POWER REQUIREMENTS

Utilizes included 9V DC, 100-240V universal auto-switching power

supply, 200mA, center negative. Tech 21 Model #DC9.
NOTE: See page 3 for instructions how to change the prong
assembly.
For replacements, contact your local dealer/distributor, or Tech 21.
Maximum power consumption: approx 70mA.
WARNINGS:
* There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Attempting to repair unit is
not recommended and may void warranty.
* Missing or altered serial numbers automatically void warranty. For
your own protection: be sure serial number labels on the unit’s back
plate and exterior box are intact, and return your warranty
registration card or register online.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to com-

ply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to pro-
vide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communica-
tions. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to cor-
rect the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARRANTY:
ONE YEAR LIMITED. PROOF OF PURCHASE REQUIRED.
Manufacturer warrants unit to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for one (1) year from date of purchase to the original
purchaser and is not transferable. This warranty does not include dam-
age resulting from accident, misuse, abuse, alteration, or incorrect cur-
rent or voltage. If unit becomes defective within warranty period, Tech
21 will repair or replace it free of charge. After expiration, Tech 21 will
repair defective unit for a fee.
REPAIRS:
ALL REPAIRS for residents of U.S. and Canada: Call Tech 21 for
Return Authorization Number. Manufacturer will not accept
packages without prior authorization, pre-paid freight (UPS preferred)
and proper insurance.

FOR PERSONAL ASSISTANCE & SERVICE:

Contact Tech 21 weekdays 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, EST: 973-777-6996.

OWNER’S MANUAL
Hand-built in the U.S.A. using high-quality components
sourced domestically and around the globe.

T: 973-777-6996 • F: 973-777-9899
E: [email protected] • W: tech21nyc.com
©2019 Tech 21 USA, Inc.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS TECH 21, THE COMPANY
Tech 21, the Company 2 Tech 21 was formed by a guitarist possessing the unusual combination
of a trained ear and electronics expertise. In 1989, B. Andrew Barta
SansAmp PSA 2.0 Overview 2
made his invention commercially available to players and studios around
Quick Start Instructions 3 the world. His highly-acclaimed SansAmp™ pioneered Tube Amplifier
Universal Power Supply 3 Emulation in professional applications for recording direct and per-
Applications 4 forming live, and created an entirely new category of signal processing.
There have since been many entries into this niche, yet SansAmp contin-
Ins and Outs 4 ues to maintain its reputation as the industry standard.
Guide to Controls 5
Displays & Switches 6 With a full line of SansAmp models, Tech 21 also offers effect pedals
and MIDI products, as well as “traditional” style amplifiers for guitar
Programming and bass. Each product is thoughtfully and respectfully designed by B.
Saving a Program 7 Andrew Barta himself with the player in mind. Our goal is to provide
Moving/Copying a Program 7 flexible, versatile tools to cultivate, control, refine and redefine your
Tweaking an Existing Setting 7 own individual sound. Tech 21 takes great pride in delivering consistent
quality sound, studio to studio, club to club, arena to arena.
Locating Individual Control Values 8
Performance Mode 8
MIDI IN 9
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Speaker Simulation 9 Originally introduced in 1993, the SansAmp PSA-1 rackmount, and later
PSA-1.1, quickly became studio staples. The SansAmp PSA has been
Special Page Functions & MIDI Implementation 10 used on thousands of major releases, worldwide tours and film sound-
Function 1: Reserved for Future Use 10 tracks for multiple applications and instruments --including horns, vo-
Function 2: Define MIDI Mapping 11 cals, and drums.
Function 3: 0-127 / 1-128 Patch Offset 12
Sadly, necessity forced retirement from production, as certain key parts
Function 4: Preset Protection Writer 12 were no longer available. We realized this was an opportunity not only
Function 5: MIDI Channel Select 13 to redesign it, but to streamline its architecture into a pedal.
Function 6: Software Revision Number 13
The SansAmp PSA 2.0 offers the same 100% analog circuitry for
Function 7: Edit Pot Display Mode 14 punchy, responsive, organic sounds that bring out the best in any instru-
Function 8: Disengage All Pots 14 ment. Only the programming and memory sections are digital. It also
Function 9: Reserved for Future Use 14 offers the same essential functionality and versatility.
Noteworthy Notes 15
In the studio, you can record direct, enhance existing tracks in mixdowns, as
Noteworthy Options 16 well as add interesting touches to any instrument. Live, the SansAmp PSA 2.0
Factory Presets 17 can be used as a pre-amp direct into a power amp with guitar or bass speaker
Custom Settings Checklist 18 cabinets, as a “monster direct box” to a P.A. system (or both simultaneously),
Custom Settings Diagrams 19-22 and as an outboard processor. Additionally, the PSA 2.0 features a Perform-
ance Mode, which turns it into a 3-channel stompbox.
Power Requirements Back Cover
Warnings Back Cover The SansAmp PSA includes MIDI capability for calling up programs and storing
Warranty & Repair Information Back Cover program data. There are 49 factory presets and 77 memory locations to store
your own custom sounds, plus two bypass programs. When you switch be-
tween programs, there is no lag time, or “cutting out.”

