New Gear/New Toy Review: Tech 21 Geddy Lee Pedal

The GED-2112 rack mount was the result of Rush's Geddy Lee partnering with Tech 21 to design a signature SansAmp. Somehow it includes all of the features and tones Geddy wanted in a single rack space.

Now, Tech 21 has distilled the GED-2112 into a super-compact, portable pedal--the SansAmp YYZ. It offers Geddy's core sound and has the versatility for many different styles.

You get all-analog SansAmp technology to record directly and/or re-amp to enhance previously recorded bass guitar tracks. The SansAmp YYZ can drive a power amp and speakers, augment an existing amplifier, or connect it directly into the mixer of a PA system.

There is a Mix control to blend a combination of a high-end studio clean DI sound with dirtier bass tube amp tones. You'll love the Tight button to add definition to notes in cleaner settings--it also helps make distorted tones snappier. Other features include a Drive control, active 3-band EQ and Master Volume. Operable with 9V alkaline battery (not included) or optional DC power supply, the Tech 21 model #DC2.

The SansAmp XYZ sells for $199 MAP.

tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/geddylee_yyz.html

Barry Rudolph is a recording engineer/mixer who has worked on over 30 gold and platinum records. He has recorded and/or mixed Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, the Corrs and more. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facility and loves teaching audio engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA. He is a lifetime Grammy-voting member of NARAS and a contributing editor for Mix Magazine. barryrudolph.com