Synergy experience

[mentoneman]

Having spent a decent amount of time with the Syn-2 and many modules including the DS and BE-DLX modules i own, imo the modular preamp system is killer sounding.

i experimented with the 4 cable syn-2 route with the boogie main input/ fx loop hoping to utilize the mark III preamp channels but it didn’t sound good. my friend tried 4CM with his syn-2 and a BE-100 and then his SS v1 but didn’t like it either. not a big fan of the cab emulated DI outs either.

so i’m switching between the dry syn-2 main out or the eggie ie4 out with a GCX switcher into the fx return of a boogie mark III/4x12 halfback cab which sounds way better than 4CM imo. the wet fxs are feeding a vht 2-90-2 into 2-1x12 cabs (v30 & gh30).

Having played many Friedman amps (BE-100, JEL 100 & 30, SS v1/2, DS and Twin Sister, Jose, Plex, and Smallbox), borrowed my friend’s IR/J and after owning the BE-OD and Deluxe pedals, i’m really stoked with the BE-DLX module sounding much deeper than the pedals and very effective in reproducing my favorite gain/tone elements of his big amps.

it produced killer 80s/90s modded marshall hard rock-metal Friedman tones. i haven’t even tried moving the 3-way cathode switch or internal settings yet. i was able to finally part ways with the single channel randall SL+ module i’d been happily using up to this time.

the other hi gain modules i’ve demoed and liked alot were uberschall, deliverance, and M2CP.
the soldano, OS, AC, plexi, metro, diezel, vai, bman, and tdlx are all cool but not quite my thing for one reason or another.
would also love a spin with the JMP to see if it can out JTM the DS clean to dirty with the knob more dynamically. need to try tone king and z-wrek clean to mid gains too.

When I first bought the Syn-2, i had issues with harsh clipping/crackling and volume drops resulting in the original tube needing replacement. then i got the DS module brand new i had the same problem both with the module’s tubes. it was subtle at first but quicky became obvious; hard clipping with no headroom, brittle sounding and volume fluctuation. hope this helps others diagnose this issue if it arises.

 

[griff10672]

I had a Syn -2 running into a Mesa Strategy 400 .... ran the 4 cable method ..... loved it ...

tried out pretty much all the high gain modules and landed on the Pittbull and the Uberschall as my favorites ...

Guitar Center had messed up a order on me .... and sent me a Metro Module instead of a Friedman I had ordered .... and I have to say that was the biggest surprise to me in a module ... obviously was not high gain but man ..... it impressed me as far warmth and dynamics ...

I was running some effects stereo out to two 4x12's .... sick setup .... but way to much for my shop/studio .... so I ended up selling everything ...

can't lie ... I miss that set up

 

[MadAsAHatter]

Synergy is a great platform if you want access to different tones, limited room for full heads, and don't want to go digital. I just wish they'd do a 3 slot 100 watt head.

 

[sandman]

I just got rid of my synergy setup. Had the syn-2 and a fryette ps2. Vai and slo ii modules. I was very impressed with the synergy gear but i ended up getting a Friedman smallbox amp instead. To me it nails everything I want in certain tones. I also have a Suhr Bella that does the cleans i love and is a good pedal platform also. I didnt need to keep the Synergy around and modules are addictive and hit you at $399 a piece if new. So as amazing as Synergy is, i’m happier with the rig i have now. I may explore Synergy again in the future. Maybe a syn-1 with whatever module catches my eye/ears.

 

[ewill52]

Love the Synergy ecosystem. I completely agree on the direct out on the Syn-2, not a fan, i mic cabs when i'm using it before I use the direct out.

I wanted to try that Metroplex module, now i'm gassing again lol!