The controls work very much like those found on a sophisticated amp.You
don’t need any special training or a degree in physics to operate your unit. Stor-
ing and recalling programs is simple: set your tones and push the Save button.
When you turn a knob, you hear the difference immediately --in real time. The
rotation of each control increases and decreases in a smooth, gradual, linear
fashion.

The SansAmp PSA 2.0 is designed to provide you with the flexibility to find al-
most any conceivable tonal personality within the tube amplifier sound spec-
trum.

1 2
 QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS APPLICATIONS
Here’s how you can get your SansAmp PSA up and running before you read the
entire manual. WITH A GUITAR OR BASS AMP RIG:
1. Plug your instrument into the Input jack. -As a Pre-Amp: Run the 1/4” Output of the PSA directly into the
2. Plug one end of a cord into the Output jack, and plug the other end into the power amp input, a.k.a. “effects return” (if applicable), of an amp. This
input of a mixer or an amp or power amp. will bypass the tone-coloring pre-amp section of the amp rig.
3. Attach the power supply and plug into a wall socket. It will show 00, bypass.
(If it doesn’t, just go to 00.) -As a Stomp Box: Run the 1/4” Output into the front input of an
4. Turn on your amp or mixer. (If the mixer is patched into a monitor or amp. For best results, keep the PSA Level close to unity gain so you
recorder setup, make sure the power amp and speakers are turned on, too.) have the same volume coming from your speaker/monitor whether the
5. Turn up the input level on your amp or mixer. If the signal is too “hot,” result- pedal is active or in bypass. This ensures the next device in the signal
ing in unwanted distortion, or too weak, check the amp’s or mixer’s input con- chain won't get slammed by a much hotter signal than what would nor-
trol. Also check the Trim control on the SansAmp PSA. mally come from the instrument. Similarly, you wouldn't want a drop in
6. Play your favorite riff or chord changes, and you should hear a sound coming volume, either, which would force the next device to struggle for
through your system. If not, recheck your connections, and make sure your guitar’s enough signal.
volume control is turned up.
7. Select a program by pushing either the Up or Down buttons. The unit is TO DRIVE A POWER AMP: Run the 1/4” Output to the input
shipped with the first 49 programs (01-49) as factory presets (refer to the list of a power amp, and adjust your stage volume with the Level and/or
on page 22). Programs 51-99 are duplicates of presets 01-49. From 100-127, all Trim control(s) of the PSA.
knobs are preset neutral at 12 o’clock. Programs 00 and 50 are permanent by-
pass settings. For more details, refer to “Programming” on pages 7-8. TO RECORD DIRECT: Plug the 1/4” Output directly into the input
of a mixer/recorder. Work with the input trim control on the
mixer/recorder and be sure not to overload its input. Bear in mind full-
UNIVERSAL POWER SUPPLY range systems yield a wide frequency response.
The SansAmp PSA is shipped with a power supply that is set up with a FOR MIXDOWNS: You can liven up existing tracks in mixdowns
U.S. prong assembly. To change the prong assembly to one of the in- not only for guitar and bass, but for any stringed instruments, as well as
cluded European, UK or Australia/New Zealand styles, be sure the drums, wind instruments, even vocals. We encourage experimentation!
power supply is unplugged and follow these instructions: Be aware the PSA 2.0 runs at instrument level.You may need to adjust
the level at the board or the setting on the PSA so as not to overload
Press the PUSH switch to release the the input.
prong assembly. Slide the assembly up
(about halfway) to align the side tabs THE INS AND OUTS
of the prong assembly with the slots of
the power supply housing. Then pull up 1/4” INPUT: 1megOhm instrument level. Features an impedance
to remove the assembly. Choose the buffer so that the tone from a guitar’s or bass’ pickups, or the signal
new prong assembly, align the side tabs from other instruments, reaches the SansAmp PSA without degrada-
with the slot of the housing and slide tion. For normal operation, signal level to Input should be close to that
down until it clicks into position. of a standard guitar (approximately -10dBm / 250mV).
NOTE: You cannot slide the 1/4” UNIVERSAL OUTPUT: Unbalanced low Z output. This
prong assembly all the way out output can be connected to High Z amplifiers (or effects) as well as Low
or in. Z mixer and computer inputs. Output level is unity gain when pedal is in bypass
mode. It also drives long cables without loss of signal integrity, even in bypass.

