Synergy incoming!

[sandman]

After going back and forth forever I just couldnt make myself go axe fx. So i ordered the synergy 2 module rack unit. Found a used tc g major 2 rack effects unit on ebay and have it on its way. Will use my fryette powerstation as power amp.
Now what synergy modules do i want to start with? Will probably buy 3 to begin with. I like those 80’s tones but love great clean tones for ambient stuff too. So many modules but only so much money lol

 

[Shask]

I also have a Syn-2 and a G Major 2. I would definitely recommend a mixer so you can run the G Major 2 in parallel.

Killer Kali or Be-Dlx would do good at 80s.

 

[sandman]

I also have a Syn-2 and a G Major 2. I would definitely recommend a mixer so you can run the G Major 2 in parallel.

Killer Kali or Be-Dlx would do good at 80s.

I’m not too educated on that setup. What does that do? And how do you set that up?

 

[Shask]

I’m not too educated on that setup. What does that do? And how do you set that up?

The problem with most digital processors is they digitize your entire signal, which can mess with the feel and tone. I find the Synergy extremely punchy, so I hate putting anything in the loop that messes with the feel. A mixer passes your signal through in analog, and then you can just mix some of the digital effects on top of your core tone.

The positive is your core tone is much more transparent and dynamic, the negative is you cant use some effects like EQ or gate.

 

[sandman]

The problem with most digital processors is they digitize your entire signal, which can mess with the feel and tone. I find the Synergy extremely punchy, so I hate putting anything in the loop that messes with the feel. A mixer passes your signal through in analog, and then you can just mix some of the digital effects on top of your core tone.

The positive is your core tone is much more transparent and dynamic, the negative is you cant use some effects like EQ or gate.

Interesting and makes sense! Is there a rackmount mixer that will do this? Im trying to declutter my room and having rackmounted stuff would help

 

[Shask]

Interesting and makes sense! Is there a rackmount mixer that will do this? Im trying to declutter my room and having rackmounted stuff would help

I use a Samson SM-10. It works great for guitar racks, but it is a lot of mixer for only 1 unit.

I keep my Axe II, G Major 2, and Lexicon MPX-1 in my mixer, which is all racked. I generally run it after my tube amps when I reamp them into a poweramp.

 

[Dave L]

Having the G-Major mixed in parallel also means having it on kill-dry, which puts some limitations on it. Here is an excerpt from the manual:

"Kill Dry Settings: On/Off

We always recommend using G-Major 2 in a serial or loop setup as this will allow you to benefit from all the unit’s effects and features. If, however, you intend to use G-Major 2 in a parallel setup or in a parallel loop, its Kill Dry function will come in handy. With Kill Dry activated, no direct signal is passed to the outputs of G-Major 2.

A few comments regarding the Kill Dry function and a parallel setup:
First of all:
• In such a setup, we recommend using the Parallel routing.
• When the Kill Dry parameter is set to “On”, no clean signal is passed to the outputs, and the “Mix” parameter changes to “Wet” in all algorithms.

You should also be aware that the way the signal is routed in a parallel loop is similar to the signal path within a mixer. The signal is split: One part runs unprocessed to the output and never passes the actual effects processor. The other part of the signal is processed within G-Major 2 and summed with the unprocessed signal. Therefore, you will not get to enjoy the benefits from all effects when running a parallel setup. This goes especially for level-based effects such as Tremolo and Panner, but the Chorus/Flanger/ Phaser/Vibrato and Pitchblocks will be affected as well."

 

[MadAsAHatter]

Now what synergy modules do i want to start with? Will probably buy 3 to begin with. I like those 80’s tones but love great clean tones for ambient stuff too. So many modules but only so much money lol

My suggestions would be:

Powerball - One of the more versatile modules
SLO or SLO II - Hard to get more 80's tone than this.
BMan or TDLX - Pick your poison. Fender cleans into grit. BMan has more gain, TDLX stays cleaner.

 

[rsm]

I've been on the fence about Synergy forever. But one of the modules I really like what I hear is the Vai. In addition to the Vai, I'd probably go with a Mesa IICP and Bogner, either Ecstasy or Ubercshall or the Plexi.

 

[jchrisf]

I've been on the fence about Synergy forever. But one of the modules I really like what I hear is the Vai. In addition to the Vai, I'd probably go with a Mesa IICP and Bogner, either Ecstasy or Ubercshall or the Plexi.

I just got the 20IR and Ecstasy and it sounds great but the module has a flaw where the switches and gain on one channel, effect the other channel so it is not working for me as a 2 channel amp and I'm sending it back. I don't think any others have this issue. If you keep the gain similar it works but if you want low gain on the blue channel the red channel sounds terrible. The Uberschall should be here tomorrow as a replacement.

 

[fek]

Currently running a SYN-2 into a Powerstation and out to a couple of 4X12's. The SLO/SLOII would be my favorite module for the 80's tones. If you like to tweak, the Killer Kali is good as well. Very easy to dial in a bad tone on that one though. The Kali makes you work for it. I do not have a clean module yet but am leaning hard toward the T/DLX or the Tone King.

