Bass Gear Review

Reviewer	Roy Gatling
Experience	4
Email	rgatling1@austin.rr.com
Review date	January 07 2003
Manufacturer	Tech 21
Model	Sansamp Rack Mount RBI
Price	299
Item owned for	Less than 1 month

Dimensions	Single rack space
Weight	5 lbs.
EQ	Bass, Mid, Treble
Other	Multiple dry/wet 1/4" and XLR jacks

I got this thing a few weeks ago and have used it at two rehearsals. I play mostly jazz and blues, with a little funk thrown in. I use a SWR Bass 350 and play a MIM Fender Deluxe Jazz V that I was thinking of changing the pickups in, but now I don't know if I will. This preamp makes my bass sound like some of the more expensive basses I've tried (Lakland, Spector, Modulus).

I run the RBI as a preamp, not in the effects loop. I set the Bass 350 flat, with the mid EQ set around 400Hz. The RBI drive setting is at 12:00, presence at 9:00, the bass setting is at 12:00, mid at 12:00 and treble at 9:00. My bass guitar eq settings are flat with the blend smack in the middle. The lows and mids are pronounced and punchy, the highs will sizzle if I want them to. I don't slap much, but the slap sound is now awesome!

I did several comparisons with my Bass 350 at its original settings and with the RBI. It sounds much better with the RBI. The RBI adds warmth and presence across the EQ spectrum. If I crank the drive knob to 3:00, it's rock city. It took me 4 or 5 songs to get the RBI settings right, but now that it's set, I figure only minor tweaks will be necessary based on the room.

For $299, this device adds a great deal of sonic flexibility. I look forward to using it for recording.

Construction	100%
(Solid)
Clarity	100%
(Ummm...clarity)
Versatility	100%
(Dub to sizzle)
Value	100%
Overall	100%