Just when you thought the SansAmp Bass Driver from TECH 21 NYC couldn’t get any better, it does.

I’m not sure how they do it, as this is already one of the most popular direct boxes I have seen in use, but they did! While the standard controls such as Level, Blend, Treble, Bass, Presence, and Drive are still there, along with the Phantom and Ground Connect and choice for Line or XLR output, the new additions are well thought out and very impressive to say the least. For those not familiar with the SansAmp Bass Driver DI, one of my favorite controls is the Presence control. I typically run this around 12 o’clock to suit my needs and it is great for controlling the amount of definition you want. The Drive control gives you everything from subtle distortion all the way to full out gnarly distortion.

The new features include a Mid control with a push button shift 500/1000 Hz, and a shift for the Bass control between 40/80 Hz, which is a favorite for me. It was really prominent both live and in the studio, especially with my arsenal of 5-strings I love to play. Also, the previous SansAmp had toggle switches for the -20dB pad to the XLR output, Phantom and Ground Connect and 1/4” Line or XLR output, which are now the push button style.

As with the older SansAmp, the new one is more than just a Direct Box, and this is why it has been a staple and favorite for many bassists. I have used the older version for many years, on many gigs, and it has never let me down. A lot of gigs I play typically have a house rig for the bassist. The SansAmp allows me to get the tone and definition I want from the cheapest rigs to the most outrageous, while always getting the exact tone that I need for the gig. It is great for any style of music, from rock to funk, country and everything else in between.

I look forward to gigging and recording with the SansAmp Bass Driver DI Version 2. It’s rock solid and will be one of the most versatile and dependable DI boxes for years to come.

Available online at tech21nyc.com