NOTE: The 1/4” Output is a TRS jack. The complete SansAmp signal is
passed through the tip, while the ring connection carries the SansAmp signal
without speaker simulation. Refer to the Speaker Simulation section on
page 9.

3 4
 GUIDE TO CONTROLS DISPLAY AND SWITCHES
The SansAmp PSA gives you access to specific tone-shaping characteristics
within the tube amplifier sound spectrum. The controls offer tremendous flexi- 3-DIGIT LED DISPLAY
bility in adjusting tonality, gain structure, and harmonic content. Controls of this Because the SansAmp PSA is fully programmable, everything you do
nature are traditionally inaccessible on stock amps and adjustments like these is monitored by its internal processor. And everything you need to
are ordinarily achieved only by professional permanent modification. know is in these three digits. This display is readable from any angle,
in daylight or darkness. It tells you which program is active, whether
Tonality, for instance, can be adjusted in a variety of ways. Buzz, Punch, Crunch, any knob’s setting has been changed, when a program is stored, and when MIDI
and Drive offer different results than the post EQ section (Low and High). functions have been activated. (Refer to the sections on programming your
SansAmp PSA and using MIDI for specific information regarding the display’s
Gain structure can be adjusted via the Gain control, which results in a different functions.)
kind of overdrive than the Drive control. Additionally, Buzz, Punch, and Crunch
each affect the gain structure within specific frequency bands. SAVE SWITCH
The Save switch stores your custom settings in the memory of the SansAmp
As you experiment and become familiar with the interrelationship of the con- PSA. It also gives you access to the Special Page function menu (see page 10).
trols, you’ll be able to customize your own sounds and store them in the
SansAmp PSA’s memory. UP AND DOWN FOOTSWITCHES
Pushing either of these switches once counts up or down through the pro-
grams one at a time. Holding the switch down moves quickly through the pro-
GAIN gram numbers.
This is the input sensitivity control. It adjusts the signal level going into the
input section of the SansAmp PSA. ACTIVE / SEARCH FOOTSWITCH
Allows you to alternate between two modes:
BUZZ
Controls the low-end break-up and overdrive.You can boost the effect by turning Active Mode:
clockwise from the center point indicated by the arrow, and cut by turning counter- Depressing the Up or Down footswitch allows you to step-scroll by in-
clockwise.When you turn towards maximum, the sound becomes (you guessed it) creasing or decreasing the program number one at a time.
buzzy. For a clean setting, increase the setting in small increments. For increased
definition when using distortion, position the knob at its midpoint or towards mini- Search Mode:
mum. The LED numerical display flashes. Depressing and holding the Up or
Down footswitch allows you to speed-scroll to a desired location --
PUNCH without sending any program change information. Depressing the Ac-
Sets the amount of midrange break-up and overdrive. Boost or cut from the tive/Search footswitch a second time re-engages the Active mode and
center point indicated by the arrow. Decreasing from the center point pro- instantly changes to the program desired.
duces a softer, Fender®-style break-up. Increasing its setting creates a harder,
heavier distortion. At maximum, it produces a sound similar to a wah pedal at
mid-boost position placed in front of a Marshall® amp.

CRUNCH
Controls the top-end break-up and crunch. Boost or cut from the center
point indicated by the arrow. Increasing from the center point brings out upper
harmonic content and pick attack. Decreasing from the center point warms up
brittle single coil pickups.

DRIVE
Like the volume control on a non-master-volume tube amp, Drive increases the
amount of power amp distortion. In live applications, we recommend using less
Drive than when direct recording. This compensates for the natural sustain
achieved at high volumes.

