Thinking about jumping into the Synergy thing

[GreatRedDragon]

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.

 

[TheGreatGreen]

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.

 

[sandman]

I just got this. Still dialing in tones but so far its great

 

[Mike Oxhuge]

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.

 

[stratjacket]

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).

 

[DanTravis62]

All the clips ive heard sound great

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

 

[marvcus]

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.

 

[grrr_me_scary]

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.

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

 

[jchrisf]

I've got the 20IR and it is legit. Sounds so good and I can run my headphones or monitors straight out of the headphone jack on the amp and it sounds just like the cab in the room. I've never played anything that sounded the same through headphones or monitors as it does in the room.

Putting my FM3 into the return of the 20IR is the best sounding power amp I've ever used into a cab with my modelers. Plus the Reactance and Structure switches work when doing this for more fun. But I really want to sell my modelers now that I have the 20IR because there is not need for them.

 

[ewill52]

I've got the 20ir and a Syn2 that I use with my Fryette PS2a. I love it! 20ir is my new direct rig, loaded a few of my favorite IR's, pick a module and it's good to go! I've got the new Tone King module, the Ecstasy, the BE-DLX, and the BMAN.

Lots of tonal options, I think the next one I'm going to try is the Soldano.

 

[fek]

I have a Syn-1, Syn-2, PS2, and 4 modules currently. The Syn-2 is in a rack with the Powerstation and a Juice Goose. Still need to order the footswitch from Sweetwater. I have a credit waiting for me that will cover that and a new module! Just need to pick one. Should probably go with something on the cleaner side. Gain is covered.

 

[GreatRedDragon]

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).

This is the exact rig I’m looking towards. Have you used the built-in load on the PA100?

Right now I’ve got two heads, the DSL and a Ceriatone 2203 that’s outta commission. I’m thinking the PA100 and a Syn2 can replace both of them and keep things in the rack footprint.

All the clips ive heard sound great

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

Yeah, my thinking is most of the tones that inspired me are either modded Marshalls, preamps, or stick Plexis that all sound different anyway, and half the time there's an OD or a EQ pedal involved. So yeah I'm not really concerned about getting 100% accurate (and honestly the FM9 alone can be dialed in as accurate as I could want).

 

[stratjacket]

This is the exact rig I’m looking towards. Have you used the built-in load on the PA100?

Right now I’ve got two heads, the DSL and a Ceriatone 2203 that’s outta commission. I’m thinking the PA100 and a Syn2 can replace both of them and keep things in the rack footprint.

I’ve not tried the built-in load. It sounds great going through the Redseven which has a stereo output and the ability to have 2IR’s, one for each side, works great going into the AxeFx. The SuhrRL is great too.

 

[GreatRedDragon]

I’ve not tried the built-in load. It sounds great going through the Redseven which has a stereo output and the ability to have 2IR’s, one for each side, works great going into the AxeFx. The SuhrRL is great too.

SuhrRL is what I have now, great unit, but if the PA100 can fill that role that’s some more cash and space I can free up.

 

[GreatRedDragon]

The modules I'm eying up right now are the 800, the Plexi, the 6505 and the IICP. A lot of the name brand modules I don't know much about. Not really familiar with the boutique scene, always been about modded 800s.

Any insights on what modules would be good for a raunchy, pissed off Jose-style sound? Not looking for super chug modern metal, looking for that hot rod 80s sound in the Slash kinda vein. Anything flying under my radar?

 

[JackBootedThug]

If I can ever get my dickbeaters on one I’m all over it boys….gimme that 2c+ module and I’m done…lol…well you’re never done but you know what I mean….