Tech21 SansAmp PBDR Bass Driver DI

General Direct Boxes

Always thinking of their fat-stringed brethren, Tech21 had to make 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, you get 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 faves -- to go!

REVIEWS
Feature:
Wish it came with the power adapter, had a mid control and kept the dry parallel output that was on their original bass DI.

Quality:
Top-notch. Solid as a ROCK. A real quality feel to it overall.

Value:
I think this is an unbeatable value. I cannot stress how much this has affected my tone (for the better), which has in turn affected my playing (for the better)...

Desirability:
Not the most "tricked-out" or high-end looking pedal. I think Ampeg has the niche for that. But very functional, practical and not silly looking like some other pedals (the pod floor boxes are ridiculous IMHO).

Sound:
Added a whole new dimension to my tone! I play both Music Man and Fender basses. This thing has awesome results on both. It allows me to get that nice "almost overdriven but not quite" bite, as if going through a nice vintage mic pre or other tube stage. Really warms up the mids. I can barely play my Stingray now without it!

Support:
Haven't had the need to contact them.

Overall:
Unless I get my hands on an Ampeg SVT or similar, I don't think I'd ever replace this piece for playing live. I use it with an old SWR SM-400 and couldn't be happier for the time being. As for studio work and being able to pop into a rehearsal studio with nothing other than my bass & this pedal, it is irreplaceable. The only other piece I'd like to try is the Ampeg SVTDI.

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