Is Synergy really that good?

[War_in_D]

In my quest to downsize, I've gotten myself down to three amps that I've determined as "the ones to keep". All three a 1/2 stacks and take up considerable real estate. Eventually, I was going to shoot out those three against each other and probably get down to one. Then I thought maybe a Synergy set up would be a good compromise but are they really as good as the hype?

Do the Synergy setups accurately represent the amps they are meant to emulate, or are they considered close enough? Might be nice to have options for different amps/flavor of amps that can be had in the hundreds (for the module), instead of thousands to score the same head. The modules wouldn't take up a ton of room either.

If I go this route, it would likely be the Syn50 head. Any input on that? I know there are two module bays, but does it have it's own clean channel and then the two bays, or would you have to use one of the bays for a dedicated clean module?

 

[HellraiserJohnny]

In my quest to downsize, I've gotten myself down to three amps that I've determined as "the ones to keep". All three a 1/2 stacks and take up considerable real estate. Eventually, I was going to shoot out those three against each other and probably get down to one. Then I thought maybe a Synergy set up would be a good compromise but are they really as good as the hype?

Do the Synergy setups accurately represent the amps they are meant to emulate, or are they considered close enough? Might be nice to have options for different amps/flavor of amps that can be had in the hundreds (for the module), instead of thousands to score the same head. The modules wouldn't take up a ton of room either.

If I go this route, it would likely be the Syn50 head. Any input on that? I know there are two module bays, but does it have it's own clean channel and then the two bays, or would you have to use one of the bays for a dedicated clean module?

So the thing you have to remember is 99% of synergy modules are not designed by Synergy, they are designed by the respective amp builders. This is why only Synergy can use their actual names on the products (instead of some variation that avoids copyright infringement). The size is a no brainer, loose 2 x 1/2 stacks and the heads and you gained lots of room. If you decided to sell the heads you own I think you'll find a considerable pile of cash as well.

In my opinion, these are fantastic sounding rigs. I don't own a stack of 5K-7K boutique heads so I can't say if they are dead nutz on with their high-priced originals but everything I've read from toe-to-toe shootouts say they are "Damn Close". It is also a good thing that Steve Fryette designed the power sections for all the Synergy power amps. I use the 50/50 power amp and it's a beast. I'm not a boutique head purist, but I love the tones I'm getting both live and in the studio using the stereo XLR outs of my Syn 2 rack.

As to your other question, no they do not have any channels except for the module(s) you put in them. I heard many of them have a clean and a dirty channel (The BBs, Morgan and OS etc.), getting them to balance out volume-wise between modules might be an issue. If your only going with the single module model, nothing to worry about, just be sure to listen to good demos to get an idea of what they can do first. At first I tried a Bogner Uberschall and a Pittbull and I could not get a clean tone out of the Bogner that would balance with the Pittbull rhythm\Lead gain volumes. I ended up with the Tdlx and the Pittbull and this covers everything I need. BTW I had no trouble selling any of the units (at used pricing) I wanted to swap out.

Overall, I think that getting 95-99% there for any of the heads these units emulate at $399 per module vs a 3, 5 or 7K head is a win for me. I love my Synergy gear and am very glad I took the plunge.

 

[baron55]

So the thing you have to remember is 99% of synergy modules are not designed by Synergy, they are designed by the respective amp builders. This is why only Synergy can use their actual names on the products (instead of some variation that avoids copyright infringement). The size is a no brainer, loose 2 x 1/2 stacks and the heads and you gained lots of room. If you decided to sell the heads you own I think you'll find a considerable pile of cash as well.

In my opinion, these are fantastic sounding rigs. I don't own a stack of 5K-7K boutique heads so I can't say if they are dead nutz on with their high-priced originals but everything I've read from toe-to-toe shootouts say they are "Damn Close". It is also a good thing that Steve Fryette designed the power sections for all the Synergy power amps. I use the 50/50 power amp and it's a beast. I'm not a boutique head purist, but I love the tones I'm getting both live and in the studio using the stereo XLR outs of my Syn 2 rack.

As to your other question, no they do not have any channels except for the module(s) you put in them. I heard many of them have a clean and a dirty channel (The BBs, Morgan and OS etc.), getting them to balance out volume-wise between modules might be an issue. If your only going with the single module model, nothing to worry about, just be sure to listen to good demos to get an idea of what they can do first. At first I tried a Bogner Uberschall and a Pittbull and I could not get a clean tone out of the Bogner that would balance with the Pittbull rhythm\Lead gain volumes. I ended up with the Tdlx and the Pittbull and this covers everything I need. BTW I had no trouble selling any of the units (at used pricing) I wanted to swap out.

Overall, I think that getting 95-99% there for any of the heads these units emulate at $399 per module vs a 3, 5 or 7K head is a win for me. I love my Synergy gear and am very glad I took the plunge.

Yes, they are designed by the amps they represent. Some are dead on 100%, and others are so so. The trick is they have to be designed are certain way to be compatible with the Synergy system. So, it really depends on the particular amp Module on how close they are to the real deal.

 

[DanTravis62]

In general, they are very good and very close

However, this completely depends on which tones you are trying to get and how close you need them to be.

