I already got this pedal for more that one year and Jesus... I love it so much, I literally don't want to hear the sound without it. it saves me everytime I'm playing the amp that I don't like. this probably the best pedal I ever had.
I'm back with another comment. I'm using this pedal more than 2 years already. I've tried a bunch of different stuff, but for me VT Bass is unbeatable thing. I've decided that if I will upgrade from this pedal than it will be VT Bass Deluxe. I love Tech 21.
I have bought this pedal after i saw this video. U guys r awesome. It's all that i need. The "speaker" button on the pedal is the masterpiece. Thx tech 21. Congrats from Brazil.
This pedal is absolutely insane! I've been a SansAmp BDDI player for about 12 years now. I've been around the world and all over the USA with it. I swear by it. However, the other day, I was turned on to this pedal by a fellow bass playing friend. It is seriously VICIOUS! I will soon have one in my arsenal. Tech 21 continues to be the absoulute best when it comes to bass effects.
This was a very good demo. Great player, great pedal. Somebody is clearly deaf by saying the bass sounded better without the pedal. It clearly sounds much fuller and punchier with the pedal while you can still hear the bass' core tone. I'm getting this!
@Gabriele, the settings are just to get you started. They will vary depending on your other gear. In our case, we didn't experience any hiss in those settings. If you still have trouble after messing around with the EQ, I suggest you contact us directly to narrow down the possible causes and solutions.
Both offer the active EQ edge you describe. Running from the v2's 1/4" Out to your Eden amp couldn't be simpler. Features of the VT Bass DI not on the v2 are: 1- XLR Output (also accepts Phantom Power from a mixer). 2- Bite switch (upper-presence boost that's always "on" with v2). 3- Blend to bring in the tube emulation (at 100% in v2, and expect most would set at max, anyway). 4- Line/Inst output level switches for mixing and matching both Outs simultaneously. 5- Uneffected Parallel Output.
This pedal is a tube amplifier emulator. It can be used as a pre-amp or stomp box, to record direct or with an amp. In order to help you, we would need more information about your gear, what kind of sounds you want, etc. I recommend emailing us directly with specifics.
@rowsler Yes, we did and they work great with the VT Bass. We found that you need to use the EQ on the bass sparingly in order to get the best sound. The VT has onboard EQ, so if you're plugging it into an amp with more EQ, you'll end up with too much going on. A slight low and high boost and a tiny mid cut on a Musicman Stringray did the trick. If your bass has a very hot output, you may have to turn down the Drive knob to better match the output of the instrument to the VT Bass pedal.
The SansAmp Bass Driver focuses on a range of classic amps (including the SVT as well as Bassman, etc.). The VT Bass focuses on Ampeg in general. The VT Bass has a bit more midrange content, so the overdrive can get fuzzier (great for psychedelic and prog rock). If you're strictly an Ampeg fan, go with the VT Bass. If not, go with the Bass Driver. If you want to explore this in greater depth, I recommend calling our office.
I bought this pedal and i have to say, it is really great. My amp is a Line 6 modeling amp with an Svt sound which never came through live . With this pedal i have the Svt/ Rock Sound just like in this video that i wanted ! GREAT THING!
@Yenasty5, the RBI is essentially a rackmount Bass Driver with some extra features, such as a dedicated MID control and XLR Output Level control. Depends on your budget and format preference.
@borneo1984 Yes. The VT Bass and Leeds have roughly the same amount of mid-range "adjustability" via the Character knob and the Mid control (at slightly different frequencies to match their particular amp emulations) vs. the Bass Driver, which has a fixed scoop that is adjusted via the Bass and Treble controls.
@jheremhiya44, we will be doing a demo eventually. Right now, we're focused on getting the new VT Bass DI into production and out the door! Regarding the Blend knob, you can control the ratio of your direct instrument signal and the SansAmp circuitry, which can be helpful in certain applications (for ultra-transparent sound or with piezo pickup-equipped instruments). While the VT Bass in the demo doesn't have a Blend control, it would be set at max (if it did) to get the sound you hear.
