Sansamp XB Driver - The Ultimate Multi Channel Bass Preamp?

Let's walkthrough the SansAmp XB Driver from Tech21 NYC, the most eagerly awaited preamp in the world of bass gear. This innovative device is being hailed by many as the ultimate bass preamp, and for good reason.
From the moment you plug in, the XB Driver impresses with its rich, full-bodied tone and unparalleled clarity. Its wide range of controls allows for an almost infinite variety of sound customization, making it a versatile tool for any bassist. Tech 21 delivers on it's promise in a big way.
But what really sets the XB Driver apart is its potential to make other popular bass preamps obsolete. With its advanced features and superior sound quality, it offers a level of performance that other preamps simply can’t match. Older options from Darkglass, and Line 6 could be displaced by the Sansamp XB driver
In our demo, we’ll walk you through the XB Driver’s various features and settings, and show you just how much this remarkable device can enhance your sound. And in our review, we’ll give you our honest opinion on why the XB Driver could be the best investment you make in your bass rig.
00.00 Sound Samples
03:01 Intro
04:12 Feature Walkthrough
11:15 Crafting A Tone Step By Step
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[@RodneyMcG]

The settings shown in each sound sample are accurate, so you can see how each was achieved!

[@Bigscott4130]

"I'm usually trying to destroy the guitar players will to live..." This is how you Life Goal. Thanks Rodney, great demo/showcase... I was right on FB... WANT!!!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Scott!

[@danielcorrigan8805]

As a session player I often end up on gigs where I need clean compressed sounds, light drive, and face melting distortion all in the same gig. With my old Tech 21VT I always needed at least one other drive and one other compressor to get that versatility. This looks cool because you can get all the sounds you need out of one pedal.

[@RodneyMcG]

For sure

[@t.j.meechan682]

Sansamp has never let me down. I'm always interested in the gear they produce. Just wish a had half the skill of Mr. McG.

[@RodneyMcG]

This one is something special for sure

[@t.j.meechan682]

@@RodneyMcG I could get rid of all the pedals I thought I needed and just go down to this one honestly

[@57precision]

Finally, one Sansamp to rule them all! Don't see myself needing the DP-3X, Gedal, or VT after this comes out. Really liked the step by step tone shaping Rodney, there's a lot of knobs on this thing and some subtle interactions and it's great to have a tutorial like this.

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Tech21nyc]

Loved every minute Rodney! You have such a way with words 😀And sounds 🎶🎶🎶 Thanks for such an informative and thorough dive 👍👍👍

[@RodneyMcG]

Truly appreciated, glad you enjoyed! I think you guys definitely set a new bar for bass pre amps. And I'm not saying it might pop-up on the channel again in the near future, But.........😉

[@lindaj2k]

TWO Ibanez basses in ONE video, love it. On another note though, I love your gear videos because I get to learn things about tone making even though I don't have any of the products you review.

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Linda! I have more on tone shaping coming. I hope you enjoy

[@davidloflin3098]

Well I've never been disappointed with Tech 21 or a Rodney McG vid so this was a slam dunk. Sweet unit and sweet playing, good to see you Sir.

[@RodneyMcG]

Thank you, David!

[@hbomb495]

The principle of getting a great tone here is kinda like how someone mixing will use two types of bass tones on a separate track, in their respective frequency ranges to get the bass to fit in a mix. But instead of being on a DAW, it's in pedal format. Really cool. Also, good to see you're looking well mate ☺

[@RodneyMcG]

Exactly. And thank you, much appreciated 🤘

[@H0LT-85]

Man that 6 string is beautiful. Another excellent demo. Another pedal that I don’t need that now I want 😂

[@RodneyMcG]

We all know want=need 🤣

[@tome4961]

YES!!! I've been eyeballing this wonder since the announcement ❤

[@TheSonsofHorusx]

He’s Alive!

[@RodneyMcG]

Aint going that easy!

[@dimitrisdiskovolos4749]

Cheers for that Rodney . You also look healthier , I am happy for that.

[@RodneyMcG]

Thank you Dimitri!

