I’ve been using Tech21 amps for the last 20 years. I keep my old Trademark 60 in my car with a cover on it. I bought the RK5 Fly rig for travel, and it’s the same quality I’m used to. Horn players complement my sound at gigs. Easily half of that is my Tech 21 gear. You can’t go wrong if you just take the time to learn how to use it.
Owned both the PSA 1 and later the 1.1 many years ago and loved the versatility. I could get perfect bass tones and any guitar sound I required. Was looking at expensive second hand units then noticed the 2.0 was available. Just ordered now and am so excited to get it. My one issue in the past was I did not have the space for the rack in my studio, problem solved with the 2.0!
Used mine direct to the PA last night (rock electric guitar). Sounded amazing just on its own with just a touch of delay for solos. Cuts thru a live mix so much better than modellers using IRs
This looks perfect to use as a "row of drives" on any pedal board I decide to build, like a loop switcher and a bunch of pedals in one small box. Looks like it's time for me to get one!
Another happy long time SansAmp user here. PSA 1 is still in one of my rack effects. Nothing can beat it. My new dream is a PSA 2.0 in a classic SandAmp (GT2,Classic,etc) pedal form / size. That because the actual size was a little bit tricky to integrate it in my pedalboad.
@@Tech21nyc I meant a classic stompbox size (like the GT2 size of 5.75 x 4.25 x 2.5 inches). It is more easy to replace another pedal from the pedalboard.. I have bought it anyway, does not matter the size. Thank you for another great SansAmp pedal!
Thanks for a descriptive overview. Programmable is a great feature. I have been looking for something that I could dial in a Rickenbacker Yes, Rush, type sound, Crimson like distortion, Motown Jamerson and a heavy duty Mel Schacher early GFR sound. I think I'd be happy with this unit.
Try to find an analog device that can give you an AC-30, Plexi, SVT, Flip Top, whatever,...and the size of a TV remote control and made in USA...I love mine, amazing unit.
So the PSA is the Swiss Army knife and the Fly Rigs are, umm, more specific sets of forks and knives? If I understand how the PSA works, I assume you you can dial in the Blonde in the Fly Rigs, and then there's room for more. Performance mode in the PSA has me the most intrigued, as I could see putting the PSA in an FX Loop on my Line 6 HX Effects, and having a "Fender", "Vox", and "Marshall" and more available at the push of a button and adding effects pre and post.
This looks awesome! I am getting back to playing guitar after 15+ years, and I remember the SansAmp rack. It was amazing. I am keen on getting this PSA 2.0. I only have one concern. It looks somewhat fragile. Can it withstand "stage abuse"? Thanks!
Absolutely. It's an all-metal enclosure. Same footprint and format (except for the punching) as the Steve Harris SH1 and dUg Pinnick DP-3X. Thanks for asking!
I think this is an excellent pedal. Very versatile and usable. I do however think Tech 21 have tried to get too much out of what is basically a 1 channel preamp. I couldn't get a full on lead tone without it sounding brittle and thin in the context of a mix. Also, if you are looking for super clean tones, it is pretty limited. For everything else in between, it is very good. It may help to have more channel voice options, but that would inevitably effect the cost. All in all an excellent piece of kit for the money.
Thanks for the kind words. Not quite sure why you perceive it as a 1-channel preamp, as there are 128 memory locations and a Performance Mode for use as a 3-channel stompbox. Regarding the tones, we can help you! Please email us what tones you're looking to achieve: info@tech21nyc.com
I love my PSA-1, have used it for almost 20 years now. One question: When I compared the PSA-2.0 directly to my PSA-1 on the same factory presets with the same guitar, it seemed like the signal hitting the PSA-1 is a little hotter. Could this be due to voltage differences since the PSA 2.0 is using a 9V power supply? Or is the "Gain" knob on the PSA 2.0 not directly equivalent to the "input" knob of the PSA-1? I know the PSA-1 has a 0 DB / -10DB switch on it, and I'm using the 0db setting. Maybe the 2.0 is defaulted to the -10db?