LOW AND HIGH

Active shelving EQs, cut or boost ±18dB from unity gain at 12 o’clock, with
pivot point at 1kHz.

LEVEL
Adjusts the output level.

TRIM
For live performances, this control globally adjusts the level of all presets so
you don’t have to individually adjust each setting on stage. Be aware that if you
have any settings with the Level programmed close to/at minimum or maxi-
mum, the Trim pot will not be as effective.

5 6
 PROGRAMMING Locating Individual Control Values Within a Preset
A note of CAUTION: You can overwrite any location (except 00 and 50) When recalling presets, the positions of the front panel controls do not reflect
including factory presets. However, you can choose to lock program locations by the actual stored values of each of their parameters. When you turn any of the
changing the protection scheme. See Special Page Function #4 on page 12. knobs (except for the Trim), the SansAmp PSA will go into edit mode and “un-
lock” whichever control you turn. The circuitry will then revert to the actual
Programs 01-49 are factory presets (refer to list on page 17). value of that control’s position (vs. the stored value), allowing you to edit the
Programs 51-99 are duplicates of factory presets 01-49. sound to your liking.
Programs 100-127 are preset with all knobs set neutral at 12 o’clock. One digit
Programs 00 and 50 are permanent bypass locations for the instrument When you turn/unlock a control from the set-
ting that’s stored in the memory, one of the dig- blinks,
signal to pass straight through the SansAmp PSA. the other
its in the LED numerical display will blink, the
other will dim. Note: When you’re in program dims
NOTE: Being all-analog circuitry, there are no special algorithms within the dif-
ferent amplifier styles. Individual control functions do not change from preset 100 or higher, the two left digits blink or dim to-
to preset (custom or factory). gether as one number. This tuner-like feature is
useful when you want to know the stored posi-
Saving a Custom Program tion of each knob’s setting in a particular preset.
If you want to create a custom setting from scratch: Left digit
Right digit dims Left digit dims Digits resume
1. Choose a program location.
blinks faster normal
2. Edit controls to taste.
3. Push the Save button twice. The display will “run around” three times and Left digit blinks brightness
Right digit blinks
then show the selected program number (it will stop blinking). That’s it. You’ve
stored a new program.

Moving/Copying a Program to a New Location

1. Choose the preset number you want to move or copy.
2. Push the Save switch once. The digits of the display blink on and off.
3. Use the Up or Down buttons to a new location where you want to save it.
4. Push the Save switch a second time. The display will “run around” three Let’s say the preset point for a particular knob is 12 o’clock. If the left digit
times and then show the selected program number (it will stop blinking). That’s blinks and the right dims after unlocking it, you will need to turn the knob
it. You’ve moved/copied a program. Note: The original preset setting doesn’t clockwise to reach the preset value. As you get closer, the left digit will blink
change until it is overwritten. faster, then stop when you’ve reached the stored value. The right digit then re-
sumes its full brightness. Conversely, if the right digit blinks and the left dims,
you will need to turn the knob counter-clockwise, etc.
Note: If desired, you can alter the display mode to be dashes or numerical val-
ues instead of digits. See Special Page Function #7 on page 14.

PERFORMANCE MODE
Push Display Select a Push Digits Display Rather than using the Active/Search function, Performance mode allows you to
Save Blinks Program Save “Run Shows put your three most often used programs in a row for instant access to each.
Switch On and Number Switch Around” Stored
Off Again Three Times Preset Loading Presets for Performance Mode
Number Use the move/copy utility to place your favorite presets into 01, 02, 03 program
locations. These will then be accessed by Footswitches 1,2,3 in Performance
mode: Footswitch 1 = 01 program location
Tweaking an Existing Setting (factory or custom) Footswitch 2 = 02 program location
If you want to edit a factory or custom setting, first decide if you want to keep Footswitch 3 = 03 program location
the existing setting intact. If so, copy the setting to a new location, as per the
above instructions. To enter Performance mode, simply press footswitches 1+3 simultaneously.
1. Choose the setting you want to edit. The display will indicate Performance mode by showing “1” in the center digit
2. Adjust controls to taste. position. The three presets can then accessed
3. Push the Save switch twice. The display will “run around” three times and by each of the three footswitches, which will
then display the program number (it will stop blinking). That’s it. You’ve stored display the corresponding digit accordingly.
the edited program. Pressing the corresponding footswitch again will place the PSA into
bypass and the display will show a dash (-) in the center digit.
Be careful not to overwrite a custom program you don’t want To exit Performance mode, press footswitches 1+3 simultaneously.
to lose. Accidents can happen, so we recommend keeping
track of your programs. Blank diagrams are provided on pages Note: If you make adjustments to your settings while in Performance mode,
19-22 and can be photocopied. Write in the knob settings and the display will revert back to 01 or 02 or 03 (depending on which channel you
give each program a name (song title, description of the tone, are editing) and return to showing 1,2 or 3 once you save the changes. Just be
etc.) for easy reference later. aware, saving will overwrite the stored preset.

