Get ready to be mad... the Fortin Killer Kali module is awesome!

[MetalThrasher]

Should be getting my Kali tomorrow! This will be my second module for the synergy stuff. I have the Uberschall module at I like it. Running this through a KSR PA 50 into an Orange PPC412 and it sounds really good! Can't wait to see what the Kali sounds like! I feel the Synergy stuff has a better feel to it then my FM3. Don't get me wrong, I like my FM3 but the Synergy stuff just feels livelier if I can put it that way. Also, the Synergy is a lot easier to use vs the FM3. With the FM3 you can tweak for days find a tone you like only to play it the next day and the tone you liked now seems different. Haven't played out in years so I can't comment on the Synergy in a band setting, but I noticed with the AX FX, FM3 etc., as long as your other guitarist is using a similar unit you are fine. However, if one is using an AX FX, FM3 etc., and the other is using a real amp / cabinet the AX FX, FM3 tends to get buried in the mix vs a real amp / cab.

 

[Subyrocket]

Links?

Sorry, I didn’t see your question until now. Hopefully posting this from a FB group on the subject is fine with the moderators here, if not, mods please remove or send me a message and I’ll remove.

Member “Bruce Egnater” responded saying “it looks like an issue with the standoffs between the tray and board” on that particular module.

caveat: I’m assuming without clicking on the member and scrolling through profile that it is actually amp designer Bruce Egnater himself but this is the internet…

 

[Subyrocket]

 

[Subyrocket]

Bingo. I much prefer a preamp/poweramp all in one compared to preamp/poweramp separate for this exact reason. You can get way more punch without the extra necessary level buffering for low noise.

I’ve read or heard this often enough to wonder; is this a design preference I.e. the amp manufacturer specifically designed x preamp for x poweramp so the magic is there and if so, would that also apply to the physically separated SYN-2 and SYN-5050 racks because they were designed to compliment each other or is this a big iron power transforner and output transformer attached to the same circuit board as the preamp thing versus the SYN-5050 obviously much smaller/more compact toroidal transformer?

 

[Subyrocket]

A lot of the modules do sound similar through the same poweramp and cab. They do feel different though, which doesn't come through in videos.

I have 8 high gain modules, and I like them all for different reasons.

Yes, that makes sense. I guess this tactile responses only translate through the funny faces we seen through the tele, the player getting carried away and widdling longer, or a a verbal note from the players. I remember Rabea Masaad aaying something to that effect on the Uberschall module.

 

[Meeotch]

I’ve read or heard this often enough to wonder; is this a design preference I.e. the amp manufacturer specifically designed x preamp for x poweramp so the magic is there and if so, would that also apply to the physically separated SYN-2 and SYN-5050 racks because they were designed to compliment each other or is this a big iron power transforner and output transformer attached to the same circuit board as the preamp thing versus the SYN-5050 obviously much smaller/more compact toroidal transformer?

In a traditional head, the operation of the power section causes a voltage swing in the power supply, which is also fed to the preamp section, producing additional overtones and enlarging sustain. My understanding is that the "sag" control on the SYN1/SYN2 units was designed to add this effect back in. It definitely affects the tone by making it tighter/looser but it is subtle.

I think there is some smoke and mirrors/marketing hype when considering if a power amp was "designed" to be paired with certain preamps. Some people go for a neutral or transparent SS power amp when pairing with a digital modeler, but even then you have people preferring the color and warmth of a tube power amp. So I think it is all personal preference really, and in that sense try stuff out for yourself and go with the best you can afford.

 

[Subyrocket]

Good write up Meeotch, especially bring us back down to earth with reminding us to get out and try pairing and ultimately get the best you can afford.

The Syn-5050 is my first rack poweramp. Not sure how I feel about it because it’s had low hours and I’m trying to get used to the fan noise, especially as it is ramping up and down. I’ll need to find out from others if this is normal and if there is a video clip giving me an idea of the frequency of how often it does it is normal.

I’ve used it for my stereo Wet effects coming out of a TC G-System L and R outs and of course with some Synergy modules. I still prefer full valve heads but that could be just what I’m used to and also they look great compared to a rack.

 

[Shask]

In a traditional head, the operation of the power section causes a voltage swing in the power supply, which is also fed to the preamp section, producing additional overtones and enlarging sustain. My understanding is that the "sag" control on the SYN1/SYN2 units was designed to add this effect back in. It definitely affects the tone by making it tighter/looser but it is subtle.

I think there is some smoke and mirrors/marketing hype when considering if a power amp was "designed" to be paired with certain preamps. Some people go for a neutral or transparent SS power amp when pairing with a digital modeler, but even then you have people preferring the color and warmth of a tube power amp. So I think it is all personal preference really, and in that sense try stuff out for yourself and go with the best you can afford.

Yep, what I was going to say. It is from the preamp and poweramp sharing the same power supply in a head, and they bloom and sag together. In rack units. They are separate.

The sag control on the Syn1/2 is suppose to simulate this.

 

[Subyrocket]

I can’t say I have found the right setting for me/the module using the sag control on the Synergy. For now I tend to run it off or very low.

 

[Meeotch]

I've seen a video, maybe Steven Fryette talking, that setting the sag to where the red led flickers as you are playing is a good starting point.

 

[Subyrocket]

Thank you.