The Synergy 20IR kicked ass at band practice

[romanianreaper]

I finally got a chance to use my Synergy 20IR with the SLO-II module at band practice with a loud drummer and bass player. I had the master up at around 10 or 11 o'clock and channel volumes at 10 o'clock and was nice and loud.

Sounded great and used a Keeley Noble Screamer as a clean boost. Played thru my 16 ohm Orange Vertical 2x12 with the Neo Creambacks. Great low end, definition, etc. Really impressed the the Synergy so far and glad it has some volume to it.

 

[srommes]

Nice! Haven’t had the chance to play mine in a band setting but I can’t imagine it not being loud enough. I’ve cranked it up in my basement and it’s loud as hell through an Avatar 2x12 with greenbacks.

 

[Junk Yard Dog]

I finally got a chance to use my Synergy 20IR with the SLO-II module at band practice with a loud drummer and bass player. I had the master up at around 10 or 11 o'clock and channel volumes at 10 o'clock and was nice and loud.

Sounded great and used a Keeley Noble Screamer as a clean boost. Played thru my 16 ohm Orange Vertical 2x12 with the Neo Creambacks. Great low end, definition, etc. Really impressed the the Synergy so far and glad it has some volume to it.

This is good news. 20 Watts can be loud enough for sure depending on the room and what you’re trying to do. Most gigs are miked or direct anyway and I’m usually hearing my monitor more than I am. I am behind me on smaller stages

That said, how full and punchy can a 20 W EL 84 amp really get. That’s my question.

 

[CarlF]

I wish this stuff was around when I was gigging man, I think about that all the time

 

[Spaceboy]

Did it get that raspy thing that el84s do? How was the lowend? That’s my only concern with this little amp

 

[romanianreaper]

This is good news. 20 Watts can be loud enough for sure depending on the room and what you’re trying to do. Most gigs are miked or direct anyway and I’m usually hearing my monitor more than I am. I am behind me on smaller stages

That said, how full and punchy can a 20 W EL 84 amp really get. That’s my question.

I had a Friedman JJ Jr. and Pink Taco V2 and both sounded different than the Synergy to my ears. I don't know what it is but sounds full and I forget it it an El84 amp.

It could be the extra preamp tubes or the extra EQ options but definitely sounds full.

 

[thiscalltoarms]

How much of the el84 compression and buzz is there? I’ve gotten away from 84s because that sound is so frustrating. The only 84 amp I’ve kept is my 2004 Budda SD18, which somehow has the compression and feels big like an el34 amp.

 

[IHateRap]

I don’t need one but I’ll probably break eventually.

 

[crwnedblasphemy]

RR, can you explain the differences on that power amp button? Is this what helps it sound more full? Thanks.

 

[romanianreaper]

How much of the el84 compression and buzz is there? I’ve gotten away from 84s because that sound is so frustrating. The only 84 amp I’ve kept is my 2004 Budda SD18, which somehow has the compression and feels big like an el34 amp.

To me, it doesn't sound as thin as other EL84 amps i've played but I'm sure someone with an EL34 would notice a difference.

 

[romanianreaper]

RR, can you explain the differences on that power amp button? Is this what helps it sound more full? Thanks.

Oh yeah, absolutely. There are three settings with one being a basic all around, a vintage, and modern. Apparently they affect how the power amp interacts. So with a Fender type tone, would probably use vintage and the Bogner module would be modern, etc.

The vintage is brighter and a little mid cut and the modern make things sound tighter. I can hear the difference in tone but isn't an overwhelming difference and can use all three settings depending on taste.

My band was in the studio today and I used the 20IR with the SLO II, running into a Mesa 4x12. Once we get the recordings, will have to post something so everyone can hear.

 

[romanianreaper]

I was just messing around the 20IR and have had the Reactance knob typically at 10 o'clock or so. I just turned it all the way down and actually loved the way that sounded for heavier stuff. Once I get another module, i'll have to see how that works with it.

 

[Maarcn3]

Sweet! that clean boost combo must really make it sing.

 

[jchrisf]

Michael has replaced his Little Sister that he loved with his:

 

[romanianreaper]

Whenever my band gets our mastered songs, i'll post a link and everyone can hear. I'm the only guitarist in the band and used a Synergy with the SLO II module, clean boosted with a Keeley Noble Screamer. I used the studio's Mesa 4x12 and did two parts, panned left and right. I think it turned out killer.