Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2

Before getting this, I had used a Zoom B3 as my main practice tool/headphone amp. I had come to a point where I knew what kind of bass tone I like and figured that a Bass Driver would get me there. Also, I like the possibilities for live use, even though I don't really play live anymore. I was also considering a Darkglass Alpha Omega, which had just come out at the time, but I was worried that it would be less versatile and too modern sounding. The Bass Driver seemed like a safer choice, and more of a solid platform to build on.

I don't think I can say much that hasn't been said many times already. It is not really a neutral sounding box that will give you the pure sound of your instrument, but it is also far from a one-trick pony. Anything from gritty rock tones to warm vintage tones. Some people would argue that the programmable version is more useful, but I am more a "set it and forget it" type of player who doesn't like to tweak too much.

I am mostly a bedroom player and use it as a headphone amp on my computer, in combination with a small interface (Behringer UMC204HD). Via XLR, you don't even need a separate power source for the pedal since it can operate on the interface's phantom power, which saves a bit of cable mess.

I'm sure there are equally good and cheaper alternatives for a quiet practice solution, but I love that I can get a great sound during practice while also being able to use it live, should I ever need to. I guess for most people it's the other way round.

Great sound, especially if you like more vintage tones. Built like a tank. Flexible in use. 10/10 would recommend!

After debating between a few options and seeing the Tech 21 Bass Driver DI V1 be discontinued on Thomann I ended up opting for this one. I'm thoroughly pleased I did select this one as the added new mid and bass shift buttons have proved very useful. As a studio engineer I am mainly using the Sansamp as a great clean DI signal that beefs up the guitars direct sound. Having the options to boost specific frequencies is great when preparing the tracks with a mix in mind. IE placing the bass frequencies against the kick drum drum frequencies and giving each instrument a space in the mix.

The drive of this pedal is great as well and blends perfectly with my guitar sounds i'm getting. Which again helps the the overall sound of my productions. The pedal itself is solidly made and could not fault it. The output options are great as you can completely bypass the pedal with the parallel out put and run two signals, one clean and one distorted if you wished. Would 100% recommend to any bass players or studio engineers.

Truth be told this is my first ever DI that I have gotten for myself (especially one that's dedicated for bass).

Solid build and easy to understand features. Was looking for a good starting all rounder DI and this fits the specs. I can see how for certain styles there are more focused DI's out there that does the job better but if you're starting out, this can lasts you for years to come.

Only wished the 9v battery compartment is more solid than it currently is. Always paranoid when I see cables dangling and folding on itself.

Other than that, solid pedal.

This machine will turn your bass sound into the monster you want it to be. We found it really handy for a characterful sound without the trouble of transporting the substantial variety of amps it so successfully replaces. The robust build of the unit further enhances transportability as it stands up to gigging well. While you can tweak endlessly, enjoying the various ways it can make a bass guitar great, my wife settled for an impressive but dependable sound and doesn't change it except marginally for slight differences to accommodate one bass guitar or another. We were a little wary of spending what could buy us a decent small amp on a DI box but having had great results using it's electric guitar equivalent in the studio we took the plunge. For us it was a purchase worth making.

I use the Tech-21 for almost every bass recording in my home studio, wether it's funk, jazz or heavier stuff like rock, punk or metal this beauty will do the job wonderfully.
The sound quality is excellent but it's the versatility that really stands out. The fact that it can be powered through the XLR socket with phantom power it's so very useful and means there will be one less cable lying around, which is never a bad thing.
Overall a great piece of hardware to have in your studio, be it a home project or a professional environment, at a reasonable price.
If you don't trust me just know that Pino Palladino has four of these, that should clear your doubts.