Tech 21 Effects

The 1980s was a huge decade for music, especially when it came to electronics and effects. Those technologies were really starting to come into their own, and they put tools in artists' hands unlike anything they'd had to work with before. Even in that impressive wave of progress, Tech 21 was a standout.

Tech 21 was founded by Andrew Barta when he couldn't find a major manufacturer willing to produce his design for a tube amplifier emulator. There's no doubt that the companies who turned him down are kicking themselves for it today: his prototype evolved into the SansAmp series, and those went on to become Tech 21's most popular effects units. With a SansAmp unit, you can deliver all the tone of a classic amplifier to any studio mixer or PA system: no heavy amps or speaker cabinets required.

Of course, Tech 21 did branch out beyond its amp emulators and you'll also find some great guitar effects pedals here. Take the Hot-Rod Plexi Analog Distortion Pedal for instance: it takes advantage of Tech 21's experience with the SansAmp to deliver rich, melodic tone with distortion as hot or cool as you dial it in. Another great option is the Roto Choir, a pedal designed to produce vintage-authentic rotary speaker effects perfect for classic rockers.

While effects units are important for guitarists, one could argue that they're even more vital to bassists. Tech 21 recognizes that with a great lineup of pedals designed specifically for the electric bass. Check out the Boost Chorus and Red Ripper Distortion Bass Effects Pedals for starters. One of the first things you'll notice about these stompboxes is that, like their guitar cousins, they're loaded with dials. That's because they're so adjustable - a single Tech 21 pedal can give you a range of sounds so broad that your ear won't even realize two different tones both came from the same unit.

Guitar, bass, or any other electronic instrument for that matter: when you want it to stand out, you can't go wrong with Tech 21 on your pedalboard. From simulating the most sought-after vintage amps through any speaker system to adding hugely customizable effects, there's not much these units can't do for your sound.