Opinions on Sansamp Tech 21 Bass Driver and Pod Xt for guitar?

> > > Opinions on Sansamp Tech 21 Bass Driver and Pod Xt for guitar?

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Member Since: Sep 09, 2004

I am in huge need of improving my sound from the J-Station and Line 6 Bass Pod...I never have gotten a decent sound out of any of these two pieces of gear. Any opinions on the Sansamp Tech 21 Bass Driver to get a full, rich, round, big professional bass sound...and then the new Podxt to improve my guitar sound. I'm thinking either the Podxt or the new Native Instruments virtual guitar rig...that looks pretty cool...but I've heard the new Podxt is unsurprassed and that there's not another better sounding amp modeling system out there. I record direct...Any opinions, yeahs or nahs?

-BJT

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Dub head
Member
Since: May 03, 2004

Oct 03, 2004 08:13 pm

The SansAmp kicks ***. My bass player uses one for live purposes sometimes to warm up is bass (modulas bass into Eden head and cab) and it goes a great job. I've also borrowed it and used it for recording purposes ( Hofner bass DI) and it rocked. I recommed it. You can get most tones you want out of it and VERY high quality sound as well. :-) Thumbs up!

Answer:On a good day, lipstick.
Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004

Oct 04, 2004 05:31 pm

Finally I get to comment on something I know about!!!!! Usually I'm restricted to "eh....what?.....how does that work...."

Bass Driver DI from SansAmp. Fantastic.
I've been a bass player for more years than I care to admit, and this is the one piece of gear that I cannot live without. It's tube emulator circuit is unbelievable (I've even A/B'd it against a real tube pre - not a fancy one, granted - and it was much nicer). The SVT sound is very true to life, and the XLR out is very clean. If you can try one somewhere, I almost guarantee you'll walk out with it under your arm. (Disclaimer: I said "almost" as my ears might hear different to yours.) I have a Tri-AC for guitar, and I must say that although I'm impressed, it's not the same kind of impressed that I get from the Bass Driver.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Oct 08, 2004 10:11 pm

HEy BJT, sorry I didnt get to this post earlier. I own POD XT with the latest firmware updates and I also purchased the add on amp models and cabinets as well. I must say I am very impressed with it. I just recently offed my version 1 POD in favor of this one. I tweaked out my original POD as far as it would go and still liked it. But now I am in heaven as the newest version of the Xt is absolutely stunning.

Their factory presets are bit heavy on the mids on almost all the patches. But that is no biggy as I dont ever really rely on the factory patches any how.

But I gotta admit I fell in love all over again.

The SansAmp, I agree totally with TallChap. That thing is fantastic. I have used their stuff before for Di purposes and they work and sound great. Very rugged as well.

Member
Since: Jul 23, 2004

Nov 07, 2004 10:55 am

I use the Tech 21 SansAmp RBI, that is the rack version of the bass DI (stompbox).. it gives more control as it has a dedicated mid control. Plus you have more output options.. I use it into a PA poweramp for live sound.. and "in studio" (I mean garage) .. as tone control into a tube preamp for more warmth. But I really love this unit. www.tech21nyc.com/rbi.html
Plus the Tech21 people are easy to contact. I had questions about stringing some homemade preamps with the RBI.. they spent a good deal of time on the phone with me to answer my questions. I am very happy with RBI and the people.

[email protected]
Member
Since: Sep 09, 2004

Nov 09, 2004 10:00 am

Hey Jetglo, thanks a ton for the advice. I already have a Sansamp Tech 21 on order, but I will cancel the order to allow myself the opportunity to get the RBI. Let me ask you...what are the things about the RBI you don't like or some features you wish it had?

I went to the website you left me, and it mentions that this thing has effects. Is that true? By looking at the picture on the website I don't see where the effects come into play. There's no view of the back of the gear on the website, so I'm unable to tell.

Is thing really that much better than the regular Sansamp Tech 21? I'll await your reply. Thanks again for all your help.

-BJT

Member
Since: Jul 23, 2004

Nov 09, 2004 11:24 am

One thing I wish it had is a headphone out. There really is nothing that I don't like about it functionally.. perhaps numbers for each knobs' levels would be nice. As for effects.. it has an effects loop. this is a way to include other effect gear into your sound. There are no effects in the RBI unit itself. You run a line from the "effect loop ouput( or send)" INTO your other effect gear and then from there to the effect loop input (return). Aside from keeping a more organized/efficient setup.. meaning your effect lines stay in and behind the rack equipment, I am not sure if the signal itself is more efficient/cleaner using the loop.
Another thing I like about it is that I use the RBI with regular guitar as a tone control before going into a guitar preamp.. (though the overdrive is really meant for bass on the RBI).
Another handy feature is the XLR level control on the front panel. When using the RBI for live sound, I run a line from the sansamp xlr out to the mixer. I can control the output level going to the mixer with that knob. It has come in handy. Also, on the front is a bypass switch.. so you can work your sound and compare to your dry signal with one switch.. again pretty handy.
It is a strong unit.. I got it for several reasons.. I really liked the stompbox version I used at a studio.. but appreciated the extra mid control on the RBI..and more output options.. it's worth the extra money.. and it is good enough for bass-master Geddy Lee.. I see that as a strong endorsement!!

Member
Since: Jul 23, 2004

Nov 09, 2004 11:42 am

Another thing I'd like to say about it... I love the old Rush tone.. more trebly, nasaly etc.. and I get it with the RBI... but I sometimes sit in with blues guys that want a deeper, thumpier tone.. and I get that too. So many people see the Rickenbackers and think.. OH NOOO its going to sound like Rush or Yes etc.. but they are always pleasntly surprised that I can get a pounding, solid sound from my amp.. and I get compliments on my tone from all sorts of musicians... like "nice and tight", etc.

Answer:On a good day, lipstick.
Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004

Nov 09, 2004 01:00 pm

Have a listen to "Hogyssey" from Spacehog. Royston Langdon uses a Ricky on the neck pick-up. "I want to live" has a gorgeous bass sound. I can't personally get to grips with Rickenbacker basses (never quite sure where to rest my thumb - too much "stuff" all over the place), but I love the sound. They're not all "clickety-clickety" - as Chris Squire would have you believe.

Member
Since: Jul 23, 2004

Nov 09, 2004 01:25 pm

I am not sure if I have heard Spacehog, but I'll check it out! Thanks!!!

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