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TECH 21, THE COMPANY
Tech 21 was formed by a guitarist possessing the unusual combination of a trained ear and elec-
tronics 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 created an
entirely new category of signal processing.There have since been many entries into this niche, yet
SansAmp continues to maintain its reputation as the industry standard.
With a full line of SansAmp models,Tech 21 also offers effect pedals and MIDI products, as well as
"traditional" style amplifiers for guitar and bass. Each product is thoughtfully and respectfully
designed by B. Andrew Barta himself with the player in mind. Our goal is to provide you with flexi-
ble, versatile tools to cultivate, control, refine and redefine your own individual sound.Tech 21
takes great pride in delivering consistent quality sound, studio to studio, club to club, arena to arena.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The SansAmp Character Series VT Bass DI offers a historical journey through the most coveted
Ampeg®-style bass amp rigs.This multi-function pedal has an abundance of knob controls, is easy to
use, and features our proprietary, 100% analog SansAmp technology.The continuously-variable
Character control sweeps through decades of distinctive sounds.You can explore and tailor various
eras simply by turning a knob.
The VT Bass DI functions as a pre-amp, a stomp box, and as a direct box. In bypass,VT Bass DI
converts the instrument signal to a low impedance balanced output.This prevents signal loss and
sound quality deterioration caused by long cable lengths.When you engage the SansAmp Tube
Amplifier Emulation circuitry via the on-board footswitch, it not only converts the signal, 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 bass amp.
As with each SansAmp model, the controls are designed to give you the flexibility to customize
your own sound.After all, the greatest inspiration comes from having the sound that's right for you.
APPLICATIONS
WITH A BASS AMP RIG:
-As a Pre-Amp: Run the 1/4" Output of VT Bass DI directly into the
power amp input, a.k.a. "effects return" (if applicable), of an amp.This will
bypass the tone-coloring pre-amp section of the amp rig.
-As a Stomp Box: Run the 1/4" Output into the front input of an amp.
For best results, keep VT Bass 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 the XLR Output to the correspon-
ding input of a power amp, and adjust your stage volume with the Level control of VT Bass 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).
Then adjust Level as needed. If you are so inclined, this is the time to crank it!
TO RECORD DIRECT:
Plug the XLR or 1/4" Output directly into the input of a
mixer/recorder.Work with the input trim control on the mixer/ recorder and be sure not to
overload its input. If the Level on the VT Bass DI 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.
GUIDE TO CONTROLS
DRIVE
adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive, similar to when the output section of a
tube amp is being pushed.
CHARACTER
sweeps through an entire range of tonal possibilities associated with Ampeg®-
style amplifiers. In addition to modifying the frequency response, the Character control also influ-
ences the attack and drive characteristics.Therefore, you may need to adjust your gain and tone
settings after tweaking the Character control.
Settings below 12 o'clock will give you the '70s powerhouse, the SVT.
Around 12 o'clock will introduce you to the studio staple, the flip top.
Above 12 o'clock increases the gain and crunch for less polite, modern
rock, indie bass sounds.
Full up gives you distorted bass tones fromYes to Crimson to King' s X styles.
MID, LOW, HIGH.
Unlike passive controls that only cut, these active tone controls cut
or boost ±12dB from unity gain (12 o'clock). Mid is 500 Hz. Low is 125 Hz. High is 3.2kHz.
BLEND
allows you to blend the direct instrument signal with SansAmp
Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry. In most cases, you will probably have this set at maximum
(100% SansAmp). For certain applications, however, such as
an ultra-transparent sound or for use with piezo pickup-equipped instruments, you may want to
blend-in the direct signal to achieve your desired sound. Note: When Blend is at minimum, the
SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry is bypassed. However, the Mid, Low, High and Level controls
remain active.
LEVEL
adjusts the output level of both the 1/4" and XLR outputs.
Engaged (in position), Bite activates a presence boost and subsonic filter.This tightens up the
sound when you are in distorted settings and adds definition to your notes when playing in clean
settings.
SPEAKER SIMULATION
Speaker simulation is an integral part of the SansAmp circuitry.The VT Bass DI is tuned to match
10-inch American-style bass speakers. It is designed for a smooth, even response as would be
achieved by a multiply-miked cabinet, without the peaks, valleys, and notches associated with single
miking.The shape of the speaker curve will not adversely effect or interfere with the frequency
response of your own cabinet.The speaker simulation works in tandem with the EQ controls to
custom tailor the overall sound.
If desired, however, you can defeat the speaker simulation by disengaging the speaker switch
(up position).
BITE
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