@despinosap, sorry, we have no idea. But since you asked, you might want to check out our Boost DLA (works great on bass as well as guitar) or Bass Boost Chorus!
@shwalton75 It's NOT discontinued, just undergoing a minor change. We're adding a "speaker sim" switch like we have on the Leeds, Oxford and U.S. Steel. When dealers update for new versions of existing products, they have to internally discontinue the previous version. It confuses everyone, I know, especially since the newer ones aren't quite ready. Sorry for the scare! BTW, with the Deluxe, you'd have SIX of them.
@niodaya You'd need, at least, a mono-to-stereo adaptor to hear out of both sides, and even then, the volume probably wouldn't be very satisfying. We usually suggest running the pedal's output to a mixer, or the Aux/CD input of a home stereo, and then plugging your headphones into that.
This pedal sounds amazing. Here in Europe it's just pretty expensive, that you could buy a Darkglass B3K instead, which can do the same stuff, and a lot more. But I'm really tempted to buy this.
@bamrubio, we appreciate the question. The answer is quite lengthy, having to do with manufacturing and design intent. However, we get that question a lot, so will give it some consideration. Thanks for asking.
@bodymeta The output's pretty hot (to drive a power amp with line level). I'm not sure how our friend was able to set his Level knob that high... perhaps he lowered the output volume of active bass pickups (the output of the bass will play a part). Adding Drive (which also acts as an input sensitivity control) will up the volume. Lower the EQ to cut the dB level of all three. If you retain the relationship of the knobs (to each other), the tone won't change, but the volume will be lower.
@pilthegreek, Sorry, but we don't know which fuzz or which distortion pedal he used with the VT Bass. FYI, we have a new Bass Boost Fuzz pedal you might want to check out. Or perhaps the Red Ripper. ;-)
@Gabriele, we're guessing the active EQ needs some tweaking. Be aware the 12:00 position of the High control is like "10" on and amp's treble knob, so you should try turning it down. If it changes the tone, take the Low and Mid knobs down in the same proportion.
Been toying with buying this pedal for a couple of years now. I think I am going to pull the trigger in the next day or so. The only question remaining is whether to get the basic pedal, or the Deluxe version with the programmable presets. :-)
We players want Tech 21 to start creating amplification again. The VT-500 and VT-1969 were killer designs. Shame covid almost shuttered every music gear manufacturer due to supply chain issues.
Appreciate your enthusiasm and sentiments. We've been getting a lot of requests lately to re-up on amps. However, supply chain issues, constantly increasing freight costs, exorbitant testing fees (like north of $20K and requirements that are different for international countries), minimum order quantities of each individual part (if you can even get them), inflation, yadda yadda... 🥺 Sadly, it's just not a good time for us to make amplifiers.
Nice pedal, I owned it for a while but I sold it to get a Tech 21 Para Driver which is much more versatile. Maybe you get a bit less aggressive distortion but having parametric mid eq helps bringing out of the mix the sound of your bass, especially when you need to boost mid-lows for funk/rock stuff. With the VT bass my sound was always a bit too muddy and tended to get lost in the mix when playing in a band.
@faller1990. Any pedal is capable of creating noise, especially if you use very high amounts of Drive, or Treble, or both Drive AND Treble. Normally, you don't hear noise while you're playing... only when you stop. So, if you hear noise when you stop, it's easy enough to turn the pedal off when you stop playing. Ground noise is a completely different thing that happens when you connect two grounded AC-powered devices. Our pedals are DC-powered, so they don't produce ground noise.
@CaptainCangaroo There's no cut and dry answer for your question. The VT Bass and Bass Driver (which is what I assume you meant) are both SansAmps. The VT Bass focuses on the Ampeg family of amplifiers and the Bass Driver offers Ampeg plus other kinds of amp tones. I'd recommend calling or emailing the particular tone (amp and artists) you're after. The more info we have about you and your gear, the better we can advise you.
