Emergence of the SansAmp: B. Andrew Barta’s success with the SansAmp and Tech 21, the company that evolved from the creation of his unique invention, is rooted in the simple desire to create a product he wanted for his own personal use. A performing musician with an electronics background whose job was repairing, modifying, and customizing amps, he started his own company in 1989 (with the help and encouragement of his longtime friend and company VP Dale Krevens) when his fresh technology and vision for the great possibilities of the SansAmp was rejected by numerous major manufacturers. “Back then,” Krevens says, “anything that wasn’t a tube amp wasn’t good enough. Their attitude was, ‘tube amps rule,’ and they couldn’t figure out how a little black box could possibly sound like a tube amp. If it didn’t have tubes, they didn’t want to know about it.” Of course, hearing was believing and eventually the industry caught on to the 100 percent analog device, which delivered its mammoth sounds from a pocket-sized pedal. Over the subsequent decades, Tech 21 has continuously strived to offer player-friendly, flexible, multi-functional, and roadworthy products. They are designed to work seamlessly in both recording and stage environments.
The SansAmp Technology: SansAmps are notable for capturing the warm, rich, natural tones of the most sought-after tube amps. Within the parameters of each model’s particular design, the controls provide access to specific, tone shaping characteristics within the tube amp sound spectrum. The SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulation technology, which the relentlessly curious and inventive Barta created, encompasses the full signal chain, from pre-amp to power amp to speaker simulation. The SansAmp speaker simulation is designed and tailored for a smooth, even response as users might get from multi-miked cabinet, but without the peaks, valleys, and notches associated with single miking and many impulse responses.
Fly Rig and Musician Collaborations: Another revolutionary Tech 21 product is the Fly Rig, which allows musicians and producers to free themselves from the signal chains of bondage, backline loaners, overloaded flight cases, and the stress of airport security. The gunmetal-finish Fly Rig 5 is a sleek, compact “tonal titan” featuring warm analog tones. Krevens says, “It’s just grab and go, with all the basics you need in a single pedal.” Musicians who have worked with Tech 21 on developing specific Fly Rig models include Richie Kotzen (RK5 Fly Rig) and Paul Landers of Rammstein (PL1 Fly Rig). One of Tech 21’s longest standing artist collaborations is with Geddy Lee, which has resulted in a series of signature SansAmp preamps designed to capture his unique bi-amped bass tone. In addition, former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman has a signature SansAmp pedal, Anthrax bassist Frank Bello has a signature SansAmp (the Street Driver 48), and Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris helped develop the SH1 Signature SansAmp.
Contact Tech 21, 973-777-6996
