Tech 21 Expands its SansAmp Line for Bass with New Rackmount

RBI front panel (Click for a close-up)

Diagram of the RBI rear panel

In simple terms, the SansAmp RBI is Tech 21's immensely popular SansAmp Bass Driver DI pedal in a rackmount format.

Aside from the housing, the SansAmp RBI's controls differ from its pedal predecessor in that it adds a dedicated Mid control, and an individual level control for the XLR output to optimize an amp's output relative to the PA system. The other controls, Drive (for gain and overdrive), Presence (for upper harmonic content and attack), Blend (for the ratio of direct instrument signal and SansAmp circuitry), Bass and Treble are the same as the SansAmp Bass Driver DI's.

For studio and live applications, Tech 21's proprietary SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology enables you to go straight into the mixer of a recorder or PA system via the XLR Direct Output. From vintage to modern, the SansAmp RBI delivers a truckload of the most desirable, big tube amp sounds, and does so even at low volume.

Other features of the rackmount include an effects loop with a Mix 50/50 switch for series or parellel operation, rear 1 /4" input and XLR output with selectable levels, buffered uneffected XLR output to run a dry signal to a separate channel, footswitch input to engage unit and footswitch output to chain and toggle between another SansAmp RBI.

The U.S. suggested retail price is $395.00. Manufactured in the U.S.A. by Tech 21, Inc.,