Tech 21 BSDR SansAmp Bass Driver DI

by Tech 21

Product Features

• 100% analog
• For stage and studio applications.
• 3 outputs to drive power amps, recording desks, PA mixers.
• Active EQ controls specifically tuned for bass, cut or boost 12dB.
• Blend control to combine the proportion of direct signal and SansAmp circuitry.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 4.2 x 2.5 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0002D0EN8
• Item model number: SansAmp Bass Driver DI
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,579 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #6 in Musical Instruments > Instrument Accessories > Guitar & Bass Accessories > Amplifiers > Bass Guitar Amplifiers > Preamps

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Much more than just a direct box, the SansAmp Bass Driver DI is capable of dialing up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between. Three different outputs to drive power amps, recording desks, PA mixers, or simply enhance your current rig. Controls include Presence for definition and upper harmonic content; Blend to combine the proportion of direct signal and SansAmp circuitry; and active EQ specifically tuned for bass with 12dB of cut or boost.

The controls offer a broad range of traditional bass amp sounds, including such meaty styles as Bassman® and SVT®, as well as raunchy, crunchy overdriven sounds that would typically require a multitude of effects units.

• PRESENCE: controls the amount of definition and upper harmonic content.
• DRIVE: adjusts the overall gain structure and overdrive.
• LEVEL: regulates the XLR and effected 1/4" output levels.
• BLEND: allows you to mix the direct bass signal with SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry (which is particularly useful for basses equipped with piezo pickups).
• BASS & TREBLE: are active EQ controls, specifically tuned for bass guitar, that cut or boost +/- 12dB.

For studio and live applications, SansAmp Bass Driver DI is engineered with three outputs: an effected XLR, and effected 1/4", and a parallel, uneffected 1/4". The footswitch activates the Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry. Disengaging the circuitry enables you to use SansAmp Bass Driver DI as a standard active transparent direct box.

Phantom power operable, or uses optional DC power supply, Tech 21 Model #DC2, or 9V alkaline battery (not included).
Actual size: 4.5" x 3.5" x 1.5", Weight: 14 oz.

Product Description

Pre-amp, stomp box and DI all in one. Dial up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds, gnarly distortions, and all in between.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars secret ingredient for great tone and/or distortion, March 2, 2010

By 

Surfing Bassist (San Luis Obispo, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tech 21 BSDR SansAmp Bass Driver DI (Electronics)

I got this pedal for its distortion sound after borrowing a friends SansAmp Bass Driver DI and falling in love with it. I had to purchase my own. After using it for a few months it has become an essential part of my full time sound. I don't use it as a distortion pedal anymore but as a full time pre-amp for live shows, rehearsals, and recording studios. Although, this pedal does offer my favorite distortion sound for electric bass. My favorite sounding bass ever has Bartolini Mark V pickups and preamps. I introduced the BSDR and now when I play the bass with out the BSDR the bass sounds dull. It's because I'm so used to the great tone of the pedal now. I only have the drive turned up a 1/4 way at the most, which adds a nice punch. The pedal adds lots of presence, and fat, well rounded tone in the low end. I have gotten compliments from producers/engineers in several studios already, as well as compliments at live shows from fans and sound engineers. This has been the best piece of equipment I have purchased for my professional bass playing career. It adds a confidence that changes the way you play!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ESSENTIAL piece of bass equipment, December 3, 2009

By 

Live in Contrast (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tech 21 BSDR SansAmp Bass Driver DI (Electronics)

I have had my SansAmp Bass Driver DI for nearly 10 years, and it is the single best piece of equipment you can buy for your bass rig on a limited budget. I use it twice a week live, and have used it for direct recording on numerous occasions. I have had people stop me after shows to ask me about my excellent sounding "rig", which includes the SansAmp into a cheap compressor and a small combo amp. It can do great things even for an inexpensive bass, and sounds fantastic with my Warwick and Fender American Jazz basses. It is an absolute essential for bass players.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great investment for a working musician, August 7, 2009

By 

William Lattanzio (Pa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tech 21 BSDR SansAmp Bass Driver DI (Electronics)

I've had this preamp for roughly 11 years. It's been used live hundreds of times and at practice thousands. I've recorded with it at home and in studio and it still works as great today as the day I bought it, even after many nights of being kicked, stepped on, beer spilled on it, and infused with cigarette smoke from the bar patrons. I've gotten many incredible sounds out of it but found that I have 2 personal favorite settings: one for rock and one for jazz.
The sansamp is also a great boost for passive basses and gives them power without distorting the sound. All in all it's improved the sound of every bass I've ever owned from low to high end. Well worth it.