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 Tech 21, the Company IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
Tech 21 was formed by a guitarist possessing the unusual combination of a trained ear READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
and electronics expertise. In 1989, B. Andrew Barta incorporated Tech 21 and made his HEED ALL WARNINGS.
unique invention commercially available to players and studios around the world. His This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous
highly-acclaimed SansAmp™ pioneered Tube Amplifier Emulation in professional voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.
applications for recording direct and performing live, and created an entirely new cate-
gory of signal processing. While there have since been many entries into this niche, This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts the user to important operating and maintenance
instructions in the accompanying literature. Read the manual.
SansAmp continues to maintain its reputation as the industry standard.

After developing a full line of SansAmp models, Tech 21 expanded its offerings to This unit is powered by potentially hazardous voltage. Therefore, observe
include effect pedals; a compact, battery operable MIDI footcontroller, the MIDI Mouse; the following safety precautions:
as well as “traditional” style amplifiers. Each product is thoughtfully and respectfully 1. Read and follow all instructions before using product.
designed by Andrew himself with the player in mind. 2. Do not use product near water (such as near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink,
swimming pool, in a wet basement, etc.).
Our goal is to provide you with flexible, versatile tools to cultivate, control, refine and 3. Unit should be located so that its location or position does not impede the flow of
redefine your own individual sound. Tech 21 takes great pride in delivering consistent air through the ventilation openings.
professional quality sound, studio to studio, club to club, arena to arena. 4. Product should be located away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
or other products, including amplifiers, that produce heat.
SansAmp RBI, an Overview 5. Product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the
Simply put, SansAmp RBI is a rackmount version of our exceptionally popular pedal, operating instructions or as marked on the product.
SansAmp Bass Driver DI. This format, too, offers you an entire sound spectrum of the 6. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
most coveted traditional and modern bass amp systems, including mega overdriven pinched particularly at plugs, convenience recepta-
tones that usually require a complex mass of gear --most of which weren’t designed for cles, and the point where they exit from the unit.
bass in the first place. 7. Do not allow objects or liquids to penetrate
the enclosure through openings.
Tech 21’s proprietary, 100% analog circuitry delivers styles ranging from Fender®
8. During heavy use, chassis may get hot to the
to SVT®, and from King Crimson to King’s X. The interactive controls give you access
touch. Handle with care.
to specific tone shaping characteristics to create your own custom sounds as well. For
9. Protect unit from strong impact.
studio and live applications, our SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology gives
10. Unplug product before cleaning. Never
you the sound and responsiveness of a miked-up stage rig --direct into the mixer of a
spray liquid cleaners into the amp: wipe with a
recorder or P.A. system. You can also simultaneously plug straight into a power amp,
clean, lint-free cloth to remove dirt and film.
powered monitor, or conventional bass amp.
11. Only use attachments/accessories speci-
Beyond the obvious difference in housing, SansAmp RBI’s additional features include a fied by the manufacturer.
MID control; an individual Level control for the XLR out to optimize your amp’s output 12. This product should be used
relative to the P.A. system; an Effects Loop with a Mix 50/50 switch to configure the only with a cart or stand that is rec-
loop in series or parallel; 1/4” rear input and XLR output with selectable levels; buffered ommended by the manufacturer. When a cart is used, use caution when
uneffected XLR output to run a dry signal to a separate channel; Footswitch input to moving the cart/product combination to avoid injury from tipping over.
engage the unit; and Footswitch output to chain and toggle between another SansAmp 13. Amplifiers may be capable of producing high volume levels that could cause per-
RBI or our SansAmp RPM --a multi-instrument pre-amp tone shaper with sweepable, manent hearing loss or damage, if the exposure to such levels is prolonged. Such dam-
semi-parametric EQ and variable gain. age is progressive and irreversible! If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the
ears, consult an audiologist.
14. Unplug unit during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