Happy to hear you love your PSA-1 and took the plunge on the PSA 2.0. The PSA 2.0 is actually closer in sound to the PSA 1.1 which is slightly different than your PSA-1. The settings really cannot be compared directly. All three are different products and the designs vary a tad. The rack units have a bit more available headroom due to the higher internal voltages, but from a quantitative "gain" perspective they should be about the same. You mentioned you are using the PAD on your PSA 1.1. The 2.0 has no PAD. So, you'd need to use the front input on your unit for comparing gain and tonality. We suspect that what you perceive as a gain difference is just the slightly different tonality that the original PSA-1 has. Hope this helps.
@@Tech21nyc thanks so much for the response, that makes sense. And I really should say that overall I'm super impressed with the overall sound of the 2.0. the same tones are definitely in there it just seems like I have to bump the gain knob a bit to compensate for the difference and I can easily translate my PSA one presets to the 2.0.
Is there a reason why the PSA 2.0 is now practically half price at most major European stores? Will there be a successor, or maybe a programmable FlyRig with the possibilities of the PSA plus tuner, chorus, reverb etc. (PSA 3.0)?
Seeing that European stock (Thomann in Germany and Gear4Music) is stopping to supply these. Is a successor on the way of any shape? Been eying this one, but its looking difficult at the moment. Big love, the dUg has been 99% the reason of the compliments for my tone I get every show…
Think there's a misunderstanding. Gear4Music has stock, as well as many other dealers. Thomann may be out of stock or simply no longer carrying it. 🤷♂ At the present time, there are no plans for a successor. Thanks for the kind words about the DP-3X!
If you need assistance find a dealer, please contact our local distributor: SOUND SERVICE. Tel: 49-(0) 30 707 130-0 E-mail: info@sound-service.eu Website: www.sound-service.eu
Can you implement CCs for every parameter so it can be controlled by an editor? I have a PC based rig and it would be valuable in studio to have one. I know the older rack versions have Midiquest editors for them.
Now I have another question. Does the PSA 2.0 sound better than the Fly Rig 5v2? I am asking since the Fly Rig cost less, but also comes with reverb and delay. So I am a little puzzled why the PSA 2.0 is more expensive. Thanks again. :)
Apples & oranges. The SansAmp PSA 2.0 is fully programmable (with an all-analog signal path), so you can store 128 presets. Fly Rigs are not programmable. All SansAmps have the same DNA, so each one is slightly different. We wouldn't call any one in particular as better. It's all about what's better for YOU and what you're looking to achieve in terms of tone, features and functionality.
Mr. Barta is a genius who has helped shape my bass tone since about 1998. I truly hope to meet him someday.
Kept the faith with Tech 21 over the years. Can't believe how you have shrunk the psa...
A Progrmmable fly rig would be awsome. Having the psa with a tuner, a xlr out and a delay/ambiance like the pl1 would be the ultimate fly rig :) !!!!!
I’ve been using Tech21 amps for the last 20 years. I keep my old Trademark 60 in my car with a cover on it. I bought the RK5 Fly rig for travel, and it’s the same quality I’m used to. Horn players complement my sound at gigs. Easily half of that is my Tech 21 gear. You can’t go wrong if you just take the time to learn how to use it.
Owned both the PSA 1 and later the 1.1 many years ago and loved the versatility. I could get perfect bass tones and any guitar sound I required. Was looking at expensive second hand units then noticed the 2.0 was available. Just ordered now and am so excited to get it. My one issue in the past was I did not have the space for the rack in my studio, problem solved with the 2.0!
Used mine direct to the PA last night (rock electric guitar). Sounded amazing just on its own with just a touch of delay for solos. Cuts thru a live mix so much better than modellers using IRs
This looks perfect to use as a "row of drives" on any pedal board I decide to build, like a loop switcher and a bunch of pedals in one small box. Looks like it's time for me to get one!