7 8
 MIDI SPECIAL PAGE FUNCTIONS & MIDI
MIDI IN IMPLEMENTATION
Accepts program change commands, as well as MIDI Map and Program dumps. Special Page Functions
NOTE: Pins 1 and 3 of the MIDI jack are set up to output 10V DC phantom Some very important features lurk inside your SansAmp PSA and aren’t acces-
power to our MIDI Mouse™ and MIDI Mongoose™ footcontrollers (see sible through the knobs and Up and Down switches alone. They’re very impor-
Noteworthy Options on page 16. tant and useful, so take the time to check them out, especially if you are using a
MIDI footcontroller or other MIDI gear to interface with your SansAmp PSA.
SPEAKER SIMULATION To operate the Special Page functions, select Program 00 and press the Save
Speaker simulation is an integral part of the SansAmp circuitry. It is de- button once. The digits in the numerical display should now be flashing together.
signed for a smooth, even response as would be achieved by a multiply- Use the Up and Down buttons to select any of these functions:
miked cabinet, without the peaks, valleys, and notches associated with 00 Exit Special Page
single miking. The shape of the speaker curve will not adversely effect 01 Reserved for Future Use
or interfere with the frequency response of your own cabinet. The 02 Define MIDI Mapping
speaker simulation works in tandem with the EQ controls to custom 03 0-127 / 1-128 Patch Offset
tailor the overall sound.
04 Preset Protection Writer
If desired, you can defeat the speaker simulation by disengaging 05 MIDI Channel Select
the speaker switch (up position). 06 Software Revision Number
07 Edit Pot Display Mode
NOTE: The speaker simulation parameter (engaged or disengaged) can 08 Disengage All Pots
be stored accordingly into the memory of each individual program. 09 Reserved for Future Use
When engaged, the Trim knob turns purple to indicate status. When you select a function, press the Save button a second time and the digits
will stop flashing. (NOTE: If you select function 00, you will exit the Special Page
REMINDER: The 1/4” Output is a TRS jack so the complete SansAmp function menu and return to Bypass Program 00.)
signal passes through the tip, while the ring connection carries the
SansAmp signal without speaker simulation. This special output is in-
tended for use with a stereo jack when recording into a digital work-
station.You can run the all-analog speaker simulated signal to the
monitors --with zero latency-- for optimal listening and record a non-
speaker simulated track. This will allow you to choose any IR/digital
speaker sim later in the mixdown process that best suits your taste. Select Push Digits Select Push
Program the Blink Special the
00 to Ac- Save Page Save
cess Spe- Switch Function Switch
cial Page (00-09) Again
Menu

Special Page Function 1: Reserved for Future Use

9 10
Special Page Function 2: Define MIDI Mapping Special Page Function 3:
This function defines internal MIDI mapping. That is, it tells your SansAmp PSA 0-127 / 1-128 Patch Offset
which program to call up when a MIDI Program Change command comes in. Some MIDI program changers use the numerical grouping of 0-127, others use
For example, if your MIDI footcontroller sends out a Program Change com- 1-128. With Special Page Function 3, you can choose the corresponding group-
mand that says Program 26, and you want your SansAmp PSA to respond to ing of the SansAmp PSA to match. If you have selected Special Page Function 3,
that Program 26 message by calling up preset number 15, you can set the the display will show either 00 or 01.
SansAmp PSA to map that message to the appropriate location. NOTE: The 00: 00 - 127 (as shipped)
SansAmp PSA comes from the factory with its MIDI map set by default to map 01: 01 - 128
incoming programs to the same numbered displayed programs. That is, MIDI 01
calls up Program 01, etc.