I also currently have the 6505, which has the Peavey mids thing going on, and the Plexi which is cool. Sold the Vai, 800, Deliverance (should have kept that one), and the BE. Forgetting one in the sold list at the moment. Still need to try the other high gainers but nothing has dethroned the SLO since I picked one up a few years ago.

 

[ewill52]

I LOVE my Synergy rig! the BE-DLX is surprisingly versatile thanks to the internal gain switches. It has insane levels of gain on tap but does a fantastic pushed-plexi\800sh gain levels too. Same for the Ecstasy module. BMAN is a good one for lower gain crunchiness. the new SLO module looks amazing but I haven't played it.

 

[stratjacket]

Congrats, it’s a great unit. I use 2 SYN2’s going into a KSR PA50 power amp and it sounds amazing.

Here are some thoughts on the modules I own:
- Diezel Herbert - great for metal, has the same low mid punch as the amp
- Diezel VH4 - similar to the Herbert but more open and grainy like the VH4
- Bogner Uber - my favorite, play it all the time and use it for recording. It punches in the gut and makes me make weird faces sometimes it feels so good
- Bogner XTC - good but since I got the amp, I don’t use this any more
- Vai - Dark, good for a bright guitar or solos, don’t use it any more
- Fortin Cali - modded Marshall, lots of options, pissed sounding Marshall
- IIC+ - sounds great but don’t use it since I got the Mk VII amp

I don’t have these posted, but if you’re interested in the Vai, Bogner XTC or IIC+, let me know. I’d do $250 shipped.

 

[Shask]

Having the G-Major mixed in parallel also means having it on kill-dry, which puts some limitations on it. Here is an excerpt from the manual:

"Kill Dry Settings: On/Off

We always recommend using G-Major 2 in a serial or loop setup as this will allow you to benefit from all the unit’s effects and features. If, however, you intend to use G-Major 2 in a parallel setup or in a parallel loop, its Kill Dry function will come in handy. With Kill Dry activated, no direct signal is passed to the outputs of G-Major 2.

A few comments regarding the Kill Dry function and a parallel setup:
First of all:
• In such a setup, we recommend using the Parallel routing.
• When the Kill Dry parameter is set to “On”, no clean signal is passed to the outputs, and the “Mix” parameter changes to “Wet” in all algorithms.

You should also be aware that the way the signal is routed in a parallel loop is similar to the signal path within a mixer. The signal is split: One part runs unprocessed to the output and never passes the actual effects processor. The other part of the signal is processed within G-Major 2 and summed with the unprocessed signal. Therefore, you will not get to enjoy the benefits from all effects when running a parallel setup. This goes especially for level-based effects such as Tremolo and Panner, but the Chorus/Flanger/ Phaser/Vibrato and Pitchblocks will be affected as well."

Yeah, any time you run your effects in parallel you can't use any serial effects like EQ, gate, tremolo, or compressor. I use this for pitch detune, chorus, delay, and Reverb. I run an analog gate and EQ before the parallel effects for that.

 

[JackBootedThug]

I would have to have the 2c+ module…

 

[Detroit ABA]

After going back and forth forever I just couldnt make myself go axe fx. So i ordered the synergy 2 module rack unit. Found a used tc g major 2 rack effects unit on ebay and have it on its way. Will use my fryette powerstation as power amp.
Now what synergy modules do i want to start with? Will probably buy 3 to begin with. I like those 80’s tones but love great clean tones for ambient stuff too. So many modules but only so much money lol

I have a Syn2 with the Killer Kali & BE Deluxe. I also run the Syn2 in the effects return of my IR-J so I can pick up the power amp modeling & turn IRs on & off. Dave mentioned it as an option on Tone Talk a while back and I thought it was a cool idea and I like the results. You can still use the IR-J channels when you bypass the Syn2.

 

[sandman]

I decided to start my module collection with these two. So ordered them today.

 

[fek]

I decided to start my module collection with these two. So ordered them today.

Good choices! The SLO was my favorite until I picked up the purple SLOII. Sound identical to me but the extra EQ section makes it much more versatile. I don't use the tight switch. The Vai module is really cool too. It was the second module I bought and would buy it again. Sold it to try others.

 

[Shask]

Those are a few of the ones I don't have. I have considered the SLO II, but not sure how much I would gain since I have the 6505 and Drect.

 

[BrutalRob]

Those are a few of the ones I don't have. I have considered the SLO II, but not sure how much I would gain since I have the 6505 and Drect.

I prefer the SLO II to the drect and 6505. I is obvious they share a lot of dna when comparing, but imo the slo is the better. I sold the drect which was way to much saggy low end (cool for sludge though) and i will probably sell the 6505 as well, as i think it is scooped compared to the SLO, a bit more gain, but a somewhat soft attack.
The SLO is just more growly in the mids and much more fun when boosted.