@Tech21nyc thanks for the fast reply! Would it be wiser to plug straight into my instrument input (on the amp) or use the Effects return? In short, should I bypass my amp EQ and use it basically as power amp, or do I get better results in conjuction with the amp EQ?
the tech 21 is best used as a preamp rather than a distortion unit. I have it switched on permanently. If you have an active bass you need to set it flat or flip it to passive mode as most active electriconics don't mate nicely with this pedal , this video is an excellent demonstration of the pedal by the way
@Derik Corl, The VT Deluxe sounds just like the single channel version. The signal path is all analog; only the programming is digital. Not sure which pedal you think is discontinued, though. The original SansAmp Classic was on hiatus, but is back in production and none of the versions of the Bass Driver has been discontinued. For us to help you better, we need more details regarding your rig. Please email us directly and include all the gear you're using.
This guy is a frigging amazing player and the pedal sounds great - one question though: Would the VT Bass be able to replicate the bass sound on Goliath by Karnivool? I've been trying to get that tone for ages with no luck. Anyone able to tell me?
Holy guacamole this is sweet, im saving to buy either a bass driver or a Vt.. which one would you recommend? Im looking for that grindy punchy dirty tone, i play mostly thrash and death metal with fingers :) Keep it heavy
Hi Tech 21nyc thanks for reply. Don't forget that in some of the settings you suggest on manual treble knob is much over 12:00. Anyway...I'll try to follow your suggestion
Hey Tech21. Love your stuff. owned a programmable bass driver for a couple of years and massively miss it. quick question in regards to the deluxe version of the VT series. Is the effects loop series or parallel? also, is it pre eq or post eq? thanks!!!
hi Tech 21, i just ordered this pedal to help my Eden amp get that "clicky" sound but wasn't it smarter 2 wait for the new one? what are the differences between the v2 and the new one? cant wait 2 try the v2!
hi tech21, can you do a demo of the vt bass di like this one? i was wondering what is the value of the "blend" in the non-di vtbass compared with the DI version w/c has the blend knob..
i got the 3 channel bass driver because to me the the is unusable when the character is cranked... on the bddi is just at the cusp and i just put a nice overdrive and fuzz beside it. They are both awesome.
hello, i love the sound that comes out of this pedal, I have a fender combo and I wonder if this pedal fits with the sound warm and deep but also with Distortion that I want for me ? we can say that this pedal is a tube emulator? I want to buy it but I'm afraid that will not result with my amp and bass. If that is not the best pedal I have alternatives, which ones? thanks
Thanks for the comment! Why don't you get that switch checked out? You should contact our local distributor, BACKLINE. Go to our website to get the link under "Find a Dealer."
@alex0202123, Saw the later post with the link, but there are too many variables to answer you. Given the interactive nature of the SansAmp technology, such factors as are you using it with or without an amp, what kinds of strings, etc. will influence the sound. There are sample settings in the manual to get you in the ballpark. So we suggest you start there and tweak until you get what you want. You can download the manual from the Support page on our website if you'd like to see the settings.
great pedal just got v2, i got a question, when i turn the drive knob all the way down the volume is getting very very low, and when i turn it all the way up its getting loud, so it also controls the volume, is it supposed to be like that? thanks
what is better for a rock sound - punchy and raw little bit of overdriven sound? Most say the sansamp is the one to take but this one here sounds so good
thanks again, sorry but the questions, is a very expensive material and need some information. what is the best way to connect the amp the pedal and the bass, by Effects loop return or through the imput, or try the two ways? 2nd question - I do not have the SansAmp bass Drive DI but if I buy to serve me for a preamp, I will have some problems with the Fender Rumble 150, or also be able to sound good ? thanks?
I'm thinking of getting this pedal to get a more vintage like, warmer, fuller tone with my gear. Does it play nice with Gallien Krueger amps? I have a GK 700RB II and GK NEO 412 cab.
Hey tech 21. Does the Deluxe version of this pedal have that speaker sim dongle, or is it always on? I hope that the speaker sim is always on so I don't have to use amp software when I DI the Deluxe into my PC. Thanks.
nice review. just listend to your band. normally i play soul and funk, but i really like your song "open your eyes". do you use the tech 21 pedal in studio, too? cheers from munich!!!
