Tech 21 SansAmp RBI

my main bass is a 1976 Rickenbacker, however in my band we now play several songs where I need (!) a 5 string bass, so I bought a new Warwick
Of course the Warwick is an active bass and has about 4 times the output and far more tonal variation than my old Ric

So I was struggling to come up with an amp setting that suits both (I run Ampeg SVT with 8x10, Ashdown Mag 600 with 2x10 and 1x15, or Mark Bass CMD151P depending on the gig / my mood / how strong I feel!

So I bought this pre-amp, it looked like it had all the features I needed AND it is all analog

The first thing it needed to do was switch in and out quietly, so that I can switch it IN for my Ric,or out and let the Warwick by-pass it without any huge pop through the speakers...and it is silent, Excellent, and even has a handy little light to tell you when it's in

So then it's all about the sound, and this is where it really excels. The manual comes with some setting ideas which give you a good feel for what everything does and how it affects the sound, but there's nothing better than getting in there and twiddling

For a start the EQ controls boost and cut, giving a massive tone range. It means I can set my amps up to suit the Warwick and use the boost and cut controls on here to maximise that super old Ric sound

It has a presence control, reminiscent of some old Marshalls I used to have, which just seemed to give the sound more hiss, however on this it really brightens up the sound, though you need to be careful as it can get a bit harsh

An then there is the Drive, you can have endless fun with this but suffice to say you can get more valve sounding distortion than most valve amps offer. Again you have to be careful to keep this under control, if I'm using my Ampeg at high gain/volume as well as overdriving the Sansamp things can get very dirty....not necessarily bad of course!

On top of all this though is the blend control, which cleverly mixes the sound you've dialed in with the original signal so you can just pull back that outrageous sound you've got going on and mix it with the original

And finally the level control means I can balance the output to match what my Warwick shoves out, meaning I get an even stage volume whatever bass I am using

Overall it has a very pleasing simple look about it, quality all seems good, it's easy to use and has a great impact on your sound....perfect if you're running two completely different basses like me, or if you just want to switch in a different now and again

To sum it up in a nutshell I would highly encourage anybody who might be looking for the modern bass sound palette to at least try out the SansAmp RBI.

I have had the chance to do so last week during out album premiere show.
RBI going straight to house PA. Control through monitor cabinets.
I love the physical aspects of this kit, so easy to set up and pack up.

On top of that I got what I wanted in terms of sound as well.
I got the so desired crunchy distorted modern metal sound, but with the adjustable mid-range I managed to punch through the live mix without any form of compression from my end.
The physical build of the product is high quality stage-proof metals and sturdy knobs. The whole things fits in a rucksack yet has a very acute kick when paired with an amp/cab combo in a small rack.

I see myself relying heavily on the RBI + t-amp combo in a rack for portable yet meticulously adjustable rig for our live shows and if we ever make it...on tour as well.

I was pleasantly surprised with how versatile this amp can be.

The drive can be cranked high to get a nice crunchy tone that doesn't sound fizzy and maintains great clarity.

From rock to death metal, this amp is the best thing I've ever used for a bass tone for high gain tones. It also is great if you're just after a more low-gain natural sound.

The EQ is very responsive and versatile, allowing to make any bass guitar sound great!

The ability to run a secondary unaffected channel out from the amp is ideal for both live and studio use.

The two metal handles on the front of the amp, make portability so easy!

For the price, this is a steal!

I'm using this in a 4U rack comprising power conditioner, wireless receiver & tuner, running into a Phil Jones 250W powered cabinet, with a Fender Jazz & Warwick Corvette fretless, for folk / P&W / bit of jazz. This is a well made and robust unit with a great tonal range. No hum whatsoever provided it is properly isolated from other rack units and the rack is properly grounded. It takes only small adjustments to drive, presence & blend to go from warm jazz to cutting rock. Manual suggested settings for e.g. Bassman, SVT very good having regard to the price. DI out is nice and quiet when running straight into a desk. No ground lift option but you can't have everything! Anyway I suspect that if the rig grounding is well done it shouldn't be needed. Nice unit, good sounds, well made - happy to recommend.