The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Fly Rig V2 is a multi-effects pedal for bass with a built-in SansAmp preamp, made by Tech 21 in the USA1. Tech 21 describes each Fly Rig as much more than a pedalboard in a single pedal, and for bass players the point of the format is going direct: MusicRadar notes that plugging straight into a PA or desk through a SansAmp has become a go-to tactic on stage or in the studio1. The V2 is an update of the original Fly Rig design1, which Guitar World records as first manufactured in 20142.
The signal is organized into four sections using simple signal-chain logic: compressor, tube amp emulation, octave and fuzz, then chorus and tuner1. Guitar World's reviewer found it delivers "a whole lot of tone-shaping options from a sturdy foot-long unit that weighs under a pound"1.
What it is and where it came from
The SansAmp line descends from the original SansAmp invented by Hungarian musician B. Andrew Barta in 1989, which MusicRadar credits as influential on later amp modeling technologies1. The Bass Fly Rig was the portable version of that concept, first manufactured in 20142. The V2 updates the design1, and unlike its predecessor it comes equipped with two of Tech 21's SansAmp circuits, opening up a choice of modes selected via the Character switch, plus an effects loop4.
The controls
The SansAmp section carries the core tone shaping. Tech 21 describes it as featuring 3-band active EQ, with two individual Level controls and two individual Drive controls for gain and overdrive3. MusicRadar found that both channels share the three-band EQ plus controls for Level and Drive1. Guitar World's full control layout:
| Section | Controls |
|---|---|
| SansAmp | Drive, Blend, Bass, Mid, Mid Shift button, Treble, Level5 |
| Chorus | Rate, Level5 |
| Octave | Level5 |
| Compressor | Sustain, Level, Comp5 |
| Boost | Boost Level5 |
Two switches shape the amp voice. The Character switch offers a choice between SansAmp Bass Driver tones and VT Bass DI tones2; MusicRadar describes the Character button as accessing the tube bass amp sounds of the SansAmp Bass Driver DI or a VT Bass DI edging towards classic Ampeg sounds1. There is also a Bite switch, which the MusicRadar reviewer says "best be renamed Presence by deed poll," in effect a presence control1.
The chorus is a single-control design that, in Guitar World's reviewer's words, "combines the usual depth and range controls pretty efficiently"2. The octave and fuzz section is modulated with a Range control acting as a tone pot, which Guitar World found gives "all sorts" of slippery wah and filter options2. A pad switch pairs the unit with active or passive basses1.
Inputs and outputs
The rear panel keeps the direct-to-PA workflow simple:
The XLR out is what makes the unit a stage tool: it feeds a mixing desk directly, with the built-in cab sim shaping the signal so the direct tone carries a speaker character2.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's verdict was positive across the board:
"The SansAmp Bass Fly Rig V2 is super tough, well laid out and offers a range of superb tube amp tones that make going direct a soulful, musical experience - and of course convenient."1
The same review called it a compact powerhouse overall, built into a compact, rugged, road-worthy enclosure1. Guitar World's review priced it at $299 street2.
Related Tech 21 Fly Rigs
The Fly Rig family spans several guitar and bass models, including the Fly Rig 5 v2, the Richie Kotzen RK5 Fly Rig v2, the Paul Landers Fly Rig PL1 and the Cali Fly Rig 5. For players who want only the preamp and DI, Tech 21 also makes the SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver.
Videos
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Questions
What does the Character switch do on the Bass Fly Rig V2?
The Character switch chooses between the two SansAmp circuits built into the unit. One position gives SansAmp Bass Driver tones and the other gives VT Bass DI tones, which MusicRadar describes as edging towards classic Ampeg sounds. It is a quick way to move between two tube bass amp voices without touching any knobs.
What is the difference between the Bass Fly Rig and the V2?
The original Bass Fly Rig, first manufactured in 2014, was a portable version of the SansAmp concept. The V2 adds a second SansAmp circuit, giving a choice of modes selected via the Character switch, and adds an effects loop. Both channels share three-band EQ plus Level and Drive controls.
Does the Bass Fly Rig V2 work with active basses?
Yes. The unit has a pad switch for pairing it with active or passive basses, so high-output active electronics can be tamed before they hit the SansAmp circuitry. The SansAmp section also has a 3-band active EQ for shaping the tone either way.
Is the SansAmp Bass Fly Rig analog?
Yes. Tech 21 describes the unit as all-analog SansAmp circuitry with a built-in speaker and cab sim, and MusicRadar lists it as analogue SansAmp tube amp emulation circuitry with two modes. The SansAmp line descends from B. Andrew Barta's original 1989 SansAmp.
Can I plug the Bass Fly Rig V2 straight into a PA?
Yes. Going direct through a Tech 21 SansAmp variant is a go-to tactic for bass players on stage or in the studio, and the unit has an XLR out alongside a quarter-inch low impedance out. The built-in cab sim means the direct signal carries a speaker-shaped tone.
Sources (5)
- Tech 21 Sans Amp Bass Fly Rig v2 review, MusicRadar, 2022-02-21
- Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Fly Rig V2 review, Guitar World, 2021-12-02
- Bass Fly Rig V2, Tech 21 NYC, 2024-11-21
- Tech 21 launches the new-and-improved Bass Fly Rig V2, Guitar World, 2021-05-19
- Best bass effects pedals: best pedals for every style, Guitar World, 2021-12-20