 

[CarlF]

A few years ago I had the Syn2, through a Boss TAE.
I had the Vai and the Bogner Ecstasy modules, and the two Marshal modules that were available a few years ago.
It all sounded very good. I’m not sure the TAE was the best choice to power it, but I did enjoy the effects that were built into it already
Anyway, I sold it for no particular reason. I don’t even remember.
Recently, I wanted to revisit Synergy, so I picked up the Syn50 head.
Got the Marshall JMP and SLO II modules currently.
I love it! Sounds as valid as any other head I currently owned or have owned. In fact, I question why I sold the original set up in the first place.
I think the reason I like it so much is because this time it’s coming out of a tube power amp, with a Depth and a Presence control on it, which the TAE didn’t have.
The next module I’m looking for will be something that gives me a nice clean, dirty sound, like the Bassman module.

 

[Mike Oxhuge]

I had the SYN-1 ran 4CM with a 6505 (best results) Engl Artist 100 (didn't work well with serial loop) and Legacy VL212 combo ( sounded good just more Marshally and darker like the amp). Used the BE module that came free with it and IICP. IiCP was almost indistinguishable in loop of Mark VII. Sold it when I got the VII as I eventually will get either the SYN-2 or the 50 watt head eventually. Great system and 4CM worked great just had to adjust the SYN-1 switches and the position selector on the modules to make it sound the same as direct into loop.

 

[Rackman]

I've got 2 of the syn2 1u rack units. Lots of modules. The Killer Kali is my #1 gain tone out of everything I have (which, like most here, is too much), and 2 independent channels of KK is a very nice setup. The TDLX module is very functional for cleans and pushed although the T side could be a bit quieter. But it's fine. My X88IR amazingly has better cleans though. Most of the others are at least decent - the Uberschall, SLO II and Ecstasy tend to move in and out of the other two slots.

I did have a syn2 go bad on me. Something in the switching I think. The factory tried to fix it and failed, and Sweetwater sent me a new one. That was not totally confidence inspiring but everything has been 100% since.

The best power amp pairings have been a Freyette LXII (better than the Synergy version to my ears), and a Rivera Hammer 320 (which is too heavy to gig).

 

[marvcus]

I ran an Egnater M4 setup for awhile and sold it due to what I felt was incurable high end rolloff. Not sure if it was Egnater’s signature/style baked into the modules or if that is just inherent to them, but there was just no bite in say a SL or SL2 like the real deal.

Is this found in the Synergy stuff, as well? I know Friedman also likes to roll off the top for a polished tone.

 

[Rackman]

I ran an Egnater M4 setup for awhile and sold it due to what I felt was incurable high end rolloff. Not sure if it was Egnater’s signature/style baked into the modules or if that is just inherent to them, but there was just no bite in say a SL or SL2 like the real deal.

Is this found in the Synergy stuff, as well? I know Friedman also likes to roll off the top for a polished tone.

With the poweramps and speakers I've used I would say no it's not rolled off. My standard setup is syn2s into a LXII into a TL806 cab with a EVM12L Black Label and it's fine. That particular 12L is a little dark so treble tends to run above 12:00 but I would not call it rolled off. I do run the LXIIs presence switch on (which I think is typical for non-FR use).

I like bright. I can get bright. I'm happy.

 

[Shask]

Love my Synergy stuff! I have a Syn 2, and 8 high gain modules. I typically use it with a modified Seymour Duncan KTG 2100 power amp, which is a huge KT88 power amp.

I definitely think it shines through a nice big power amp.

I have used it with the Syn 2 bypass loop and it worked fine for me. Very transparent.

 

[mentoneman]

I just got rid of my synergy setup. Had the syn-2 and a fryette ps2. Vai and slo ii modules. I was very impressed with the synergy gear but i ended up getting a Friedman smallbox amp instead. To me it nails everything I want in certain tones. I also have a Suhr Bella that does the cleans i love and is a good pedal platform also. I didnt need to keep the Synergy around and modules are addictive and hit you at $399 a piece if new. So as amazing as Synergy is, i’m happier with the rig i have now. I may explore Synergy again in the future. Maybe a syn-1 with whatever module catches my eye/ears.

i agree that if you’re able to run a multi amp switching system rig it is the ultimate for tone. but that becomes a rabbit hole of a different kind.

