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Description

Step into the world of versatile sound shaping with the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1, a studio standard that has graced countless professional recordings and live performances. This guitar preamp isn't just about producing sound; it's about crafting an experience. Whether you're a seasoned studio engineer or a live performer, the PSA1.1 promises to deliver with its 100% analog signal path that retains the warmth and authenticity of classic tube amps.

Engineered to cater to a variety of musical applications, the Sansamp PSA1.1 offers an impressive 49 factory presets, capturing both vintage and modern tube amp tones for both guitar and bass. Its intuitive design allows for real-time parameter adjustments via traditional analog potentiometers, ensuring that your creative flow remains uninterrupted. With 128 program locations, you have ample space to customize and save your unique sound profiles.

For the modern musician, the MIDI support is a game-changer, enabling seamless loading and saving of presets and facilitating remote program changes. Whether in the studio or on stage, dual outputs—1/4" and XLR—ensure your sound is compatible with full-range systems and traditional guitar/bass cabinets. The non-glare LED display is a thoughtful addition, providing clear visibility in any lighting condition, making it an indispensable tool for musicians everywhere.

Key Features:

  • 100% analog signal path with real-time parameter adjustments
  • 49 factory presets and 77 user-definable locations
  • MIDI support for loading, saving, and remote program changes
  • Dual 1/4" and XLR outputs for versatile connectivity
  • Non-glare LED display for easy readability in any setting

Owner's manual

Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 User Manual

Product specs

Brand Tech 21
Model PSA-1.1 Sansamp Rackmount Amp Simulator
Finish Silver
Year 2010s
Categories Guitar Modeling Amps, Guitar Preamps

FAQs

What type of sounds can I expect from the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1?

The Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 offers 49 factory presets that provide a range of vintage and modern bass and guitar tube amp sounds, allowing for versatile tone shaping suitable for various music genres.

Is the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 analog or digital?

The Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 utilizes 100% analog technology for its tube amplifier emulation, ensuring a warm and authentic sound that complements any guitar or bass setup.

How do I connect the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 to my audio setup?

You can connect the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 using its XLR and 1/4" inputs and outputs, allowing for integration with mixers, power amps, and other audio equipment. It also features a headphone output for direct monitoring.

Does the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 support MIDI control?

Yes, the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 includes a phantom power MIDI input, allowing you to control its parameters and switch presets via MIDI devices.

Can the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 be used for both guitar and bass?

Absolutely, the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 is designed for both guitar and bass, providing a wide range of amp simulation options suitable for each instrument.

Can Birdal

Can Birdal

TECH 21 SANSAMP PSA 1.1 REVIEW

Video thumbnail for TECH 21 SANSAMP PSA 1.1 REVIEW by Can Birdal

TECH 21 SANSAMP PSA 1.1 REVIEW

Can Birdal

Can Birdal

Video thumbnail for Tech 21 SansAmp PSA-1 by Nikita Demchenko

Tech 21 SansAmp PSA-1

Nikita Demchenko

Nikita Demchenko

Reviews

PROS

  • Unbelievably versatile, suitable for various setups

  • Used by professional studio engineers globally

  • Realistic sound quality surpasses digital units

  • Capable of producing a wide range of amp tones

  • Effective for both live performances and studio recordings

  • Offers enhanced control and a great growl for bassists

  • Can be used on vocals and other sound effects

  • Provides a light, portable solution for traveling musicians

CONS

  • Requires the right combination of equipment for optimal performance

  • Sensitive unit, may need careful handling and setup

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1.

Features and functionality

  • The Tech 21 SansAmp PSA1.1 is noted for its versatility, with users highlighting its use on bass, guitars, drums, and even vocals for diverse tonal shaping.

    Source
  • The PSA1.1 is praised for its MIDI-selectable 100 presets, enhancing its use as a versatile and feature-rich distortion pedal.

    Source
  • The Para Driver DI and VT Bass DI models are favored for their ability to run on phantom power, adding flexibility for both guitar and bass applications.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners frequently compare the hardware PSA1.1 favorably to plugins, noting it offers a unique texture and less harsh drive compared to digital alternatives.

    Source
  • Owners describe the PSA1.1 as a solid-state preamp that lacks the drive pedal compatibility seen in Quilter or BluGuitar models, which use proprietary technology for improved response.

    Source
  • The Tech 21 GT2 model is viewed as a better direct recording solution than older amp models like the PODxt, due to its unique 'own thing' sound.