 

[CarlF]

First Synergy setup I had was a Syn 2 and a Boss TAE for a power amp. I thought the modules I had a the time were great. The Bogner Ecstasy and the Vai. I thought something was missing and blamed the Boss TAE.

Fast forward a few years and I got the Syn 50.
Currently have the JMP and SLO II modules.
Big difference. It feels like a head now.
I have a Suhr SL67, PRS HDRX 50, Mesa Boogie MK VII, 3rd Power Dragon 100 and. Soldano X88IR to compare with.
The Syn 50 can hang with those amps, IMO.

 

[GreatRedDragon]

The Syn20 has a built-in clean channel, the Syn50 does not. So the 20 is really a three channel amp vs the four channel 50. A lot of people are hoping for an updated 50 with the added features of the 20.

 

[rsm]

In my quest to downsize, I've gotten myself down to three amps that I've determined as "the ones to keep". All three a 1/2 stacks and take up considerable real estate. Eventually, I was going to shoot out those three against each other and probably get down to one. Then I thought maybe a Synergy set up would be a good compromise but are they really as good as the hype?

Do the Synergy setups accurately represent the amps they are meant to emulate, or are they considered close enough? Might be nice to have options for different amps/flavor of amps that can be had in the hundreds (for the module), instead of thousands to score the same head. The modules wouldn't take up a ton of room either.

If I go this route, it would likely be the Syn50 head. Any input on that? I know there are two module bays, but does it have it's own clean channel and then the two bays, or would you have to use one of the bays for a dedicated clean module?

3?

 

[MGL AmpWorks]

My take would be that the preamp sections are most likely very accurate circuit and value wise. But where the components are and layout are a good bit different than in the original amp. That alone will change the tone. And then there's the power section, transformers & voltages. It's hard to believe that a Marshall & Soldano preamp going thru the same power section is going to sound real accurate to the original amps. Just the difference in the tone of EL34's in a Marshall compared to Sovtek 5881's in an SLO100. And then DeYoung transformers VS Marshall transformers. Maybe I'd be surprised if I had a chance to check one out.

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

What everyone else said.. there isn't 3K difference between being 95-99% there with Synergy and the real amp but the real deal may still be better and worth it to you if you really want that sound. If I were you, I would keep 3 amps. I like the Synergy and Randall stuff I have ( see my other threat today, the brahma module into RM100 is dead on to my 2204s/JMP) so Marshall flavoured stuff the Synergy stuff does well with. Some of the other power amps maybe less. But anything Marshall/Friedman or SLO/Peavey 6505 I think it's gonna do that thing no problem. Vox is lacking a bit and Fender modules I don't have experience with.

 

[rsm]

A good shelf system for heads may work to reduce space? I'm out of space and have to move things around to use different gear, which sucks but doable.

If you have several 4x12, maybe keep 2 with different speakers in each?

Adding a Synergy rpreamp module ack with 3 slots is 1U, and if your heads have a loop, you can use the power amp with Synergy AFAIK?

I have 11 amps; I could get rid of 1 ( I have 2 of the same, because reasons)...I'd have a hard time deciding on more than 2 to sell.

 

[DanTravis62]

What everyone else said.. there isn't 3K difference between being 95-99% there with Synergy and the real amp but the real deal may still be better and worth it to you if you really want that sound. If I were you, I would keep 3 amps. I like the Synergy and Randall stuff I have ( see my other threat today, the brahma module into RM100 is dead on to my 2204s/JMP) so Marshall flavoured stuff the Synergy stuff does well with. Some of the other power amps maybe less. But anything Marshall/Friedman or SLO/Peavey 6505 I think it's gonna do that thing no problem. Vox is lacking a bit and Fender modules I don't have experience with.

This reminded me

The high gain modules is what I assumed you were after, OP

the vox (and to a lesser extent the fender) modules are nowhere near as close to the originals as say the pittbull or uber ones

I assume that's because the power section is way more important in those circuits

But i felt like it needed to be mentioned, just in case

 

[S̷͖͑m̵͎͂á̵̺s̸͚̈́h̴̬̑]

They sound killer and are fun as hell to play. Just don't play them back to back with original

 

[Simon Dorn]

In my quest to downsize, I've gotten myself down to three amps that I've determined as "the ones to keep". All three a 1/2 stacks and take up considerable real estate. Eventually, I was going to shoot out those three against each other and probably get down to one. Then I thought maybe a Synergy set up would be a good compromise but are they really as good as the hype?

Do the Synergy setups accurately represent the amps they are meant to emulate, or are they considered close enough? Might be nice to have options for different amps/flavor of amps that can be had in the hundreds (for the module), instead of thousands to score the same head. The modules wouldn't take up a ton of room either.

If I go this route, it would likely be the Syn50 head. Any input on that? I know there are two module bays, but does it have it's own clean channel and then the two bays, or would you have to use one of the bays for a dedicated clean module?

For me it's just rebranded Randall MTS. And that's what it basically is.

