Tech 21 SansAmp DI-2112

The Tech 21 SansAmp DI-2112 is a compact preamp and DI for bass, built around two separate all-analog SansAmp circuits in one box: a Drive section and a Deep section. Tech 21 positions it as a format that merges the design of the rackmount and the portability of the pedal, designed to be equally at home on a studio desktop or on top of an amp¹. MusicPlayers.com's reviewer put it simply: "The Sansamp DI-2112 is fundamentally two DIs in one box"².

The unit comes out of Tech 21's Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp line. Geddy Lee first partnered with Tech 21 to design the GED-2112 rackmount preamp, and the DI-2112 is the portable version of that design, engineered to be smaller and to run on batteries²³.

Two SansAmp preamps in one desktop box

The core idea of the DI-2112 is Parallel Pre-Amping, a framework Tech 21 introduced with the GED-2112 rackmount: two separate internal preamps that run in parallel rather than in series. Premier Guitar's reviewer described the device as "basically separated into two sections, a 'drive' preamp section and a 'deep' preamp section, that run parallel"⁴.

Each half has its own job:

• Drive section: based on the versatile SansAmp RPM Drive section, which Tech 21 says opens a wide range of sonic possibilities¹.
• Deep section: a second independent preamp running parallel with the Drive section, with an EQ curve designed to Geddy Lee's specifications. Tech 21 says it offers "thick, meaty tones"¹².

Because the two sections are independent, you can use either one alone, or send both out and blend them yourself. Tech 21 states: "You can use either section independently or blend them externally direct to a mixing board as well as to two amplifiers"¹. That last part matters for players who run two amps: the Drive and Deep paths each get their own outputs, so one amp can take the grind while the other carries the low end.

The DI-2112 is a fraternal twin to the GED-2112 rackmount rather than a copy. MusicPlayers.com's reviewer Kel Pilshaw called it "a fully implemented preamp and dual SansAmp device that is slightly less expensive than its rack-mounted sibling," noting that whether the price is a better or worse value depends on your perspective².

The controls

The top-mounted controls cover Level, Blend, Mid, Drive, Treble, Bass, and Mid Shift⁵. The Drive section's Level control sets the Drive Out 1 level, while a separate Deep Level control adjusts the output level of the Deep section².

The active Bass and Treble controls each cut or boost 12dB in either direction from the 12:00 position, so the flat setting is straight up rather than at minimum, a convention players coming from passive tone controls will want to note².

The enclosure is a rugged, all-metal housing with metal jacks¹.

Connections and power

The rear panel holds the input along with a selection of 1/4" outputs, one dedicated for tuner, plus mix/drive and deep outs, and dedicated XLR outputs for the drive and deep signal paths⁵. MusicPlayers.com details the same layout: a dedicated tuner out and separate Drive and Deep outputs over both quarter-inch and XLR, with all four outputs usable at the same time².

Two switches shape the output levels:

• XLR outputs: a -20dB pad to match the output to different level requirements², plus a Ground Lift and Level Selector switch for going direct to a PA desk or studio board¹.
• Quarter-inch outputs: a 0dB or +10dB level selector switch².

Power is flexible. Tech 21 specifies 18V DC for increased headroom and clarity, delivered via a power supply or two 9V alkaline batteries, which are not included¹. The 18V supply connects through a standard 3.5mm center-negative barrel connector². Performer Mag's reviewer Chris Devine noted it can also run on a standard 9V supply, with the 18V source being the way to go for added headroom⁵. For players who want a cable-free rig, MusicPlayers.com points out you can throw a pair of 9V batteries inside for what the reviewer called "the ultimate no-fuss setup"².

The Geddy Lee signature version

The DI-2112 belongs to Tech 21's Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp line, named for the Rush bassist and vocalist. Tech 21 says each Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp offers "Geddy's core sound and the versatility for many different styles"¹. The line began with the GED-2112 rackmount, which Geddy Lee describes as having involved "distilling a rackload of equipment into a single rackspace"³. Bass Musician Magazine's reviewer wrote of the rackmount original that "Tech 21 has done it yet again with the Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp GED-2112"⁶.

For the DI-2112, Geddy Lee collaborated with Tech 21 to engineer the portable version to be smaller and to run on two nine-volt batteries². Performer Mag framed the appeal of the partnership directly: "When Geddy partnered up with Tech 21, his elusive sound became far less elusive"⁵.

Because the design is all-analog, Performer Mag's reviewer noted there are no issues of latency or lag⁵. At launch the unit carried an MSRP of $435 and a selling price of $329².

Videos

Click to load

Click to load

Click to load

Questions