You guys should do something linke that "mix" PSA with the fly rigs. Even that get bigger it will be killer
Amazing piece of kit!
Another happy long time SansAmp user here. PSA 1 is still in one of my rack effects. Nothing can beat it.
My new dream is a PSA 2.0 in a classic SandAmp (GT2,Classic,etc) pedal form / size.
That because the actual size was a little bit tricky to integrate it in my pedalboad.
It was tough enough putting the PSA-1 into the footprint of the PSA 2.0! 😅
@@Tech21nyc
I meant a classic stompbox size (like the GT2 size of 5.75 x 4.25 x 2.5 inches). It is more easy to replace another pedal from the pedalboard..
I have bought it anyway, does not matter the size.
Thank you for another great SansAmp pedal!
Thanks for a descriptive overview. Programmable is a great feature. I have been looking for something that I could dial in a Rickenbacker Yes, Rush, type sound, Crimson like distortion, Motown Jamerson and a heavy duty Mel Schacher early GFR sound. I think I'd be happy with this unit.
Try to find an analog device that can give you an AC-30, Plexi, SVT, Flip Top, whatever,...and the size of a TV remote control and made in USA...I love mine, amazing unit.
PSA 2.1 with programmable effects included, headphone capability, XLR out... boom goes the dynamite! Ultimate fly rig of real warriors. ✌️
You kind sir are a genius and gift from the gods. 🤟💪🤟💪🤟
Oh my. Thanks so much for saying that. You are too kind!
@@Tech21nyc no problem. It's true.
I'm going to have to get one as well as a midi foot controller!!!!!
Had the rack PSA. Loved it ! .... combine this with flyrig. Boom u kill everyone else
So the PSA is the Swiss Army knife and the Fly Rigs are, umm, more specific sets of forks and knives? If I understand how the PSA works, I assume you you can dial in the Blonde in the Fly Rigs, and then there's room for more.
Performance mode in the PSA has me the most intrigued, as I could see putting the PSA in an FX Loop on my Line 6 HX Effects, and having a "Fender", "Vox", and "Marshall" and more available at the push of a button and adding effects pre and post.
There are actually 10 Fender-style presets in there, each totally tweakable to get what you want.
Brilliant!!!
This looks awesome! I am getting back to playing guitar after 15+ years, and I remember the SansAmp rack. It was amazing. I am keen on getting this PSA 2.0. I only have one concern. It looks somewhat fragile. Can it withstand "stage abuse"? Thanks!
Absolutely. It's an all-metal enclosure. Same footprint and format (except for the punching) as the Steve Harris SH1 and dUg Pinnick DP-3X. Thanks for asking!
@@Tech21nyc Thanks for answering! You rock! :)
Wow.. amazing stuff
I think this is an excellent pedal. Very versatile and usable. I do however think Tech 21 have tried to get too much out of what is basically a 1 channel preamp. I couldn't get a full on lead tone without it sounding brittle and thin in the context of a mix. Also, if you are looking for super clean tones, it is pretty limited. For everything else in between, it is very good. It may help to have more channel voice options, but that would inevitably effect the cost. All in all an excellent piece of kit for the money.
Thanks for the kind words. Not quite sure why you perceive it as a 1-channel preamp, as there are 128 memory locations and a Performance Mode for use as a 3-channel stompbox. Regarding the tones, we can help you! Please email us what tones you're looking to achieve: info@tech21nyc.com
I love my PSA-1, have used it for almost 20 years now. One question: When I compared the PSA-2.0 directly to my PSA-1 on the same factory presets with the same guitar, it seemed like the signal hitting the PSA-1 is a little hotter. Could this be due to voltage differences since the PSA 2.0 is using a 9V power supply? Or is the "Gain" knob on the PSA 2.0 not directly equivalent to the "input" knob of the PSA-1? I know the PSA-1 has a 0 DB / -10DB switch on it, and I'm using the 0db setting. Maybe the 2.0 is defaulted to the -10db?
