Product Overview - Tech 21 SansAmp Para Driver DI v2 Owner's Manual

TECH 21, THE COMPANY
Tech 21 was formed by a guitarist possessing the unusual combination
of a trained ear and electronics expertise. In 1989, B. Andrew Barta made
his invention commercially available to players and studios around the world.
His highly-acclaimed SansAmp™ pioneered Tube Amplifier Emulation in
professional applications for recording direct and performing live, and cre-
ated an entirely new category of signal processing. There have since been
many entries into this niche, yet SansAmp continues to maintain its repu-
tation as the industry standard. Tech 21 takes great pride in delivering
consistent quality sound, studio to studio, club to club, arena to arena.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

For recording and live performances, the SansAmp Para Driver DI offers
detailed tone shaping for any signal source in a convenient direct box format.
Our exclusive, 100% analog circuitry eliminates the unnatural harmonics of
piezo pickups. SansAmp Para Driver DI gives your instrument a natural
warmth and presence as if you were miking it through a tube pre-amp.
SansAmp Para Driver DI functions as a pre-amp, a stomp box, as a standard
direct box with EQ (when the Blend is at minimum), and as a standard trans-
parent direct box (when in bypass) to convert the instrument signal to a low
impedance balanced output. This prevents signal loss and sound quality deteri-
oration caused by long cable lengths. When you engage the SansAmp circuitry
via the on-board footswitch, it gives you the sound and responsiveness of a
miked-up pro stage rig --direct into a recording console or P.A. system. You
can also simultaneously plug straight into a power amp or conventional amp.
APPLICATIONS
WITH AN INSTRUMENT AMP:
•As a Pre-Amp: Run 1/4" Output of the Para Driver directly into the power
amp input, a.k.a. "effects return" (if applicable), of an amp, which will bypass
the amp's tone-coloring pre-amp section and defeat the amp's master volume.
So, be sure your instrument's volume is off, BEFORE you turn on the amp. If
a power amp input is not available, use the cleanest channel with the amp's
EQ flat and maximum headroom. For best results, keep the Para Driver's
Level close to unity gain to not overload the amp's input (which could yield
undesirable distortion).
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•As a Stomp Box: Run the 1/4" Output into the front input of your amp.
For best results, keep SansAmp Para Driver DI's Level close to unity gain so
as not to overload the amp's input, which could yield undesirable distortion.
TO DRIVE A POWER AMP:
Run the 1/4" Output or XLR Output to the
corresponding input of a power amp, and adjust your stage volume with the
Level control of SansAmp Para Driver DI.
NOTE: When running into the power amp input of an amp or a power amp
alone, make sure to set the Output Level Switches as follows:
If using 1/4-inch: +10dB engaged (in position).
If using XLR: -20dB disengaged (up position).
If you are so inclined, this is the time to crank it --as long as the power amp
volume is close to or at max.
FOR RECORDING DIRECT OR DIRECT TO P.A. SYSTEM:
Plug the XLR or 1/4" Output directly into the input of a mixer/DAW. Work with
the input trim control on the mixer/ recorder and be sure not to overload its
input. If the Level of the Para Driver is below 12 o'clock and is overloading the
board, use the respective output level switch to reduce the output:
If using 1/4-inch: +10dB disengaged (up position).
If using XLR: -20dB engaged (in position).
Bear in mind full-range systems yield a wide frequency response. Therefore,
we suggest you start with the EQ levels at 12 o'clock and then increase/
decrease to taste.
WITH INSTRUMENTS:
Use with acoustic, electric and bass guitars,
and upright bass, as well as keyboards, violin, drums, sax, harmonica, and even
vocals. But don't stop here. Try your own experimentation.
WITHOUT INSTRUMENTS:
-Insert SansAmp Para Driver DI in your mixing board and use it as an out-
board processor to warm up a particular channel.
-Put direct in-line from the microphone to the mixer.
-Enhance existing tracks in the mix-down process.
-Use as a speaker/mic simulator to record your favorite effects/stomp boxes
directly (see Sample Settings).
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