Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI

[@Kai-Peter.Schellhase]

This is easily the most thorough review I've ever seen on this pedal. Big thanks to Chris and the entire Bass Channel team.👍👍

[@TheBassChannel]

My mission was to make the best Bass Driver video anyone had seen. It seems like I may have hit the mark. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@mattcollins383]

@@TheBassChannel You accomplished that task. This was the best and most thorough bass gear review I've ever seen.

[@travisnorman]

@@TheBassChannel Yea, you nailed it. I have the previous model SansAmp Bass Driver DI and I learned a thing or two about my own pedal from your video. Which is saying something because I've used it for hundreds of shows! Thank you so much!! 🙏

[@uslawman1983]

I've had my Sansamp for two years now with Fender P-bass and PJ basses and I've adjusted some of my settings, in particular Blend, Presence and Drive and WOW! I'm getting so much more out of it now. Thanks Bass Channel.

[@Helljaybass]

Best Must Have Pedal of a Bassist. I’ve been using my v1 for more than a decade now. And it is still working. Definitely worth its price.

[@JunacCRO]

mines 15 years old, v1 aswell. absolute unit.

[@WeaponsRemorse]

Same my v1 I will never sell it

[@institutorockaoantigo]

This "Blend Control" chunk at 3:18 of the video explains in seconds why the Sansamp Bass Driver DI is probably the most important pedal in bass history

[@Ps3t]

How would the part sound without the pedal?

[@chrisparker5278]

It’s also the worst bass tone in my opinion. I just hate it

[@cheshirecatto]

It's quite funny for me though because I keep my blend knob at full all the time 😅

[@bassyey]

It's hated by Darkglass zoomer kids.

[@Doobiusphantom]

@@chrisparker5278ok

[@ampthebassplayer]

Well if I had known I was gonna show up in the video, I woulda showered!

[@hellocousteau6771]

Yeah, screw all other reviews on this pedal. This one covers it all. Awesome job guys!

[@rome8180]

To me, this may be the GOAT bass pedal. It just works. It is THE sound of rock bass, especially in the studio. The only other two pieces of bass gear I would argue have been more influential are the P bass and the Ampeg SVT.

[@ryanspencerlauderdale687]

I think Tech 21 even has an SVT style setting for this pedal. It’s that important.

[@teaganstritch7269]

Had mine for at least 10 years and it’s still my most important pedal on my rig

[@Metalbass1979]

I got mine in 1998, and have played countless shows with it. I've never recorded without it. Now, preparing for a European/African tour early next year, with a few U.S. dates in the works, I'm going with just my Sansamp, Lakland 44-60 bass and a tuner. I trust it that much!

[@Bob-hb3qb]

Ive had my sand amp DI for more than 25 years, Same one!! its been on more stages and studios than i can remember! Have two and stack them for some heavy tones. Or A single for a little soim. Didn't buy into all the darkglass and other pedals sent them all back and went back to ole reliable! GOTO!! decades!

[@Mrmemphisbones]

I am a big Tech21 fanboy, and Sansamp lover in general, but i never expected my comment to be featured in the review! Amazing pedal and video! ❤

[@treed873]

This has been the central part of my pedal board for several years now, and I still love it! I can't see myself replacing it.

[@alexpowley2442]

So glad to see these sansamps getting some love. Been a cornerstone of my setup for nearly 20 years now! 😊

[@flynbil]

I have and and I virtually stopped using a board. This puppy is all I need! Great review and instruction! Saved!

[@weightlessfilms5651]

This is the best review! I've had this pedal for over a decade. I love it, but I still learned a ton from this that I'll use. Thanks guys!

[@dwaynecarroll6098]

I love mine and never leave home without it!

[@AndreMaurici07]

I fell in love with sansamp sound since the first review I saw on youtube, then I bought a programmable version, and it's my always on pedal. even now sometimes i search for reviews on youtube just because I like to hear the sound, and you guys did the best sansamp video that i've watched, thanks for that!

[@luizzdea]

Now that's a great video! This answered all the questions I had and the one's I didin't even knew I had. Thanks

[@peadookie]

The OG bass preamp/DI pedal and it’s just being reviewed? Pfft lol. Glad you guys are checking it out :) I was a SUUUUUUUPER early sansamp/no-rig guy, so I love seeing them get some love. Mine’s still going strong and still lives on my pedalboard. Cali76CB->Sansamp is the foundation for me :)

[@TheBassChannel]

Oh this isn't our first dance with this SansAmp, but the old video (6 years ago!) was less sophisticated and less deep-diving.

