Tech 21 introduces the SansAmp XB Driver bass preamp

January 23, 2024 · 2 sources

Tech 21 introduced the SansAmp XB Driver, a dual-amp, bi-amp and DI bass preamp, Bass Musician Magazine reported on January 23, 2024. The maker describes it as "a sophisticated dual-amp, bi-amp, DI toolbox with 15 knobs and 3 switches"¹².

The unit is 100% analog, with independent Clean and Drive channels that can be used separately or blended with the Mix footswitch. In Mix mode, a Crossover switch engages sweepable low-pass and high-pass filters¹². Each channel has active Bass and Treble controls that cut or boost +/-12dB from 12 o'clock, sweepable semi-parametric Mid controls from 100 Hz to 2 kHz at +/-16dB, a Level control and a Master Volume¹. The Clean channel has a compressor built on FET-based technology; the Drive channel has a Drive control, a Bite switch for a presence boost, and a Pre/Post switch that changes the placement of the mid-range¹².

Tech 21 says the design draws on elements of its SansAmp Bass Driver DI, Para Driver DI, Q\Strip and dUg Pinnick Ultra Bass 1000¹². The maker states the XB Driver is "inspired predominantly by dUg Pinnick" and also nods to Geddy Lee, John Entwistle and Chris Squire¹².

Connections include a 1/4-inch instrument input at 4.7 megOhm, a 1/4-inch tuner output, a 1/4-inch effect send and return affecting both channels, an unbalanced low Z output with 10dB boost, and a balanced low Z XLR output with mic/line switch and ground lift¹². The built-in SansAmp speaker simulation covers preamp, power amp and speaker stages, and Tech 21 notes an external IR can be placed after the unit¹. It runs on an included 18V DC power supply, 250mA, with universal auto-switching and interchangeable international plugs¹².

The housing is all metal with metal knobs, footswitches and jacks, and silent-switching footswitch actuators¹². Tech 21 lists applications including use as a stompbox with an amp, as a preamp to drive a power amp, direct to a PA mixer and direct recording to a computer¹. Neither source gives a price.