With a mixer and bass amp: If you are going to the mixer via the XLR and using the 1/4”
Output to feed a bass amp (with its own AC ground), you should set the switch in the up position
for “Ground Lift” mode. If you experience hum and/or buzz with the switch in either position,
there is probably a problem with the AC outlets you are plugging into.
NOTE: If using vintage equipment without proper grounds, take extra care connecting it to
modern grounded equipment.The inadequacies of the ground in vintage gear could result in dam-
aging anything it is connected to.
NOTE: While operating under phantom power, we recommend keeping a 9V alkaline battery
installed at all times to avoid the previously mentioned “pops” when lifting the ground (see
Standard Audio Procedure on page 2).
GUIDE TO CONTROLS
PRESENCE
brings out the upper harmonic content and attack. For a smoother high end and
for clean settings, decrease to taste.
DRIVE
adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive, similar to when the output section of a
tube amp is being pushed.
BASS & TREBLE.
Unlike passive controls that only cut, these active tone controls cut or
boost ±12dB from unity gain (12 o’clock).This powerful EQ section effectively reduces the need
for a fixed frequency mid control and enables you to achieve an extensive variety of curves --
including a “mid-cut” as well as a “mid-boost.”
Adjusting Mid-Range Content: The mid-range level is preset. Boosting Bass and Treble yields
a “mid-cut” (at 750 Hz) where the relative mid-range level is lower than the Bass and Treble fre-
quency levels. Cutting Bass and Treble yields a “mid-boost” (at 750 Hz) where the relative mid-
range level is higher than the Bass and Treble frequency levels. NOTE: The overall output level will
change relative to the EQ settings. Simply adjust the Level control accordingly.
BLEND
allows you to blend the direct instrument signal with SansAmp Tube Amplifier
Emulation circuitry. In most cases, you will probably have this set at maximum (100% SansAmp).
For certain applications, however, such as an ultra-transparent sound or for use with piezo pickup-
equipped instruments, you may want to blend-in some of the direct signal to achieve your desired
sound.While the SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry is bypassed when Blend is at mini-
mum, the Bass, Treble and Level controls remain active.
LEVEL
adjusts the output level of both the 1/4” and XLR outputs.
PROGRAMMING THE CHANNELS
HOW TO SAVE A PROGRAM
Select a channel where you want the setting located. Set the knob controls to taste. Double click
on that channel’s footswitch and it’s saved. It’s that easy.
HOW TO FIND KNOB POSITIONING WITHIN A PRESET
When you turn a knob from its stored position, it “unlocks” and the channel indicator LED will
blink.The slower the blink, the farther away you are from the preset point.The faster the blink,
the closer you are. At the preset point, the LED stops blinking and remains on.
LAZY POT™
Another Tech 21 first, this is a unique safety feature engineered for the Drive and Level controls.
When you “unlock” the EQ settings, for instance, they will “jump” to the new setting of the knob
position. For the Drive and Level controls, however, this could result in you jumping out of your
skin if they are at a high setting.With the Lazy Pot, there’s a slow, gradual increase to the new set-
ting position giving you time to turn it down.This will only happen when you initially unlock a pre-
set. Once unlocked, the pot will react according to how you reposition it.
BYPASS
SansAmp Bass Driver can go into bypass mode from any of the three channels.Whichever channel
you’re already in, hit that channel’s footswitch once and you’ll be in bypass mode.
[DELUXE] BANK A and B
You can program 3 presets per bank for a total of 6 presets.You can utilize 3 per instrument or
all 6 for one bass. Just follow the same save procedure for each channel in each bank..When you
alternate between banks via the foot-switch, the corresponding LED lights up to let you know
which bank you’re in.
EFFECT LOOP
[DELUXE]
Allows you to connect and control external effects. Run the input of your effect to FX SEND;
output of your effect to FX RETURN.We recommend time-based effects (i.e., chorus or delay) be
inserted in the Effect Loop and external distortion/wah pedals be placed between the bass and
the SansAmp.
To engage/disengage the effect loop, double-click the Bank/FX footswitch.
NOTE: The effect loop automatically stores the position of the last state it is in. For example, if
the effect loop is on when you save a program, it will engage when you recall that preset. If you
should spontaneously disengage the effect loop during a performance, the next time you recall
that preset, the effect loop will be off.
SPEAKER SIMULATION
Built-in speaker simulation is an integral part of the SansAmp circuitry. It shapes the sound to
match the particular cabinet of the amp type selected. It is specifically designed for a smooth, even
response as would be achieved by a multiply-miked cabinet, without the peaks, valleys, and notch-
es associated with single miking.Therefore, it will not adversely affect or interfere with the sound
of your own speaker cabinet.
PLACEMENT ORDER OF OTHER EFFECTS
One of the key attributes of any SansAmp is its responsiveness to the dynamics and nuances of
your playing technique. In most cases, your bass should be plugged directly into the SansAmp.We
suggest experimenting to find the order that’s best for you. As a general guide, we recommend:
Place the following effects BEFORE the SansAmp Bass Driver:
Wah-Wah, Pre-Amp, Compressor, Fuzz Box, Envelope Follower.
Place the following effects AFTER SansAmp Bass Driver:
Chorus, Delay, EQ, Pitch Shifter, Reverb.
NOTE: Low quality digital effects placed after the SansAmp may compromise your signal and
degrade the sound.
NOTEWORTHY NOTES
1) Do not A/B (compare) the SansAmp in line with a digital product. When linked in
series with a digital pre-amp/processor, the A/D to D/A conversion will impact the unit’s sound.
For an accurate comparison, run them parallel (separately) and manually plug in and out of each.
2) SansAmp is very responsive. Our controls are unusually sensitive and powerful.You need
not set everything at max to get maximum results. For instance, to brighten your sound, rather
than automatically boosting Treble all the way up, try cutting back on the Bass first.
The tone controls also help compensate for the EQ curves found in bass amps.To find the best
settings for interacting with your amp, start with the tone controls at 12 o’clock and cut or boost
as necessary. Be aware that amplifiers vary greatly and some may require you to use radical EQ
settings on the SansAmp to achieve your desired sound.You need not be discouraged or suspect
something is wrong with the unit. If you’ve got your sound, you’ve simply found the right balance
for your particular amp.
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