[@peadookie]

@@TheBassChannel ha, fair enough!

[@johnyrocksville]

This review did it for me, I ordered one from Sweetwater. Can’t wait for it to show up.

[@quickwashtheraccoon7601]

The SansAmp is like the Converse Shoes, the EMG81 for a guitar, ... classic... it delivers and you don't do nothing wrong with it... the trickfish is my favourite at the moment but the sandAmp will always be a part in my heart...

[@jamescoderre9595]

Fantastic thorough review of the Sansamp Bass Driver V2 Chris 😀 I own the Bass Driver V2. I often pair it up with the Sansamp Para Driver. Both are must have versatile pieces of gear all Bass players should own. Keep up the good work, guys 😀👍

[@craigmoran893]

i have both - How are you using the Para Driver with it?

[@Firewalz]

I had a v1 years ago and never bonded with it, thought it sucked the mids out. However, a couple years back I bought a v2, now it’s with me on every gig. It simply sounds great in front of house/PA, big thick tone, with plenty of punch and clarity. Don’t get me wrong, I also have a Darkglass VMT for OD/fuzz, but for FOH support it’s the SansAmp.

[@creepymcpeepers]

Thank you for all the p bass settings! This is the one bass I always had trouble getting tones for! Y’all are so nicd

[@ryanspencerlauderdale687]

These bass tones sound massive, gentlemen! I especially love Jayme Lewis’s JB tone. Oh, and Fight Fire with Fire should be used in more bass demos than it currently is.

[@johnneadow4858]

Best pedal ever made. It's the core of my tone.

[@BassRacerx]

I've had the original since 2005 and it's been a great tool. But looks like it's time to update to the new version having all that mid control was everything i always wanted!

[@FURAPANZA]

Proud owner of the unit here, the only thing that I found missing is the possibility to play it with headphones. If a new version with headphones out, and maybe a line in for backing track, would come out I wouldn't hesitate to buy a newer one!

[@coltonpugh9669]

Aren't they wearing headphones in the video?

[@FURAPANZA]

​@@coltonpugh9669they are, but I think they're monitoring the sound from some other sources. Probably the tracks are pre recorded and "re-amped" with the unit.

[@james9789]

Get yourself a nux mighty plug headphone amp

[@eymardcm]

I just got mine in yesterday, and it freaking rocks!! I’ve have it dialed in like an SVT and it is crisp, gritty, and punchy. My setup is Fender Jazz Pro II MIA with 40 60 80 100 light gauge strings => Darkglass Super Symmetry compressor => Sanamp => Fender Rumble 500 input port. Amazing sound!

[@j.k.rollin_]

Try plugging it into the effects return of your rumble500. It will bypass the rumbles preamp. Even better sounding!

[@stevenbaca587]

I have this pedal. It's pretty much all I use when I practice. It works for the sound I need for my p-bass.

[@89ral]

The most complete review on KZbin, very helpful. Congratulations!

[@TheRetroBassist]

Chris again with another absolutely KILLER review! First the Gallien-Krueger and now the SansAmp, I'm definitely excited to see what great bass gear will be reviewed next. Outstanding job, thank you for this video and congratulations!

[@I_like_bass]

Very nice to hear some Gin Blossoms. Bill Lean is an underrated bassist.

[@taylorhilyard8661]

Tech21 addressed every issue I developed over my time with the v1. Imo the only thing that could make it better is adding presets while maintaining a similar form factor.

[@wcheng4927]

I'm just curious, what you don't like on the v1? Haven't tried the v2 but been using the v1

[@gcvrsa]

The BDDI v2 is the second pedal I recommend to any new or even established electric bassist, after a tuner. It is as close to an industry standard as there could possibly be, because it sounds great in almost any context. It is *not* cheap, and will run you $200 used or more new, but it's worth the investment. The only thing I don't like about it is the black and yellow design, but I've learned to get over that. BTW, I have never really been a fan of Gibson basses or tapewound strings, but that EB-0 with tapes sounds perfect for James Brown. There are many, many preamp/DI boxes on the market, but the BDDI v2 is still one of the best at any price. You may ultimately decide on a different unit, but you owe it to yourself to give one a spin.

[@ramoniak6]

I also own a SansAmp VT and a B7K Ultra but this one will always be my favorite.

[@Longy_b]

I’ll take sansamp over darkglass every time 🤘 I have the sansamp VT bass Di and absolutely love it. This model allows you to disengage the cab sim if you don’t want it too.

