Thinking about jumping into the Synergy thing

GreatRedDragon

GreatRedDragon

Well-known member
Been having a lot of fun using my FM9 as a digital preamp running into the loop return of my DSL100, running the X88 and JMP-1 models.

Now I'm thinking a tube preamp would be even more fun. Snooped at used MP-1 and JMP-1s, but a little more coin would get me a Synergy SYN2 with two modules. Learning the Synergy stuff is compatible with the old Randall/Egnater modules, and there's a whole modding scene with those, just helps seal that deal.

The other half of it is the power amp. Going into the loop return sounds great, but I'd love a dedicated rackmounted power amp and get off of heads entirely. Not for actual amplification, since I run into a Suhr RL and back into the FM9, but for tone and feel. The new KSR PA100R has a few features that draw my eye: EL34s, 2U size, dedicated guitar and hi-fi modes, dual masters with MIDI control and best of all a built-in reactive load for silent playing. So I could run the Synergy into a cranked 100w tube power amp and straight back into the FM9 for IR loading and post-FX.

Just spitballing.
 
A Fryette PS100 would give you a tube power section and reactive load all in one box, and you can wire it up to use its tube power section into its own load, then line out into the FM9 for IR and effects.
 
I just got this. Still dialing in tones but so far its great
 

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Synergy is a great system. I just sold my SYN-1 and 2CP only because I bought a Mark VII, but it definitely held its own pretty well even compared to an actual Mark. I will eventually get the SYN2 to replace it.
 
I’d say you’re onto something. Definitely recommend.

I just received a KSR PA100R last week, was using the PA50 but have other uses for that now.

I run pedals->Syn2 (a pair of them) -> PA100r -> Redseven EVO or Suhr RL -> AxeFxIII-> studio monitors.

I have the SYN2/PA100 on an amp switcher along with the 2 loads (Suhr and Redseven). Use the AxeFx for effects and routing into computer for recording and reamp.

Sounds glorious. I’ve played the Uber module in the Syn2 more than any other amp for the last couple month’s (with the PA50 before last week).
 
All the clips ive heard sound great :dunno:

None of them i've heard sound 100% like this original, but in most cases thats a cool side effect not a problem - they all sound kickass and synergy is one of those things that if i had a much larger collection i would have tried already
 
I don’t have anything really bad to say about synergy. I had the predecessor, the Egnater M4 for a while and liked it.

My hot take is to look at it like sodas. Say a Marshall is a Coca Cola and a Fender is like a Pepsi.

The Synergy stuff is like Big K, Sam’s Cola, Kirkland, or the store brand knockoff sodas. Not the same as what it is clearly emulating, but some folks may like that taste better than the original. In the end, it’s just another flavor.
 
GreatRedDragon said:
Been having a lot of fun using my FM9 as a digital preamp running into the loop return of my DSL100, running the X88 and JMP-1 models.

Now I'm thinking a tube preamp would be even more fun. Snooped at used MP-1 and JMP-1s, but a little more coin would get me a Synergy SYN2 with two modules. Learning the Synergy stuff is compatible with the old Randall/Egnater modules, and there's a whole modding scene with those, just helps seal that deal.

The other half of it is the power amp. Going into the loop return sounds great, but I'd love a dedicated rackmounted power amp and get off of heads entirely. Not for actual amplification, since I run into a Suhr RL and back into the FM9, but for tone and feel. The new KSR PA100R has a few features that draw my eye: EL34s, 2U size, dedicated guitar and hi-fi modes, dual masters with MIDI control and best of all a built-in reactive load for silent playing. So I could run the Synergy into a cranked 100w tube power amp and straight back into the FM9 for IR loading and post-FX.

Just spitballing.
Click to expand...
I had recently embraced the whole Synergy thing after putting together a full midi setup with Syn2's, modules, effects, and mid controller for a friend.

Now I have two Syn2's and a good number of the modules.

They are definitely fun to work with for dialing in various amp tones.

Unfortunately, now I'm thinking about selling some of my amps to validate buying some more modules :cool:
 
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