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Need help?Do you have a question about the Tech 21 SansAmp VT BASS and is the answer not in the manual?
General warnings about repair, serial numbers, and warranty voidance.
Manufacturer warrants unit for one year against defects in materials and workmanship.
Details on repair requirements, assistance, and company contact information.
Information on where the product is made and its certifications.
Space for users to record serial number, dealer, and date of purchase.
History and philosophy of Tech 21, founded by a guitarist.
Introduction to the VT Bass Rack, its features and analog circuitry.
Critical safety precautions for operating the unit safely.
Instructions for locating and replacing the unit's fuse.
Step-by-step guide to get the VT Bass Rack up and running quickly.
Detailed explanation of the VT Bass Rack's front panel controls and their functions.
Description of the rear panel inputs, outputs, and selector switches.
How to connect and use external effects with the Effects Loop.
Explanation of the 1/4" and XLR outputs and their signal types.
Examples of control settings for various sound styles like SVT, Fat Tube, etc.
Blank templates for users to record their personal favorite settings.
Visual guides for connecting the VT Bass Rack to amps and effects.
Technical details including model number, impedances, levels, power, and dimensions.
General warnings about repair, serial numbers, and warranty voidance.
Manufacturer warrants unit for one year against defects in materials and workmanship.
Details on repair requirements, assistance, and company contact information.
Information on where the product is made and its certifications.
Space for users to record serial number, dealer, and date of purchase.
History and philosophy of Tech 21, founded by a guitarist.
Introduction to the VT Bass Rack, its features and analog circuitry.
Critical safety precautions for operating the unit safely.
Instructions for locating and replacing the unit's fuse.
Step-by-step guide to get the VT Bass Rack up and running quickly.
Detailed explanation of the VT Bass Rack's front panel controls and their functions.
Description of the rear panel inputs, outputs, and selector switches.
How to connect and use external effects with the Effects Loop.
Explanation of the 1/4" and XLR outputs and their signal types.
Examples of control settings for various sound styles like SVT, Fat Tube, etc.
Blank templates for users to record their personal favorite settings.
Visual guides for connecting the VT Bass Rack to amps and effects.
Technical details including model number, impedances, levels, power, and dimensions.
The SansAmp VT Bass Rack is a rackmount version of the popular VT Bass pedal from the SansAmp Character Series, designed to provide a historical journey through coveted Ampeg®-style bass amp rigs. This device is engineered for both studio and live applications, utilizing Tech 21's proprietary 100% analog circuitry to deliver the warmth and responsiveness of a miked-up stage rig directly into a mixer or P.A. system. It also allows for simultaneous connection to a power amp, powered monitor, or conventional bass amp. The interactive controls offer access to specific tone-shaping characteristics, enabling users to create custom sounds.
Beyond its rackmount housing, the VT Bass Rack includes several additional features that enhance its versatility. It has an individual Level control for the XLR output, which helps optimize the amp's output relative to the P.A. system. An Effects Loop with a Mix 50/50 switch allows users to configure the loop in either series or parallel. The unit also features a 1/4" rear input and an XLR output with selectable levels, as well as a buffered uneffected XLR output for sending a dry signal to a separate channel. A Footswitch input is provided to engage the unit, along with a Footswitch output.
The VT Bass Rack's front panel features a comprehensive set of controls designed for intuitive tone shaping. The Input Jack is a 1/4" input with an impedance of 1MOhm, set at -20dB instrument level. This input is primarily for instruments, but the rear input can be used for rack or patch-bay systems. The Drive control adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive, influencing the output section of the tube amp being pushed. The Character control sweeps through a range of tonal possibilities associated with Ampeg®-style amplifiers, affecting the frequency response, the character control, and tone settings. The Blend control mixes the SansAmp tube amplifier emulation circuitry with the direct instrument signal, allowing users to achieve a desired sound. The Bass, Mid, and Treble controls provide active tone shaping, with the Bass control affecting frequencies at 120Hz, Mid at 1kHz, and Treble at 3.2kHz. The XLR control adjusts the output level of the SansAmp XLR Output, and the Level control adjusts the SansAmp 1/4" Output.
The rear panel of the VT Bass Rack offers additional connectivity and control options. The Input 2 Jack is a 1/4" input that connects to the VT Bass Rack's input circuitry, primarily for rack and patch-bay applications. The Footswitch input allows for an alternating (on/off) footswitch to activate the unit. The Footswitch Output provides a connection for another footswitch. The Effects Loop includes a Send and Return, allowing external effects to be connected. The Send routes the VT Bass Rack's signal through the effects processor, while the Return brings the processed signal back into the unit. A Mix 50/50 switch for the Effects Loop allows users to route either 100% of the signal through the effects processor (when disengaged) or 50% through the effects processor and 50% directly to the SansAmp outputs (when engaged). For optimal signal integrity, it is recommended to use the Effects Loop with the Mix 50/50 switch engaged, setting the effects processor's mix control to 100% wet.
The Universal Output Section of the VT Bass Rack is designed for compatibility with various applications, including full-range multi-track recorders, studio monitors, and P.A. systems. The 1/4" SansAmp Output carries the signal from the VT Bass Rack, including any effects placed in the Effects Loop. The 1/4" Uneffected Output provides a buffered output without processing, sending a direct bass signal to another channel or serving as a tuner output. The SansAmp XLR Direct Output is a balanced, low-impedance output designed for recording or interfacing with professional-quality signal processors. It captures the warm, rich harmonics and overdrive characteristics of tube amplifiers, along with speaker emulation. This output can be used directly into a P.A. system for live gigs, eliminating the need for a microphone in front of the amp. An XLR Output Level Switch sets the range of the SansAmp XLR Output jack to either line level (0dB position) or instrument level (-20dB position), with 0dB being the standard for digital recorders to prevent overloading. An Uneffected XLR Output provides a buffered balanced output of the direct bass signal without processing.
For maintenance, it is important to note that attempting to repair the unit is not recommended and may void the warranty. Missing or altered serial numbers automatically void the warranty, so users should ensure the serial number labels on the unit and exterior box are intact. The manufacturer warrants the unit to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage from accident, misuse, abuse, alteration, or incorrect current or voltage. If the unit becomes defective within the warranty period, Tech 21 will repair or replace it free of charge. After the warranty period, repairs will be performed for a fee. For repairs, residents of the U.S. and Canada should contact Tech 21 for shipping instructions and a Return Authorization Number, as packages without prior authorization, pre-paid freight, and proper insurance will not be accepted. For personal assistance and inquiries, Tech 21 can be contacted weekdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time. The unit is designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.
When cleaning the unit, unplug it before cleaning. Use a clean, lint-free cloth to remove dirt and film. Avoid using spray liquid cleaners. The unit should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. When a cart is used, caution should be exercised to prevent tipping over. Amplifiers may be capable of producing high volume levels that could cause permanent hearing loss or damage, so exposure to such levels should be prolonged. If any hearing loss or ringing in the ears is experienced, consult an audiologist. It is crucial to read and heed all warnings in the manual to ensure safe operation and prevent damage. The unit should be kept away from heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products that produce heat. It should also be connected to a power supply of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the product. The power cord should be walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the unit. Do not allow objects to penetrate the enclosure through openings. During heavy use, the chassis may get hot to the touch, so handle with care.
General| Type | Bass Amplifier Emulator |
|---|---|
| Technology | Analog |
| Bypass | True Bypass |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs |
| Controls | Drive, Character, Presence, Bass, Mid, Treble, Blend, Level |
| Inputs | 1/4" Instrument |
| Power Supply | 9V DC |