I see, I have heard the Bass Driver is a little bit scooped on the mids, would the extra dough on the RBI for the mid controler and the extra features be worth it?
@Yenasty5, considering the style you play, we'd go with the SansAmp Bass Driver DI, which is also available in a programmable version as well as a deluxe version. Let us know how it works out for you.
Ben, that is one incredible tone. The overdrive sounds very usuable too. I run a Warwick thumb 5 NT through a SVT Tube DI strait to a powered monitor. Do you think it would par up well with this set up?
Very nice review! This guy just sold me that pedal, I was about to get mxr m80, but I think I will go for this pedal. BTW where those pedals are made in?
Question for the Tec 21 guys, as an example, if I was trying to achieve the Steve Harris sound, what woudl be better a VT bass or a Bass Driver DI?? And guys, I'm not a Steve Harris fanboy, just like that tone/attack, which I know some of which comes from Steve's playing and equipmemnt. It's just that there are a lot of pedals out there that offer overdrive/distortion without achieving that chunkiness and punch that Steve gets.
i cant seem to balance the pedals volume when its off with my straight sound , its seems that i have to have it really low on the vol knob i mean barley on to get a volume balance ,and when i add more distortion the the volume goes up even more , is this normal , i watched this demo on you tube and the guy has the pedals volume near 12 oclock and when hes switches it off the bass sound has the same volume , even when he adds more distortion his sound doesn't jump up in volume ,
i got the VT bass 5 years ago and its still always on on my board. i play every weekend in different clubs and you never know what amp you gonna get. i know the sans amp like my pocket so i get MY sound anywhere i go, and i make sure that the PA got that sound to whereas some places with a super expensive amps, only your bass with a di goes to the PA. al my other drives goes to it. used it for live, studio, my favorite pedal of all time. and saved me lots of bucks not to buy a amp SVT stack and not repairing it!
I already got this pedal for more that one year and Jesus... I love it so much, I literally don't want to hear the sound without it. it saves me everytime I'm playing the amp that I don't like. this probably the best pedal I ever had.
This video is why I picked mine up last year.
Nice playing style. Nice to see a bass player that doesn't immediately default to slapping to impress people.
I'm back with another comment. I'm using this pedal more than 2 years already. I've tried a bunch of different stuff, but for me VT Bass is unbeatable thing. I've decided that if I will upgrade from this pedal than it will be VT Bass Deluxe. I love Tech 21.
I also like how you can set in in the sweet spot and get as much breakup as you want by digging in a bit.
Nice one, thanks!
Just bought one yesterday. This video makes me feel even better about the purchase. I'm no basset (bought one for home recording), but THIS guy slays.
you totally sold me on this one. exactly what i was looking for.
very cool demo, man!
I have the deluxe version of this pedal and it is a masterpiece.
I don't think I've seen any truly bad reviews on this pedal.. at all. This is such a solid product and a perfect addition to my setup.
I have bought this pedal after i saw this video. U guys r awesome. It's all that i need. The "speaker" button on the pedal is the masterpiece.
Thx tech 21. Congrats from Brazil.
Brilliant video. Just brilliant.
This pedal is absolutely insane! I've been a SansAmp BDDI player for about 12 years now. I've been around the world and all over the USA with it. I swear by it. However, the other day, I was turned on to this pedal by a fellow bass playing friend. It is seriously VICIOUS! I will soon have one in my arsenal. Tech 21 continues to be the absoulute best when it comes to bass effects.
excellent demonstration, it certainly sold it to me, it adds a fantastic thickness to you tone and can also dial in a beefy, organic overdrive sound.
I need to get me one of these! awesome pedal
Only had to go as far as the first turn off and back on again. Bought! Thanks man, nice vid
This was a very good demo. Great player, great pedal. Somebody is clearly deaf by saying the bass sounded better without the pedal. It clearly sounds much fuller and punchier with the pedal while you can still hear the bass' core tone. I'm getting this!
i fall in love with that pedal! i'll buy tomorrow!
