tech21 SansAmp Geddy Lee MP40 Limited Edition User manual

P WER REQUIREMENTS
•Utilizes standard 9V alkaline battery (not included). NOTE: Input jack
activates battery. To conserve energy, unplug when not in use.
Power Consumption: approx. 30mA.
•USE DC POWER SUPPLY NLY! Failure to do so may damage the
unit and void warranty. DC Power Supply Specifications:
-9V DC regulated or unregulated, 100mA minimum;
-2.1mm female plug, center negative (-).
ptional factory power supplies are available: Tech 21 Model
#DC9. Also operable via previous models: #DC2 and #DC4.
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.
NE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY. PR F F 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 pur-
chaser 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.
F R PERS NAL ASSISTANCE & SERVICE:
Contact Tech 21 weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, EST.
Hand-bu lt n the U.S.A. using high-quality compo-
nents sourced domestically and around the globe.
T: 973-777-6996 • F: 973-777-9899
E: [email protected] • W: tech21nyc.com
©2021 Tech 21 USA, Inc.

TECH 21, THE COMPANY
Tech 21 was formed by a guitarist possessing the unusual combination
of a trained ear and electronics expertise. In 1989, B. Andrew Barta made
his invention commercially available to players and studios around the
world. is highly-acclaimed, SansAmp™ pioneered Tube Amplifier
Emulation in professional applications for recording direct and performing
live, and created an entirely new category of signal processing. There have
since been many entries into this niche, yet SansAmp continues to main-
tain its reputation as the industry standard.
In addition to a full line of SansAmps, all products are thoughtfully and
respectfully designed by B. Andrew Barta himself with the player in mind.
Tech 21 continually strives to offer player-friendly, truly useful, flexible,
multi-functional, roadworthy, workhorse products. In a world of planned
obsolescence and constant upgrades, many of our products have changed
little, or not at all, and are still in production today.
Our goal is to provide you with flexible, versatile tools to cultivate, con-
trol, refine and redefine your own individual sound. We take great pride
in delivering consistent quality sound, studio to studio, club to club, arena
to arena.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW & EVOLUTION
The Geddy Lee MP40 Limited Edition Signature SansAmp celebrates the 40th
Anniversary of “Moving Pictures,” a milestone album for RUS that sold over 5
million copies, and a major turning point in Geddy Lee’s bass tone. “Moving
Pictures” inspired and influenced generations of bass players, and continues to
do so to this day.
Fast forward to the Test for Echo Tour in 1996, Geddy Lee began performing
without onstage amps and speakers, favoring major household appliances
instead. e relied on an intricate system of off-stage gear, which included the
SansAmp RBI and/or SansAmp RPM. After the R40 tour, Geddy wanted to
streamline his gear for new projects and partnered with Tech 21 to design a
Signature SansAmp, the GED-2112. This challenging collaboration involved dis-
tilling a rackload of equipment into a single rackspace. According to Geddy,
“The GED-2112 is really a continuation of my long-time approach to bass
tone. A ‘deep clean’ tone coupled with the ‘edgy crunch’ I get from the
SansAmp RPM now all in one box.”
The GED-2112 rackmount design introduced a new framework for Parallel Pre-
Amping --having two separate internal pre-amps that run in parallel. Following this
concept, the compact YYZ SansAmp pedal adapted the architectural structure to
simplify blending the two signal paths. Merging the design of the rackmount and
the portability of the pedal, the DI-2112 SansAmp offers yet another format
designed to be equally at home on a studio desktop as well as an amp top.
The Geddy Lee MP40 Limited Edition pays tribute to the iconic album cover
designed by ugh Syme with a new black and red color scheme and custom
artwork. The all-analog MP40 SansAmp builds upon the original YYZ pedal with
a brand new selectable Boost stomp switch that puts the nasty into the dirt.
Each Signature SansAmp offers Geddy’s core sound and the versatility for
many different styles.
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APPLICATIONS
WITH A BASS AMP RIG:
-As a Stomp Box: Run the 1/4” Output into the front input of an amp
or incorporate into your pedalboard chain.
For best results, keep the MP40 SansAmp’s Level close to unity gain so
as not to overload the amp’s input, which could yield undesirable distortion.
NOTE: Unity gain is when you have the same volume coming from the amp
whether the pedal is on or off --which is not necessarily at 12 o’clock.
-As a Pre-Amp: Run the 1/4” Output of the MP40 SansAmp 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.
T DRIVE A P WER AMP
Run the 1/4” Output of the MP40 SansAmp into the input of a power amp and
adjust your stage volume with the Level control of the MP40 SansAmp.
T REC RD DIRECT
You can plug directly into the input of a mixer/recorder and use the on-board
sounds of the MP40 SansAmp. Bear in mind full-range systems yield a wide fre-
quency response. Therefore, we suggest you start with the EQ levels of the
MP40 SansAmp at 12 o’clock and increase/decrease to taste.
BE CREATIVE!
The MP40 SansAmp is not necessarily just for bass. Try it with cellos, key-
boards, fiddle, drums, sax, harmonica, vocals, etc. Also try using the MP40
SansAmp in other applications, such as reamping in mixdowns to liven up
existing tracks.
SIGNAL LEVEL TO INPUT
The MP40 SansAmp is designed to accommodate instrument level signals to the
Input, such as the output of a guitar, the output of (other) distortion pedals, etc.
For normal operation, signal level to Input should be close to that of a stan-
dard bass guitar (approx -10dBV / 0.3162V RMS). otter signals can over-
overdrive the Input of the MP40 SansAmp, even in the cleanest settings, which
may result in undesirable distortion. NOTE: Should you purposely or acciden-
tally send a hot signal, it will not harm the unit.
THE INS AND OUTS
bserve Standard Audio Procedure:
TURN (MP40 SansAmp) N FIRST. TURN FF LAST.
To avoid unwanted and potentially speaker-damaging “pops” when connecting
or disconnecting any equipment, always mute mixing board and/or turn
down amp volume before plugging or unplugging!
1/4” INPUT: 1megOhm high impedance input, same as traditional tube
amps. Also switches battery power on/off. To avoid battery drain, unplug
when unit is not in use.
1/4” UNIVERSAL UTPUT: Unbalanced low Z output. SansAmp’s
technologically advanced, single Universal Output is physically compatible for
any application: full range (tape, studio monitors, P.A., stereo) and limited
range (rack systems, pre-amps, head and cabinet, combos, practice amps).
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WARNING: D N T run the speaker output of any amp
directly into the MP40 SansAmp. Doing so may result in
severe damage to the amp and/or the MP40 SansAmp.

