Sansamp RPM? RBI? BDDI?

[cjj]

OK, I've been reading a lot about the various Sansamp bass drivers & amps and from that I've read, I'm pretty impressed and thinking seriously about getting one (or maybe 2?), but I'm just not sure just which way to go. I know several people here have experience with different models and I've read several threads on this and other forums, but I still can't decide.

Over the years, I've used various amp/speaker combinations but never quite gotten a sound I really like. Of course, I don't really want only one sound either, I'd like to be able to get a good edgy rock sound similar to Chris Squire or Geddy Lee, but also be able to back off and get a smooth bassy sound for softer stuff. The kinds of things I play these days are quite varied, from rock to country, mostly just for fun at various gigs with various groups of people so versatility is a big factor.

Anyway, my current setup is a 4001 or 4003 running Ric-O-Sound split into an old Peavey MkIV Bass head. The head has been modified to run each preamp section on a separate input. I've got an Alesis 3630 compressor on each channel in the effects loops before the EQ sections for each channel. I then run bi-amp using the MkIV power amp for the low end to an Ampeg SVT-15E, the high to the power amp of a Peavey 12 inch guitar combo amp. This setup is mostly due to using what I had lying around. I can get a decent tone, but it's just not quite there for anything.

So, on to the Sansamp. I'd like to keep the pickups separate, which kind of implies 2 Sansamp units, but cost is a factor. Is it really going to get me a lot more to run Sansamps on each pickup, or does it really give you more effect on just one of the pickups (would it be better on bass or treble)? Would I really be getting a lot more versatility by keeping the pickups separate, or will it be just about as good running "normal" through just one Sansamp? Maybe I should scrap the whole bi-amp thing too, that was "the thing" back when I was playing pro in the mid 80's, but I've been out of the loop for close to 20 years.

I like the idea of the programmable stomp box that gives you multiple setups, but the lack of mid control worries me. Does the mid control on the rack versions really get you that much more? Decisions, decisions.

Well, hopefully I've not bored anyone too much with this long diatribe, I just though it might give you guys some idea of what I've got to work with and where I'm trying to go. Unfortunately, going to the local music store to try them out isn't an option since it's 250 miles to the nearest one.

-cj

[jps]

I tried the SABDDI and was not impressed with the way it imparts it's own sound to whatever is plugged in to it. I now have a VT Bass which sounds fantastic. Try that in one of your channels. Personally, I would only use it with one pickup and run the other one clean depending on which way it works best for the tone you are seeking.

[atomic_punk]

I think Scott Doseck has some experience with these, see if we can get him to comment here.

[cheyenne]

I had the BDDI, the RBI and the RPM. All completly different in my book. The BDDI I thought scooped the mids to much for my taste, the RBI was an improvement since it has a "mid" knob, but to "glassy" sounding. It always sounded like the EQ was notched for guitar to me.

The RPM has it going on. Voiced a little deeper, with a "mid shift" that lets you select the mid frequency, and also an additional "mid" control for boost/cut. Nice, it also has all the other features of the RBI. I actually had the RBI and the RPM at the same time, and when they were A/B'd side by side, it was like night and day. The RBI has a huge fanbase, but I would bet the farm that if the RBI users would try a RPM they would switch.

If I were to go back to a poweramp / preamp setup, the RPM would be my first choice without hesitation.

I havent tried the VT pedal yet, but it looks interesting, and I'll probably try one in the near future. I hope this helps...

[cjj]

Thanks for the reply Scott, yes, that was helpful. I've been reading a lot about Sansamp stuff on various forums and I'm pretty convinced I want the RPM. Now the only question remaining is whether I get one or two. Two is really too expensive just now and I'm not sure it's really necessary, though using one in each channel in a Ric-O-Sound setup would give you a lot more tonal variety. When you had both the RPM & RBI, did you try running your pickups separately, one through each box?

I suppose the best thing to do would be to get one RPM and try it in each channel and try to envision what effect two would have. Perhaps running it in the combined signal would end up being pretty much the same as having two, unless you set 'em really differently.

[cheyenne]

Yeah, I tried the RBI and RPM signals split, but I really didnt care for the tone of the RBI. 2 RPM's would be awsome.

[cjj]

So I take it you think the idea of running the pickups separately, each through it's own RPM really has some merit over just a single RPM? That would be sweet, but man, that's a lot of cash! Perhaps an RPM & a Para-Driver stomp box, since it's supposed to be the box version of the RPM. That'd save a hundred bucks or so, but I like rack stuff so much better...

[phlemmy]

I've been running the RBI for about 6 years now. It's perfect for my needs.

[qwezirider]

The RBI has a huge fanbase, but I would bet the farm that if the RBI users would try a RPM they would switch.

Been there, done that! Happily running Scott's old RPM

I'm not as good at describing the differences, CJ, as Scott is. For me th RBI was a drastic step up from what I had been doing (Peavey Nitrobass head), and the RPM had the added bonus of the sweepable mids. I like that extra little flexibility. And not that the RBI was worse for me, just that the RPM was a tad better.

While I don't run two RPMs, one for each piclup, I will run a dry signal off the RPM to a Vox Valvetronix for some extra fun to add to the sound depending upon the song. And that thing cost me less than another preamp, so it's kind of like a bonus to have some guitar specific sparkle to add to my bass sound. Yeah, one more piece of garbage to lug to a gig, but worth it to me.

[cheyenne]

I dont want to come off sounding like I'm bashing the RBI. Its a good preamp with alot of tonal color, and obviously has its fan base. All Im saying is that it never really worked for me.

We all have a certain "sound" in our heads that we go for. I just found the "RPM" to be the one to get me to my happy spot the quickest.

I really like the Tech 21 products though. Features and construction are important to me, and the Sansamps are top notch whichever you decide on.

I'd like to try out the Tech 21 VT pedal next. The progammable Sansamp sounds interesting as well.

Life is to short. Why wonder about all this stuff when you can try it? Thats what EBAY is for. If you find you dont like it, flip it and try something else.

[qwezirider]

You definitely did not come off as bashing the RBI. I just acknowledge you have much better ears or descriptive ability than I on the thing. I would just get " my sound" and march on with it. Now with the RPM I can get even more of "my sounds".

[qwezirider]

Thats what EBAY is for. If you find you dont like it, flip it and try something else.

Bingeaux!!!!!

[phlemmy]

Tried the RPM, did nothing for me.

[cheyenne]

Wow..this is cool,

I have so much respect for all the forumites involved here, but when it comes down to it, we all have our own simple / complex tastes dont we???

What works for one person doesnt neccessarily fly for the next. I love it!!!!!!!

The ability / desire to experiment is what makes our world great.

[cjj]

Tried the RPM, did nothing for me.

But did you try an RBI or other Sansamp box and like it?

I'm starting to think I'll have to go the buy it, try it, flog it on Ebay if I don't like it route. I don't think there's a store within 1000 miles of me that actually has one I can try (I'm on a business trip to Boise, ID right now and can't seem to find anything here either). I'm tending towards the RPM right now, but RBI's seem to be a lot more "popular" for sale on the bay, so I may grab one of those too.