[@Bassmeister_Jay]

Been waiting for this video! Great walkthrough as always Rodney. I hope they added your sample setting in the manual! can't wait to put my P bass through this!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Jay. The settings in the video are accurate to each sound, so you can airways refer back and pause.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

This is one killer piece of gear from Tech21 I absolutely love the separate EQ that’s the issue I have with a lot of pedals like this, but they nailed it, great review Rodney! Always enjoy a new video from you

[@RodneyMcG]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@PushSueAside]

Cheers Rodney. You always do amazing videos. Most of all I sincerely want you to know how happy I am to see how good/healthy you look. I hope you feel as good. I don’t know you but I think you do a lot of good and I learn whenever I watch your videos. I apologize if I overstepped by saying things like that, it comes from a good place.

[@RodneyMcG]

Wow, thank you. I truly appreciate the kind words. Thanks for stopping in.

[@markszabo3794]

A masterclass on tone shaping. 🫵👍

[@RodneyMcG]

Many thanks!!

[@metalbob23]

Dude killer from start to finish tons of info and is eye-opening, putting money down on one today!!! Truly one of the best gear videos I have ever seen 100%

[@RodneyMcG]

Thank you!

[@matthewduncan9405]

I’m so pumped for this!!!!

[@eitanmetcalf6198]

Very nice tones, and got to love the use of the Jeff loomis signature too.

[@kimfaucher007]

« I like to destroy the guitarist’s will to live »… I just LOVE it! As always, great advices! With your thought process in this video, it really helped me to set my own tone with my own rig and my own ears! Thank you so much for this wonderful post!

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad you got something from it!

[@nj1255]

Really nice that they actually included fully adjustable and separate filters, instead of just one combined crossover. Like you said in a video about a different drive pedal, you can easily cut away a lot of the unwanted mids by not having the two filters cross over each other.

[@RodneyMcG]

Totally agree!

[@Steven_Hudgins]

Great tone advice that really can be used on anything thanks

[@neoland666]

Great review, as always. Thanks!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thank you!

[@timtapp5931]

THIS is impressive. Knew you would put this thing through the paces to get a good look at what this thing can do. Definitely looks like the knobs "a little bit goes a long way" kind of sensitive. Does the crossover sound pretty decent in reverse ( hpf turn ccw past the lpf)? The most impressive thing is the crossover eq being able to create frequency gaps. So slotting other instruments together sonically becomes alot easier before any post recording eq. AND everyone can be heard. That's huge.

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Tim! You can get suprising results using the crossover in non obvious ways. I'm still exploring it. It's a deep rabbit hole for sure!

[@jameslangford9347]

Tech 21 has so much great gear it is difficult to choose what to get; The Geddy Lee, Frank Bello, Steve Harris.....and now perhaps this XB Driver!

[@RodneyMcG]

The correct answer is...............yes

[@Tech21nyc]

@@RodneyMcG Agreed! 😃

[@bassplayer807]

@@RodneyMcGAlready pre-ordered mine but too bad it won’t be there in time for my Summerfest show, opening for REO Speedwagon next Friday!! It’s fine cause I got the Origin Effects Super Vintage on my pedalboard for the time being which will work fine for the time being, until I can add this to my board too!!!

[@RodneyMcG]

Congrats on the great gig!

[@bassplayer807]

@@RodneyMcG Thanks man!! Hoping REO and Management love us enough to bring us on the road with them next year ( or bigger opportunities arise) I think going with them this year is too late in the game at this point, but they obviously loved us enough to give us a 90 minute set before they go on, usually support acts only get 30 minutes most of the time, so I’m honored!!!

[@edfernandez2595]

Great seeing you are in good health and putting out great content again!!!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Ed!

[@GreatHouseAtreides]

This pedal is ridiculous. Man that’s some sick tones

[@RodneyMcG]

It is a beast. Thanks for the kind words🤘

[@tome4961]

I think fx loop is just flat out winner, there are no such thing on competing top brands flagship preamps, only fishman platinum had it, but nowhere near the other controls and circuits this baby has under the hood. Para and bass driver and dUg? On right set pedal board this will cover gigs from church all the way to porngrind dungeons 😍

[@RodneyMcG]

Church to porngrind dungeons! Comment of the month!🤣🤣

[@adamdeleon2776]

I really want to add one of these to my board soon. I’ve been running the RBI for years but I’ve been wanting to go rackless.

