thoughts on the Synergy module system??

  • Thread starter Thread starter dstroud
  • Start date Start date
Kapo_Polenton said:
Don't get me wrong, they sound great. But they come up short in my opinion when neck to neck with the real amp. I know in your case you prefer the SYN Ecstacy and that's fine. But dstroud's Marshalls already do what he wants so I was suggesting he not go down the rabbit hole because he will likely just end up back where he started. Also I don't have a SYN amp. I have a Randall RM Lynch box so my experience with the power section will be different. That is a fair point.
Click to expand...

Preface to the following that I'm not dismissing your opinion or trying to change your mind. I'm sure you already know all of this. Just keeping the conversation going for those who don't have 1st hand experience with modules

That's a downside of the modules. They're great on their own, but most people default to comparing them to the real amp. Putting them side by side and expecting a carbon copy without the $2000 price tag.... that's not gonna happen. The module and amp will sound slightly different. Neither would be better than the other. Just a matter of opinion on which a person likes more and what your are wanting to acomplish.

This is the sole reason I like to think of the modules as a variant of the amp. If the map is version 1 then the module is version 1a. This helps me make a judgement on them based on their own merits vs direct comparison. Somewhat the same concept on judging a Mesa Mk!!! vs MKIV. Both great amps in their own right, but side by side not the exact same sound. People are going to prefer one over the other. Back to the module side... If I want 100% Bogner Ecstasy tone and nothing else will do, of course I'm gonna get the real amp. If my goal is Bogner-like tone module or real amp would work equally well. Price tag wise it becomes hard to beat the module in this scenario. That's one of the top aspects of doing the modules.

Then there is the scenario, which I'm inferring is what the OP is after. Being completely happy with what you have, but wanting something a little different now and again without breaking the bank. i.e. running a SYN 1 & module through the loop. This is where modules can really show their merit. You love your JCM 800, but every now and again would like some Ultralead-esque tone. Boom! module in the loop with a solid 95% or more of the real amp tone and you're set. With the added bonus of switching to it with a simple click of a footswitch. No need to deal with swapping plugs or signal splitter mess if you wanted to switch back an forth on the fly. All without as hefty of a price tag as a real Ultralead.

Modules aren't going to be for everyone, but these are the top examples of where the modules show high merit. Next on the list of merits is wanting to go rack and having a shit ton of preamp sounds at your fingertips without completely breaking the bank.
 
The module 400 bucks, then, which ever preamp and then a power amp is needed or effects return of existing tube amp loses me. I like the concept, to many demands and as users post it doesn't sound like the real thing. Maybe you go thru one of the original returns of the module used and it's authentic, but what would be the point. Sure looks fun collecting all those modules tho
 
thanks guys!! Definitely not looking to replace what I got, just looking to expand a bit. Still really on the fence. reality is I’d probably get it, play a bit tweaking then just return it lol
 
dstroud said:
thanks guys!! Definitely not looking to replace what I got, just looking to expand a bit. Still really on the fence. reality is I’d probably get it, play a bit tweaking then just return it lol
Click to expand...

that's probably your best bet.. I just think it adds up when you have to also buy the SYN-1 to run it through your amp. I suppose it is still cheaper for every preamp after.
 
went down the rabbit hole when Egnater came out grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
 
Jamdownit said:
Where did you buy those racks with 4 modules each? The Synergy website has the 2 modules rack only…
Click to expand...
Those look like the Burns storage rack. They're just for storing the module when not in use.

If you want an actual 4 unit system you'd need to find a dual channel Egnater M4 or modded Randall RM4. They work fine with Synergy modules, but the downside is they don't have the automatic cathode bias like the SYN 1/2.
 
I want to like it but the couple of modules I’ve got to play in person were incredibly uninspiring. Lot’s of good clips out there though.
 
skoora said:
I want to like it but the couple of modules I’ve got to play in person were incredibly uninspiring. Lot’s of good clips out there though.
Click to expand...
Some of that lifelessness may be attributed to the power amp being used. It's sort of a give and take. A neutral sounding power amp will work with modules across the board but can make everything sound homogeneous and flat. A colored power amp can bring out vibrance in a particular module or two, but make the rest sound like ass.

I think the new technology in the 20IR is supposed to remedy that so you can match a power amp flavor to the individual modules as needed. Too bad they had to shove it in a tiny 20 watt amp. If they ever come out with a 100 watt version I'd be more interested.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top