tech21 SansAmp BASS DRIVER DI User manual

T: 973-777-6996 •E: [email protected] •W: www.tech21nyc.com
© 2004 Tech 21, Inc.
OWNER’S MANUAL
POWER REQUIREMENTS
*Operable with phantom power supply, minimum 24V DC regulated, 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;
-2.1mm female plug, center negative (-).
Optional factory power supply is available:Tech 21 Model #DC2.
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.
ONEYEAR 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.Warranty does not include
damage resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, alteration, or incorrect current or voltage. If unit
becomes defective within warranty period, manufacturer will elect to repair or replace it at no
cost.After expiration, manufacturer will repair 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, Inc., weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, EST.
MADE IN THE U.S.A.

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 incorporated Tech 21 and made his unique invention commercially
available to players and studios around the world. His 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.While there have since been many entries into this niche,
SansAmp continues to maintain its reputation as the industry standard.
After developing a full line of SansAmp models,Tech 21 expanded its offerings to include effect pedals;
a compact, battery operable MIDI footcontroller, the MIDI Mouse; as well as traditional style ampli-
fiers. Each product is thoughtfully and respectfully designed by Andrew himself with the player in mind.
Our goal is to provide you with flexible, versatile tools to cultivate, control, refine and redefine your
own individual sound.Tech 21 takes great pride in delivering consistent professional quality sound, stu-
dio to studio, club to club, arena to arena.
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. sys-
tem.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!
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 sug-
gest you start with the EQ levels at 12 oclock and then increase/decrease to taste.
GUIDE TO CONTROLS
PRESENCE: brings out the upper harmonic content and attack. For a smoother high end and for clean
settings, decrease to taste.
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 fre-
quency 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 circuit-
ry. 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.
THE INS AND OUTS
Follow Standard Audio Procedure to avoid unwanted and potentially speaker-damaging pops when connect-
ing or disconnecting any equipment:
Always mute mixing board and/or turn down amp volume before plugging or unplugging!
IMPORTANT: TURN ON FIRST.TURN OFF LAST.
INPUT: 1/4, 1megOhm, instrument level. Switches battery power on/off.To avoid battery drain, unplug
when unit is not in use.AND... DON’T FORGET TO MUTE!
PARALLEL OUTPUT: 1/4 unbalanced direct output is hard-wired parallel with input jack.
Instrument signal passes through, UNEFFECTED, to the input of your stage amplification system.
BALANCED XLR OUTPUT: Balanced low Z output. Sends effected or uneffected signal to mix-
ing console/recorder, depending on the orientation of the Footswitch.
XLR Output Level Switch: -20dB pad to match the output to equipment with different input
level requirements. In the line level position, the output is 0dB. In the instrument level position, the
output is -20dB.
1/4” OUTPUT: Unbalanced low Z output. Sends effected or uneffected signal to amp rig or power
amp, as per the orientation of the Footswitch.
1/4” Output Level Switch: +10dB boost to match the output to equipment with different
input level requirements. In the line level position, the output is 0dB. In the instrument level position,
the output is -10dB.
FOOTSWITCH, with corresponding LED indicator: Engages/disengages SansAmp Tube Amplifier
Emulation circuitry. Active, LED will be on.Tonality and gain structure are affected as determined by the
setting of the controls. Delivers effected signal through the XLR Output and 1/4 Output. Inactive, LED will
be off. SansAmp Bass Driver DI functions an an active transparent direct box and does not sonically alter
the instrument signal.

PHANTOM POWER
Allows you to “tap into” the power of a suitably equipped mixer, which, today, most are.As the 3-con-
ductor XLR sends the audio signal to the input of a mixer, the mixer sends voltage back to the unit via
the same 3 wires, eliminating the need for an external power supply. Consult your mixer’s owner’s man-
ual for set-up instructions. For live and studio use, let the engineer know your SansAmp Bass Driver DI
is phantom power operable.
PHANTOM & GROUND CONNECT SWITCH: When engaged, the ground connects and
unit will accept phantom power through the XLR Output. Disengaged, the ground of your stage system
and other interconnected gear is lifted (isolated) from the ground of the mixing console.
With a mixer only: If you are plugging your bass into the Bass Driver and taking the XLR Output to a
mixer --and do not have any other grounded equipment connected in the setup-- you will
have to set the switch to the right to connect the ground and engage the phantom power.
With a mixer and bass amp: If you are going to the mixer via the XLR and using the 1/4” Output or
Parallel Output to feed a bass amp (with its own AC ground), you should set the switch to the left in
“Ground Lift” mode. If you experience hum and/or buzz with the switch in either position, there is
probably a problem with the AC outlets you are plugging into.
NOTE: If using vintage equipment without proper grounds, take extra care connecting it to modern
grounded equipment.Any inadequacies of the ground in vintage gear could result in damaging anything it
is connected to.
NOTE: While operating under phantom power, we recommend keeping a 9V alkaline battery installed
at all times to avoid the previously mentioned “pops” when lifting the ground (see page 3).
SPEAKER SIMULATION
Speaker simulation is an integral part of the SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry. It is specifically
designed for a smooth, even response as would be achieved by a multiply-miked cabinet --without
peaks, valleys, and notches associated with single miking-- and will complement any type of bass
speaker cabinet system.
NOTEWORTHY NOTES & CONSIDERATIONS
1) SansAmp Bass Driver DI is an interactive tool. It will react differently 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.A cooler signal and a light touch decreases the gain structure
for a cleaner sound. By using Presence,Drive and the EQ controls, you can achieve the proper mix of
tonality and gain structure that best suits your style. For instance, if you want the high end to be clean-
er and smoother, increase Treble and decrease Presence. If you want more overdrive, increase Presence
and decrease Treble.This will bring out the upper harmonic content and attack.As you increase Treble,
the high frequency content increases without changing the harmonic content.
2) The noise level of SansAmp Bass Driver DI is exceptionally low. However, it may amplify
noise emanating from the input source. Bear in mind that SansAmp Bass Driver DI’s controls are unusu-
ally sensitive and do not require maximum levels of input to achieve high levels of output.To minimize
noise going into SansAmp Bass Driver DI, we recommend the following:
a) Active electronic instruments should have tone controls
positioned flat. If you need to boost, do so slowly and sparingly.
b) Passive electronic instruments should have volume and
tone controls set at maximum.
3) When you push SansAmp Bass Driver DI to saturation, you get enhanced harmonics, just as you
would with an overdriven tube amplifier. Depending on the setting, the unique circuitry limits transient
peaks for an even meter reading, so that outboard compressors or limiters may not be neces-
sary.
4) Using effects. One of the key attributes of SansAmp is the responsiveness to the dynamics and
nuances of your playing technique.Therefore, your bass should be plugged directly into SansAmp and
effects should be placed after SansAmp. If, however, you prefer to place an effect before SansAmp, be
sure to set the output level of the effect at unity gain with the output level of the instrument.