@Gabriele, the settings are just to get you started. They will vary depending on your other gear. In our case, we didn't experience any hiss in those settings. If you still have trouble after messing around with the EQ, I suggest you contact us directly to narrow down the possible causes and solutions.
thanks for then info! just helped make my decision on how i'm going to build my effects chain!!!
Fantastic playing
Both offer the active EQ edge you describe. Running from the v2's 1/4" Out to your Eden amp couldn't be simpler. Features of the VT Bass DI not on the v2 are:
1- XLR Output (also accepts Phantom Power from a mixer).
2- Bite switch (upper-presence boost that's always "on" with v2).
3- Blend to bring in the tube emulation (at 100% in v2, and expect most would set at max, anyway).
4- Line/Inst output level switches for mixing and matching both Outs
simultaneously.
5- Uneffected Parallel Output.
I don't need anything like this, but this dude is a really enjoyable personality to demo this pedal. I'd watch him demo any bass pedal!
This pedal is such a massive step forward from the BDDI - highly recommended
The best video of this pedal ive seen. Ive been torn between this pedal, the aguilar aggro and the Xotic BB Bass preamp, This ones first on the list
This guy always does awesome reviews. He actually plays bass! Get him to do more!
This pedal is a tube amplifier emulator. It can be used as a pre-amp or stomp box, to record direct or with an amp. In order to help you, we would need more information about your gear, what kind of sounds you want, etc. I recommend emailing us directly with specifics.
@rowsler
Yes, we did and they work great with the VT Bass. We found that you need to use the EQ on the bass sparingly in order to get the best sound. The VT has onboard EQ, so if you're plugging it into an amp with more EQ, you'll end up with too much going on. A slight low and high boost and a tiny mid cut on a Musicman Stringray did the trick. If your bass has a very hot output, you may have to turn down the Drive knob to better match the output of the instrument to the VT Bass pedal.
The SansAmp Bass Driver focuses on a range of classic amps (including the SVT as well as Bassman, etc.). The VT Bass focuses on Ampeg in general. The VT Bass has a bit more midrange content, so the overdrive can get fuzzier (great for psychedelic and prog rock). If you're strictly an Ampeg fan, go with the VT Bass. If not, go with the Bass Driver. If you want to explore this in greater depth, I recommend calling our office.
I bought this pedal and i have to say, it is really great.
My amp is a Line 6 modeling amp with an Svt sound which never came through live . With this pedal i have the Svt/ Rock Sound just like in this video that i wanted ! GREAT THING!
@Elias, thank you so much for taking the time to post your nice comments! We really appreciate it.
@Yenasty5, the RBI is essentially a rackmount Bass Driver with some extra features, such as a dedicated MID control and XLR Output Level control. Depends on your budget and format preference.
Great Review ... I'm considering buying one for guitar ... I love Tech 21 , they just NAIL IT !
@borneo1984
Yes. The VT Bass and Leeds have roughly the same amount of mid-range "adjustability" via the Character knob and the Mid control (at slightly different frequencies to match their particular amp emulations) vs. the Bass Driver, which has a fixed scoop that is adjusted via the Bass and Treble controls.
@the1trueporkchop, Happy to know you love our stuff! The VT Bass Deluxe effects are in series and it's post EQ.
@jheremhiya44, we will be doing a demo eventually. Right now, we're focused on getting the new VT Bass DI into production and out the door! Regarding the Blend knob, you can control the ratio of your direct instrument signal and the SansAmp circuitry, which can be helpful in certain applications (for ultra-transparent sound or with piezo pickup-equipped instruments). While the VT Bass in the demo doesn't have a Blend control, it would be set at max (if it did) to get the sound you hear.
@despinosap, sorry, we have no idea. But since you asked, you might want to check out our Boost DLA (works great on bass as well as guitar) or Bass Boost Chorus!
that tone is meaty and delicious, finally a good demo of this pedal
@shwalton75
It's NOT discontinued, just undergoing a minor change. We're adding a "speaker sim" switch like we have on the Leeds, Oxford and U.S. Steel. When dealers update for new versions of existing products, they have to internally discontinue the previous version. It confuses everyone, I know, especially since the newer ones aren't quite ready. Sorry for the scare! BTW, with the Deluxe, you'd have SIX of them.