To remap a MIDI Program Change command, here’s what you do:

Select function 02 and push Save. The left digit will blink with the right digit dim,
telling you that the display is showing the number of the incoming program. To Display Digits
change that number, use the Up and Down switches to select a new number. Digits Push Current Select 00 Push
Blink the Setting or 01 to the Flashes 00 Stop
Save is Change Save Upon Blinking
Switch Shown the Switch Return to Upon
Grouping Again Special Return
Page to
Digits Push Left Digit Select Push Function Program
Blink the Blinks; Right New the 00
Save Digit Dims to Incoming Save
Switch Show Incom- Number Switch To change the setting, use the Up and Down buttons to select 00 or 01. Then
ing MIDI Again push Save to store your selection. The display will then flash 00 to indicate
Number you’re back in the Special Page menu.You may now choose either a new Special
Page function, or press Save again to exit. If no choice is made in about 15 seconds,
the display stops blinking, indicating the SansAmp PSA is in Bypass Program 00.

Special Page Function 4: Preset Protection Writer

This allows you to change the level of protection for factory and custom pre-
Right Digit Select Push the Display Digits sets. When you select Function 4, the display will show either 00, 01 or 02.
Blinks; Left New Save Flashes 00 Stop 00: All Protect. All programs are locked and cannot be overwritten.
Digit Dims Preset Switch Upon Blinking 01: Normal. Protects Programs 00-50.
to Show the Number Return to Upon 02: No Protect (as shipped). All programs can be overwritten.
PSA’s Preset Special Return to Note: Bypass locations 00 and 50 are permanently locked and cannot be
Number Page Program overwritten.
Function 00
Now push the Save button and the right digit blinks; the left digit dims, indicat-
ing the SansAmp PSA program that will be affected by the incoming MIDI
Program Change number that you selected. To change the program, use the Up
and Down buttons. Then push the Save button twice to store your change. The Digits Push Current Select 00, Push Display Digits
display will then flash 00 to indicate you’re back in the Special Page menu.You Blink the Setting 01 or 02 the Flashes 00 Stop
may now choose either a new Special Page function, or press Save again to exit. Save is to Protect Save Upon Blinking
If you don’t make a choice in about 15 seconds, the display stops blinking, indi- Switch Shown Level Switch Return to Upon
cating the SansAmp PSA is in Bypass Program 00. Desired Again Special Return
Page to
Function Program
00

To change the setting, use the Up and Down buttons to select 00, 01, or 02.
Then push Save to store your selection. The display will then flash 00 to indi-
cate you’re back in the Special Page menu.You may now choose either a new
Special Page function, or press Save again to exit. If you don’t make a choice in
about 15 seconds, the display stops blinking, indicating the SansAmp PSA is in
Bypass Program 00.

11 12
Special Page Function 5: MIDI Channel Select Special Page Function 7: Edit Pot Display Mode
This function sets the MIDI channel on which the SansAmp PSA receives MIDI For finding presets, you can change how the information is displayed for a
data. It can be set to Omni (receive on any or all channels), or specific channels 1 stored pot’s position.You can choose to use digits, dashes or the numerical
through 16. Push the Save button, and the display shows the current setting. Press value of the pot. When you select Function 7, the display will show either 00,
the Up or Down buttons to select either Omni (the default value, indicated by a 01 or 02.
small “o” in the right digit), or any number between 1 and 16. Push Save to store 00: Digits (as shipped)
your selection.The display will then flash 00 to indicate you’re still in the Special 01: Dashes
Page menu.You may now choose either a new Special Page function, or press 02: Numerical Value (0-127)
Save again to exit. If you don’t make a choice in about 15 seconds, the display
stops blinking, indicating the SansAmp PSA is in Bypass Program 00.

