Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI Owner`s Manual

*Operable with phantom power supply, minimum 24V DC regulated,

POWER REQUIREMENTS

however, 48V DC regulated is recommended in order to illuminate LED.

*Utilizes standard 9V alkaline battery (not included). To install, simply remove

door cover. (NOTE: The Input activates battery. To conserve energy, unplug
when not in use.) Power Consumption: approx. 6mA.

*USE DC POWER SUPPLY ONLY! Failure to do so may damage the

unit and void warranty. DC Power Supply Specifications:

-9V DC regulated or unregulated, 100mA minimum;

Optional factory power supply is available: Tech 21 Model #DC2.

-2.1mm female plug, center negative (-).

WARNINGS:

* Attempting to repair unit is not recommended and may void warranty.
* Missing or altered serial numbers automatically void warranty. For your own

protection: be sure serial number labels on the unit’s back plate and exterior
box are intact, and return your warranty registration card.

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY. PROOF OF PURCHASE
REQUIRED. Manufacturer warrants unit to be free from defects in materials

and workmanship for one (1) year from date of purchase to the original pur­chaser and is not transferable. This warranty does not include damage resulting
from accident, misuse, abuse, alteration, or incorrect current or voltage. If unit
becomes defective within warranty period, Tech 21 will repair or replace it
free of charge. After expiration, Tech 21 will repair defective unit for a fee.

ALL REPAIRS for residents of U.S. and Canada: Call Tech 21 for Return
Authorization Number. Manufacturer will not accept packages without

prior authorization, pre-paid freight (UPS preferred) and proper insurance.

FOR PERSONAL ASSISTANCE & SERVICE:

Contact Tech 21 weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, EST.

MADE IN THE U.S.A.

T: 973-777-6996 • F : 973-777-9899
E: [e-mail] • www.tech21nyc.com
©Te ch 21 USA, Inc.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

SansAmp Bass Driver DI offers an entire sound spectrum of the most coveted
traditional bass amp rigs, from vintage to modern styles. You can also obtain
gnarly overdriven sounds that typically require investing in a complex system
with multiple rack effects that weren’t designed for bass in the first place.

SansAmp Bass Driver DI functions as a pre-amp, a stomp box, and as a direct
box. In bypass, SansAmp Bass Driver DI converts the instrument signal to a
low impedance balanced output. This prevents signal loss and sound quality
deterioration caused by long cable lengths. When you engage the SansAmp
Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry via the on-board footswitch, it not only
converts the signal, it gives you the sound and responsiveness of a miked-up
pro stage rig --direct into a recording console or P.A. system. You can also
simultaneously plug straight into a power amp or conventional bass amp.

As with each SansAmp model, the controls are designed to give you the flexi­bility to customize your own sound. After all, the greatest inspiration comes
from having the sound that’s right for you.

APPLICATIONS

WITH BASS AMP RIG:

-As a Stomp Box: Run the 1/4” Output into the front input of an amp. For

best results, keep SansAmp Bass Driver DI’s Level close to unity gain so as
not to overload the amp’s input, which could yield undesirable distortion.

-As a Pre-Amp: Run the 1/4” Output of SansAmp Bass Driver DI directly

into the power amp input, a.k.a. “effects return” (if applicable), of an amp.
This will bypass the tone-coloring pre-amp section of the amp rig.

TO DRIVE A POWER AMP: Run the 1/4” Output, or the XLR Output

to the corresponding input of a power amp, and adjust your stage volume
with the Level control of SansAmp Bass Driver DI. NOTE: When running
into the power amp input of an amp or a power amp alone, make sure the
Output Level Switch is set to Line and adjust the Level as needed. If you are so
inclined, this is the time to crank it!

1

TO RECORD DIRECT: Plug the XLR or 1/4” Output directly into the

input of a mixer/recorder. Work with the input trim control on the mixer/
recorder and be sure not to overload its input. If the Level is below 12 o’clock
and it is overloading the board, set the Output Level switch to Instrument.
Additionally, bear in mind that full-range systems yield a wide frequency
response. Therefore, we suggest you start with the EQ levels at 12 o’clock
and then increase/decrease to taste.

GUIDE TO CONTROLS

PRESENCE:

smoother high end and for clean settings, decrease to taste.

brings out the upper harmonic content and attack. For a

DRIVE: adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive, similar to when

the output section of a tube amp is being pushed.

BASS & TREBLE: Unlike passive controls that only cut, these active

tone controls cut or boost ±12dB from unity gain (12 o’clock). This powerful
EQ section effectively reduces the need for a fixed frequency mid control and
enables you to achieve an extensive variety of curves --including a “mid-cut” as
well as a “mid-boost.”

Adjusting Mid-Range Content: The mid-range level is preset.
Boosting Bass and Treble yields a “mid-cut” (at 750 Hz) where the relative

mid-range level is lower than the Bass and Treble frequency levels. Cutting
Bass and Treble yields a “mid-boost” (at 750 Hz) where the relative mid-range

level is higher than the Bass and Treble frequency levels. NOTE: The overall
output level will change relative to your EQ settings. Simply adjust the Level
control accordingly.

BLEND allows you to blend the direct instrument signal with SansAmp

Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry. In most cases, you will probably have this
set at maximum (100% SansAmp). For certain applications, however, such as
an ultra-transparent sound or for use with piezo pickup-equipped instruments,
you may want to blend-in the direct signal to achieve your desired sound.
While the SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry is bypassed when
Blend is at minimum, the Bass, Treble and Level controls remain active.

LEVEL adjusts the output level of both the 1/4” and XLR outputs.

2