[@glueball9511]

i have a sansamp bass vt as well as a q strip and i am sitll somewhat tempted to buy one of these eventually. classic is a classic, i hear the ease of use is bar none

[@Supernautiloid]

I prefer the VT Bass DI, but I understand why this one is so popular.

[@ewadge]

This is how you do a review. Well done.

[@gabrielnilsson5398]

Such a top notch review! Thank you! ❤

[@stevenlewis4376]

I've been using this since it came out. I usually plug into the effects return of whatever amp I'm using, or just use a power amp. I used to carry a Crest power amp and a Peavey 31 band EQ with High and Low pass filters to fine tune the tone for the room and split the signal.That went into two 4×10 cabs. It sounded like an SVT but louder and clearer.

[@rico_racing]

Great video ! It has so many sound options and sounds I like, especially with the bass 40/80hz button. Definitely going to buy me this one for at home. After all, it's still a must have for any bassist too.

[@klaymeister]

That double buck Warwick may be my favorite of all the tones

[@briankrueger1142]

Fantastic overview with lots of tone examples!

[@andrewhumphries9286]

Amazingly thorough review, thank you!

[@boomerbutler7569]

I've had this exact Sans Amp for about 10 years and I absolutely love it. My only issue is that when you max out the drive it gets really muddy, but anything 3/4 or less is perfect.

[@JunacCRO]

The best pedal you can have as a bass player. By far.

[@bobs1540]

I got the geddy lee 2112 di. And boy ohboy, does it rock. I first heard about these boxes from Joey belladonna cover band chief big way. I was talking with the bass player and I said, where is your rig? He said right here. He plugged into the PA, and I’ve been blown away ever since.

[@Pesso86]

I just love this thing in every aspect except for heavy distortion. I run it with some grit in parallel with a much dirtier tech21 yyz and they work together like a charme

[@ryanslauderdale]

Good old SansAmp Bass Driver. It just makes your bass sound beefy in the mix. Sounds fantastic with the Fender basses.

[@solal94]

superbe demo !

[@creepymcpeepers]

I love yall guys this video has so much good stuff for me

[@1thess523]

My son is building a pedal board for church and the Sansamp came in sonwe tried it, for me the blend all the way on and everything else around noon is where it's at for me, it gives my Gallien-Kruger 700RB an SVT feel. I play pop and skate punk so that's the sound I like , the church worship sound isn't too far form that 👍

[@abouc]

Excellent review! I had no idea there was a built-in SVT tone.

[@danthegreaser71]

I recently ordered the Steve Harris SansAmp pedal and am waiting for it to be delivered. I hope it is as amazing as this one. I’m sure it will be good just from the demos I’ve seen but we’ll see.

[@scottcruickshank870]

Great video guys. How were these sounds recorded, direct, mic'd cab, or a blend of both? Side note, i recently purchased the bass channel IRs and am loving them!

[@TheBassChannel]

They’re all xlr out unless explicitly stated otherwise (which I think only happens twice throughout the video)

[@joecantu5252]

Amazing

[@FlamesAt1000ft]

Hey!😂need a DI that covers ALL issues!?? Well, here it is! Great tone control for ANY Genre~‼️🤨👌🏾You can literally use it INSTEAD of an AMP!! 👍🏾😁Try it and you may well forget about bringing yours! Have the Sound Man send your signal FOH + thru the monitors and be KILLER sounding with rumble!! Don’t have one but used one this way and smiled the whole time!! I’ve got a EBS Micro Bass II that suits me fine so never invested but if & when I’m ll need a DI ,..definitely going this way!! .🎸🎛️✨🤘🏾😃

[@LSapio]

Best review of this pedal since... ever? You nailed it. What about the VT one? I'm a bit more hyped about it, it's def more ampeg-ish (ofc) and versatile imho. It'd be awesome to see your review of it (:

[@tmchesney56]

Great video! Did it sound better running into the front of the Hartke LH500 to keep the tube pre in the chain or in the effects loop return bypassing the tube pre? I think keeping the tube pre on the amp with eq flat and using as a pedal is a good option. Also on a different note, I love all those Spector basses you all are playing. Between the ns pulse 4 and the new HP model, which one do you all prefer. I am aware of all the differences but mainly would like to know which one you all prefer. Thank you, these videos are awesome!

[@dowonzz]

Thanks

[@StatutoryRock]

Wolfpac in the house!

[@timothydukeman7619]

Did anyone spot the length of the video? 21:12.

[@jazzad]

Wrathchild ! This pedal may be odd, it still his very commonly used because it works. Whenever you're lost looking for a good tone, bring out the BDDI and you end up good.

