The Tech 21 Geddy Lee DI-2112 Signature SansAmp is a bass preamp and DI built around two all-analog SansAmp preamps running in parallel: a Drive section you shape with your own controls, and a Deep section carrying an EQ curve designed to Geddy Lee's specifications1. MusicPlayers.com called it "a fraternal twin to the GED-2112 rack-mount bass preamp, but in a compact" floor format, engineered by Geddy Lee with Tech 21 to be smaller and run on batteries12. At launch it carried an MSRP of $435 and sold for $32912, a street price Performer Magazine still listed at $329 in 202121.
Two preamps in parallel: Drive and Deep
The core idea is simple. Performer Magazine's reviewer summed it up: "Simply put, it's a dual set of signals (pun intended to the Rush fans) running in parallel: deep and drive"1. The SansAmp DI-2112 is fundamentally two DIs in one box2.
- Drive section: the full preamp with your controls, including Level, which sets the Drive Out 1 level2.
- Deep section: a second independent preamp running parallel with the Drive section, with its own EQ curve designed to Geddy Lee's specifications2. It carries Geddy Lee's EQ curve set to his preference, but the user can still tweak the level and saturation1.
Because the two sections have their own outputs, you can send each to a different destination, or blend them at the desk. Performer's reviewer described the result at Geddy Lee's standard setting as "Just the right balance of grit on the top end, while maintaining a warm, yet deep low end"1.
"Just the right balance of grit on the top end, while maintaining a warm, yet deep low end."
The controls
The top-mounted controls cover Level, Blend, Mid, Drive, Treble, Bass, and Mid Shift1. The Blend control blends your bass signal with the DI-2112 circuitry, and the Level control adjusts the output level of the Deep section2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Adjusts the output level of the Deep section2 |
| Blend | Blends the bass signal with the DI-2112 circuitry2 |
| Drive | Sets the drive of the Drive preamp1 |
| Bass | Active tone control at 80Hz, cuts or boosts +/- 12dB from the 12:00 position2 |
| Treble | Active tone control at 3.2kHz, cuts or boosts +/- 12dB from the 12:00 position2 |
| Mid | +/- 12dB cut or boost2 |
| Mid Shift | Parametric EQ control with a sweep ranging from 170Hz to 3.0kHz2 |
A small bank of buttons covers mute, the Tight option, a +10dB boost for the quarter-inch outputs, and a -20dB pad for the XLR outputs2. The Tight button is an added feature that came from the YYZ pedal; it tweaks the EQ to deliver more definition in your tone2. Performer's reviewer found that "Kicking in the tight function really added in extra definition, taming some of those lower frequencies from the drive side of things"1.
A blue LED indicates power and pulses during playing, showing that the device is outputting signal1.
Power and connections
The rear panel includes the input along with a selection of quarter-inch outputs, one dedicated for tuner, mix/drive, and deep out, plus dedicated XLR outputs for the drive and deep signal paths1. All four outputs can be used at the same time1. For the quarter-inch outputs there is a 0dB or +10dB level selector switch, and for the XLR outputs a -20dB pad to match the output to different level requirements2.
On power, the sources differ slightly. Tech 21 says the unit runs on 18V DC for increased headroom and clarity, via power supply or two 9V alkaline batteries (not included)3, and MusicPlayers.com notes it accepts 18V power via a standard 3.5mm center-negative barrel connector12. Performer Magazine reports it can also run on a standard 9V power supply, with an 18V source recommended for added headroom, or on two 9V batteries1.
There are no footswitches, as with a more traditional preamp pedal design2. This is a set-and-forget preamp and DI, not a stompbox you switch in and out mid-song.
Where it came from
Geddy Lee first partnered with Tech 21 to design a Signature SansAmp, the GED-21123. After the R40 tour, Geddy wanted to streamline his gear for new projects, and the GED-2112 was the rackmount result45. The DI-2112 is the portable version: Geddy Lee collaborated with Tech 21 to engineer it to be smaller and run on two nine-volt batteries2. Tech 21 describes each Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp as offering "Geddy's core sound and the versatility for many different styles"3.
What reviewers said
MusicPlayers.com's Kel Pilshaw rated the unit 3.6 stars, earning it a WIHO award, calling it "a rugged, pro-level bass DI for stage or studio" overall, and noting the low-profile, all-analog box with metal housing is "built like a tank"2. Performer Magazine's Chris Devine tested it through a wide range of basses, including a Yamaha BB404, a hot-rodded Warmoth J-bass with DiMarzio pickups and Nostrand active EQ, a Rickenbacker 4001, a fretless Phil Kubicki Ex-Factor, and a Geddy Lee Signature Fender Jazz Bass1. He also noted that as an all-analog design, there are no issues of latency or lag1.
Videos
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Questions
What does the Tight button do on the DI-2112?
The Tight button tweaks the EQ to deliver more definition in your tone. It was carried over from Tech 21's YYZ pedal. Reviewers found that engaging it added definition and tamed some of the lower frequencies coming from the Drive side of the unit.
Can the DI-2112 run on 9V?
Yes, in two ways. Tech 21 says it runs on 18V DC via a power supply or two 9V alkaline batteries, and Performer Magazine's review reports it can also run on a standard 9V power supply, with 18V recommended for added headroom. Power connects through a standard 3.5mm center-negative barrel connector.
Does the DI-2112 have a footswitch?
No. MusicPlayers.com's review notes there are no footswitches, unlike a more traditional preamp pedal design. Instead, a small bank of buttons on the unit covers functions such as mute, the Tight option, a +10dB boost for the quarter-inch outputs, and a -20dB pad for the XLR outputs.
What is the difference between the DI-2112 and the GED-2112?
The GED-2112 is the original Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp, a rackmount bass preamp designed after the R40 tour to streamline his gear. The DI-2112 is its portable floor version: Geddy Lee collaborated with Tech 21 to engineer it smaller, running on two nine-volt batteries, with the same two-preamp parallel design.
What are Geddy Lee's settings on the DI-2112?
The Deep section carries Geddy Lee's EQ curve set to his preference, and the user can tweak its level and saturation. Performer Magazine's reviewer described the result at Geddy Lee's standard setting as just the right balance of grit on the top end while maintaining a warm, yet deep low end.
Sources (5)
- Tech 21 Geddy Lee DI-2112 Signature SansAmp Preamp Review, Performer Mag, 2021-07-07
- Tech 21 Geddy Lee DI-2112 Signature SansAmp, MusicPlayers.com, 2020-10-28
- Geddy Lee DI-2112, Tech 21 NYC, 2023-07-12
- GED-2112 Geddy Lee, Tech 21 NYC, 2026-06-23
- YYZ Shape Shifter, Tech 21 NYC, 2026-06-23
