Decision- Synergy or Axe fx iii

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retrorack said:
I would forget about the wait time. Once you have it (whichever one) it won’t matter. What will matter is how much you enjoy using it, or not. If you don’t like fussing with technology or needing to have a computer nearby just to practice, I think AxeFx is going the wrong direction. Leon Todd makes it look easy because he’s a pro who knows the unit inside and out. You’re playing at home cuz it’s fun. If something, like a menu screen or Pc editor, gets in the way of it being fun, it defeats the purpose and will eventually just annoy you.
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Does the Synergy stuff sound better than my tube amps at conversation volume? I’ve had well over 100 tube amps and none of them sound or feel right when turned way down. Maybe the Synergy is different, I’ve never tried one. I have had an AXEII tho and it sounds incredible—even next to the real amps and at any volume. It also sounds like the OP will be always near a computer as he is a home only player.

I just don’t see how a tube amp is the right recommendation here 🤷‍♂️
 
tallcoolone said:
Does the Synergy stuff sound better than my tube amps at conversation volume? I’ve had well over 100 tube amps and none of them sound or feel right when turned way down. Maybe the Synergy is different, I’ve never tried one. I have had an AXEII tho and it sounds incredible—even next to the real amps and at any volume. It also sounds like the OP will be always near a computer as he is a home only player.

I just don’t see how a tube amp is the right recommendation here 🤷‍♂️
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This post reminded me of something funny I heard Richie Faulkner say here at 30 seconds (queued up)
 
tallcoolone said:
Does the Synergy stuff sound better than my tube amps at conversation volume? I’ve had well over 100 tube amps and none of them sound or feel right when turned way down. Maybe the Synergy is different, I’ve never tried one. I have had an AXEII tho and it sounds incredible—even next to the real amps and at any volume. It also sounds like the OP will be always near a computer as he is a home only player.

I just don’t see how a tube amp is the right recommendation here 🤷‍♂️
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He said he’d be using a Power Station and KSR cab regardless. So I’m not sure how much volume will be a factor for either. But I didn’t say Synergy would sound better, or even necessarily as good. I just think it would be a better fit for someone who wants to play without messing around with tech.
 
retrorack said:
He said he’d be using a Power Station and KSR cab regardless. So I’m not sure how much volume will be a factor for either. But I didn’t say Synergy would sound better, or even necessarily as good. I just think it would be a better fit for someone who wants to play without messing around with tech.
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Well, with the AXE he wouldn’t need either. And he could rock out through any amp with killer tone at any volume. It’s pretty badass. Now I just sold a Tonex I picked up to try out and it was because of the IK Multimedia UI/tech issues/clusterfuck so I def get that. Never had any issues with the AXE tho—what did you have trouble with there?
 
tallcoolone said:
Does the Synergy stuff sound better than my tube amps at conversation volume? I’ve had well over 100 tube amps and none of them sound or feel right when turned way down. Maybe the Synergy is different, I’ve never tried one. I have had an AXEII tho and it sounds incredible—even next to the real amps and at any volume. It also sounds like the OP will be always near a computer as he is a home only player.

I just don’t see how a tube amp is the right recommendation here 🤷‍♂️
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Can't argue with that. I am not a modeler guy at all, but for at home versatility and lighter touring rigs, you can't beat them. For the OP, my recommendation would be the modeler.

I do have a SYN-1 and recently picked up SYN-2. Maybe it is just the units that I have, but the SYN-1's volume works differently than the SYN-2. As you turn up the volume on the SYN-1, you don't get much actual volume increase at all. It compresses the way an actual amp would and feels easier to play under the fingers. Either way, I like the Synergy stuff.
 
sandman said:
I’ve been waiting awhile for the rackmount Synergy stuff i’m interested in to get back in stock. But it’s got me to thinking about Axe fx iii. I like the idea of effects included in an all in one unit also.
I only play at home and need low volume. I have some hearing loss and family doesn’t want to hear my failed attempts at 80’s metal anyway🤣🤣
If I got an Axe fx i would be using poweramp (i have a Fryette ps2) and KSR guitar cab. I hate computers and technology but I guess I could suffer to learn basics.
My question is i’m torn on what to do. Keep waiting on Synergy or bite the Axe fx bullet? Axe fx does have more options. Synergy modules arent cheap and would add up fast cost wise also.
I guess i’m just curious what you Rigtalkers could offer me in advice and for things to think about to help me make a decision.
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Works for me.
IMG-6970.jpg
 
rsm said:
great to hear! I think soundwise, software plugins are comparable to current hardware modelers.

So far the PolyChromeDSP, NeuralDSP and BlueCatAudio software have been free updates; I probably have several hundred $ in guitar plugins, and even more with keyboard software instruments (Arturia V Collection which charges for version upgrades; and Omnisphere 2, so far no cost for updates, but that may change with a new version?)

