The Tech 21 YYZ Shape-shifter Signature SansAmp is a signature preamp pedal for bass, built with Tech 21's Geddy Lee of Rush. It is based on the limited-edition Geddy Lee MP40 Signature SansAmp, carrying the same features and functionality, but dressed in the color scheme and graphics shared by Lee's other Signature SansAmps: the GED-2112 rackmount, the DI-2112 desk-top unit and the compact YYZ SansAmp pedal1. Where the MP40 was a limited run that MusicRadar reported was all but sold out, the YYZ Shape-shifter got what the same outlet called "a new paint job and joins the mainline range"2.
Inside is Tech 21's SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation, which the maker describes as 100% analog and covering "the entire signal chain, from pre-amp to power amp" through to speaker simulation1. That analog circuitry is what lets the pedal record directly and enhance previously recorded tracks, according to Tech 211. Premier Guitar's press coverage noted that each Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp "offers Geddy's core sound, as well as the versatility for many different styles and tones"3.
Where it came from
The pedal's architecture traces back to the GED-2112 rackmount. Tech 21 says the compact YYZ SansAmp pedal "adapted the architectural structure to simplify blending the two signal paths," taking the GED-2112's parallel pre-amp design and making it easier to blend in a pedal format1. The YYZ Shape-shifter then carried the MP40's feature set into the standard range, with Guitar World describing it as "based on the limited-edition MP40, but with the color scheme and graphics to match Geddy's existing SansAmp gear"5.
Visually, MusicRadar's Jonathan Horsley noted it is "finished with black text and an illustration of the man himself on a shade of spearmint toothpaste green"2.
The controls and footswitches
The control set covers the core SansAmp layout. Guitar World lists a Master Volume, a 3-band EQ and Drive controls5, and Premier Guitar's coverage describes a Mix control "to blend the ratio of high-end studio clean and dirty bass tube amp tones"3.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Master Volume | Sets the overall output level25 |
| 3-band EQ | Shapes the tone5 |
| Drive | Sets the amount of dirt24 |
| Mix | Blends the ratio of high-end studio clean and dirty bass tube amp tones3 |
| Tight button | Adds definition to notes in cleaner settings and makes distorted tones snappier1 |
| Shape-shifter button | Adds an extra 6dB of what Lee calls "Schmegilka"2 |
The Tight button is a preset shaping option rather than a knob: Tech 21 says it exists "to add definition to your notes in cleaner settings and make distorted tones snappier"1, and MusicRadar similarly found it "enhances definition and, indeed, tightens your distorted tones"2.
The Shape-shifter button, which gives the pedal its name, is the Geddy Lee flourish. In MusicRadar's words, it "adds an extra 6dB of what Lee likes to call 'Schmegilka'"2.
The two footswitches
MusicRadar described it as "a dual-footswitch build, one for bypassing/engaging the unit, the other for a selectable boost function"2. The boost side is a presence boost rather than a level boost: Tech 21 says it "provides a 12dB presence boost for increased top-end distortion"1, and MusicRadar characterized it as applying "12dB of oomph to your presence for a more distorted high-end sound"2.
Power: 9V battery or DC supply
The pedal runs on either a battery or an external supply:
- A 9V alkaline battery, not included1
- An optional DC power supply, Tech 21 model #DC91
- Tech 21's former power supply models #DC2 and #DC4 also work1
Guitar World summed up the requirement plainly: "You'll need a 9V battery or a suitable DC power supply to power it"5.
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Questions
Is the Tech 21 YYZ Shape-shifter a limited edition?
No. It is based on the limited-edition Geddy Lee MP40 Signature SansAmp, which MusicRadar reported was all but sold out, but the YYZ Shape-shifter joins Tech 21's mainline range. It carries the same color scheme and graphics as Geddy Lee's other Signature SansAmps, including the GED-2112 rackmount and DI-2112 desk-top units.
Is the Tech 21 YYZ Shape-shifter analog?
Yes. Tech 21 describes it as all analog, built on the company's SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology, which the maker says encompasses the entire signal chain from pre-amp to power amp to speaker simulation. MusicRadar also described it as an all-analog device.
Can the Tech 21 YYZ Shape-shifter run on a 9V battery?
Yes. Tech 21 says it is operable with a 9V alkaline battery, which is not included. Alternatively it runs on an optional DC power supply, Tech 21 model #DC9, and it is also operable with the company's former #DC2 and #DC4 power supply models.
What does the Shape-shifter button do?
According to MusicRadar, the Shape-shifter button adds an extra 6dB of what Geddy Lee likes to call "Schmegilka." It is separate from the boost footswitch, which Tech 21 says provides a 12dB presence boost for increased top-end distortion.
How much does the Tech 21 YYZ Shape-shifter cost?
MusicRadar reported it as priced at $249 street when it launched in October 2022, and available now at that time. It was released by Tech 21 as part of the mainline range rather than as a limited edition.
Sources (5)
- YYZ Shape Shifter, Tech 21 NYC, 2026-06-23
- Nail Geddy Lee's bass tones with his new YYZ Shape-shifter Signature SansAmp from Tech 21, MusicRadar, 2022-10-21
- Tech 21 Launches Geddy Lee YYZ SansAmp Pedal, Premier Guitar, 2022-10-20
- New Gear: Geddy Lee YYZ Shape-shifter Signature SansAmp, Bass Musician Magazine, 2022-10-20
- Tech 21 partners with Geddy Lee for new YYZ Shape-shifter SansAmp to bring unprecedented levels of… Schmegilka?, Guitar World, 2022-10-26
Geddy Lee
