Synergy Owners Thread

[Elric]

I have been kind of unsuccessful with mine. The EQ is obviously quite fiddly and drastic, plus there is a frequency in the upper midrange or treble that makes it sound kind of cheap or weird.

One of the downsides of a Mark module is that you have to dial it in like a Mark, which is completely different than any other amp (IMHO). Unless you understand how the circuit works, it is basically guesswork. You can copy other folks settings but it would be harder to translate to the module, since it is a different footprint… Def check out the Fryette vid where he explains the basics of it, if you have not already.

The EQ on the module is cool and completely necessary; but it is fiddly, it works but the small size requires patience; which makes the module a little harder than an actual amp.

Do you like any modules at all other than the OS?

 

[Elric]

The Uber is a 10/10 module. I've had the SLO, Uber, Pitbull.

I think the Uber was my favorite

Just the Uber Blue Channel alone is one of the best heavy tones ever. Both of the Bogner modules absolutely slay. I would absolutely love to see him contribute another two or three. Such good stuff.

 

[Spaced Out Ace]

One of the downsides of a Mark module is that you have to dial it in like a Mark, which is completely different than any other amp (IMHO). Unless you understand how the circuit works, it is basically guesswork. You can copy other folks settings but it would be harder to translate to the module, since it is a different footprint… Def check out the Fryette vid where he explains the basics of it, if you have not already.

The EQ on the module is cool and completely necessary; but it is fiddly, it works but the small size requires patience; which makes the module a little harder than an actual amp.

Do you like any modules at all other than the OS?

I like the IR-X, so I'm guessing I would like the BE DLX, BE-BB, and possibly the DS as well. I would probably like the 800 and Plexi, though I haven't tried them. The Ecstasy could potentially be a winner as well, as I like the Ecstasy pedals (standard and mini versions). I'd like to try the Vox type modules (Z Wreck, Morgan AC).

 

[aivoryuk]

I like the IR-X, so I'm guessing I would like the BE DLX, BE-BB, and possibly the DS as well. I would probably like the 800 and Plexi, though I haven't tried them. The Ecstasy could potentially be a winner as well, as I like the Ecstasy pedals (standard and mini versions). I'd like to try the Vox type modules (Z Wreck, Morgan AC).

I sold my IR-X and got the BE-DLX and I don't regret it all.
I also think the plexi module is better than the plexi channel of the IR-X.
I always thought the plexi channel was harder to dial in on the IR-X
The Ecstasy is a good module as well but a more complex sound - more low end in that module as well.

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

The OS module is weird, IMHO, I’ve never really bonded with it and it is not really a great rock module, IMHO. The clean is completely uninspiring,

Man. The OS clean sound is the only thing I actually miss about the Synergy ecosystem. I didn’t care much for the overdrive side, but that clean sound was HUGE.

 

[Spaced Out Ace]

Man. The OS clean sound is the only thing I actually miss about the Synergy ecosystem. I didn’t care much for the overdrive side, but that clean sound was HUGE.

What didn't you like about the Overdrive channel?

 

[Boudoir Guitar]

What didn't you like about the Overdrive channel?

That it didn’t sound great?

Felt mid heavy without being thick. To be fair, the Kingsley is the only dumble-style thing I’ve plugged into and liked, analog or digital.

When I sold the synergy rig the guy at the shop testing it out was running a super down tuned 8 string into it and it sounded surprisingly GREAT for that stuff.

 

[Spaced Out Ace]

That it didn’t sound great?

Felt mid heavy without being thick. To be fair, the Kingsley is the only dumble-style thing I’ve plugged into and liked, analog or digital.

When I sold the synergy rig the guy at the shop testing it out was running a super down tuned 8 string into it and it sounded surprisingly GREAT for that stuff.

Save the Kingsley talk for TGP.

 

[Whizzinby]

Has there been any talk in the Synergy community about having some of the models in a pedal format like the IR-X?

The idea of Synergy is great, but I can't see myself going to a rack format ever again. Having to pay a little more for a physical box with switches and an IR/cab sim seems a small price to pay.

I would start buying up any Bogner pedals like the IR-X. Would love an Uber pedal.

I think it’s inevitable considering it’s all under the BAD umbrella. Though, Friedman did mention on a Tone Talk (regarding an IR-SSV) that they may pump the breaks as to not oversaturate the market. Though I don’t know if that was just meaning within his own line or the entire BAD line. I’m sure they’d make a small fortune with an Uber/SLO/PB IR offering.

