All-analog design for warm, organic tones
  • Semi-parametric EQ with 12dB boost/cut
  • Three separate channels for versatile sound shaping
  • Ideal for bass, guitar, and keyboards
  • Smoothes out harshness from pickups
  • Enhances and preserves the instrument's natural character

Product specs

Brand Tech 21
Model SansAmp Para Driver DI
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Bass Effect Pedals, Preamps
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

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

The Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver DI serves as a versatile preamp and DI box, designed to enhance and shape your instrument's tone with its analog circuitry, making it suitable for both live performances and studio recordings.

Is the Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver DI suitable for both bass and acoustic guitars?

Yes, the Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver DI is designed to work with both bass and acoustic guitars, providing tone-shaping capabilities and DI functionality for a wide range of instruments.

What are the key tone-shaping features of the Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver DI?

The Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver DI includes controls for Drive, Level, Blend, and a 3-band EQ with sweepable mids, allowing for precise tonal adjustments and the ability to replicate tube amplifier characteristics.

Can the Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver DI be used as a standalone preamp?

Yes, the Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver DI can be used as a standalone preamp, offering rich, tube-like tones and the flexibility to connect directly to a PA system or recording interface.

Does the Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver DI require a specific power supply?

The Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver DI can be powered using a standard 9V battery or an optional 9V DC power supply, providing flexibility for different performance and recording setups.

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Tech 21 SansAmp PARA DRIVER DI: Bass

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 SansAmp PARA DRIVER DI: Bass by Brett Kingman

Tech 21 SansAmp PARA DRIVER DI: Bass

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Tech 21•NYC: SansAmp PARA DRIVER DI with electric guitar by Brett Kingman

Tech 21•NYC: SansAmp PARA DRIVER DI with electric guitar

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 SansAmp PARA DRIVER DI: Acoustic guitar by Brett Kingman

Tech 21 SansAmp PARA DRIVER DI: Acoustic guitar

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Tone Talk - SansAmp Para Driver DI Pedal Review by Fern Fawkes

Tone Talk - SansAmp Para Driver DI Pedal Review

Fern Fawkes

Fern Fawkes

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 - SansAmp Para Driver DI (v1) by Bass Stuff

Tech 21 - SansAmp Para Driver DI (v1)

Bass Stuff

Bass Stuff

Video thumbnail for SansAmp Para Driver DI by Tech 21 by Jonathan Stoyanoff

SansAmp Para Driver DI by Tech 21

Jonathan Stoyanoff

Jonathan Stoyanoff

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent tone shaping and control capabilities

  • Versatile for bass, guitar, and other instruments

  • Compact design saves space on recording desks and pedalboards

  • Allows for saving and recalling multiple tone settings

  • High-quality construction suitable for touring

  • Effective amp/cab simulation for recording

  • Great overdrive tone, from subtle to growly

  • Enhances clarity and robustness of instrument signals

  • Works well with additional pedals and effects

  • Adjustable mid-frequency EQ for diverse sound shaping

CONS

  • Generates noise at high levels; may require a noise gate

Critic Reviews

Rex and the Bass: Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver Di Instrument Preamp Pedal Review

rexbass.com

The Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver DI impresses with its versatile tone-shaping capabilities, mimicking a tube amplifier's warmth without actual tubes. Its compact, robust design includes intuitive controls and offers compatibility with a variety of instruments, from bass guitars to acoustics and electrics. Users can enjoy a range of tonal options, from clean to gritty, making it a flexible tool for both studio and live settings. While the price might be a consideration, its performance and build quality justify the expense. Overall, this DI box is a solid investment for musicians seeking to enhance their sound palette.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dmitryr

Unique device

This device can be used with both electricguitar, bass or synthesizer. It has cool equalizer - mids can be shifted. So you has 3 band eq, where 2nd migth change frequency. It also has a lamp simulation - but it mostly compress sound to my feeling.

I use this mostly for bass preamping. I really can get lots of different tones thanks to mid shifting, comression (lamp emulation) and drive knob. Overdrive is good.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Audrey Zoe Whitesides uses Tech 21 Sansamp Para Driver DI

Audrey Zoe Whitesides

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Audrey Zoe Whitesides uses the Tech 21 Sansamp Para Driver DI as part of her bass pedalboard setup. Her Instagram post highlights her updated pedalboard for an upcoming tour, mentioning the addition of the Earthquaker Devices Aqueduct for creating unique effects on her bass lines.

Album Usage

The Tech 21 Sansamp Para Driver 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 Sansamp Para Driver DI, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

T-Rex Engineering Fuel Tank Chameleon
T-Rex Engineering Fuel Tank Chameleon Effects Pedal Accessories
2
Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer
Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer Equalizer Effects Pedals
2
Roland SP-404
Roland SP-404 Audio Samplers
1
Boss ODB-3 Bass OverDrive
Boss ODB-3 Bass OverDrive Bass Effects Pedals
1
BBE Supa-Charger Power Supply
BBE Supa-Charger Power Supply Effects Pedal Accessories
1
MXR M135 Smart Gate
MXR M135 Smart Gate Noise Gate Effects Pedals
1
MXR M101 Phase 90
MXR M101 Phase 90 Phaser Effects Pedals
1

More Tech 21 Direct Boxes

Avalon U5

$936.00 - $1,090.00

# 1

Rank

Billie Joe Armstrong David Gilmour Paul McCartney
86 artists using
Radial JDI

$220.73 - $268.00

# 2

Rank

Matt Heafy Adrian Belew Matthew Healy
29 artists using
BSS Audio AR-133

$105.00 - $232.00

# 15

Rank

Jonny Greenwood Daniel Johns Colin Greenwood
7 artists using
Suhr Reactive Load

$349.00 - $479.00

# 19

Rank

Misha Mansoor Mateus Asato Ola Englund
5 artists using
Radial Pro 48

$110.36 - $134.99

# 20

Rank

Jake Bugg Martin Carthy Thomas Ramdhan
4 artists using

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides