Geddy’s SansAmp Rackmount Sound — In A Pedal!

Starting with Rush’s 1996 Test for Echo tour, Geddy Lee has eschewed the traditional bass amplifier backline in favor of industrial chicken roasters, washing machines, and the like. To streamline his setup, Geddy partnered with Tech 21 to design a Signature SansAmp rack unit, the GED-2112. This challenging project involved distilling a rackload of gear into a single rackspace. Now we are  excited to present the Tech 21 Geddy Lee DI-2112 — which incorporates GED-2112 technology into a rugged bass preamp pedal. Two internal preamps allow you to dial in two distinct tones. Its Drive preamp section covers a wide sonic range, while the Deep preamp section delivers boosted low end for fat, round tone, with saturation that ranges from clean to tube-like grit and compression. And with semi-parametric 2-band EQ with Mid-Shift based on Geddy’s exact specifications, there’s a world of tone to explore with the Tech 21 Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp.

Parallel preamping for expanded sonic potential

The Geddy Lee Signature GED-2112 SansAmp rack unit is equipped with two all-analog SansAmp circuits running in parallel. Whether you’re after gritty midrange-rich tones or fat, thumping dub sounds, you’ll find them here. And for maximum flexibility, each preamp section has its own individual output, allowing you to combine them in the mixer or your DAW for powerful layered bass tones. Following this concept, the compact SansAmp DI-2112 “YYZ” pedal adapts that architectural structure to simplify blending the two signal paths. Incorporating the architecture of the rackmount into the portability of a pedal, the SansAmp DI-2112 offers a format designed to be as at home onstage as it is in the studio.

The GED-2112 is really a continuation of my long-time approach to bass tone. A ‘deep clean’ tone coupled with the ‘edgy crunch’ I get from the SansAmp RPM now all in one box.” - Geddy Lee

Drive and Deep sections

The DI-2112’s Drive preamp section is based on the versatile SansAmp RPM to give you a broad range of sonic potential. The Deep section serves up thick, meaty tones. Saturation goes from clean in lower settings to increased harmonics and tube-like compression at higher settings. You can blend the Drive and Deep sections, or send them to a mixing board or two amplifiers via separate outputs. Both XLR and 1/4" outputs are provided, as well as a Tuner output. For increased headroom and clarity, the DI-2112 is powered by 18 volts via an optional power supply or two 9V batteries.

Tech 21 Geddy Lee DI-2112 Features:

• Dual, all-analog SansAmp circuits with individual Level controls
• Drive for gain and overdrive
• Saturation for low-end beef with separate Level control
• Blend to control the ratio of SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation and your direct instrument signal
• Sweepable semi-parametric EQ, 170Hz–3.0kHz, 12dB of cut/boost
• Tight switch adds definition to your notes in cleaner settings and makes distorted tones snappier
• Dual balanced low impedance XLR outputs with Level Selector switch and Ground Lift
• Dual 1/4" low impedance outputs with Level Selector switch
• 1/4" tuner output
• Rugged, all-metal housing and jacks
• Measures 6.375”l x 4.0”w x 1.75”h
• Weighs just 19 oz.
• Runs on 18V DC for increased headroom and clarity, via optional power supply or 2 x 9V alkaline batteries (not included)