A Vault of Enviable Bass Tones
Simply calling the Tech 21 SansAmp XB Driver an all-analog bass preamp and DI toolbox fails to do it justice; it's more akin to a massive vault of killer bass tones. This unit boasts Clean and Drive channels, each with a 3-band EQ with a sweepable semi-parametric midrange and a Level control. The XB Driver's Clean channel includes an industrial-strength compressor for maximum punch; the Drive channel flaunts built-in overdrive with a Bite switch for added harmonic flavor and a Pre/Post SansAmp semi-parametric midrange switch. Beyond that, you can use both channels in tandem with Mix and HPF/LPF controls for dialing in your sound. The XB Driver runs on 18-volt DC for maximum headroom and includes 1/4-inch and XLR outputs, an effects loop, a tuner output, and SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology — Tech 21's legendary 100%-analog speaker simulator. Bassists searching for the ultimate compact all-in-one bass rig will find a veritable treasure trove inside the SansAmp XB Driver.
Related Videos: SansAmp XB Driver Bass Preamp
Two channels of bass muscle
Tech 21 packed two discrete channels into the SansAmp XB Driver. Its Clean channel retains a 3-band active EQ with a sweepable semi-parametric midrange and a Level control, along with a built-in compressor for dialing in the maximum amount of punch. The Drive channel also includes a 3-band EQ with a sweepable semi-parametric midrange and Level control, along with a Drive knob for adjusting the amount of grit in your tone, plus a Bite switch to emphasize high-frequency harmonics, and a Pre/Post switch to change the placement of the channel's midrange. You can deploy each channel separately or combine them via the Mix footswitch. You also get HPF and LPF controls for fine-tuning the combined signal's high-end distortion and clean low-frequency bass. A Master volume rounds out the XB Driver's controls.
Loaded with player-essential features
The bassists here at Sweetwater are shocked by how many features Tech 21 packed into the XB Driver's compact metal housing. For starters, you get 1/4-inch and XLR outputs, an effects loop, and a tuner output. Next, you get Tech 21's acclaimed all-analog SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology, encompassing the unit's entire signal chain, from preamp to power amp to speaker simulation. This speaker simulation is specially tailored for a smooth, even response akin to a multi-miked cabinet, but without the peaks, valleys, and notches inherent with single miking and some IRs. Finally, the Tech 21 SansAmp XB Driver runs on an 18-volt DC to ensure maximum headroom.
Tech 21 SansAmp XB Driver Features:
- 2-channel bass preamp and DI
- Clean channel includes a 3-band active EQ, Level control, and built-in compressor
- Drive channel consists of a 3-band EQ, Level control, Drive knob, Bite switch, and a Pre/Post midrange switch
- Channels can be deployed individually or in tandem via the Mix footswitch
- HPF and LPF controls fine-tune the combined signal's high-end distortion and clean low-frequency bass
- Master volume control adjusts your overall output level
- 1/4-inch and XLR outputs, effects loop, and a tuner output
- SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology provides a 100%-analog speaker simulation
- Runs on 18V DC to ensure maximum headroom
