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Tech 21 Adds Leeds, Oxford and US Steel to Character Series, Debuts the VT Bass Deluxe and Red Ripper

Tech 21 announced at NAMM a number of new additions to their lineup, including three additions to their SansAmp Character series, and two new bass products.

Anaheim, CA (January 25, 2010) -- Tech 21 announced at NAMM a number of new additions to their lineup, including three additions to their SansAmp Character series, and two new bass products.


Oxford, Leeds, & U.S. Steel
Tech 21 has expanded their SansAmp Character Series with the addition of three new pedals: Oxford, Leeds and U.S. Steel. The Oxford’s tones range from ‘70s London glam to modern stoner rock. The Leeds spans from the ‘60s classic UK rock to ‘70s prog rock. U.S. Steel delivers tones from ‘90s Valhalla to the aughts Nu-metal chunk.

Following the same design formula as the existing Blonde, British, California, Liverpool and VT Bass pedals, each of the continuously-variable Character controls sweeps through an entire tonal range of possibilities. By simply twisting a few knobs, you can build the most sought-after tones and hot rod your own. From rare vintage classics to roaring modern icons, every variation is delivered in the distinctive voicing of that amp style.

Being genuine SansAmps, each Character Series pedal can be used as a stand-alone pre-amp to drive a power amp, a studio mixer, or a PA system, or used as a stompbox with an amp. Other features include built-in, defeatable speaker simulation, which is individually tuned to match each of the speaker/ cabinet configurations associated with each type of amplifier; 3-band active EQ, Drive and Level controls; and 100% analog circuitry. MSRP: $225.00

VT Bass Deluxe
Responding to a record number of requests, Tech 21 has designed a 6-channel, programmable version of their SansAmp Character Series VT Bass pedal.

The SansAmp VT Bass Deluxe features a combination of a warm, all-analog signal path and convenient digital recall. Controls include Drive, 3-band active EQ, and Level. The unique Character control allows you to sweep through a broad range of bass tube amp tones from the early ‘60s to classic super valve.

There are 6 program locations and dual inputs for two instruments to be on-line, ready to go. You can create three custom tones for each input or use all six locations for a single instrument. And you can program the FX loop to engage your favorite effect each time a so-designated preset is selected. Super simple to operate, changes can easily be made on the fly --without having to refer to the owner’s manual. You just turn the knobs to a setting you like, double click on a footswitch and it’s saved in that channel. You can custom tweak and program six of your personal sounds, from vintage clean to gnarly overdrive to crushing distortion.

The SansAmp VT Bass Deluxe can be used as a pre-amp or stomp box with any amp/combo, power amp and speaker cabinet, or direct into any mixing console. There’s a 1/4-inch instrument level input, as well as 1/4” and XLR outputs with selectable levels.

The SansAmp VT Bass Deluxe has four independent, pop-free custom footswitch actuators. MSRP: $350.00.

Red Ripper Fuzz for Bass
The Red Ripper all-analog bass effect from Tech 21 features aggressive tones and vintage filter-style effects. More than a simple distortion box, the Red Ripper responds to the dynamics of your individual touch. Play harder for more fuzz and higher harmonics, ease up for less fuzz and enhanced lower harmonics.

The Red Ripper's unique R.I.P. control takes you from vintage fuzz, to tectonic distortion, and into the realms of Brassmaster-style octaver fuzz and Moogie-style synth tones. While the Red Ripper acts similar to an envelope filter, the signal is not actually being filtered, so your tone won’t thin out and drop off when the effect is engaged.

Other features include active three-band EQ to deliver studio-grade tone shaping in a compact pedal, and Level and Drive controls to find the sweet spot between dirt and volume. There’s also a Low Pass Filter switch to compensate for full-range bass systems equipped with tweeters. Buffered bypass and a silent-switching, custom footswitch actuator completes the package. MSRP: $225.00.

All models are manufactured in the USA and utilize a 9V battery or optional 9V DC power supply (Tech 21 Model #DC2). The VT Bass Deluxe is phantom power operable.

For more information:
Tech 21