Digits Push Current Select 00, Push Display Digits

Digits Push Current Select “o” Push Display Digits Blink the Setting 01 or 02 the Flashes 00 Stop
Blink the Setting for the Flashes 00 Stop Save is for Display Save Upon Blinking
Save is “Omni” Save Upon Blinking Switch Shown Mode Switch Return to Upon
Switch Shown or Switch Return to Upon Desired Again Special Return
Channel Again Special Return Page to
1-16 Page to Function Program
Function Program 00
00
To change the setting, use the Up and Down buttons to select 00, 01, or 02.
Then push Save to store your selection. The display will then show a flashing 00
to indicate you’re back in the Special Page menu.You may now choose either a
Special Page Function 6: Software Revision Number new Special Page function, or press Save again to exit. If you don’t make a
This function tells you which version of software is in your SansAmp PSA.You choice in about 15 seconds, the display stops blinking, indicating that the
cannot alter this, but the information may come in handy in the future if soft- SansAmp PSA is in Program 00, bypass.
ware upgrades become available. When you select Special Page Function 6, the
display will show a two-digit number. After showing you the software version,
the display will flash 00 to indicate you’re back in the Special Page menu.You Special Page Function 8: Disengage All Pots
may now choose either a new Special Page function, or press Save again to exit. This function renders all eight front panel potentiometers inactive. This ad-
If you don’t make a choice in about 15 seconds, the display stops blinking, indi- vanced feature prevents accidental setting changes during performances. All
cating the SansAmp PSA is in Program 00, bypass. presets remain in the memory and are accessible via MIDI, however, you cannot
edit the programs while in this mode. Select function 08 and press Save.
Automati-
cally exits
to Special
Digits Push Display Page Menu Display Digits
Blink the Shows after 15 Flashes 00 Stop
Save Soft- seconds Upon Blinking Digits Push Select 00 Push Display Digits
Switch ware or when Return to Upon Blink the or 01 for the Flashes 00 Stop
Version the Save Special Return Save Desired Save Upon Blinking
Switch is Page to Switch Mode Switch Return to Upon
pushed Function Program Again Special Return
00 Page to
Function Program
00

Use the Up and Down buttons to select between two options:

00: All pots engaged (normal operation, as shipped)
01: All pots disengaged
Then push Save to store your selection. The display will then flash 00 to indi-
cate you’re back in the Special Page menu.You may now choose either a new
Special Page function, or press Save again to exit. If you don’t make a choice in
about 15 seconds, the display stops blinking, indicating that the SansAmp PSA is
in Program 00, bypass.

Special Page Function 9: Reserved for Future Use

13 14
 NOTEWORTHY NOTES NOTEWORTHY OPTIONS
1) Special Page Restore. To complement your SansAmp PSA 2.0, we recommend the following:
You can reset the Special Page Functions and MIDI mapping to their original
factory values, as shipped, without disturbing your stored settings: MIDI MOUSE™
•Disconnect the power supply from the PSA. For remote switching, the MIDI Mouse is an
•Turn all pots counter-clockwise to minimum. exceptionally player-friendly foot controller.
•Press and hold the Save switch while reconnecting the power supply. The It is battery operable, as well as phantom
display will show “Sr” to represent Special-page reset. power operable via the PSA. Heavy duty and
•Continue to hold the Save switch for 3 seconds. compact, it fits right into a gig bag. There are
no banks to change --just scroll up or down
•When restored, the display will show “01” indicating you’re in Program 01. to 128 program locations on any of the 16
MIDI channels.
2) Factory Preset Reset. Measures 4.5”L x 3.5”W x 1.5”H.
To reset the factory presets only (01-49), follow this procedure:
•Disconnect the power supply from the PSA.
MIDI MONGOOSE™
•Turn all pots counter-clockwise to minimum. Similar in features, capabilities and functionality to the MIDI Mouse, the
•Press and hold the Up and Down buttons simultaneously while expanded footprint has 5 footswitches to can change groupings of pre-
reconnecting the power supply. The display will show “Fr” to represent set programs by five or ten at a clip. You can also access Special Page
Factory reset. functions to set MIDI channel numbers and to set continuous con-
•Continue to hold the Up and Down buttons for 3 seconds. troller channel numbers and calibration. It is also battery and phantom
•When reset, the display will show “01” indicating you’re in Program 01. power operable. Measures 11.5”L x 2.5”W x 1.25”H.
3) Tech 21 controls are unusually sensitive and tend to per-
form well beyond what would be considered “normal.” So you need
not set everything at max to get maximum results. For instance, to
brighten your sound, rather than automatically boosting High all the
way up, try cutting back on Low first.