[@krms2504]

Would be nice if you would do a deep dive on more famous bass pedals

[@Therealchuckbailey]

Like what????

[@wcheng4927]

​@Therealchuckbailey I can't think of any more iconic bass-specific pedal other than Bass Driver

[@atamsanchez5638]

I have always wanted one, but the new price tag always kept me away and the used market wasn't at all generous. Anyway I finally found a new limited edition on reverb and it was on a very sweet discount so it finally came and it's my favorite bass pedal

[@creepymcpeepers]

I have this pedal but didn’t think about that switch 40/80 hz for my five string

[@creepymcpeepers]

Can you do this with the alpha omega ultra but go and show all the different kind of basses and presets for that one?

[@SquierBulletBass-sj5bg]

I fried many speakers using this as a pedal throughout the years. Sounded great though.

[@someone3662]

This is an excellent and thorough review of this pedal. The best one I've seen! But I have one important question to all the gear experts out there. We are about to record and our producer asked for one completely clean bass signal and one with my sound through overdrive, fuzz and all my goodies. I'm thinking of putting my BDDI first in line and through the parallel output give him my clean signal and then connect the normal output of the BDDI with the rest of the chain and give the coloured one. Is that possible? I'm asking because I know that the parallel output is not balanced, it's basically connected to the input of the pedal and leaves the bass sound unaffected. Is it OK even if the output is unbalanced? The interface will be a MOTU M2, if it matters. IN1 will be the clean and IN2 the dirty. Thanks in advance!

[@ryanlee9730]

Am I too old if I love this sound the most among all the rest of bass driver pedals? 😂

[@Jay_A5]

Ok I’m throwing away all these pedals and going back to the sansamp!

[@seandemura128]

I've had both the original and the v2. I dearly miss the original...

[@BassPlayerCayden2009]

15:38 what song is that riff from its really good!

[@TheBassChannel]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJvMk2WpeLaKqposi=M9EkSetVrAYJa4S7

[@Seize_The_Karp]

Itd be sick to demo the bassman tone with a matt freeman line.

[@Therealchuckbailey]

Who is the perfectly bearded and groomed man in the beginning playing Blink?! Sounds great!

[@ChrisCaccamiseMusic]

I don’t know but he looks EXACTLY like the guy playing Longview on that Rickenbacker.

[@bobayersquebec]

What is the bass at 15:37 purple ? its the sound I want. By the way it's the coolest gear test I like tanks I want that sana amp now ! because of you I have to pay again lol

[@tusabitz477]

Is bass programmable driver better?

[@andyblack6170]

Jason Newsted Configuration?

[@NormalFoot]

What is the song from 7:59 - 8:12 ?? Is it Rolling Stones? I can’t place it, help!!!! Also - AMAZING review of THE bass pedal. Wow, this was so full and well done. Thank you!

[@TheBassChannel]

The song is “Double Down” by Jayden Secor

[@NormalFoot]

@@TheBassChannel Oh man, I wasn't even close with my guess! I appreciate the answer, I'm gonna go look for that song now. And Thanks again for the review of the driver, it answers so many questions. Tops!

[@bobmazzola6089]

How do I get an older tone that Tech 21 had with their Leeds and Liverpool pedals from the Sansamp Bass driver DI V2?

[@BonzoSolorza]

Sansamp Bass Driver > B7K

[@MrWhit30]

Id like to know the pluses and minuses of the SansAmp vs another popular high end direct box/preamp like the Noble, or just a plain Jane high quality DI like the Redi or Radial DI. Besides bass guitar I also play upright with Shadow pickups & preamp. The Shadow preamp has a tone and gain control but no xlr, just 1/4" out. Id like the ability to go direct/ no amp, or amp plus direct, without having to be near the mixer. But Im unsure which would be most versatile and useful for both applications.

[@robertf1309]

I miss my Sansamp

[@NSalonen]

Put the playback speed to 0.75 and it sounds like it was narrated by Joe Rogan 👍

[@ArchieOnEarth]

I keep a BDDI (v1 I think - doesn’t have mid and bass shift buttons or battery door) in my pedalboard bag as my emergency sound when all else fails. When the Bass Fly Rig v2 added a character button to switch between BDDI and VT engines I no longer needed it permanently on the board. While I like the BDDI sound better, I’ve found myself more often choosing the more pronounced mids of the VT mode to be better heard in a band mix, and to complement fretless tones. If you're going for Jaco bridge pickup tone, or play a lot of harmonics, pick a VT based engine instead of BDDI. BDDI rules for slapping and hard picking. I wish the character button on my BFI v2 were a footswitch, or assignable to each channel separately.