[@mixc8]

Excellent Brother Mc G I hope they make a rack version as well.

[@52goldtop]

Rodney, killer video as usual man… thank you so much for putting together such a well thought out and in-depth video for low-enders…. as always man the studio’s gothic backdrop and lines are inspiring as hell. Thanks again

[@RodneyMcG]

And thank you!

[@StephenBecker]

Whoa, what a nice piece of gear! If I didn't already have the BDDI and SH-1, I think I'd get this thing for sure. Good stuff as always Rodney!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks!

[@tonycarel1785]

Thanks Rodney very happy to see another video from you!!( It's been a minute) I love the quote "I am trying to destroy the guitar player will to live"😂😂 great review. I am definitely picking this up. Great review as always!! Have a wonderful day!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks so much, Tony!

[@woody4269]

Gday Rodney!! Dont know anything about tech, so im stoked to have come across your channel. My towns about 10 sq/miles. So they're stuffed if i go deep on the journey. Cheers 🤙

[@RodneyMcG]

The good thing about living now is you access anything from anywhere. Glad you found the channel, thanks for checking it out.🤘

[@cd0u50c9]

The main essence in that bite - new strings! Makes the job 60% easier. I've enjoyed diversifying from the Sans Amp by also using the MXR M80, and sometimes I use them together to accent different elements of both. Cracking video as always and good to see you back at it.

[@RodneyMcG]

Right on!

[@mattster693]

thats a super nice preamp! its really similar to the ampeg svt 5 pro i have but without the crossover, i might have to try one

[@RodneyMcG]

I heartily recommend it

[@frankmarini5391]

thanks for this review. It gives a good listen to the overall tones. This appears to be a fancy version of the dUG pedal, I dont hear much geddy or original Sans-amp. the full two channel sound with crossover and HPF/LPF, sounds very good, but the individual channel tones lack.

[@RodneyMcG]

I think it's worth a second consideration. Both channels actually do well solo. The tapping piece I did is actually the drive channel solo. When you watch the places where i'm tone crafting, i'm specifically using each channel in context of the other, so what each is capable of is a bit more than you might think. Even with that, it's much more than just an expanded Dug. It's got it's own thing. Thanks for checking it out!

[@TimStarace]

WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO

[@mpost43062]

so the Dug DP-3X pedal on steroids? Very Nice.

[@RodneyMcG]

Feature wise - yes. It has many more options and variety of tones on tap as well.

[@bassplayer807]

It’s like Dug pedal/ Q-strip/ Para Driver had a baby

[@dougb3854]

@@RodneyMcG The DUG seems to have a clearer distortion, more clank than fuzz

[@charlie-grove]

"I'm usually trying to destroy the guitar player's will to live." Hahahaha!!!! Love it!!!

[@roadraider70]

Great video, as usual Rodney! Two questions though: 1- What model are the two EMG pickups in that bass? 2- Did you set the bass's on board EQ flat while making this video?

[@Bobby_Uterus]

Best bass channel around! Would you dial it in any differently for using picks versus fingers?

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Bobby! I probably would'nt dial it in differently, but I would likely change my bass setup / action.

[@Bobby_Uterus]

@@RodneyMcG Thanks for the Reply Rodney! Keep doing what you’re doing man! It’s much appreciated!

[@derwinmoss9485]

Fantastic review, Rodney! I’m super low-tech, but I was actually able to make sense of the XB’s operation, -with your help here. I dig the tones, I’m definitely considering buying one. I already use a GED-2112/Stereo Power amp/separate cabinets setup, but it’s sometimes too much gear for certain rooms. Will the XB drive a stereo power amp? I’m thinking about an XB/power amp/single cabinet setup for smaller rooms, provided the XB can serve as a preamp. If not, I’ll be buying a Sansamp RBI. Thanks again for the excellent review, Best Regards!!!

[@RodneyMcG]

Thanks, Darwin! Glad you liked it. The XB Is designed as a preamp, so it will work as well for you as the 2112 or the RBI. Hope that helps.

[@genghisghost]

None better to show this pedal off than Rodney McG!

[@tommiebouchardpellerin1574]

Tanks very useful and professional. Any headphones plug?

