Tech 21
Tech 21 built the SansAmp in 1989, before amp modelling was a category, and it worked by analogue circuitry rather than digital emulation. The SansAmp Bass Driver DI went on to become close to standard equipment on live and studio bass rigs, which is a rare thing for any single pedal. Our coverage includes the SansAmp Classic limited run, the Marty Friedman signature and the Bass Driver's thirtieth-anniversary story.
Unlock Your Tone: A Guitarist's Guide to the Power of EQ Pedals
This guide demystifies EQ pedals, showing you how to shape your tone, fix problem frequencies, and achieve a huge range of sounds
- Effects pedals
- Amplifiers
- DI boxes
- SansAmp
- GT2
- Character series
- Fly Rig
Tech 21 news
All Tech 21 articles →
Tech 21 deals
All deals →Keep up with Tech 21.
Leaks, deals and reviews in your inbox, once a week. No spam, just gear.
Tech 21 FAQ4 questions
What is a SansAmp?
Tech 21's amp emulator — a pedal that lets you record or go to a PA with an amplifier's character without an amplifier. Andrew Barta founded the New York company in 1989 around this idea, well before digital modelling existed, and the SansAmp is entirely analogue.
Is Tech 21 analogue or digital?
Analogue. That is the company's distinguishing position: it builds amp and cabinet emulation from discrete circuitry rather than from digital models, which is why its pedals behave differently from a modeller even when aimed at the same job.
What is the Tech 21 Fly Rig?
A single pedal carrying an amp emulator, drive, delay, reverb and boost — designed to be the whole rig for a player flying to a gig with hand luggage. It exists in several versions, including bass and artist-signature variants.
Why is Tech 21 so popular with bass players?
The SansAmp Bass Driver DI does two jobs at once: it gives the player a consistent tone and gives the engineer a usable DI signal, regardless of what backline is provided. That solved a real touring problem, and the pedal became close to standard equipment as a result.