Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2

The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 is a bass preamp and direct box built around Tech 21's 100% analog SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry, which the maker says covers the entire signal chain from preamp to power amp¹. Tech 21 describes it as much more than a direct box, capable of dialing up big vintage tube tones, bright modern slap sounds and gnarly distortions, including Bassman and SVT style amp sounds plus raunchy, crunchy overdriven tones¹. The original SansAmp Bass Driver DI dates back to 1994, and the V2 replaced it in 2016 with the same all-analog circuit plus an expanded EQ section²³.

The unit is aimed at players who want one box to feed a PA or recording desk while also driving an amp on stage. Its three outputs can drive power amps, recording desks and PA mixers, or simply enhance an existing rig⁴.

What the SansAmp circuitry does

The core of the pedal is the SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuit, an all-analog design that Tech 21 says emulates the whole amp signal chain, from preamp to power amp, and includes a speaker/cab simulation tailored for a smooth, even response, as would be achieved by a multiply-miked cabinet¹. The footswitch activates the emulation circuitry; with it disengaged, the unit works as a standard active, transparent direct box¹.

Guitar World's 2026 bass preamp buying guide calls the Bass Driver DI "the best bass preamp pedal if you want a proper classic," noting its 3-band EQ, drive and blend controls, pad/boost and switchable midrange and low end⁶. In a separate 2026 roundup, Guitar World's reviewer wrote of the SansAmp Bass Driver:

The same roundup lists a caveat: the guide finds it "a little dated compared to competition," though built to last with classic tube-style tones⁶.

The controls

The V2 carries the control set of the original plus a midrange section. Premier Guitar's review describes controls for volume, wet/dry signal blend, presence and drive, with an expanded 3-band active EQ offering 12 dB of cut or boost on treble, midrange and bass².

Push buttons handle the utility functions. Premier Guitar reports that buttons engage ground lifting or phantom power through the XLR jack, and attenuate the XLR output by -20 dB; gearnews's launch coverage also lists a +10 dB option on the jack output²³. The V2 replaced the original's slider switches with high-quality latching push buttons, and its jacks are enclosed and secured by metal nuts²⁷.

Mid and bass shift switches

The shift switches are the main EQ change over the original. Tech 21 says it added a switch to adjust the bass frequency to extend into the lower registers for 5- and 6-string basses, along with a midrange control and a switch to adjust its frequency¹. The mid-shift switch moves the center frequencies of the mids between 500 Hz and 1 kHz, and the bass-shift switch moves the bass center between 80 Hz and 40 Hz².

Guitar World's buying guide calls the upgraded EQ "particularly impressive," with the two switches letting a player place the mid and bass bands where their instrument needs them⁶. Premier Guitar's reviewer found the frequency shift switches and midrange dial help tailor the sound even further, while still delivering classic Bass Driver tone².

Power and connections

The V2 runs on phantom power from a desk, a 9V alkaline battery (not included), or a 9V DC power supply²⁶. Phantom power is engaged with its own push button through the XLR jack².

Output routing gives three options, per Tech 21¹:

• Effected XLR: balanced output to a PA or recording desk
• Effected 1/4": the same processed signal to an amp
• Parallel, uneffected 1/4": a dedicated dry output

Premier Guitar's review suggests using the parallel output for a dedicated dry signal while the XLR and main 1/4" output carry the effected signal². The speaker simulation itself cannot be bypassed; Tech 21 states that turning the blend knob all the way down keeps the EQ, level and boost functioning². The 30th Anniversary page notes an external IR can be placed after the unit for players who want their own cabinet response⁸.

History and versions

The SansAmp Bass Driver DI was introduced in 1994 and, per Tech 21, has been used for every kind of music style from death metal to commercial jingles, in countless studios and on tours around the globe⁷⁸. Premier Guitar's 2024 anniversary coverage says that to this day SansAmp remains the standard of the industry⁹.

The V2 was due for release on 24 August at a UK RRP of £229, replacing the original version, which was discontinued³. Premier Guitar reports that Version 2 contains the identical all-analog circuitry of its predecessor, with the changes being the EQ additions and the push-button hardware². Bass Musician Magazine's reviewer Ty Campbell, who had used the older version for many years on many gigs, wrote:

The line has since grown: the SansAmp Bass Driver DI Programmable is a larger-format pedal, measuring 7.25 inches long by 5.25 inches wide by 2.25 inches high, and like the single-channel Bass Driver DI it is operable with a 9V alkaline battery, not included¹⁰.

The 30th Anniversary limited edition

To mark the Bass Driver DI's 30th anniversary, Tech 21 issued a limited edition in an anodized precision-machined aluminum billet housing with all-metal knobs⁷⁸. The anniversary edition keeps the same feature set: the all-analog SansAmp circuitry, the mid and bass shift switches, the three outputs, phantom power operation and the same 4.75" x 3.75" x 2" footprint⁸.

Its owner's manual includes sample style settings for Bassman, SVT, King's X, Slap, Reggae and Crimson tones, plus settings for Chapman Stick and acoustic guitar⁸.

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