 

[mentoneman]

A few years ago I had the Syn2, through a Boss TAE.
I had the Vai and the Bogner Ecstasy modules, and the two Marshal modules that were available a few years ago.
It all sounded very good. I’m not sure the TAE was the best choice to power it, but I did enjoy the effects that were built into it already
Anyway, I sold it for no particular reason. I don’t even remember.
Recently, I wanted to revisit Synergy, so I picked up the Syn50 head.
Got the Marshall JMP and SLO II modules currently.
I love it! Sounds as valid as any other head I currently owned or have owned. In fact, I question why I sold the original set up in the first place.
I think the reason I like it so much is because this time it’s coming out of a tube power amp, with a Depth and a Presence control on it, which the TAE didn’t have.
The next module I’m looking for will be something that gives me a nice clean, dirty sound, like the Bassman module.

View attachment 425060

i’m with you regarding the modules coming close enough to the real amps that i no longer FOMO owning the boutique biggies.
in regards to the uberschall and soldano i actually prefer the modules ability to dial in the sound easier at lower volumes.

the bman is cool but i went with the DS for more of the clean to gritty marshall JTM thing because my ie4 does fender clean better than any of the modules i’ve tried.

 

[Rackman]

i agree that if you’re able to run a multi amp switching system rig it is the ultimate for tone. but that becomes a rabbit hole of a different kind.

In the studio just switching amps works fine. But live switching say a twin and two Marshalls (rhythm/modded lead) means not only do you have a 400lb 4-case rig but your sound moves around, you have to soundcheck two mics, you clog up a ton of backline space etc.

At some level of support and indulgence of profitable artists it becomes an option. I however have never played at that level and never expect to. Channel switchers are a feasible option at a lower level and keep gaining flexability. But a Syn2 and a LXII has more capability than the vast majority of boutique channel switchers.

 

[mentoneman]

I had the SYN-1 ran 4CM with a 6505 (best results) Engl Artist 100 (didn't work well with serial loop) and Legacy VL212 combo ( sounded good just more Marshally and darker like the amp). Used the BE module that came free with it and IICP. IiCP was almost indistinguishable in loop of Mark VII. Sold it when I got the VII as I eventually will get either the SYN-2 or the 50 watt head eventually. Great system and 4CM worked great just had to adjust the SYN-1 switches and the position selector on the modules to make it sound the same as direct into loop.

cool info! and agree the VII is a killer. something about plugging straight into a great amp that provides the immediate satisfaction that the preamp/power amp sometimes lacks.

but if i had to sell my mark III i’d grab a MIICP and be very happy covering the boogie lead tone with it.

because i use the MIII head return as a killer simulclass middle dry half stack in my wdw rig it would be very hard to let go of for that reason!

 

[MadAsAHatter]

but if i had to sell my mark III i’d grab a MIICP and be very happy covering the boogie lead tone with it.

I have both a Mark III red stripe and the IICP module. Running a SYN2/IICP into the Mark III, they sound nearly identical. They sounded so close I would lose track of which one I was on when quick switching. The only difference I could detect is the IICP is just the slightest bit smoother sounding.

 

[Mike Oxhuge]

I have both a Mark III red stripe and the IICP module. Running a SYN2/IICP into the Mark III, they sound nearly identical. They sounded so close I would lose track of which one I was on when quick switching. The only difference I could detect is the IICP is just the slightest bit smoother sounding.

This says alot. Same experience from several members here. They are great preamps.

 

[guitarmike]

Having spent a decent amount of time with the Syn-2 and many modules including the DS and BE-DLX modules i own, imo the modular preamp system is killer sounding.

i experimented with the 4 cable syn-2 route with the boogie main input/ fx loop hoping to utilize the mark III preamp channels but it didn’t sound good. my friend tried 4CM with his syn-2 and a BE-100 and then his SS v1 but didn’t like it either. not a big fan of the cab emulated DI outs either.

so i’m switching between the dry syn-2 main out or the eggie ie4 out with a GCX switcher into the fx return of a boogie mark III/4x12 halfback cab which sounds way better than 4CM imo. the wet fxs are feeding a vht 2-90-2 into 2-1x12 cabs (v30 & gh30).