Happy to hear you love your PSA-1 and took the plunge on the PSA 2.0. The PSA 2.0 is actually closer in sound to the PSA 1.1 which is slightly different than your PSA-1. The settings really cannot be compared directly. All three are different products and the designs vary a tad.
The rack units have a bit more available headroom due to the higher internal voltages, but from a quantitative "gain" perspective they should be about the same. You mentioned you are using the PAD on your PSA 1.1. The 2.0 has no PAD. So, you'd need to use the front input on your unit for comparing gain and tonality. We suspect that what you perceive as a gain difference is just the slightly different tonality that the original PSA-1 has. Hope this helps.
@@Tech21nyc thanks so much for the response, that makes sense. And I really should say that overall I'm super impressed with the overall sound of the 2.0. the same tones are definitely in there it just seems like I have to bump the gain knob a bit to compensate for the difference and I can easily translate my PSA one presets to the 2.0.
Is there a reason why the PSA 2.0 is now practically half price at most major European stores? Will there be a successor, or maybe a programmable FlyRig with the possibilities of the PSA plus tuner, chorus, reverb etc. (PSA 3.0)?
Appreciate the heads up. International pricing is set by each individual country, so not sure what the reason is.
Using this with boss ms3.
Seeing that European stock (Thomann in Germany and Gear4Music) is stopping to supply these. Is a successor on the way of any shape? Been eying this one, but its looking difficult at the moment.
Big love, the dUg has been 99% the reason of the compliments for my tone I get every show…
Think there's a misunderstanding. Gear4Music has stock, as well as many other dealers. Thomann may be out of stock or simply no longer carrying it. 🤷♂ At the present time, there are no plans for a successor. Thanks for the kind words about the DP-3X!
If you need assistance find a dealer, please contact our local distributor: SOUND SERVICE. Tel: 49-(0) 30 707 130-0
E-mail: info@sound-service.eu
Website: www.sound-service.eu
Thanks for the replies, best wishes!
I still use a Bronzewood I own Fishman, Roland, Fender and Bose amps. ( I have a problem) but the Bronzewood is still the best
Can you implement CCs for every parameter so it can be controlled by an editor? I have a PC based rig and it would be valuable in studio to have one. I know the older rack versions have Midiquest editors for them.
No, that cannot be done with the PSA 2.0 or older rack units. You have to edit presets on the unit.
Now I have another question. Does the PSA 2.0 sound better than the Fly Rig 5v2? I am asking since the Fly Rig cost less, but also comes with reverb and delay. So I am a little puzzled why the PSA 2.0 is more expensive. Thanks again. :)
Apples & oranges. The SansAmp PSA 2.0 is fully programmable (with an all-analog signal path), so you can store 128 presets. Fly Rigs are not programmable. All SansAmps have the same DNA, so each one is slightly different. We wouldn't call any one in particular as better. It's all about what's better for YOU and what you're looking to achieve in terms of tone, features and functionality.
@@Tech21nyc If the PSA 2.0 mostly gives me flexibility, then I would rather buy a Fly Rig, since I want LESS options. Thanks!
Sometimes less IS more. :-)
@@Tech21nyc Exactly!
huge fan of this guy's work as a real tone pioneer, but can't help thinking his best work was as Adrian Pimento in Brooklyn 99 :)
Analog ❣️ 😁
Is it from the original PSA or 2.0 been upgraded tone wise?
It is from the original PSA rackmount with a few new presets.
The only improvement i can imagine is: An XLR out and Phantom Power....
you can do everything with it but buy one lol...everyone is out of your gear man these are terrible times
Where are you located?
@@Tech21nyc Hello and good day to you Sir I am located in Southern CA USA
Sweetwater has them in stock: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SansAmpPSA2--tech-21-sansamp-psa-2.0-programmable-instrument-pre-amp-pedal