Tech 21 Introduces Steve Harris SH1 Signature SansAmp

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Mar 12, 2004
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A true hands-on professional, Steve Harris not only formed Iron Maiden (in 1975!), he writes the bulk of their songs, plays multiple instruments, mixes recordings, directs and edits both live and production videos, and sings. As if that wasn’t enough, Steve somehow finds time for British Lion, which he describes as a side project that’s more mainstream rock than metal.

When it comes to Steve’s rig, surprisingly it has barely changed in almost 40 years. What has never changed is his handmade custom pre-amp, the “Alectron,” as well as his prized custom vintage Marshall cabs loaded with EV speakers. While this collaboration began as a solution for touring with British Lion, as it wasn’t practical to travel with his full rig for smaller venues, the SH1 has earned a place as a component of his live sound on Iron Maiden's Legacy of the Beast 2019 tour.

When Tech 21 sent the original prototype of the pedal to Steve while in rehearsal with British Lion, he had this to say: "The tour is going fantastic. And the reason it's going fantastic is this little thing here. It's unbelievable. [Andrew Barta] is a real boffin [translation: technical expert]. Because he's managed to simulate my EV speaker sounds, which I love so much. And it's in this little box. Whatever he's done, he's made this thing sound like my sound. So, well done, mate."

Known for his galloping fleet-fingered bass lines, Steve’s distinctive style and tone have, and continue to be, required reading --whether you’re into metal or not. Like Tech 21’s other signature gear, the SH1 is not just for one single tone or genre. The controls are designed to provide an expansive range of adjustability so you can dial in a wide spectrum of bass tones as well.

The Steve Harris SH1 features all-analog SansAmp technology, two channel modes with individual Gain and Level controls, Blend, 4-band active EQ, and a Bite switch to activate a “Steve” boost for extra clank and clarity. Other features include chromatic tuner and an XLR Output to go direct to the PA desk or studio board. Rugged all-metal housing measures 7.75”l x 2.5”w x 1.25”h and weighs just 12 oz.

Tech21_SteveHarris_SH1_TopView.jpg


US Street price:  $299
Designed & Manufactured by Tech 21 USA, Inc.
E-mail: [email protected]. Website: tech21nyc.com.
 
Assuming you saw them in the same kind of shag off huge arena they played at in my neck or the woods, you must have been in an assigned seat.

Sound in the mosh pit was abysmal and now I know its exactly because he was trying out this ampless BS.
I did have a seat, but was on my feet for the whole 2 hours.

I've learned that most larger venues (in Dallas at least) has very crappy sound the closer you are to the stage. Sound is mixed from center house, that's where i was. Everyone sounded great. Especially Nicko's drums
 
I can only wonder what this stomp box sounds like. Would it be the more modern clangy clacky tone like I heard live or the more in your face tone like the Killers and Number of the beast records?

The Killers album is to me the best of his playing and sound on record. The intro to Wratchild is one of the greatest opening Bass riffs ever! I love the 1st album too but the tone is thin and clacky but the Bass playing is awesome and was really unique for the times.

Now that we know the history of some of those songs dating back to the late 70's, it's not surprising the differences in style and playing on the following records.

I lost interest after Seventh son and I'm not into that album either. I do like the X factor album with Blaze Baily even though many songs have too long of intros. There isn't much stand out Bass parts like the early records but it shows a maturity in their song writing.
Blood on the worlds hands is my favorite track on that record. Sadly, we finally hear a Bass solo on a record and I hate to say, it's lame.

No matter though, Steve Harris is and will be always up there with the greatest and influential Metal Bass players!
 
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Had the chance, in 2008, to win a contest and the prize was to go on stage during Heaven Can Wait and sing the ooh ooh ooh part behind Steve Harris. The sound was at best OK at the venue, but on stage, best bass sound I ever heard. So the sound in the venue, regardless the gear you use, is highly dependant on the venue itself (there is a place in my town where EVERY band sounds like crap), then on the soundman. If Mr. Harris gests the same sound with this unit that he has on stage, it will be a fantastic unit.
 
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Assuming you saw them in the same kind of shag off huge arena they played at in my neck or the woods, you must have been in an assigned seat.

Sound in the mosh pit was abysmal and now I know its exactly because he was trying out this ampless BS.
Yeah...not quite how that works. Just because his names in a pedal doesn't mean he's using it at live shows.
 
Yeah...not quite how that works. Just because his names in a pedal doesn't mean he's using it at live shows.
From the post: "the SH1 has earned a place as a component of his live sound on Iron Maiden's Legacy of the Beast 2019 tour."

I can tell you for a fact he was ampless on this tour. Regardless of how much he was/wasn't using this pedal, the fact that he was ampless is what ruined his tone for me.
 
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Had the chance, in 2008, to win a contest and the prize was to go on stage during Heaven Can Wait and sing the ooh ooh ooh part behind Steve Harris. The sound was at best OK at the venue, but on stage, best bass sound I ever heard. So the sound in the venue, regardless the gear you use, is highly dependant on the venue itself (there is a place in my town where EVERY band sounds like crap), then on the soundman. If Mr. Harris gests the same sound with this unit that he has on stage, it will be a fantastic unit.

Fixed. ;)