I just picked up a mint vt bass 500 head.. same preamp.. cant wait.
@ilya865
Yes. Drive behaves as an input sensitivity control, and affects the gain structure. So, the more Drive, the more volume.
@niodaya
You'd need, at least, a mono-to-stereo adaptor to hear out of both sides, and even then, the volume probably wouldn't be very satisfying. We usually suggest running the pedal's output to a mixer, or the Aux/CD input of a home stereo, and then plugging your headphones into that.
@mouthmw
Either way works. "Better" is a matter of personal opinion. So, try it both ways and see which way you like more.
This pedal sounds amazing. Here in Europe it's just pretty expensive, that you could buy a Darkglass B3K instead, which can do the same stuff, and a lot more.
But I'm really tempted to buy this.
@bamrubio, we appreciate the question. The answer is quite lengthy, having to do with manufacturing and design intent. However, we get that question a lot, so will give it some consideration. Thanks for asking.
We want more pedals like these for the bass :).
@ Ny0712, Up until about 4:25, he is just using the VT Bass. Then he introduces other effects.
I need that amp! I bought the VT Bass but with my Ashdown rig it didn't sound really great, I don't know why... maybe I should get an Eden rig ^^
Holy shit im fucking sold this pedal is a must have for my rig!!! :000
@bodymeta
The output's pretty hot (to drive a power amp with line level). I'm not sure how our friend was able to set his Level knob that high... perhaps he lowered the output volume of active bass pickups (the output of the bass will play a part). Adding Drive (which also acts as an input sensitivity control) will up the volume. Lower the EQ to cut the dB level of all three. If you retain the relationship of the knobs (to each other), the tone won't change, but the volume will be lower.
That guy is SO from Montreal/Quebec. That accent is unmistakable
@pilthegreek, Sorry, but we don't know which fuzz or which distortion pedal he used with the VT Bass. FYI, we have a new Bass Boost Fuzz pedal you might want to check out. Or perhaps the Red Ripper. ;-)
Hey ! great video and review of VT Bass I really love it!!
Will you please tell me what all pedals do you use .... :) :)
@Gabriele, we're guessing the active EQ needs some tweaking. Be aware the 12:00 position of the High control is like "10" on and amp's treble knob, so you should try turning it down. If it changes the tone, take the Low and Mid knobs down in the same proportion.
@moarbutterythantoast, we typically recommend before the VT Bass.
Been toying with buying this pedal for a couple of years now. I think I am going to pull the trigger in the next day or so. The only question remaining is whether to get the basic pedal, or the Deluxe version with the programmable presets. :-)
We players want Tech 21 to start creating amplification again. The VT-500 and VT-1969 were killer designs. Shame covid almost shuttered every music gear manufacturer due to supply chain issues.
Appreciate your enthusiasm and sentiments. We've been getting a lot of requests lately to re-up on amps. However, supply chain issues, constantly increasing freight costs, exorbitant testing fees (like north of $20K and requirements that are different for international countries), minimum order quantities of each individual part (if you can even get them), inflation, yadda yadda... 🥺 Sadly, it's just not a good time for us to make amplifiers.
Nice pedal, I owned it for a while but I sold it to get a Tech 21 Para Driver which is much more versatile. Maybe you get a bit less aggressive distortion but having parametric mid eq helps bringing out of the mix the sound of your bass, especially when you need to boost mid-lows for funk/rock stuff. With the VT bass my sound was always a bit too muddy and tended to get lost in the mix when playing in a band.
@faller1990. Any pedal is capable of creating noise, especially if you use very high amounts of Drive, or Treble, or both Drive AND Treble. Normally, you don't hear noise while you're playing... only when you stop. So, if you hear noise when you stop, it's easy enough to turn the pedal off when you stop playing.
Ground noise is a completely different thing that happens when you connect two grounded AC-powered devices. Our pedals are DC-powered, so they don't produce ground noise.