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

I find the 40hz shift makes it sound kinda muddy.

[@PapaLeech]

What input device was used to record in this video please?

[@RDog4484]

I have the “Para Driver” which I got from a friend. What would you say the main difference is between that and the Bass Driver?

[@kameronwraithd.k.5363]

Could you make a video of the JOYO Tidal Wave?

[@Alexmayor007]

Si lo usas con un bajo pasivo sería lo mismo que uno activo ?

[@AzuIVerde]

6:50 someone please tell me. Who is this "yesterday" playing?

[@OmegaBeams-gl6xh]

I think I found it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3u7eKOKebaXd8ksi=B_VshsEIAqgLm-CN

[@Javier-qk7ms]

Dos you mention when turned off it is just a DI box? It Is a swiss knife.

[@liamjenkins82]

Man I got a second hand one of those a couple of weeks back. If I have any of the volume knobs turned up past maybe 3 it's all fuzzy noisy. Is this normal? Emgs in a Spector pulse if that makes any difference. And only really on the b string Love the pedal though.

[@businessofrhythm2315]

Have you adjusted the pickup height lower on the B side?

[@liamjenkins82]

@@businessofrhythm2315 sure have. No difference

[@Talesofatrashman]

Zach Top's bassist (Jimmy) uses this pedal the sound from this thing is phenomenal

[@HvyMetal4Ever]

How would you compare this against the Darkglass B7K? Obviously it's half the price; but is it half the product in comparison?

[@ramoniak6]

Completely different sound. I own both and prefer the SansAmp for my punk band. I use the B7K Ultra for metal recording at home.

[@mattlazer902]

Honestly, I feel the sansamp is way more bang for the buck. Darkglass stuff is cool but absurdly overpriced, and really, unless you're going for THAT very specific darkglass modern metal overdrive sound, the Sansamp just does the job far cheaper and dare I say more efficiently. I play everything from punk to hard rock and metal. I can't tell you how many complements I get on my tone, and how many people have come up to me asking how i get my sound, just running a sansamp V1 into my amp. Also, try running distortions into it with a bit of presence 👌👌👌 To be clear, Darkglass is excelent gear, just overhyped in the online bass world, and FAR overpriced IMO

[@HvyMetal4Ever]

@@mattlazer902 Thanks for the input. It honestly feels like a Big Muff inline with that would get me that extra overdrive I'd want. That SA being half the price is definitely more enticing. Thanks again!

[@HvyMetal4Ever]

@@ramoniak6 What sets the B7K apart for tone in the metal side of it? Just better mids? A little tighter?

[@ramoniak6]

@@HvyMetal4Ever the B7K has a different, more modern sounding overdrive which is loved by many metal bassists. I too bought it after watching Orion's (Behemoth) live gear rundown because I loved his sound in The Satanist. The downside is that almost all metal bassists use the B7K nowadays, so it almost becomes too recognizable and cliché.

[@nj1255]

Still no input pad for active basses? 🤦‍♂ Had two of these back in the day. One regular DI and one Programmable, both clipped horribly when using high output active basses (and I'm not talking about the distortion that should be there). The only one I've tried that didn't clip is the old Tech 21 PSA-1, but I don't believe there's much in similar between the PSA-1 and the Sansamp Bass Driver DI series. Hopefully these v2 Bass Drivers just have more sensitive inputs, otherwise there's a lot of basses out there you can't use them with (unless you like to keep the volume pot on your bass at 25-50% constantly).

[@shelbysmoakbleeder9988]

Umm. Is that wrathchild bassline at about 3 1/2 mins! Yes please!!!

[@pjfields2382]

They are releasing a sans amp xb in May or June..two channel..one clean one dirty channel and a third you can mix go check that out..they have a pre release video...sans amp xb

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

what are the switches for on the warwick corvette. ,split the coils. ???

[@TheBassChannel]

When the bass is stock, the switches have 3 positions: series, parallel, and single. I swapped the electronics out for two EMG MMTW pickups and the BTS System (running at 18v). Now the switches have two positions: dual coil and single coil

[@stevengonz]

Wait did y’all put a B1K in that SG?!? 😂

[@TheBassChannel]

DFZ Fuzz, actually

[@stevengonz]

fuck yeah that's rad@@TheBassChannel

[@TheBassChannel]

We did a whole video on it. You’ll probably enjoy it

[@TheBassChannel]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4nHhGiAZZ6nhpI