Anyone use the SansAmp PSA-1?

[BoomBoomChild]

I use this preamp and I love it. I’ve always been quite fond of Tech 21’s products, starting with the GT2, which I still have and still believe it’s one of the best distortion pedals you can get because it sounds like an amp. Currently, I’m using the PSA-1 into my PA with a DBX 160A compressor and Rocktron Xpression. The cool thing about this rig is it also perfectly doubles as my bass rig. Tons of bass players use this preamp. I personally feel that Tech 21 products, and especially the PSA-1, blows all other amp modelers out of the water. The signal path is analog, while the controls are digital. What are your opinions on this preamp? (They now have an updated version of this preamp, the PSA-1.1).

 

[Peterku]

Re: Anyone use the SansAmp PSA-1?

I personally feel that Tech 21 products, and especially the PSA-1, blows all other amp modelers out of the water.

What other modelers have you compared it to?

 

[Mincer]

Re: Anyone use the SansAmp PSA-1?

i used the PSA-1 for quite awhile, and even though the signal path is all analog, that doesn't mean it sounds better. Each setting has this 'boxy' quality that you can't dial out, as if the speaker cabinet itself was made of plywood that is a foot thick. It was ok, but nothing near what is currently out there in modeler land. The Pod, J-Station, and the Boss GT series sounds so much better.
I did like the user interface of the PSA-1 as well as the non-glare LCD (what an awesome idea), and for a first generation emulator, it isn't bad.

 

[TheArchitect]

Re: Anyone use the SansAmp PSA-1?

i used the PSA-1 for quite awhile, and even though the signal path is all analog, that doesn't mean it sounds better. Each setting has this 'boxy' quality that you can't dial out, as if the speaker cabinet itself was made of plywood that is a foot thick. It was ok, but nothing near what is currently out there in modeler land. The Pod, J-Station, and the Boss GT series sounds so much better.
I did like the user interface of the PSA-1 as well as the non-glare LCD (what an awesome idea), and for a first generation emulator, it isn't bad.

I had one briefly. I thought it sounded terrible as a direct recording device. Maybe into a nice amp and cab it would work but as a recording device it was a disaster. The PodXT and Tonelabs are a lot better but I still haul out the mics and amps if at all possble for even demo recording.