@RriverJJ
Actually, he uses a SansAmp Classic and XXL pedal (the original).
@CaptainCangaroo
There's no cut and dry answer for your question. The VT Bass and Bass Driver (which is what I assume you meant) are both SansAmps. The VT Bass focuses on the Ampeg family of amplifiers and the Bass Driver offers Ampeg plus other kinds of amp tones. I'd recommend calling or emailing the particular tone (amp and artists) you're after. The more info we have about you and your gear, the better we can advise you.
@Tech21nyc Ah I see, thanks. Anyway I got the pedal a couple days back and it's awesome!! Love that dirty, growly tone!!
@Tech21nyc thanks for the fast reply! Would it be wiser to plug straight into my instrument input (on the amp) or use the Effects return? In short, should I bypass my amp EQ and use it basically as power amp, or do I get better results in conjuction with the amp EQ?
the tech 21 is best used as a preamp rather than a distortion unit. I have it switched on permanently. If you have an active bass you need to set it flat or flip it to passive mode as most active electriconics don't mate nicely with this pedal , this video is an excellent demonstration of the pedal by the way
Hi! Really nice pedal I agree but what are the other fuzz and distortion pedals you are mixing with the VT bass?
Thank you for the fast response! I think ill go with the bass driver!
@Derik Corl, The VT Deluxe sounds just like the single channel version. The signal path is all analog; only the programming is digital. Not sure which pedal you think is discontinued, though. The original SansAmp Classic was on hiatus, but is back in production and none of the versions of the Bass Driver has been discontinued. For us to help you better, we need more details regarding your rig. Please email us directly and include all the gear you're using.
this video has convinced me to get this pedal the next time I have enough money. DROOOOL
This guy is a frigging amazing player and the pedal sounds great - one question though: Would the VT Bass be able to replicate the bass sound on Goliath by Karnivool? I've been trying to get that tone for ages with no luck. Anyone able to tell me?
@Ken Tugboat, it would be ideal if you could try both and then make your decision, but we think probably the VT Bass.
Holy guacamole this is sweet, im saving to buy either a bass driver or a Vt.. which one would you recommend? Im looking for that grindy punchy dirty tone, i play mostly thrash and death metal with fingers :)
Keep it heavy
Hi Tech 21nyc
thanks for reply.
Don't forget that in some of the settings you suggest on manual treble knob is much over 12:00.
Anyway...I'll try to follow your suggestion
Hey Tech21.
Love your stuff. owned a programmable bass driver for a couple of years and massively miss it.
quick question in regards to the deluxe version of the VT series. Is the effects loop series or parallel?
also, is it pre eq or post eq?
thanks!!!
hi Tech 21, i just ordered this pedal to help my Eden amp get that "clicky" sound but wasn't it smarter 2 wait for the new one? what are the differences between the v2 and the new one?
cant wait 2 try the v2!
hi tech21, can you do a demo of the vt bass di like this one?
i was wondering what is the value of the "blend" in the non-di vtbass compared with the DI version w/c has the blend knob..
Hi great review, i need to ask you if you test the vt bass with an active bass and how it works?? thanx i apreciate the reply
i got the 3 channel bass driver because to me the the is unusable when the character is cranked... on the bddi is just at the cusp and i just put a nice overdrive and fuzz beside it. They are both awesome.
@shwalton75
Thanks for the kind post!
hello, i love the sound that comes out of this pedal, I have a fender combo and I wonder if this pedal fits with the sound warm and deep but also with Distortion that I want for me ? we can say that this pedal is a tube emulator? I want to buy it but I'm afraid that will not result with my amp and bass. If that is not the best pedal I have alternatives, which ones? thanks
Thanks for the comment! Why don't you get that switch checked out? You should contact our local distributor, BACKLINE. Go to our website to get the link under "Find a Dealer."