 

[War_in_D]

This reminded me

The high gain modules is what I assumed you were after, OP

the vox (and to a lesser extent the fender) modules are nowhere near as close to the originals as say the pittbull or uber ones

I assume that's because the power section is way more important in those circuits

But i felt like it needed to be mentioned, just in case

Not necessarily super high gain. My current amps would probably be considered to be in modded Marshall territory gain-wise (but not true Marshalls), but at the same time I do appreciate a good clean channel so having that option is tempting. Even it it wasn't a spot on recreation of the Fender/Vox type circuits, as long as it was a decent clean it would probably work for me.

***EDIT*** Wanted to add that I wouldn't mind trying something like the VH4, Uber, etc.. and this seems like a viable option without having to drop $4K on the head.

They sound killer and are fun as hell to play. Just don't play them back to back with original

That's another consideration too. I haven't played the majority of the real amps that Synergy has modules for, so I probably wouldn't know the difference anyway.

 

[ZEN Amps]

Lots of threads around that have some good info, these two are worth a read:

Thread 'Synergy Amps - Thoughts?'

May 15, 2024

Hey all! I've recently been really intregued by the concept of Synergy amps, has anyone had experience using them? I love the idea of still using pre and power tube amps with the ability of changing out modules, giving you access to a variety of different amps all at once.

• spanny
• Replies: 66
• Forum: Rig-Talk

• 

Thread 'To Synergy or not to Synergy'

Nov 9, 2021

That is the question….

A little background: In April I purchased a new Studio desk from Buso Audio (in Europe). They build them from scratch and the desk just arrived last week (yes 6+ months to build). Since the desk has two 8u racks, I’m looking to do more rack gear for the convenience. I already own an AxeFx-III and a KSR Artemis II that will rack nicely in there.

There are a few amps that I really want to add, Diezel Hagen at the top of the list. But the Synergy system seems perfect for what I’m trying to do. However, I know myself and if I get a VH4 module for example, I will always...

• stratjacket
• Replies: 47
• Forum: Rig-Talk

• 

My take would be that the preamp sections are most likely very accurate circuit and value wise. But where the components are and layout are a good bit different than in the original amp. That alone will change the tone. And then there's the power section, transformers & voltages. It's hard to believe that a Marshall & Soldano preamp going thru the same power section is going to sound real accurate to the original amps. Just the difference in the tone of EL34's in a Marshall compared to Sovtek 5881's in an SLO100. And then DeYoung transformers VS Marshall transformers. Maybe I'd be surprised if I had a chance to check one out.

This has come up many times, and you're take is accurate.

In a recent thread we were discussing (some would say I was complaining!) that there seems to be a new trend of power amp denial. According to their marketing or even something more intrinsic about their product, the claim that a preamp paired with a very different power, or none at all, will sound like the complete amp it is aiming to replicate seems rich.

This reminded me

The high gain modules is what I assumed you were after, OP

the vox (and to a lesser extent the fender) modules are nowhere near as close to the originals as say the pittbull or uber ones

I assume that's because the power section is way more important in those circuits

But i felt like it needed to be mentioned, just in case

Assumption 100% correct.

They sound killer and are fun as hell to play. Just don't play them back to back with original

Yep....unless you pair them with the right power section, then they get much closer.

e.g. their 800 module through that 1RU 5050 power amp thing, underwhelming. Through something beefy and Marshall-voiced = pretty fun.

 

[DanTravis62]

Assumption 100% correct.

Besides loving high gain stuff, I've played owned, and recorded a shitload of high end voxy stuff - basically every cover band gig, that was my go-to for classic rock or pop stuff for many years.

Ask Chris, he knows my love of the dr z maz, and I even gave him the fever

That type of tone, the "jangle" of the vox/matchless/etc is one of the biggest weaknesses of the synergy stuff to my ears - it simply requires the single ended/class a type power section to produce the required effect and "sparkle"

Conversely, if you get a power section that matches your intended module (i.e. 2/90/2 for Pittbull module, sim 2:90 for 2c+ module) at least IME the synergy stuff can get very very convincing tones

 

[Shask]

I love my Synergy stuff, and it sounds great. However, I consider it a taste of the flavors rather than a replacement. It won't sound exactly like the originals, but gives you a taste of what that sound is about.

Yes, the poweramp makes a huge difference. You need to use something big that is close to the amps you want.

 

[ZEN Amps]

Besides loving high gain stuff, I've played owned, and recorded a shitload of high end voxy stuff - basically every cover band gig, that was my go-to for classic rock or pop stuff for many years.

Ask Chris, he knows my love of the dr z maz, and I even gave him the fever

That type of tone, the "jangle" of the vox/matchless/etc is one of the biggest weaknesses of the synergy stuff to my ears - it simply requires the single ended/class a type power section to produce the required effect and "sparkle"

Conversely, if you get a power section that matches your intended module (i.e. 2/90/2 for Pittbull module, sim 2:90 for 2c+ module) at least IME the synergy stuff can get very very convincing tones

Yep for sure, a pushed Vox-style power section is pretty tricky to emulate.

This is why I moved away from Synergy, it usually felt like a compromise - unless you were pairing it with multiple power amps. And if you are doing that, using the original amp starts making a lot more sense.