    Source
  • The GT2 is frequently used with bass guitars, praised for its solid performance and versatility, offering a distinct tonal option compared to traditional bass amps.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The SansAmp PSA1.1 is praised for its ability to deliver live-sounding tones, especially when used in conjunction with amps or as a direct input for recording.

    Source
  • Some users note the PSA1.1 excels when paired with a tube power amp, but caution it doesn’t perform well when used with a tube amp directly.

    Source
  • The PSA1.1 is frequently used as a direct solution rather than running into an amp, where it may sound thin and brittle.

    Source
  • Some users replace their combo amp's preamp by running the SansAmp directly into the effects loop, effectively simulating a full amp setup through a PA system.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users have transitioned from the PSA1.1 to the RBI model, finding the RBI's rack convenience and tonal quality nearly matching more expensive models at a fraction of the cost.

    Source
  • The original SansAmp, referred to as a revolutionary DI box in the late '80s, was noted for its ability to deliver quick and high-quality guitar sounds, impressing engineers and musicians alike.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users mention limitations in using the Pro Tools PSA plugin in other DAWs, driving interest in the hardware version for a more universal application.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest pairing the SansAmp GT2 with an IR pedal, such as the Mooer Radar or Hotone Binary Cab, to enhance its EQ capabilities for direct recording.

    Source

Other

  • The concept of using a SansAmp pedal as an EQ/amp sim within a combo amp setup is highlighted, with one user noting the amp's controls become inactive in this configuration.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Reita uses Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1

Reita

Bassist

the GazettE

...
Verified via Espguitars

Reita uses the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 preamp, as noted on his profile in the ESP Artist Series.

See how Dirk Lance uses Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1

Dirk Lance

Bassist

Incubus

...
Verified via Photo

In http://incubus_idiot421.tripod.com/incubusidiots/id12.html

It is mentioned Lance uses the PSA

See how Tony Campos uses Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1

Tony Campos

Singer, Bassist

Static?X

...
Verified via Photo

A user-uploaded photo reveals Tony Campos utilizes the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 preamp, as shown in his gear setup diagram.

See how Marco Hietala uses Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1

Marco Hietala

Bassist

Nightwish

...
Verified via Nightwish

Marco Hietala, bassist for Nightwish, is listed on the official Nightwish website as using the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 guitar preamp.

See how Mike Kroeger uses Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1

Mike Kroeger

Bassist

Nickelback

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:37 you can see a the Tech21 SansAmp PSA 1.1 in his rack.

See how Robbie Merrill uses Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1

Robbie Merrill

Bassist, Composer

Godsmack

...
Verified via Photo

The Guitar Geek rig diagram confirms that Robbie Merrill used a Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 during live performances.

See how Andrew W.K. uses Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1

Andrew W.K.

Singer, Guitarist

Wolf Eyes

...
Verified via Usesthis

"I have a SansAmp, an original by Tech 21 - a PSA1 amp simulator."

See how Arjen Anthony Lucassen uses Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1

Arjen Anthony Lucassen

Singer, Guitarist

Ayreon

...
Verified via Arjenlucassen

Taken from Arjen's website, Info tab: Studio Equipment

See how Marcelo Corvalán uses Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1

Marcelo Corvalán

Singer, Bassist

Carajo

...
Verified via YouTube

Marcelo Corvalán confirmed in an interview that he used the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 live during the 1990s. This information is discussed in a video by El Capitán estudio titled "Gear de Bajo para Estudio y Vivo 🎸 Corvex explica su evolución," where Corvalán details the evolution of his bass sound throughout his career.

See how Mike Plotnikoff uses Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1

Mike Plotnikoff

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video titled "Introducing ControlHub: Howard Benson & Mike Plotnikoff" by STL Tones, at the 0:27 mark, the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 can be seen as a part of Mike Plotnikoff's setup.

See how Yoshidome Gen uses Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1

Yoshidome Gen

Singer, Bassist

04 Limited Sazabys

...
Verified via ベース・マガジン |

In the Bassmagazine interview "BASSIST FILE-GEN" published on June 19, 2020, Yoshidome Gen stated that the Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1 was his main preamp in 2018. This preamp in the photo stands above the Aphex Exciter.

See how Andras Ispan uses Tech 21 Sansamp PSA1.1

Andras Ispan

Bassist

...
Verified via Facebook

On the picture (liked), behind the artist the Sansamp RBI and PSA1.1 (silver knobs) are visible on top the TC Blacksmith amp.

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 PSA1.1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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pitchy

pitchy

Gear IQ 387

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