@alex0202123, Saw the later post with the link, but there are too many variables to answer you. Given the interactive nature of the SansAmp technology, such factors as are you using it with or without an amp, what kinds of strings, etc. will influence the sound. There are sample settings in the manual to get you in the ballpark. So we suggest you start there and tweak until you get what you want. You can download the manual from the Support page on our website if you'd like to see the settings.
great pedal just got v2, i got a question, when i turn the drive knob all the way down the volume is getting very very low, and when i turn it all the way up its getting loud, so it also controls the volume, is it supposed to be like that?
thanks
what is better for a rock sound - punchy and raw little bit of overdriven sound? Most say the sansamp is the one to take but this one here sounds so good
thanks again, sorry but the questions, is a very expensive material and need some information. what is the best way to connect the amp the pedal and the bass, by Effects loop return or through the imput, or try the two ways? 2nd question - I do not have the SansAmp bass Drive DI but if I buy to serve me for a preamp, I will have some problems with the Fender Rumble 150, or also be able to sound good ? thanks?
I'm thinking of getting this pedal to get a more vintage like, warmer, fuller tone with my gear. Does it play nice with Gallien Krueger amps? I have a GK 700RB II and GK NEO 412 cab.
Hey tech 21. Does the Deluxe version of this pedal have that speaker sim dongle, or is it always on? I hope that the speaker sim is always on so I don't have to use amp software when I DI the Deluxe into my PC. Thanks.
nice review. just listend to your band. normally i play soul and funk, but i really like your song "open your eyes". do you use the tech 21 pedal in studio, too? cheers from munich!!!
I see, I have heard the Bass Driver is a little bit scooped on the mids, would the extra dough on the RBI for the mid controler and the extra features be worth it?
@Yenasty5, considering the style you play, we'd go with the SansAmp Bass Driver DI, which is also available in a programmable version as well as a deluxe version. Let us know how it works out for you.
Ben, that is one incredible tone. The overdrive sounds very usuable too. I run a Warwick thumb 5 NT through a SVT Tube DI strait to a powered monitor. Do you think it would par up well with this set up?
Very nice review! This guy just sold me that pedal, I was about to get mxr m80, but I think I will go for this pedal. BTW where those pedals are made in?
Thanks for asking! All of our products are made in the USA.
@illfortune921, it's a 6-string bass from "MF" --a very small custom shop in Montreal.
best pedal ever
What kind of setting would you put the VT Bass to if you were trying to achieve this kind of tone? Using a Jazz bass.
Question for the Tec 21 guys, as an example, if I was trying to achieve the Steve Harris sound, what woudl be better a VT bass or a Bass Driver DI?? And guys, I'm not a Steve Harris fanboy, just like that tone/attack, which I know some of which comes from Steve's playing and equipmemnt. It's just that there are a lot of pedals out there that offer overdrive/distortion without achieving that chunkiness and punch that Steve gets.
Wow, man! This pedal sounds amazing, but the bass sounds without him amazing too! Great job. P.S. What is the bass model?Thank you.
It is an ''MF'' . It's a custom shop in Montreal. According to Ben, he's a "very humble guy that designs instruments that are devastating !!!"
@Alejandro Agudo Gomez, Ben tells us it's an "MF" from a local custom shop in Montreal.
i cant seem to balance the pedals volume when its off with my straight sound , its seems that i have to have it really low on the vol knob i mean barley on to get a volume balance ,and when i add more distortion the the volume goes up even more , is this normal , i watched this demo on you tube and the guy has the pedals volume near 12 oclock and when hes switches it off the bass sound has the same volume , even when he adds more distortion his sound doesn't jump up in volume ,
It's the best pedal I own. Even if sometimes the switch doesn't work properly... I always use it ON ;)
@CerebelulSurescitat: Ben tells us it's an "MF" --a local custom shop in Montreal.
i got the VT bass 5 years ago and its still always on on my board. i play every weekend in different clubs and you never know what amp you gonna get. i know the sans amp like my pocket so i get MY sound anywhere i go, and i make sure that the PA got that sound to whereas some places with a super expensive amps, only your bass with a di goes to the PA. al my other drives goes to it. used it for live, studio, my favorite pedal of all time. and saved me lots of bucks not to buy a amp SVT stack and not repairing it!