Though for me personally, the big problem with the IR series is after you buy one, it starts becoming less practical to have multiple of them. Synergy modules offer more long term flexibility IF you want to work with one of their hardware configs.

I’d auto buy an SSV-IR though. (And I don’t even technically need it)

 

[Whizzinby]

There is a rumor elsewhere that they plan to refresh the SYN1/2 with the optional digital backend stuff. (Power amp emu and IR) Not sure if that’s random speculation or someone has solid intel.

 

[Spaced Out Ace]

There is a rumor elsewhere that they plan to refresh the SYN1/2 with the optional digital backend stuff. (Power amp emu and IR) Not sure if that’s random speculation or someone has solid intel.

I don't know whether or not that would fit in the same folder as the "When is there going to be a Syn-4?" discussion. Most have likely already bought two Syn-2 units if they want 4 modules. The reason the previous line of stuff had a four module docking preamp was because they were mostly 1 channel (I think the Egnater stuff may have been sort of 2 channels with shared EQ, sort of like the original line of Synergy modules?).

I'm also unsure where they'd fit that in the rack unit, though maybe it wouldn't take up too much space. My biggest concern though would be heat, which would definitely be higher than in something like the IR-X.

 

[Whizzinby]

I'm also unsure where they'd fit that in the rack unit, though maybe it wouldn't take up too much space. My biggest concern though would be heat, which would definitely be higher than in something like the IR-X.

Who knows, like I say it’s just speculation I read elsewhere. It does make some sense since BAD has already started sharing the digital blackened across various amps, preamps, and pedals under their umbrella.

Imo, probably less than 1% of guitarists have rack gear in 2024. I know it was/is an exclusive/high end approach to guitar gear, but its isn't appealing to the 99% of guitarists who just have a collection of pedals and maybe a couple amps.

They make heads, combos, racks, docks etc. If none of those are appealing, then its not really a solution for you. Which is fine.

I’m sure the IR line will be expanded. They will be able to print money offering any number of those Synergy modules or in-house brands (SLO, Uber, PB, TDLX, 6505 etc) in the format.

They’re cool, I dug the IRX.

I don't know if the synergy rack modules allow some sort of chaining strategy so you can have 2, 4, 6, 8 of them, but the pedals have a loop and midi so there are alot of options. Routing these in parallel just takes a switcher like a Boss MS3.

You can chain multiple SYN2’s.

 

[Spaced Out Ace]

Who knows, like I say it’s just speculation I read elsewhere. It does make some sense since BAD has already started sharing the digital blackened across various amps, preamps, and pedals under their umbrella.

Fair. For those saying that they hope there is an "IR-SLO" at some point, you better hope it is based on the original and not the SLO II, which is muddy as hell and doesn't seem representative of the real amp at all.

 

[GTR37]

Honestly I was not interested in the 20 IR when it was announced as I am not an el84 fan and low wattage but for a home rig I think it’s going to be pretty sweet
-3 channels w module
- apparently 3 power amp voicing options that are assigned by channel
-built in load and headphones out
- Different IRs assignable by channel
- Reactance Negetive feedback knob

I think that certainly could go a long way in addressing the authenticity of the different modules and thier power sections as you could technically
Have a Fender , Marshall , Recto and mix and match power amp response
Will be interesting to see how this is implemented

 

[Spaced Out Ace]

I finally sent Synergy the email I have put off since I got the SLO II, but in short, the module sucks. I still like their products, but the SLO II was one of the biggest disappointments gearwise since the Mad Professor Loud N Proud (talk about awful!). The SLO II is a muddy mess. Maybe they'll get it right with the SLO III (normally they wouldn't list that a product has been revised on the faceplate, but they should with the SLO II module).

 

[laxu]

There is a rumor elsewhere that they plan to refresh the SYN1/2 with the optional digital backend stuff. (Power amp emu and IR) Not sure if that’s random speculation or someone has solid intel.

I hate to think what they will cost then, considering what they cost now. I think that would add a lot of usability to them though.

Probably the sensible thing would be to offer them with and without the IR/poweramp sim because if you have e.g two SYN2 units for 4 modules, you probably don't want two separate IR loaders and poweramp sims?

