The Tech 21 VT Bass Rackmount is an expanded version of the VT Bass pedal built in a single-space rackmount format1. It carries the same SansAmp circuitry idea as the pedal: the unit blends the amount and balance of direct instrument signal with the SansAmp circuitry, and a Blend control sets that balance1. For a bass player, that means one rack unit can serve as a preamp and direct box, feeding both an amp and a PA.
Controls and connections
Beyond the Blend control, the unit carries Drive, Character and active EQ controls, the same core layout as the pedal it expands1. There is also an XLR Output Level control, which Tech 21 describes as being for optimum performance with PA systems1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Blend | Adjusts the amount and balance of direct instrument signal with the SansAmp circuitry1 |
| Drive, Character, active EQ | Tone shaping controls carried over from the VT Bass pedal1 |
| XLR Output Level | Sets the XLR output level for use with PA systems1 |
On the output side, the rackmount offers an XLR output with selectable levels and a buffered direct XLR output that provides a dry signal, so a player can send an affected and a clean feed to different destinations1.
Effects loop
The rackmount adds an Effect Loop with a Mix 50/50 switch, which selects between parallel and series operation of the loop1. In practice, that switch decides whether the looped effect is blended alongside the unit's own signal (parallel) or placed in line with it (series).
Sample settings
Tech 21's manual includes sample settings showing the range of tones the unit covers1:
- SVT-style
- Fat Tube
- Flip Top-style
- Rage
- Thumpy Funk
- Fuzzed out
- Warm Compression
- Yes-style
Where it sits in the Tech 21 bass range
The VT Bass Rackmount is the rack-format take on the VT Bass pedal, which also exists in pedal form as the VT Bass Deluxe and the VT Bass DI1. Players looking at other rack or pedal preamps in the same family can compare it with the SansAmp RBI or the SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2.
Videos
Chris Cole
Sources (1)
- VT Bass Rackmount, Tech 21 NYC, 2019-06-24
