tech21 SansAmp XB Driver Owner's Manual page 5

NOTEWORTHY NOTES & CONSIDERATIONS
1) Set Level controls for UNITY GAIN. Set the Level controls so you have the same volume
coming from your speaker/monitor whether the pedal is active or in bypass. This ensures the next device
in the signal chain won't get slammed by a much hotter signal than what would normally come from the
instrument. Similarly, you wouldn't want a drop in volume, either which would force the next device to
struggle for enough signal.
If, however, you're driving a power amp that requires extra volume, you need not concern yourself with
unity gain. Feel free to crank the Master volume!
2) Tech 21 controls are unusually sensitive and tend to perform well beyond what would be con-
sidered "normal." So you need not set everything at max to get maximum results. For instance, to brighten
your sound, rather than automatically boosting Treble, try cutting back on Bass first.
3) SansAmp XB Driver is an interactive tool. It will react differently to various signal levels, as
well as your individual touch. For instance, a hotter signal and a heavy hand will increase the gain structure
and result in more overdrive and compression. A softer signal and a light touch decreases the gain structure
for a cleaner sound. By using Bite, Drive and the EQ controls, you can achieve the proper mix of tonality
and gain structure that best suits your style. For instance, if you want the high end to be cleaner and
smoother, increase Treble and disengage Bite. If you want more overdrive, engage Bite and decrease
Treble. This will bring out the upper harmonic content and attack. As you increase Treble, the high fre-
quency content increases without changing the harmonic content.
3) Tech 21 pedals have exceptionally low noise levels. However, they may amplify noise ema-
nating from the input source. Also check for pickup interference by moving your guitar or turning the vol-
ume off. Be aware single coil pickups are more likely to generate noise.
To minimize noise going into SansAmp XB Driver, we recommend the following:
a) Active electronic instruments should have tone controls
positioned flat. If you need to boost, do so slowly and sparingly.
b) Passive electronic instruments should have volume and
tone controls set at maximum.
4) When you push SansAmp XB Driver to saturation, you get enhanced harmonics, just as you
would with an overdriven tube amplifier. Depending on the setting, the unique circuitry limits transient peaks
for an even meter reading, so that outboard compressors or limiters may not be necessary.
5) To find the best settings for interacting with your other gear, you may need to use radically different
settings for each individual way you use it. You need not be discouraged or suspect something is wrong with
the unit. If you've got your sound, you've simply found the right balance to complement each individual piece
of gear. We recommend you start with the tone controls at 12 o'clock and cut or boost as necessary.
6) Using effects. One of the key attributes of SansAmp is the responsiveness to the dynamics and
nuances of your playing technique. Therefore, your time-modifying effects should be placed in the Effect
Loop or after the SansAmp XB Driver. If placing a tone-modifying effect before the XB Driver, be sure to set
the output level of the effect at unity gain with the output level of the instrument.
7) Buffered bypass eliminates the shortcomings associated with "true bypass" (pops and clicks, and high-end
loss when multiple pedals are connected together), as well as signal loss associated with other types of switching
circuits.
8) Custom actuators. All Tech 21 pedals feature smooth, custom, silent-switching metal actuators.
9) Other features:
• Rugged, all-metal housing
• Metal knobs, footswitches and jacks
• Measures 7.5"l x 4.75"w x 2.25"h
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