So essentially if I want to use analog preamp/synergy to plug into my daw and I have a fm3 as an audio interface, what would you (anyone can answer) suggest? I want to use my eventide plugins, or I can use fractal fx too but if I want to record, I need to use daw. I have no room for cabinet and PA combo, I would go that route if it would be an option but it isn't.
Leon Todd
- Thread starter 2112
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Boudoir Guitar
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For Synergy: use its 4CM approach which goes like this:
Guitar --> Input
"To Amp In" jack on Synergy --> FM3 input 1
FM3 output 2 jack --> Symergy "from Amp Send" jack
Synergy "To amp return" jack --> FM3 input 2
FM3 output 1 jacks to studio monitors; USB to computer. I would NOT monitor your FM3 through your DAW unless you really want to be hearing the Eventide plugins while you play, since this is adding latency which to me would kinda kill the vibe of running a tube preamp.
For other preamps: Guitar into preamp. Preamp output into FM3 input 1. FM3 output 1 to monitors. USB from FM3 to computer.
I have never been able to tweak my fm3 to sound excellent, I've watched all the videos in the world, tried axe exchange, to buy presets and nothing really helps. I play really low volumes, that might be why presets others make lack always something and have too much mids. Same with ir:s, never found a one I really like. Dynacabs helped matters somewhat. I tend to overscoop the mids, but if I don't higain sounds sound boxy. I need to take out -2-4 db of 250-2khz but then sound lacks body. So my options really are boxy or thin 
. That's why I would like to add tube warmth but you guys are saying that won't help. Maybe I should drop the mids in the global eq and not in the eq block? That I have not tried yet.
When I bought my fm3 I thought I'd get 5/5 tones but I'm at 3.5/5 at best. User error I am certain. Or then I'm asking too much out of my hs-7 monitors
. That's why I would like to add tube warmth but you guys are saying that won't help. Maybe I should drop the mids in the global eq and not in the eq block? That I have not tried yet. When I bought my fm3 I thought I'd get 5/5 tones but I'm at 3.5/5 at best. User error I am certain. Or then I'm asking too much out of my hs-7 monitors
Reason I put my kraken in the fx loop of fm3 is that if I put it in front of it, I cannot use pitch block or wah in fron of it. Any ideas on that? I sold my zakk wylde wah, so I cannot use analog wah.
@Boudoir Guitar are you using a power amp sim in modeler? I have many analog preamps buy can't dial a power amp sim in Axe Fx to sound good enough. I use "tube pre" block, but I'm not happy with this methood so far. It usually sounds better with it bypassed.
So I swiched now to amp -> load box -> axe, which is easy and sounds always amazing to me.
So I swiched now to amp -> load box -> axe, which is easy and sounds always amazing to me.
Boudoir Guitar
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How 'bout we send all questions related to this narrow topic over to this thread?
Are tubes the answer?
Replying to @Ibanez_76 's questions re: tube preamps here to keep that discussion from cluttering up @2112 's AMA thread: We left off here: "I have never been able to tweak my fm3 to sound excellent, I've watched all the videos in the world, tried axe exchange, to buy presets and nothing...
thegearforum.com
have you seen this video of Leon's - it is quite useful - I've used it with the Friedman IRX and it sounds good even though I like the "power amp simulation" in the Friedman
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I use this with my kraken, works!
bit of a pain with with the FM3 as only 1 amp block so I have to take photos of the power settings of amps I want to recreate
Tried&true method!bit of a pain with with the FM3 as only 1 amp block so I have to take photos of the power settings of amps I want to recreate
deathbyguitar
Roadie
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Likewise mate! Always a good day surrounded by noise machines here :)
Leon, I'd like your opinnion on synergy modules. I bet you have tried most, if not all of them. I just bought syn-1 and xtc module and now I'm looking for all out metal module. I own a mesa studio preamp, so not looking for mesa, but maybe uberschall, savage, herbert, vh4, 6505..what would you recommend? I play mainly 80-90's metal, not modern metal.
Stone
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Uncle Leon sure is Loving that 5150 huh
Someone else (youtuber) said uberschall is his fave too. I think I'll get that one. I was expecting a lot from synergy but I think they managed to top the expectations. I currently have only one module, xtc, but that one is so good.
