Tech 21 gives SansAmp RBI rackmount a new front panel

October 4, 2022 · 2 sources

Tech 21 introduced a new front panel for the SansAmp RBI rackmount in October 2022, replacing the panel the unit had carried since January 2001¹². The maker lists the two versions as "RBI New Front Panel (October 2022)" and "RBI Former Front Panel (January 2001-September 2022)"¹.

Bass Musician Magazine reported that the change is cosmetic, "keeping its inner workings and functionality intact"². According to the report, the new panel revisits the original logo from 1989, the year of Tech 21's first product, the SansAmp Classic, and incorporates more modern hardware for powering up².

The RBI is a rackmount version of the SansAmp Bass Driver DI with expanded features, the report said: an effects loop with a Mix 50/50 switch for series or parallel operation, a rear 1/4 inch input and XLR output with selectable levels, a buffered uneffected XLR output for a dry signal to a separate channel, and footswitch input and output². Tone controls are Drive, Presence, Blend and a 3-band active EQ².

Tech 21 describes its SansAmp circuitry as "100% analog" tube amplifier emulation covering preamp, power amp and speaker simulation, with the speaker simulation built into the circuit¹. The maker says an external IR can be placed after a SansAmp for additional flavor¹.

Tech 21 lists the RBI among its bass products¹. No price or availability date for the updated panel was given in either account.