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Tech 21 SansAmp RBI Bass Preamp

Rackmount Bass Preamp with Effects Loop and 2 Direct Outputs
$359.00

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Tech 21 SansAmp RBI Bass Preamp
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The Rackmount SansAmp

Just like its exceptionally popular pedal predecessor, SansAmp RBI offers you an entire sound spectrum of the most coveted traditional and modern bass amp systems - including mondo overdriven tones that typically require a complex mass of gizmos that weren't even designed for bass in the first place. Sample settings, such as SVT- style, Bassman-style, King's X-style, and Crimson-style (to name a few) are included in the owner's manual to get you started.

Familiar controls

Drive adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive; Presence brings out the upper harmonic content and attack; Blend allows you to mix the direct instrument signal with SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry; and active Bass and Treble controls cut or boost +/-12dB.

What's new?

SansAmp RBI features a dedicated Mid control; individual Level control for the XLR out to optimize your amp's output relative to the P.A. system; Effects Loop; Mix 50/50 switch to configure the Effects Loop in series or parallel; 1/4" rear input and XLR output with select- able levels; buffered uneffected XLR output to run a dry signal to a separate channel; Footswitch input to engage unit; and Footswitch output to chain and toggle between another SansAmp RBI.

The SansAmp RBI gives you a truckload of bass amp rigs in a single rackspace. When you start with a solid foundation of tone, you can travel as heavy or light as you like

Tech 21 SansAmp RBI Bass Preamp Features:

  • Pumped-up, turbocharged SansAmp Bass Driver DI
  • Effects loop makes integrating your pedalboard easy
  • Mix 50/50 control enables parallel or series operation
  • XLR output with selectable levels
  • Buffered direct XLR output provides your with a dry signal
  • Convenient rackmount enclosure

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Preamp
  • Form Factor: Rackmount
  • Rack Spaces: 1U
  • EQ: 3-band EQ
  • Inputs: 2 x 1/4"
  • Outputs: 1 x XLR (effect), 1 x XLR (dry), 1 x 1/4" (effect), 1 x 1/4" (dry)
  • Other I/O: 1 x 1/4" (remote switch)
  • Power Source: Standard IEC cable
  • Height: 1.5"
  • Width: 19"
  • Depth: 6.25"
  • Weight: 5 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: RBI

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Bass sound is so much better!

I've been wanting to add this to my rack for a while. Bass has sounded great since getting this. I can't play bass without it now
Music background: Musician/mix engineer
Rated 5/5

Finally.....the bass preamp I've been searching for.

I own over 40 bass guitars.....ranging in price from $200 - $1500. The more expensive bass guitars are much easier to get good tone from. Some of the less expensive bass guitars are not so tone friendly. Sometimes I have to wipe out my preamp settings when I switch basses to get a good tone and then I can never get the same settings back again. I have tried The Geddy Lee YYZ preamp pedal, the Ampeg Classic Analog Bass Preamp Pedal, The MXR M81 Bas Preamp Bass Pedal and a few others. I have also tried virtual computer bass pedal programs to save my settings. They are all fine if you play just one bass and only need to make subtle changes. In my case, I change out basses every 30 minutes or so when recording. I need to make preamp adjustments each time because some basses are active, some passive and some have advanced onboard tone control and some do not.

The rack mounted Tech 21 Sansamp RBI bass preamp is the perfect fit for me. No more bending over every few seconds to make changes on my pedal board. The signal to noise ratio is very quiet (no more hums or buzz), the tones are smooth and not overpowering and most importantly......it has a lot of headroom to boost any low signal from passive basses. I use it in my bass rack with an Art 31 band EQ, a Korg pitch-black tuner, a Behringer Virtualizer 3D FX2000 Effects Processor (for compression) and a Sampson Airline 88X wireless unit. I have no issues with the preamp as it sounds amazing and better than any pedal I have ever used. It is well built and simple to use. I highly recommend it to anyone using bass guitars to record with.
Music background: Audio engineer, drummer, keyboardist and bassist.
Rated 5/5

Thoroughly Impressed!!!

Ive only had this unit for a day so far, so i havent put it through the paces yet, but this thing sounds awesome!! Definitely a major improvement over using amp sims. Years ago i used to own a Ampeg SVT III Pro with a Ampeg 4x10 cab and i was completely in love with that tone, but around 3 years ago i lost all my equipment, had to start over and have been stuck in the digital realm for bass ever since. The past couple of years ive been building up my home studio rig, and guitar rig, but i havent gotten around to a bass rig yet. I was trying to wait until i could afford a new bass amp, preferably a new SVT3 Pro, but decided to give the RBI a chance. Im so glad i did!! Extremely versatile from Fender type tones, to SVT type tones, really clean to full overdrive, this unit does it all and is a great direct recording solution. Definitely worth every penny and i highly recommend this unit if your tired of amp sims and want a versatile bass preamp that doesnt empty your bank account.
Rated 5/5

Instant Gratification!

Having owned and used the awesome Bass Driver pedal for many years, I wanted the RBI for the extra routing and flexibility with my studio rack gear and patch bays. Sounds amazing and has a huge variety of tones. I couldn't imagine recording without it. I've tried going bass direct into my API preamp and used plug-in EQs and modelers to shape the sound - I never was able to get the instant great sound that the RBI provides.
Music background: Recording Engineer and Producer
Rated 5/5

Wow

You need this… if you're into getting amazing, versatile, clean, analog bass tones. I run it through a tube channel strip which really opens the SansAmp up in the studio. Great for my Hofner, Jazz, Pbass and even my acoustic bass sounds lovely through it. It is sososo great and easy to use!!
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