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Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI Pedal

3-channel Programmable Bass DI Box with Drive, Bass, Treble, Presence, Blend and Level Controls
$249.00

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Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver DI Pedal
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Drive Your Bass with This Programmable DI Box!

Tech 21, the SansAmp people, have come up with the Programmable Bass Driver DI, a 3-channel, programmable, rig-in-a-box for bassists who can't get enough of a great thing. Like the TRI-A.C. for guitar, the Bass Driver DI offers three hot tones right at your toetips. The all-analog circuitry features the same controls as its single channel predecessor: Drive, Bass, Treble, Presence, Blend and Level. Digital only in its programmability, you just tweak the knobs until you find a tone, double-tap on a footswitch, and it's saved in that channel. It's that simple. Three of your favorite tones - to go!

Tech 21 Programmable Bass Driver DI Features:
  • 3-channel programmable DI box especially for bass instruments
  • Drive, Bass, Treble, Presence, Blend and Level controls
  • Go live with just your Bass Driver DI straight into the PA
  • Bounce into any studio with a Programmable Bass Driver DI and plug directly into the board
  • While larger than other SansAmp pedals, the Programmable Bass Driver DI still fits into a gig bag
  • Actual size is 7.25" L x 5" W x 2" H.
  • Roadworthy all-metal construction, yet weighs a mere 25 oz.
  • Operable with a 9-volt alkaline battery or optional Tech 21 DC2 power supply, and also phantom powerable
Live or in the studio, you'll get a kick out of the Programmable Bass Driver DI!

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Tech Specs

  • Type: DI
  • Form Factor: Pedal
  • Analog/Digital: Analog
  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
  • Outputs: 1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR
  • Power Source: 9V DC 100mA power supply (sold separately) / Phantom Power
  • Batteries: 1 x 9V
  • Height: 2.25"
  • Width: 7.25"
  • Depth: 5.25"
  • Weight: 1.56 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: PBDR

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Great tone and so easy to use/program.

Just used the SansAmp for the first time at church worship service. I play a Fender Aerodyne bass. We long ago stopped using live amps on stage and I wanted to have great tone...the kind of tone that clearly separates. Everyone enjoyed the set and got lots of comments about how clear and nice a tone they heard in the congregation. I will likely used more than one program next week as there is a song that would do well with a little drive added. Totally happy with this product at this point. I am just learning to be proficient at playing and to have 3 programs readily available (more if I wanted) is perfect.
Rated 5/5

Great Option for Guitarists Who Need to Record Quality Bass Tracks

I definitely have only positive impressions from this. I'll tell you why I bought it and how I got to this decision. There are a lot of guitarists like myself who record at home and who need to play and record bass tracks themselves, but who don't want to or who can't buy an expensive bass rig.

I have tried recording bass a few different ways over the years. I have used the regular interface DI and then added various software amps. I have tried the Sansamp Para into a interface DI. I bought a 25 watt bass amp and ran the DI out of that. I put a mic on the amp. All methods had good sound and had pros and cons, but I was still looking for something that gave me a greater sounding mix down option.

When I saw a used bass driver DI for sale I decided to buy it and try it. I had a gift certificate for that seller that covered most of the cost so I used it. Otherwise, Sweetwater is where I do my gear shopping.

As usual, I was looking for a lowest cost/ highest return on investment piece of bass gear. As a guitarist I view having to buy bass gear kind of like having to pay a car payment or having to buy heating oil. I am very grateful to have a set of wheels and some heat in the winter, but it's not what I want to spend my money on and bass is not my preferred instrument so I bought the used bass driver used with that mindset and I am very impressed with the options and results that I get from it. However, I can now say that it's still worth every penny that it costs new.

I run a Direct Line out of it, but I also run it to the amp, using the boost and EQ options and then mic the amp. The amp is only at speaking volume. It makes the most dramatic difference on the amp. It sounds like a much better amp. Together the mic on the amp and the DI give me so much more than I ever achieved before in a recorded bass sound and it makes mixing much easier. It's a much better starting point before I add any EQ, Compression or bass or amp plugins to the sound. It is my preference when recording to have the sound of a mic on the instrument or amp. I strongly prefer that sound. DI provides another color to mix with, but a great sounding instrument properly mic'd is still my favorite kind of sound, so the Bass Driver is a very essential tool for me now.
Rated 5/5

Good stuff

only took 20 minutes to dial in all 3 programs (spicy, medium, and mild) and balance the levels with amp and within pedal chain.

My Markbass combo (which I love!) is relatively sterile and this add a nice, thick character to my PJ bass on my 'mild' setting.
Rated 5/5

More versatile than expected - and fun

I was on the fence after reading a lot of reviews about the classic SansAmp sound, and the mid scoop that gets lost in the mix. Tech 21 does a pretty good job of explaining that combining their amp simulator with an amp could result in extra unwanted mid scoop, and how to overcome it. I had no issues dialing a punchy low-mid tone while maintaining the amp sim sound, without completing cutting the bass and treble cutting the balance (amp sim balance). If I want more bass I cut the treble, rather than boost the bass. It works well! There are tons of sounds. The programming helps to dial in settings. I dial > save > dial > save, etc. I keep two settings very similar, that way I can make a subtle difference depending on song or which bass I am using while maintaining my sound. The third is for an overdriven sound.

The presence plays well with the drive. On first try my thoughts were I'll never use the distorted sound. After tweaking quite a bit, there are many ways to use the overdriven sound from woofy low end overdrive to top end shimmering distortion over a full bass sound.

Do it. Buy this.
Rated 5/5

The Best

I've played bass for a long time, lots of styles, and lots of amps/equipment. What I immediately noticed was the classic tone that came out of this thing. Stop fiddling with all the knobs on your amp, just get your amp sounding "pretty good" and then let the sansamp make is "great"! I know when I have everything in the zone because I stop thinking/listening/adjusting and simply start enjoying the song.

The ability to program three different banks of tone is great too. Dial up and store a sound for finger-style, pick, slap, whatever and just switch between them all at any moment without walking over to the amp, twisting knobs on your bass, etc.

It's great. Just get it. One of the best pedals I have invested in for bass. Gives me fantastic iconic tones and makes playing so much more fun for me.

Sansamp - Make Bass Great Again
Music background: Rockin’ The Suburbs
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