4) To find the best settings for interacting with your other gear,
you may need to use radically different settings for each individual way
you use it. You need not be discouraged or suspect something is wrong POWER ENGINE DEUCE DELUXE
with the unit. If you’ve got your sound, you’ve simply found the right bal- The Power Engine Deuce
ance to complement each individual piece of gear. We recommend you Deluxe, for guitar and bass, is
start with the tone controls at 12 o’clock and cut or boost as necessary. a powerful, lightweight solu-
5) Tech 21 pedals have exceptionally low noise levels. tion for amplifying any direct
However, they may amplify noise emanating from the input source. To recording device or pre-amp
minimize noise, we recommend active electronic instruments have the –analog or digital, tube or
volume set at about 75%. Since active basses do not lose tone when solid state– from any manu-
the volume isn’t all the way up, this allows some room to go up and facturer. You can take your
down and keeps your output from being super hot. If you need to SansAmp/Fly Rig® or preamp
boost, do so slowly and sparingly. Also check for pickup interference gizmo du jour, with all those
by moving your guitar or turning the volume off. Be aware single coil great direct sounds you’ve
magnetic pickups are more likely to generate noise. spent so much time creating
out to a gig and simply plug
6) Zipper noise. You may notice a minor zipper noise when you into the Power Engine Deuce
turn the knobs. This is normal when you have digital control of an Deluxe.You’ll get all your per-
analog circuit. sonal settings with volume
and without any coloration of
7) Daisy chains. Be aware daisy chaining may introduce ground the tone. So there’s no need
loops, noise, hum, odd artifacts, etc. We recommend using the pro- to labor over readjusting all
vided power supply or using a power supply with isolated outputs. your parameters that would otherwise be necessary with a conven-
tional amp. Up to 200 Watts; on-board EQ; defeatable tweeter. 1x12
8) Placement notes: The PSA can be treated like an amplifier or cabinet measures 17.75”L x 14”W x 18.25”H.
pre-amp when it comes to setting up your signal chain: Note: the SansAmp PSA 2.0 is also compatible with the previous ver-
Place the following effects BEFORE the PSA: sion, the Power Engine 60.
Phaser/Vibe, Overdrive, Wah.
Place the following effects AFTER the PSA:
Delay, EQ, Flanger, Phaser (yes, after is good, too), Pitch Shifter, Reverb.

9) Buffered bypass eliminates the shortcomings associated with

“true bypass” (pops and clicks, and high-end loss when multiple pedals
are connected together), as well as signal loss associated with other
types of switching circuits.

10) Custom actuators. All Tech 21 pedals feature smooth, cus-

tom, silent-switching actuators.
15 16
 FACTORY PRESETS CUSTOM SETTINGS CHECKLIST
Note: Factory presets are based upon using the appropriate types of Program # Sound/Name
instruments and/or accessories associated with each particular sound.
___________ _____________________________
SOUND GROUP PRESET SOUND
00 Bypass
___________ _____________________________
Marshall® styles 01 Plexi ___________ _____________________________
02 Vintage
03 Schenker
___________ _____________________________
04 JMP-1® ___________ _____________________________
05 High Gain
06 Bluesbreaker
___________ _____________________________
07 Hendrix ___________ _____________________________
08 Van Halen I
09 Classic Clean
___________ _____________________________
Fender® styles 10 Stock ___________ _____________________________
11 B.B. King
12 Stevie Ray
___________ _____________________________
13 Funk ___________ _____________________________
14 Champ®
15 Twin®
___________ _____________________________
16 Super Bright ___________ _____________________________
17 Classic Rock
18 Super Clean
___________ _____________________________
19 Jazz ___________ _____________________________
Mesa/Boogie® styles 20 Mark I®
21 Metallica
___________ _____________________________
22 Santana ___________ _____________________________
23 Clean
24 Rectifier®
___________ _____________________________
25 Triaxis® ___________ _____________________________
26 Lead
27 Rhythm
___________ _____________________________
28 Too Much Gain ___________ _____________________________
29 Mutant
Bass styles 30 SVT®
___________ _____________________________
31 Bassman® ___________ _____________________________
32 Jazz
33 Metal
___________ _____________________________
34 Slap ___________ _____________________________
35 King’s X
36 Yes
___________ _____________________________
37 Lead ___________ _____________________________
38 Doug Wimbish
39 Crimson
___________ _____________________________
Miscellaneous styles 40 Fuzz Face® ___________ _____________________________
41 Triangle Muff
42 Tubescreamer
___________ _____________________________
43 MXR+® ___________ _____________________________
44 Tele® Simulator
45 American Woman
___________ _____________________________
46 Pantera ___________ _____________________________
47 Hiwatt®
48 AC30® Queen
___________ _____________________________
49 Speaker Simulator ___________ _____________________________
50 Bypass
___________ _____________________________
® ___________ _____________________________
Registered trademarks of their respective companies. Names of factory presets are
intended for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as an endorse- ___________ _____________________________
ment or affiliation with the companies, products, song titles, or artists named.
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