The Tech 21 SansAmp RPM is a single-space rackmount preamp built around the SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry. Tech 21 adapted it from the SansAmp Acoustic DI pedal, adding a Drive control, and describes it as a supercharged tone shaper for any signal source1. Drive adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive, while the Blend control lets you mix the direct instrument signal with the SansAmp circuitry, so you can run from a clean boost to a fully saturated preamp tone1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive1 |
| Blend | Mixes the direct instrument signal with the SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry1 |
| Bass | Active tone control, cut or boost ±12dB1 |
| Mid | Active tone control, cut or boost ±12dB1 |
| Mid Shift | Parametric EQ control that selects the center frequency of the Mid control; sweep ranges from 170 Hz to 3.0 kHz1 |
| Treble | Active tone control, cut or boost ±12dB1 |
| XLR Out Level | Individual Level control for the XLR out, to optimize your amp's output relative to the P.A. system1 |
The semi-parametric EQ is the heart of the unit: Mid Shift sets where the Mid control acts, anywhere from 170 Hz to 3.0 kHz, which covers everything from thickening a bass signal to pulling a guitar out of a mix1.
Connections and routing
The rear panel carries a 1/4-inch input and an XLR output with selectable levels, so the RPM can feed both an amp and a PA from the same box1. An effects loop with a Mix 50/50 switch lets you configure it in series or parallel1.
The RPM and Geddy Lee
The RPM is also the source of Geddy Lee's edgy crunch tone. Tech 21 quotes him on the DI-2112 product page, whose Drive section is based on the RPM's design2:
"A 'deep clean' tone coupled with the 'edgy crunch' I get from the SansAmp RPM now all in one box."
Tech 21's own rackmount work with Lee has continued since, including the GED-2112 and the YYZ Shape-shifter Signature SansAmp2.
Videos
Sweetwater
FrostByte
FrostByte
Questions
What is the difference between the SansAmp RPM and the SansAmp Acoustic DI?
Tech 21 adapted the RPM from its SansAmp Acoustic DI pedal, adding a Drive control. Drive adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive, so the rack unit can push a signal harder than the pedal it came from. Both share the SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry and the Blend control that mixes the direct instrument signal with it.
How many rack spaces does the SansAmp RPM take?
One. Tech 21 describes the RPM as a single space rackmount model, measuring 19 inches wide, 1.5 inches high and 5.25 inches deep, or 6.25 inches deep overall, and weighing 5 lbs.
Does the SansAmp RPM have an XLR output?
Yes. The rear panel has a 1/4-inch input and an XLR output with selectable levels. There is also an individual Level control for the XLR output, so you can set the level going to the PA relative to the level going to your amp.
What is the frequency range of the Mid Shift control?
Mid Shift is a parametric EQ control that selects the center frequency of the Mid control. Its sweep ranges from 170 Hz to 3.0 kHz, and the Mid control itself cuts or boosts plus or minus 12 dB.
Did Geddy Lee use the SansAmp RPM?
Yes. Tech 21 quotes Geddy Lee describing his tone as a deep clean sound coupled with the edgy crunch he gets from the SansAmp RPM. The Drive section of Tech 21's DI-2112 unit is based on the RPM's design.
Sources (2)
- RPM - Tech 21 NYC, Tech 21 NYC, 2019-06-24
- Geddy Lee DI-2112, Tech 21 NYC, 2023-07-12
Geddy Lee
