Phantom Power; Sample Settings - Tech 21 SansAmp BASS DRIVER DI Owner's Manual

PHANTOM POWER

Allows you to "tap into" the power of a suitably equipped mixer, which, today, most are. As the 3-con-
ductor XLR sends the audio signal to the input of a mixer, the mixer sends voltage back to the unit via
the same 3 wires, eliminating the need for an external power supply. Consult your mixer's owner's man-
ual for set-up instructions. For live and studio use, let the engineer know your SansAmp Bass Driver DI
is phantom power operable.
PHANTOM & GROUND CONNECT SWITCH:
unit will accept phantom power through the XLR Output. Disengaged, the ground of your stage system
and other interconnected gear is lifted (isolated) from the ground of the mixing console.
With a mixer only: If you are plugging your bass into the Bass Driver and taking the XLR Output to a
mixer --and do not have any other grounded equipment connected in the setup-- you will
have to set the switch to the right to connect the ground and engage the phantom power.
With a mixer and bass amp: If you are going to the mixer via the XLR and using the 1/4" Output or
Parallel Output to feed a bass amp (with its own AC ground), you should set the switch to the left in
"Ground Lift" mode. If you experience hum and/or buzz with the switch in either position, there is
probably a problem with the AC outlets you are plugging into.
NOTE: If using vintage equipment without proper grounds, take extra care connecting it to modern
grounded equipment. Any inadequacies of the ground in vintage gear could result in damaging anything it
is connected to.
NOTE: While operating under phantom power, we recommend keeping a 9V alkaline battery installed
at all times to avoid the previously mentioned "pops" when lifting the ground (see page 3).
SPEAKER SIMULATION
Speaker simulation is an integral part of the SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry. It is specifically
designed for a smooth, even response as would be achieved by a multiply-miked cabinet --without
peaks, valleys, and notches associated with single miking-- and will complement any type of bass
speaker cabinet system.
NOTEWORTHY NOTES & CONSIDERATIONS
1)
SansAmp Bass Driver DI 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. A cooler signal and a light touch decreases the gain structure
for a cleaner sound. By using Presence, 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 clean-
er and smoother, increase Treble and decrease Presence. If you want more overdrive, increase Presence
and decrease Treble.This will bring out the upper harmonic content and attack. As you increase Treble,
the high frequency content increases without changing the harmonic content.
2)
The noise level of SansAmp Bass Driver DI is exceptionally low. However, it may amplify
noise emanating from the input source. Bear in mind that SansAmp Bass Driver DI's controls are unusu-
ally sensitive and do not require maximum levels of input to achieve high levels of output.To minimize
noise going into SansAmp Bass Driver DI, 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.
3)
When you push SansAmp Bass Driver DI 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 neces-
sary.
4)
Using effects. One of the key attributes of SansAmp is the responsiveness to the dynamics and
nuances of your playing technique.Therefore, your bass should be plugged directly into SansAmp and
effects should be placed after SansAmp. If, however, you prefer to place an effect before SansAmp, be
sure to set the output level of the effect at unity gain with the output level of the instrument.
When engaged, the ground connects and