The Tech 21 SansAmp XB Driver is a dual-channel bass preamp and DI pedal, and it is 100% analog. Tech 21 describes it as "a sophisticated dual-amp, bi-amp, DI toolbox with 15 knobs and 3 switches," built around independent Clean and Drive channels that can be used on their own or blended together with the Mix footswitch.1
It pulls together elements of the company's most established bass designs. Tech 21 says it integrates key elements from the SansAmp Bass Driver DI, the Para Driver DI, the QStrip and the dUg Pinnick Ultra Bass 1000, which places it alongside the SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 and the SansAmp Bass Driver Deluxe in the SansAmp bass range.1
Clean and Drive channels
The two channels are full-frequency and independent, so either can carry the signal alone or the two can be blended together using the Mix footswitch. Each channel has its own active BASS and TREBLE tone controls, which cut or boost from 12 o'clock with a range of +/-12dB.1
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| BASS (per channel) | Active tone control, cuts or boosts from 12 o'clock, +/-12dB range1 |
| TREBLE (per channel) | Active tone control, cuts or boosts from 12 o'clock, +/-12dB range1 |
| Crossover switch | In Mix mode, engages sweepable LPF and HPF filters for bi-amp style operation1 |
| Mix footswitch | Blends between the Clean and Drive channels1 |
In Mix mode, the crossover switch engages sweepable LPF and HPF filters. Tech 21 describes this as enabling bi-amp style operation, a nod to the separate amp systems the pedal's inspirations were known for.1
Who it was designed around
Tech 21 says the XB Driver was inspired predominantly by dUg Pinnick, with a nod to Geddy Lee, John Entwistle and Chris Squire. The maker's point of reference is that all were notorious for running entirely separate, complicated bass amp systems together, and the XB Driver's dual-channel, bi-amp-capable layout is aimed at that kind of playing.1
Build, connections and power
The pedal is built into a rugged, all-metal housing with metal knobs, footswitches and jacks, and silent-switching custom footswitch actuators.1
Connections and power:
- 1/4-inch instrument level input, 4.7 megOhm1
- 1/4-inch tuner output1
- Powered by the included Tech 21 Model #DC18 supply, 18V DC at 250mA1
The XB Driver runs on 18V DC at 250mA and uses the included Tech 21 Model #DC18 supply. The included supply is 100-240V universal auto-switching with interchangeable international plugs.1
Videos
Tech21nyc
Tech21nyc
Rodney McG
Sources (2)
- XB DRIVER, Tech 21 NYC, 2024-11-15
- New Gear: Tech 21 Introduces the SansAmp XB Driver Dual-Amp/Bi-Amp/DI Bass Preamp, Bass Musician Magazine, 2024-01-23