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 15. This unit must be earth grounded. To reduce the risk of electric shock, NEVER Input Jack
remove or otherwise attempt to defeat the ground pin of the power cord. If the Faithful to the original designs of traditional tube amplifiers, this 1/4" Input is high imped-
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replace- ance 1MOhm. It is factory set at -20dB instrument level. Note: A second input jack (Input
ment of the obsolete outlet. 2) is located on the rear panel. Plugging into the front panel Input jack overrides and dis-
WARNING: To avoid the risk of fire, electric shock or injury, do not expose this unit to connects the rear panel jack. This allows you to set up your SansAmp RBI as a permanent
rain or moisture. Do not remove the chassis from its cabinet, or remove metal covering part of a rack or patch-bay system, with its usual input source plugged into the rear panel
from chassis parts. Removing the chassis from its cabinet exposes extremely dangerous jack. Then, if you want to plug straight into the SansAmp RBI, bypassing other gear in the
high voltages. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Hazardous voltages are pre- system, you can use the SansAmp RBI’s front Input.
sent inside the chassis. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

CAUTION: Never modify the power cord. If original power cord becomes damaged,
frayed, or has exposed wires, replace immediately with same rating and gauge, or high-
er. Replacements are commercially available or you can contact Tech 21 directly.

WARNING: Attempting to repair this unit is not recommended and may void its Drive
warranty. NOTE: In the U.S. and Canada, servicing is performed at factory only. In other Adjusts the overall amount of gain and overdrive, similar to when the output section of
countries, please refer repairs to the local Tech 21 authorized distributor. a tube amp is being pushed.

FUSE Presence
Fuse holder is located inside A/C cord receptacle. You must remove power Brings out the upper harmonic content and attack. For a smoother high end and for
cord to change fuse. Replace with similar type & same value. Units with clean settings, decrease to taste.
100-120V: use 1A. Units with 220-240V: use 0.5A.
Blend
QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS Allows you to blend the direct instrument signal with SansAmp Tube Amplifier
Get your SansAmp RBI up and running before reading the entire manual. But by not Emulation circuitry. In most cases, you will probably have this set at maximum (100%
reading the manual, you’ll miss out on getting the most out of your new investment! SansAmp). For certain applications, however, such as an ultra-transparent sound or for
1. Plug your instrument into the front panel Input jack (on the left side). use with piezo pickup-equipped instruments, you may want to blend-in the direct signal
2. Connect either the 1/4” or XLR SansAmp Output with the input of your mixer, power to achieve your desired sound. While the SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation circuitry
amp, powered monitor or amp. is bypassed when Blend is at minimum, the Bass, Mid, Treble, Level and XLR controls
3. Plug the AC cord into a wall socket. Set the Level and XLR controls to minimum, remain active.
then turn the SansAmp RBI on and engage the Active Switch. Bass, Mid and Treble
4. Turn on the mixer or amp and bring up the Level or XLR controls of the SansAmp These active tone controls cut or boost ±12dB from unity gain at 12 o’clock. Bass is 80
RBI. If the signal is too “hot,” resulting in unwanted distortion, or too weak, check the Hz. Mid is 1kHz. Treble is 3.2kHz.
mixer’s or amp’s input control as well as the Level control of the SansAmp RBI.
5. Play your guitar and you should hear sound coming through your system. If not, check XLR
that your guitar’s volume control is turned up, recheck your connections, and be sure your Adjusts the volume level of the SansAmp XLR Output to optimize your amp’s output rel-
cable isn’t faulty. If there is still no sound, refer to factory or qualified technician. ative to the P.A. system.