GUIDE TO CONTROLS
The Geddy Lee MP40 Limited Edition Signature SansAmp has two separate
internal pre-amps that run in parallel and are blended via the Mix control.
DRIVE SECTI N
DRIVE
Adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive, similar to when the output
section of a tube amp is being pushed. Also controls the input sensitivity with
clean sounds. For fatter, more robust clean sounds, increase Drive until it
starts to distort, then gradually decrease until it disappears.
HIGH and L W
These active tone controls cut or boost ±12dB from unity gain at 12 o’clock.
igh is 3.2k z. Low is 80 z.
MID
2k z @ +20dB boost / 1k z @-20dB cut
TIGHT BUTT N
Adds definition to notes in cleaner settings and makes distorted tones snappier.
B ST / SHAPE-SHIFTER
Selectable Boost function deviates from the norm. It provides a 12dB presence
boost for increased top-end distortion. Kick in the Shape-shifter switch, and
get 6dB of Schmegilka on top, which, according to Geddy "is an indefinable
thing of awesomeness!"
NOTE: Boost only affects the MP40 SansAmp. It does not “pass-thru” to
other devices in the signal chain.
MIX SECTI N
MIX
Blends the ratio of high-end studio clean (Deep) and dirty bass tube amp tones
(Drive). The Deep side offers thick, meaty tones, with a preset EQ curve custom
tailored to Geddy’s personal specs. The Drive side is based upon the Geddy Lee
GED-2112 SansAmp rackmount, for a wide range of sonic possibilities.
MASTER
Controls the overall volume. Adjusts the output level without altering any of
the tonal characteristics.
For recording applications, we recommend setting at least halfway
(12 o’clock).
For best results with an amplifier, the output level of the MP40
SansAmp should be close or equal to the signal in bypass. Otherwise, it could
overload the input of the amp and result in undesirable, ratty distortion.
(Don’t say we didn’t warn you!)
LED Status Indicator
Blue = MP40 is engaged
Purple = MP40 and Boost are engaged
Red = Boost is engaged when you’re in bypass; good to know
before you re-engage the MP40.
NOTE: When you’re in Bypass, Boost has no effect.
PLACEMENT ORDER OF OTHER EFFECTS
For best results, plug your instrument directly into the MP40 SansAmp. This
will preserve the interactive nature of the unit. When incorporating into a ped-
alboard, we suggest experimenting to find the order that’s best for you. As a
general guide, we recommend:
Place the following effects BEF RE the MP40 SansAmp:
Compressor, Envelope Filter/Follower, Fuzz Box, Pre-Amp, Wah-Wah.
Place the following effects AFTER the MP40 SansAmp:
Chorus, Delay, EQ, Pitch Shifter, Reverb.
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NOTEWORTHY NOTES
1) The MP40 SansAmp is an interactive tool. It will react differ-
ently to various signal levels, as well as your individual touch. For instance, a
hotter signal and a heavy hand will increase the gain structure and result in
more overdrive. Conversely, a cooler signal and a light touch decreases the
gain structure for a cleaner sound.
2) The MP40 SansAmp is very responsive. Our controls are
unusually sensitive and powerful. You need not set everything at max to get
maximum results. For instance, to brighten your sound, rather than auto-
matically boosting High all the way up, try cutting back on Low first.
The tone controls also help compensate for the EQ curves found in guitar
amps. To find the best settings for interacting with your amp, start with the
tone controls at 12 o’clock and cut or boost as necessary. Be aware that
amplifiers vary greatly and some may require you to use radical EQ settings on
the MP40 SansAmp to achieve your desired sound. You need not be discour-
aged or suspect something is wrong with the unit. If you have your sound,
you’ve simply found the right balance to complement your particular amp.
3) The MP40 SansAmp noise level is exceptionally low.
owever, it may amplify noise emanating from the input source. To mini-
mize noise going into the MP40 SansAmp, we recommend active electronic
instruments have the volume set at maximum and tone controls positioned
flat. If you need to boost, do so slowly and sparingly.
•Also check for pickup interference by moving your guitar or turning the
volume off. Be aware single coil pickups are more likely to generate noise.
•As is the case with any tube amplifier or electronic device, particularly in
high gain settings, you may be getting outside interference caused by lights,
transformers, cell phones, etc.
•Be conscious of how the controls interact. Remember, they are atypically
sensitive, so start out “normal” and then go as nuts as you like.
4) LED indicator light. When the battery begins running low, the LED
will become noticeably dim.
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Names of sample settings are intended for descriptive purposes only
and should not be construed as an endorsement or affiliation with the
companies, products, artists or songs named,
except, of course, Geddy Lee.