Tech 21 SansAmp RBI

Great unit that has given me the best sound out of my bass rig ever! I am able to dial in whatever sound I want and am happy with it all. Unfortunately, I bought mine used, so I didn't get a manual. I wish I could get one for it. I'd like to look through it.

I'm playing through SWR enclosures with a QSC power amp using a Pedulla bass and the RBI just gave me just a little sweeter tone to an already great combination of gear. It can be a bit noisy, but it's very easy to control.

I haven't had it very long, but so far, it works without a hiccup. It seems like I could depend on this thing for whatever I asked from it.

I sent e-mail asking about a manual and got no response. No reply to my e-mails. I guess I'll need to call them. All I was asking is for a manual and they haven't written back. So far, the customer service is the only part I'm not happy with.

This things is giving me tone for any style I want. I play mostly rock and it's got great rock bass tone. In the 17 years I've been playing bass, the RBI has helped me find tone I can finally be happy with. I would definitely buy another one, I'm actually thinking about it to have a second one around. I have the SansAmp Bass Driver DI for recording and because I love that thing so much, I knew the RBI would give me what I needed.

Lots of knob, outputs, a few buttons. In the end it adds up to a versitile sound.

The overdrive is not "monstous" like it's advertised. It's rather weak. Turn down the tweeters on your cabinets if your gonna overdrive it or you're gonna turn up the presence and treble.

It gives a nice crunch without thes. It gives a raw sound for a clean sounding solid-state amp.

A nice SVT presence.

A little noise. If you have a parallel effects loop, perfect. Turn down the volume on the effects loop and turn up the volume on the RBI.

Don't drop it. The casing does'nt feel TOO sturdy.

Perfect to crunch your bass amp next to distorted guitar amp. It's capable of nice, clean sounds with sweet highs.

Single-and-a-half channel bass preamp. Button on the front panel to turn the SansAmp affected signal on and off without killing power, and it's footswitchable. The footswitch can also be used to toggle between units if you own more than one. Effects loop, direct 1/4" out for use most often with a tuner, XLR out to board. Inputs on front and back, with rear input sensitivity switch. Solid state, but ask anyone who's touched one -- you'd never know. The only, ONLY solid state preamp that sounds like a true tube preamp when you want it to. Front rackmount handles. There's not a feature on this thing I wish it had that it doesn't have. It looks gorgeous as well. The settings are easy to read from any point on the stage. Internal power supply means no huge adapters using space in your power strip. No patches to mess with. Manual is good for what it does, but the real beauty of this thing comes out when you just start playing around with it! No menus, no digital readouts -- just like a good amplifier.

Running through an Ibanez EDA-900 Ergodyne bass, this unit sounds absolutely perfect. The sound in my head gets translated without a problem to the sound coming out my speakers. The unit adds a good amount of treble with the presence knob anywhere over 50% and the blend all the way, so it's typically a good idea to roll back the volume/tone on your bass's piezo pickups if it has them. I'm currently running the preamp through a Peavey 2000 watt poweramp and a Carvin 4x10 cabinet. As stated above, this is the only solid state unit you'll ever hear and be totally convinced it's tube.

I have played quite a few shows with this. I have no need for a backup. The thing's built great, it's got a strong metal casing. The knobs don't fall off every time you move it. Everything is clearly labeled in the back, so even if you have a "friend" set up your stuff, there's a good chance it won't get screwed up that way, either! The most dependable unit in my rack, hands down.

Have not dealt with the company directly except through emails asking questions concerning the RBI, the PSA, and the old SansAmp Rackmount. They were quick to respond (we're talking under a day here) and they were immediately helpful, instead of going through the typical customer service runaround (you know, 'uh, I don't know, I'm forwarding your email to my supervisor'). Although it's not much to rate them on, they were indeed incredibly kind and helpful.

I play alternative rock with the band I'm in, and heavier stuff on the side. I've been playing guitar for about seven years, but bass for only six months or so. There is no chance this unit could be stolen. It's screwed into a rack case that weighs more than the speaker cabinet it rests on. However, were something to happen to it, it would be the first thing I replaced, no contest. It's impossible to pick a favorite feature when the entire unit is perfect. If you want other opinions, visit the bass forum here at Harmony Central and mention the word "SansAmp". Hell, look through these reviews. They couldn't get any better. There's a reason for that -- they're perfect, and everyone should own one.

Very straight forward - not a lot of nobs to confuse or that are worthless. Easily understood manual that even includes a list of "sample tones" in the back. This was nice to get you started but experiment with it! It will suprise you!

Holy Crap this thing sound tremendous! I am playing this through an SWR bass 750 w a Hartke 410BXL and a Hartke 1x15BXL cabinets. I currently have 2 Peavey Cirrus basses (4-string and a 5-string). One thing that the SWR was missing was the ability to emulate different tones that other bassists were using (tool, rage, etc). Well lemme tell you this, the sample "slap-tone" is dead on Tool! I mean, it's the exact tone for Schism. Also, it's so clean you have to back off some of the Highs so that you aren't hearing every slide of your fingers across the strings....anyway, words alone cannot describe this thing. Good Job Tech 21!!!

I have no opinion to give since I just got it. However, the switches and Pots (potientometers) all are solid, very clean, and smooth when turned. I don't expect to have any problems with this. Would I gig without it? Hell no! Unfortunately, I paid 300 bucks for it and can't afford a second one. If it was stolen, I would definately replace it.

Another no opinion since I've never had to contact them....

Following the list on the rating's page, I've been playing everything from Rush to Rage...I'm almost able to get Geddy's tone with this but can't since I'm not playing with a Rick. I've been playing for (OMG) 20 years. As I stated earlier, if it were stolen, I'd most definately replace it (God willing, and permission from my wife!). What do I love about it, lemme see..the fact that I'm able to dial in tones closely resembling those that other bass players use. I've yet to find anything that I hate about it..maybe that the output from the Sans Amp is located on the back, and the input for my SWR is in the front (looks sloppy!). I was looking for a decent distortion pedal and was thinking about the Boss...However, after reading the reviews on the Sans Amp bass driver DI, I decided on this one - the rackmounted version. Okay, I've been pretty much long-winded about this but it really is a very nice product (sorry for the glowing review). I've already had several bass players that I know decide on getting this unit. Also, I guess that it can't be too bad since it was on back order from AMS....

very easy to use. great manual included with diagrams of good setting. Cut to the heart of the matter controls only not a bunch of crazy junk.

now this is up to everybodies feelings. I love this unit as I finally got a rackmount bass distortion unit. Turn your bass cab(s)horn down OR off before you turn this bad momma on(~Feedback~). Overdrive sounds good. I'm still learning this unit so as of now I have no complaint and doubt I ever will.

I have depended on it many times now. There is nothing else close to this unit in its price range which works as well as it does. floor pedals are good and could get close but after breaking them and stepping on cables I wouldn't trade this unit for any other. I put it in my rack with my wireless and boom no more floor cable ! No more tripping on stage. lol

I've had no problems yet so this is a N/A question

I play metal so this unit is a great help in keeping almost all my gear in one rack for easy transport. This does have a floor pedal in/out option which works great in a studio or on stage.