Level
FRONT PANEL
Adjusts the SansAmp 1/4” Output level.
SansAmp RBI is designed with active controls, which cut and boost, rather than
traditional passive controls which only cut. This effectively doubles many of the
REAR PANEL
control’s capabilities, giving you a much larger range of adjustability and, ultimately,
Input 2 Jack
more variety. It should be noted that you need not necessarily set everything at max to
Plugging into Input 2 lets you match the SansAmp RBI’s input circuitry to the signal
achieve maximum results. As you experiment and become familiar with the interrelation-
level being fed into it, thereby assuring the best signal-to-noise ratio and least distor-
ship of the controls, you’ll easily be able to customize your own sounds.
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 tion. This input is ideal for rack and patch-bay applications, especially if you use other 1/4” Uneffected Output
signal processors or multi-track recorders before the SansAmp RBI. Note: Whenever Buffered output without processing. Sends a direct bass signal to another channel on
you plug into the front panel’s Input, the rear panel Input 2 is disconnected. Also, you your amp, pre-amp, or effects chain, or it can be utilized as a tuner output.
can set the Input level selector switch to its 0dB position when you plug in extra-hot
signals, such as the output from active bass guitars.

Level Selector Switch

This switch lets you connect the SansAmp RBI to a wide variety of equipment with a
variety of signal levels. It has two positions:

0dB position. Optimizes the rear panel Input 2 to receive an instrument level sig-
nal. In this position, Input 2’s sensitivity is exactly the same as the front panel’s Input.
-20dB position. Set the switch in this position when sending a line-level signal
into the SansAmp RBI. When the switch is in this position, the signal coming into the
unit is padded down by 20dB.
SansAmp XLR Direct Output
EFFECTS LOOP Carries the signal from the SansAmp RBI, including any effects placed in the Effects
Send and Return Loop. For recording, the SansAmp XLR Output is like having a built-in direct box.
The Effects Loop allows you to connect external effects with the SansAmp RBI. Connect
Designed without a transformer, it provides a balanced, low-impedance output of
the input of your processor to Send; output of your processor to Return. Note: When
extremely high quality for recording or interfacing with professional-quality signal
nothing is plugged into the Effects Loop, the signal passes through from the SansAmp
processors. Go direct to the board and get the same sound you hear coming out of the
RBI to the Output jacks, with both the SansAmp 1/4” and XLR Outputs receiving the
speakers right onto tape or disc. The SansAmp circuitry not only captures the warm,
same signal.
rich, natural harmonics and sweet overdrive characteristics inherent to tube amplifiers,
Mix 50/50 Switch its speaker emulation encompasses all aspects of multiply-miked tube amp rigs.
The 1/4" Send routes 100% of the SansAmp RBI’s signal through your effects processor
For live gigs, you can use this output direct into the P.A. system and you won’t need a
when the 50/50 switch is disengaged. If you engage the 50/50 switch, then 50% of the
microphone in front of your amp. And you won’t have to subject the audience to a
SansAmp RBI signal goes through your effects processor, and the other 50% passes
sterile, muddy, or boomy bass tone.
directly to the SansAmp 1/4" and XLR Outputs.

To preserve the signal integrity of the SansAmp RBI, use the Effects Loop with the Mix If you experience hum from the
50/50 switch engaged. When the SansAmp RBI is in this mode, the effects processor’s output when there’s no instru-
mix control should be set at 100% wet. Your relative wet/dry mixture can then be con- ment plugged in, you most likely
trolled by increasing or decreasing the effects processor’s output level. have a ground loop. Therefore,
Pin 1 (signal ground of the
UNIVERSAL OUTPUT SECTION SansAmp XLR) needs to be lifted
The output sections of the SansAmp RBI are designed to be compatible with any appli- or disconnected. You can easily
cation. The outputs can be used for full range (multi-track recorders, studio monitors, make a small ground disconnect
P.A. systems) or limited range systems, as well as simultaneously. Note: You can com- adapter by disassembling one
pensate for different frequency responses of speaker enclosures by using the Treble end of the cable and cutting
control. Pin 1 (the shield connection) as
shown to the right.
1/4” SansAmp Output
Carries the signal from the SansAmp RBI, including any effects that are placed in the
Effects Loop.