[@RodneyMcG]

No headphones

[@xdaniedx]

Yep you sold me on it and I was already sold on it haha. Awesome review and explanation of how it works!

[@RodneyMcG]

Glad I could help!

[@geekguitars]

Fuck yeah!!!!

[@jackshittle]

Super informative video. I have a DP-3X that I love but my issue is; I've been playing 33 years but when it comes to EQ, tone shaping, frequencies I'm a Simple Jack. I don't really know squat about it. My whole life I'd just get a pedal, start with the settings at neutral, then manipulate the 3-5 knobs until it sounds cool. This XB driver seems like the controls to the B-2 Stealth Bomber to me. I guess I could just get one & turn knobs until it sounds right to my ears - but there's no way I have the know how & skill to go into it like Rodney did where he understands freqs & knows right off the bat how to start adjusting the knobs, as he's not just randomly turning knobs like I would have to.

[@RodneyMcG]

I say go for it. How do you think i learned?😀

[@jackshittle]

@@RodneyMcG Thanks & good point 🤘🏻. Happy 4th of July btw.

[@RodneyMcG]

@jackshittle and happy 4th to you!

[@timtapp5931]

One more question: when engaging the Bite switch, did you find any reduction in the mids in the clean or drive channel, while the tone was tightened? Like a scoop (or boost) of any of the frequencies?

[@RodneyMcG]

Not at all

[@TonyPuleo1]

Is the “Tuner Out”, truly a “pass through” and not affected just like DI? I think it would be nice to have an unaffected like to backline.

[@RodneyMcG]

It is totally unaffected

[@WheezyLiam]

Amazing but of course there's one glaring flaw: theres only *one* output. I was so close to preordering this but now I'm going to stick with my original plan of getting a DI2112.

[@dylangadwa3119]

If I'm starting from zero and have only a bass and ny DAW... This SansAmp XB or Darkglass Microtubes Infinity?

[@RodneyMcG]

Two really different units. I would sit with the features of each and decide what you need most

[@rockandrollisyourmom]

Would you still recommend the SLS Elite 5 in the price range today?

[@RodneyMcG]

That's tough. I haven't compared prices and features recently. I know the Schecter line took a big price jump, so I don't know if my earlier comparison would still hold.

[@almostliterally593]

This will replace my whole pedalboard. Except the tuner.

[@RodneyMcG]

Did the same for me

[@joconnorwi]

dammit......I knew this would be amazing....

[@RodneyMcG]

They are just awesome.

[@MarkCharlesLamendola]

ok.. but I’ll stick with my VT Bass DI my amp has a comp btw: I live in cover band land and these tones are not really usable for the most part

[@ahmzn]

Sexcited!

[@johnpatitucci7919]

Man... The DP-3X was good enough for me. Then they throw this in the mix...

[@RodneyMcG]

I'm so with you! 🤣🤣

[@piratebasscaptain]

Sounds like a great pedal but 700 euros in EU is insane

[@alanstronach3408]

I appreciate the work you put into this review. But to my ears the final tone sounded horrible. And it seems like the nuances you described when shaping the tone would be almost inaudible in a band mix. The more gear reviews I watch, especially of preamps/DI, the more it reminds me of hi-fi reviews where reviewers justify spending BIG money on equipment to hear the most subtle differences. In a bass context, shifting the position on the string could have a more dramatic difference. But again, maybe I just don't have great ears

[@RodneyMcG]

To each tier own

[@bassman12]

too bad they messed up the price in europe.

[@Savonkieroin]

The price in Europe is outrageous. Btw, what is a price in North America?

[@bassman12]

@@Savonkieroin 500$

[@driverbass1554]

I had a feeling $500 would be where it would sit.

[@57precision]

@@Savonkieroin aren't all prices in Europe outrageous? Music Man's for instance cost almost $2000 USD more in the UK than they do in the States.

[@someone3662]

Goodbye money!!!

[@GSDbigdogdaddy]

Would this pedal be like having the rack mounted RPM and RBI together like Geddy Lee used?

[@RodneyMcG]

In a way, but way more capabilities and tone sculpting

[@WrkBassShredder]

I was thinking about a radial bass 🦴 This sounds good though as well❤