Having played many Friedman amps (BE-100, JEL 100 & 30, SS v1/2, DS and Twin Sister, Jose, Plex, and Smallbox), borrowed my friend’s IR/J and after owning the BE-OD and Deluxe pedals, i’m really stoked with the BE-DLX module sounding much deeper than the pedals and very effective in reproducing my favorite gain/tone elements of his big amps.

it produced killer 80s/90s modded marshall hard rock-metal Friedman tones. i haven’t even tried moving the 3-way cathode switch or internal settings yet. i was able to finally part ways with the single channel randall SL+ module i’d been happily using up to this time.

the other hi gain modules i’ve demoed and liked alot were uberschall, deliverance, and M2CP.
the soldano, OS, AC, plexi, metro, diezel, vai, bman, and tdlx are all cool but not quite my thing for one reason or another.
would also love a spin with the JMP to see if it can out JTM the DS clean to dirty with the knob more dynamically. need to try tone king and z-wrek clean to mid gains too.

When I first bought the Syn-2, i had issues with harsh clipping/crackling and volume drops resulting in the original tube needing replacement. then i got the DS module brand new i had the same problem both with the module’s tubes. it was subtle at first but quicky became obvious; hard clipping with no headroom, brittle sounding and volume fluctuation. hope this helps others diagnose this issue if it arises.

I have the syn-2 with the be-dlx and the be-bb modules. I run them into an old Tube Works stereo 6L6 120 watt power amp intl a 4x12 with Scumback speakers. The only complaint I have is that the clean tone volume is not loud enough when I am playing live. Going direct doesn't sound good. I ended up buying an IR-X as it sounds pretty good direct into the p.a. although I can't get the clean tone loud enough with it as well.

Could you pair up the syn50 to the syn-2? It would be fun to have 4 modules running at one time. I know you can pair up two syn-2's.

 

[mentoneman]

I've got 2 of the syn2 1u rack units. Lots of modules. The Killer Kali is my #1 gain tone out of everything I have (which, like most here, is too much), and 2 independent channels of KK is a very nice setup. The TDLX module is very functional for cleans and pushed although the T side could be a bit quieter. But it's fine. My X88IR amazingly has better cleans though. Most of the others are at least decent - the Uberschall, SLO II and Ecstasy tend to move in and out of the other two slots.

I did have a syn2 go bad on me. Something in the switching I think. The factory tried to fix it and failed, and Sweetwater sent me a new one. That was not totally confidence inspiring but everything has been 100% since.

The best power amp pairings have been a Freyette LXII (better than the Synergy version to my ears), and a Rivera Hammer 320 (which is too heavy to gig).

haven’t tried the KK or Drect hi gainers but even the uberschall which sounded awesome is just too aggro and one trick pony for my overall tastes. it’s why i stayed with the single channel randall SL+ for so long. modules can be very flavor of the month addicting!

my observation is that the big boy preamps like x88, ie4, fish, cae etc have an upper hand over the modules regarding added depth and dimensionality to the tone. don’t get me started on power amps lol!

 

[mentoneman]

I ran an Egnater M4 setup for awhile and sold it due to what I felt was incurable high end rolloff. Not sure if it was Egnater’s signature/style baked into the modules or if that is just inherent to them, but there was just no bite in say a SL or SL2 like the real deal.

Is this found in the Synergy stuff, as well? I know Friedman also likes to roll off the top for a polished tone.

i originally got the syn-2 to fill in those brighter mid to crunch tone gaps the eggie ie4 exhibits.

the syn modules more than make up for the rolled off vibe of the earlier eggie stuff.