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 XLR Output Level Switch B115 SPEAKER CABINET
Sets the range of the signal level of the SansAmp XLR Output jack. In the 0dB position (for use with a power amp)
(engaged), the Output is in the line level range. When in the -20dB position (disengaged), • 8 Ohms / 300 watts handling
the Output is in the instrument level range. Note: The standard output level range of the • Custom-designed 15” Eminence®
SansAmp RBI is 0dB due to the popularity of digital recorders, which are unforgiving to Neodymium speaker
excessive input levels. This prevents overloading the input of a digital recorder. • Chrome-plated steel grill
• Rear vented
Uneffected XLR Output • Speakon® connectors
Provides a buffered balanced output of the direct bass signal without processing. • 1/4” connectors
• Dimensions: 24”w x 24”h x 16”d
Footswitch
• Weight: 48.1 lbs.
Any alternating (on/off) footswitch will activate the unit. Connect the footswitch output
to Footswitch In. To toggle between this unit and another SansAmp RBI (or SansAmp
RPM), do the same as above and connect the SansAmp RBI Footswitch Out to the
Footswitch In of the second SansAmp RBI (or SansAmp RPM). Now you can switch POWER ENGINE 300 and POWER ENGINE 400
Instrument Power Amplifiers
between 2 sounds. For the audio signal path, connect your bass into the Input of the
• 300-watt/4-Ohm mono and 400-watt/8-Ohm stereo
first SansAmp RBI. Connect the 1/4” SansAmp Out to the Input of the second unit. The • Uncolored, unaltered tone
1/4” Output of the second SansAmp RBI is then your main audio out. (Refer to the • Oversized power supply with toroidal transformer that is lighter in weight and
Hook-up Diagrams on Page 13.) reduces stray magnetic fields that cause interference and hum
• Top-quality Toshiba power transistors
OPTIONS: • Heat-sensor equipped cooling fan
BASS POWER ENGINE 60: • Unit Dimensions: 17”w x 3.5”h x 10”d / Overall: 19”w x 3.8125”h x 11.5”d
Designed to be used with any direct recording device or • Weight: Power Engine 300 @ 22.3 lbs; Power Engine 400 @ 26.25 lbs
pre-amp, analog or digital, tube or solid state, in stomp
box or rackmount formats, from any manufacturer.
• 60 watts of transparent power
• 8 Ohms / 100 watts handling
• 12” custom-designed speaker
• Chrome-plated steel grill
• 3-band active EQ controls
• Dimensions: 18.25”w x 18.75”h x 14.25”d
• Weight: 36 lbs.

B410 SPEAKER CABINET

(for use with a power amp)
• 8 Ohms / 400 watts handling
• Four cast frame, custom-
designed 10” speakers
• Chrome-plated steel grill
• Rear vented
• Speakon® connectors
• 1/4” connectors
• Dimensions: 24”w x 24”h x 16”d
• Weight: 70 lbs.

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 SansAmp RBI Specifications
Note: With on-going product development and improvements, specifications and/or
the cosmetic appearance of this unit may change without prior notice. Replacement
parts are available, i.e., knobs, rack handles, faceplate, etc. For more information,
please contact your authorized dealer or Tech 21.

Model Number: RBI

Input Impedance-Input 1: 1MΩ
Input Impedance-Input 2: 1MΩ
Output Impedance-1/4”: 1K Ohm min
Output Impedance-XLR: 600 Ohm min
Input Level-Input 1: 1V RMS max
Input Level-Input 2: 1V RMS or 10V max, with -20dB pad engaged
Output Level-XLR: Switchable to -20dB or 0dB range
Maximum Output Level: +10dB or better
Effects Loop Send: 1K Ohm min, -20dB
Effects Loop Return: 100K Ohm min, -20dB
Low Frequency Response: 10Hz or better*
High Frequency Response: Harmonic content, 20kHz or better*
Maximum Power Consumption: 5 Watts
AC Input Power (factory set): 100V, 117V, 230V, 240V
Cycles: 50/60 Hz
NOTE: Each unit is constructed for specific
voltages. AC power cannot be switched.
Enclosure: Aluminum and steel, fully shielded
Dimensions: 19.0”w x 1.75”h x 5.25”d / Overall depth: 6.25”
Weight: 5 lbs.

NOTES: ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
*Due to the variety of amplifier emulations available, frequency response
characteristics will vary.

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