I still like having my tube amps, I plan to retire this year or next, I already live in my chosen retirement location. Recently sold my FM9 since I'm using the software plugins more, and I still have my Helix. I'll gradually start selling some of my gear in retirement to fund new gear, or to reduce what I have...

right now the only music gear I want is a Korg Kronos 3 88-key workstation; it went up by $500 because of reciprocal tariffs, but I read this morning that Japan is sending a trade negotiator to DC to discuss tariffs, so hopefully the price will go down $500!
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Actually, after trying it all again last night that McRocklin 80s Superlead preset is the bomb. I may have to get this one just for that preset. I'm sure there will be a lot more included with the paid version that will be just as good or better.

I also tried the Fortin Cali from Neural DSP and it was very good but didn't have many pedals. I also tried the STL which was also recommended here but couldn't get it to work and it only included one amp.. plus it is $10/month.. rip off.

That Bogren Ampknob is cool because it has a speed trainer built in... I thought it sounded great until the PolyChrome and NeuralDSP. It still does but those are a lot better IMO.

McRocklin is on sale for 50% off.. does it ever get better than that?
 
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jchrisf said:
Actually, after trying it all again last night that McRocklin 80s Superlead preset is the bomb. I may have to get this one just for that preset. I'm sure there will be a lot more included with the paid version that will be just as good or better.

I also tried the Fortin Cali from Neural DSP and it was very good but didn't have many pedals. I also tried the STL which was also recommended here but couldn't get it to work and it only included one amp.. plus it is $10/month.. rip off.

That Bogren Ampknob is cool because it has a speed trainer built in... I thought it sounded great until the PolyChrome and NeuralDSP. It still does but those are a lot better IMO.

McRocklin is on sale for 50% off.. does it ever get better than that?
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I got the McRocklin Suite at the intro price of $99; same for Nunchuck. I can get nearly every sound I want / need with these two plugins alone...not bad for $200. That's less than some pedals.

Not sure if the demo versions have all the factory presets? There are many! My version says 812 presets found (you can see it in the menu below).

They seem to add new factory preset collections with each version. Here's a screen shot of my top level list, with my Hair Rhythm patch in the background, notice the version numbers: 1.2, 1.5, 1.6,..., I have my patches in different folders

1748005846650.png
 
chumbucket said:
Cliff also does A/B testing through real speaker cabs using a Crown (I think?) power amp.
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Yes, Saying the “AxeFx is designed for <some specific rig configuration>” is nonsense. It’s designed to be a complete studio and live effects warehouse in a box with completely flexibility routing and control. Rest is up to you.
 
sandman said:
I’ve been waiting awhile for the rackmount Synergy stuff i’m interested in to get back in stock. But it’s got me to thinking about Axe fx iii. I like the idea of effects included in an all in one unit also.
I only play at home and need low volume. I have some hearing loss and family doesn’t want to hear my failed attempts at 80’s metal anyway🤣🤣
If I got an Axe fx i would be using poweramp (i have a Fryette ps2) and KSR guitar cab. I hate computers and technology but I guess I could suffer to learn basics.
My question is i’m torn on what to do. Keep waiting on Synergy or bite the Axe fx bullet? Axe fx does have more options. Synergy modules arent cheap and would add up fast cost wise also.
I guess i’m just curious what you Rigtalkers could offer me in advice and for things to think about to help me make a decision.
Click to expand...
So buy both . Monster rig without pain to dial in tone
 
Bro, i love my fractals... and because ive gotten older, im always playing at low volume even though i have cool amps

go for it

shit, i run my amps into my fractals - plir and ox into the rear panel

fuck interfaces - fractals are a do-it-all
 
Just upgrade my FM3 to the latest 10 beta and WOW.. sounds so good. It amazes me that they can keep improving something so much. Every time they do these firmware updates it's like getting a brand new product.. but this time they redid all the presets so that was a special bonus. Bergs new Brown patch smokes that new Tonex Brown sound that costs about $80.
 
I’ve also gone totally in the box with modeling. I grab plugins here and there for direct recording, then use real amps with the bands. I also have some load boxes when I want to goof around with taking those DI, but generally the plugins compete with real amps in that scenario, and are as good as the top modelers at this point.
 
Elric said:
Yes, Saying the “AxeFx is designed for <some specific rig configuration>” is nonsense. It’s designed to be a complete studio and live effects warehouse in a box with completely flexibility routing and control. Rest is up to you.
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Yeah, the Axe-Fx can be as much or as little of your rig as you want. You can go guitar -> Axe-Fx -> PA, or you can use it as nothing more than a single effect betweed your guitar and amp in an otherwise entirely analog rig, or pretty much anything in between.

It really is the most capable do-everything chameleon guitar product that exists, and to say it's designed for any one single purpose is to misunderstand it.
 
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