Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Elite Pedal

The Tech 21 SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Elite takes the legendary analogue SansAmp tone and launches it into the digital age, giving bassists studio-grade flexibility in a rugged, gig-ready pedal. With three instantly recallable presets, deep MIDI editing, blendable impulse responses and powerful onboard effects, it is designed to be the centrepiece of your rig whether you are on stage, in the studio or recording direct at home.

At its heart, the Programmable Bass Driver Elite captures the feel, dynamics and responsiveness of classic valve bass amplifiers, while adding modern tools that make it easy to store, recall and refine your sounds. From clean, weighty lows to snarling overdrive, you can build your ideal tones, save them as presets and access them at the tap of a footswitch. Clear graphics and intuitive controls keep everything straightforward, so you spend less time menu-diving and more time playing.

With two operating modes, the pedal adapts to how you work. Performance mode gives you three main presets on the front panel for fast access during gigs. Switch to Studio mode and you unlock up to 128 preset locations via MIDI, ideal for complex live shows or detailed studio sessions where every song needs its own sound. An additional Red mode opens up deeper parameters such as Preamp, Filter, Frequency, Q, Ambiance, Ratio and Chorus, letting you fine-tune every aspect of your tone and activate pre-programmed Chorus and Filter effects.

The integrated MIDI interface and IR section make the Elite a powerful hub for modern bass rigs. You can edit amplifier parameters, EQ, effects and impulse responses in depth, blend different IRs together, use the dedicated SansAmp IR, or upload your own favourites. With a chromatic tuner, effects loop, multiple outputs and a robust metal chassis, it is built to handle demanding professional use while delivering consistent, inspiring sound wherever you plug in.

Analogue Feel, Digital Control

Tech 21 have brought their renowned analogue SansAmp character into a programmable platform that still feels and responds like a real amp. The Drive, Presence and active three band EQ controls give you the familiar SansAmp workflow, while the Blend control lets you mix in as much of your direct bass as you like. You get the touch sensitivity and warmth associated with classic gear, combined with the convenience of digital storage and recall.

Performance and Studio Modes

Whether you are on stage or in the studio, the Programmable Bass Driver Elite adapts to your needs. Performance mode keeps things simple with three core presets ready to go underfoot, perfect for switching between clean, driven and effected sounds mid song. Studio mode expands your palette dramatically, offering up to 128 preset locations that can be accessed and managed via MIDI, making it easy to build detailed setlists or session-specific sound libraries.

Deep Editing, IRs and Effects

Engage the Red mode and you gain access to a powerful set of additional parameters, including Preamp, Filter, Frequency, Q, Ambiance, Ratio and Chorus. This lets you sculpt your tone far beyond basic amp settings, from subtle sweetening to full sound design. The IR section includes a dedicated SansAmp IR, a curated collection of modifiable IRs and the ability to blend them or load your own external files, so you can match your pedal to different cabinets, rooms or recording chains with precision.

Flexible Connectivity and Rugged Build

Designed for real world use, the SansAmp Programmable Bass Driver Elite offers multiple connection options and a tough, all metal enclosure. Use it as a stompbox into your amp, as a preamp feeding a power amp, go direct to a PA or plug straight into your recording interface. The low impedance XLR output with Ground Lift and dedicated 1/4 inch output with Level Selector give you clean, reliable signals in any setup, while the chromatic tuner, effects loop and silent switching footswitches keep your rig practical and stage friendly.

• Programmable SansAmp Bass Tone - Capture the classic SansAmp bass sound with the ability to store and recall presets, so your favourite tones are always on tap. From warm, vintage style drive to tight, modern punch, you can build your sounds once and access them instantly without re-dialling controls.
• Performance and Studio Preset Modes - Use Performance mode for three main presets that are easy to switch between live, or engage Studio mode for up to 128 preset locations via MIDI. This dual approach keeps things simple when you want it, yet offers huge depth when your set or session demands more complex sound changes.
• Deep Editing with Red Mode and IRs - Red mode unlocks advanced parameters like Preamp, Filter, Frequency, Q, Ambiance, Ratio and Chorus, plus pre-programmed Chorus and Filter effects. Combined with the blendable IR section and support for external IR uploads, it gives you studio level control over every aspect of your tone and virtual cabinet setup.
• Versatile I/O and Built In Utilities - With a chromatic tuner, effects loop, MIDI interface, low impedance XLR output with Ground Lift and 1/4 inch outputs, the pedal slots easily into any rig. You can run it as a stompbox, a preamp, or a direct solution for PA and recording, all in a rugged metal housing built to withstand regular gigging.

Controls

• Drive
• Low
• Mid
• High
• Presence
• Comp
• Blend
• Preamp (Red mode)
• Filter (Red mode)
• Frequency (Red mode)
• Q (Red mode)
• Ambiance (Red mode)
• Ratio (Red mode)
• Chorus (Red mode)

Functions & Features

• Performance mode with 3 main presets
• Studio mode with up to 128 preset locations
• Red mode for extended parameter control
• Pre programmed Chorus and Filter effects
• Impulse response section with SansAmp IR
• Curated collection of modifiable IRs
• Blendable IRs
• Support for external IR uploads
• Chromatic tuner
• Effects loop
• MIDI interface for deep editing and preset management

Applications

• As a stompbox with an amp
• As a preamp to drive a power amp
• Direct to a mixer or PA
• Record direct to a computer

Inputs & Outputs

• 1/4 inch input, 1 MOhm
• Low impedance XLR output with Ground Lift
• 1/4 inch low impedance output with Level Selector switch

Construction

• Rugged all metal housing
• All metal jacks
• Silent switching custom metal footswitch actuators

Power & Dimensions

• Included 9V DC Universal Power Supply, Model DC9
• Auto switching, self adjusting 100V240V, 200mA
• Includes interchangeable international prong assemblies for EU, UK, Australia and New Zealand
• Dimensions: 7.5 in (L) x 5.25 in (W) x 2.0 in (H)
• Weight: 24 oz