SIGNAL LEVEL TO INPUT
SansAmp PBDR is designed to accommodate instrument level signals to the Input, such as the output of
a bass, the output of distortion pedals, etc. Signal level to Input should be close to that of a standard
electric guitar (approx. -10dB / 250mV). NOTE: Hot pickups will increase the gain structure of
SansAmp PBDR.
GUIDE TO CONTROLS
PRESENCE: brings out the upper harmonic content and attack. For a smoother high end and for
clean settings, decrease to taste.
DRIVE: adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive, similar to when the output section of a tube
amp is being pushed.
BASS & TREBLE: Unlike passive controls that only cut, these active tone controls cut or boost
±
12dB from unity gain (12 o’clock).This powerful EQ section effectively reduces the need for a fixed
frequency mid control and enables you to achieve an extensive variety of curves --including a “mid-cut”
as well as a “mid-boost.”
Adjusting Mid-Range Content: The mid-range level is preset. Boosting Bass and Treble yields a
“mid-cut” (at 750 Hz) where the relative mid-range level is lower than the Bass and Treble frequency
levels. Cutting Bass and Treble yields a “mid-boost” (at 750 Hz) where the relative mid-range level is
higher than the Bass and Treble frequency levels. NOTE: The overall output level will change relative to
your EQ settings. Simply adjust the Level control accordingly.
BLEND allows you to blend the direct instrument signal with SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation cir-
cuitry. In most cases, you will probably have this set at maximum (100% SansAmp). For certain applica-
tions, however, such as an ultra-transparent sound or for use with piezo pickup-equipped instruments,
you may want to blend-in some of the direct signal to achieve your desired sound.While the SansAmp
Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry is bypassed when Blend is at minimum, the Bass, Treble and Level con-
trols remain active.
LEVEL adjusts the output level of both the 1/4” and XLR outputs.
PROGRAMMING THE CHANNELS
HOW TO SAVE A PROGRAM
Select a channel where you want the setting located. Set the knob controls to taste. Double click on
that channel’s footswitch and it’s saved. It’s that easy.
HOW TO FIND A PRESET
This is useful when you want to know the position of each knob’s setting in the memory of a channel.
When you turn a knob from its stored position, it “unlocks” and the channel indicator LED will blink.
The slower the blink, the farther away you are from the preset point.The faster the blink, the closer
you are.At the preset point, the LED stops blinking and remains on.
LAZY POT™
Another Tech 21 first, is the development of the Lazy Pot.This is a unique safety feature engineered for
the Drive and Level controls.When you “unlock” the EQ settings, for instance, they will “jump” to the
new setting of the knob position. For the Drive and Level controls, however, this could result in you
jumping out of your skin if they are at a high setting.With the Lazy Pot, there’s a slow, gradual increase
to the new setting position giving you time to turn it down.This will only happen when you initially
unlock a preset. Once unlocked, the pot will react according to how you reposition it.
BYPASS
SansAmp PBDR can go into bypass mode from any of the three channels.Whichever channel you’re
already in, hit that channel’s footswitch once and you’ll be in bypass mode.
GLOBAL RESET
If you want to reset your unit back to factory specifications, you can simply reprogram each of the first
three Sample Settings:
(1) Fat Tube (2) Flip Top (3) Distorted Bass
Or, you can perform the following procedure: Hold down the footswitches for Channels 1 and 3 while
simultaneously applying power (either plugging in an adapter or, if a battery is installed, plugging in your
guitar cable).Then release the switches.
SPEAKER SIMULATION
Built-in speaker simulation is an integral part of the SansAmp circuitry. It shapes the sound to match the par-
ticular cabinet of the amp type selected. It is specifically 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.
Therefore, it will not adversely affect or interfere with the sound of your own speaker cabinet.
PLACEMENT ORDER OF OTHER EFFECTS
One of the key attributes of any SansAmp is its responsiveness to the dynamics and nuances of your playing
technique. In most cases, your bass should be plugged directly into the SansAmp.We suggest experimenting
to find the order that’s best for you.As a general guide, we recommend:
Place the following effects BEFORE SansAmp PBDR:
Wah-Wah, Pre-Amp, Compressor, Fuzz Box, Envelope Follower.
Place the following effects AFTER SansAmp PBDR:
Chorus, Delay, EQ, Pitch Shifter, Reverb.
NOTE: Low quality digital effects placed after SansAmp PBDR may compromise your signal and degrade the
sound.
NOTEWORTHY NOTES
1) Do not A/B (compare) SansAmp PBDR in line with a digital product. When linked in series
with a digital pre-amp/processor, the A/D to D/A conversion will impact the unit’s sound. For an accurate
comparison, run them parallel (separately) and manually plug in and out of each.
2) SansAmp PBDR is very responsive. Our controls are unusually sensitive and powerful.You need not
set everything at max to get maximum results. For instance, to brighten your sound, rather than automatically
boosting Treble all the way up, try cutting back on the Bass first.
The tone controls also help compensate for the EQ curves found in bass amps.To find the best settings for
interacting with your amp, start with the tone controls at 12 o’clock and cut or boost as necessary. Be aware
that amplifiers vary greatly and some may require you to use radical EQ settings on the SansAmp PBDR to
achieve your desired sound.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 for your particular amp.
3) The noise level of SansAmp PBDR is exceptionally low. However, it may amplify noise emanating
from the input source.To minimize noise going into SansAmp PBDR, we recommend active electronic instru-
ments have the volume set at unity gain/maximum and tone controls positioned flat. If you need to boost, do
so slowly and sparingly.
Also check for pickup interference by moving your guitar or turning the volume off. Be aware single coil pick-
ups are more likely to generate noise.
4) Preset and Sample Setting levels and tones will vary depending on the bass, amp and cabinet you
use.They were determined using a “typical” bass and cabinet, and are provided as a starting point. So, some
adjustments may be necessary, particularly to the Level control. For instance, if you have a high output bass, a
clean setting will be louder than a distorted one. Conversely, a low output bass will require a higher level for
a clean setting. If you have a big cabinet, the Fat Tube setting will be louder.With a smaller cabinet, the Flip
Top setting will be louder.
5) REMEMBER THIS WARNING: DO NOT run the speaker output of any amp directly into
SansAmp PBDR. Severe damage to the amp and/or SansAmp PBDR may result.
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