I'm also unsure where they'd fit that in the rack unit, though maybe it wouldn't take up too much space. My biggest concern though would be heat, which would definitely be higher than in something like the IR-X.

Most of the heat inside the box is coming from the tubes in the modules. I don't see this as a problem. Here's a pic of the SYN-2 insides from Synergy's website:

I think you could cram in another PCB somewhere under that flipped one without issue, or make that board larger to bundle in the IR stuff.

 

[MadAsAHatter]

I hate to think what they will cost then, considering what they cost now. I think that would add a lot of usability to them though.

Probably the sensible thing would be to offer them with and without the IR/poweramp sim because if you have e.g two SYN2 units for 4 modules, you probably don't want two separate IR loaders and poweramp sims?


Most of the heat inside the box is coming from the tubes in the modules. I don't see this as a problem. Here's a pic of the SYN-2 insides from Synergy's website:

I think you could cram in another PCB somewhere under that flipped one without issue, or make that board larger to bundle in the IR stuff.

If they would go that direction it might be worth developing a SYN4. 4 module slots in a 2 rack unit with enough room to fit the extra IR and power amp sim stuff.

Something like that would end up being rather pricey; I'd guess at least double the cost of a SYN2, but it would make one heck of a setup.

 

[laxu]

If they would go that direction it might be worth developing a SYN4. 4 module slots in a 2 rack unit with enough room to fit the extra IR and power amp sim stuff.

Something like that would end up being rather pricey; I'd guess at least double the cost of a SYN2, but it would make one heck of a setup.

It would probably be a lot cheaper than 2x SYN2 because you don't need duplicate transformers etc. You basically need a new chassis and a way to hook up 4x module slots and switch between them.

But that's probably a pretty niche product when you have 2 channels in most modules, and would appeal mainly to those who have a bunch of modules and don't want to be pulling them in and out.

 

[Elric]

I think it’s inevitable considering it’s all under the BAD umbrella.

I doubt it, personally... at least if we are talking about a pedal board dock product that accommodates the modules.

I'm sure they have kicked the thought around but the SYN1 is about as small as a module dock can be... If they did it'd likely be some pedal dock that was incompatible with their existing footprint but made the pedal more sensible in terms of footprint/size/cost.

I suspect they're more than happy to continue to build self contained pedals like the IRX using the Synergy back end as long as those continue to sell (and they seem to be an apparent hit). They probably actually make a little more off the pedals as they can resell that same back end over and over again at some small margin.

Those IR-XX pedals likely share a lot of design collateral with the modules already; although they are short a tube, so they seem unlikely to be exactly 1 to 1.

There is a rumor elsewhere that they plan to refresh the SYN1/2 with the optional digital backend stuff. (Power amp emu and IR) Not sure if that’s random speculation or someone has solid intel.

This seems likely at some point, to me. If the SYN20-IR is a hit, I'd expect MkII's of the Syn-1/2 and the higher wattage head.

Imo, probably less than 1% of guitarists have rack gear in 2024. I know it was/is an exclusive/high end approach to guitar gear, but its isn't appealing to the 99% of guitarists who just have a collection of pedals and maybe a couple amps.

Interesting data points. So did you pull these out of the air? FWIW I suspect BAD is probably most likely interested in the demographic buying multiple $400 modules and $500 pedals right now. They also just built a 2U $2500 rack unit that is apparently doing gang busters right now if TGP is to be believed.

So, while I agree that rack units are likely a minority, there are a lot of Axe IIIs, Interfaces, etc, along with the Synergy stuff out in the wild these days and the question is, really: Is it profitable continuing to do so?

They likely do not view people buying stuff like Katana's as their target market, F. ex.

I don't know if the synergy rack modules allow some sort of chaining strategy so you can have 2, 4, 6, 8 of them, but the pedals have a loop and midi so there are alot of options. Routing these in parallel just takes a switcher like a Boss MS3.

LOL. You should probably do a little research before further comment; if you are this out of the loop (so to speak).

 

[Elric]

I finally sent Synergy the email I have put off since I got the SLO II, but in short, the module sucks. I still like their products, but the SLO II was one of the biggest disappointments gearwise since the Mad Professor Loud N Proud (talk about awful!). The SLO II is a muddy mess. Maybe they'll get it right with the SLO III (normally they wouldn't list that a product has been revised on the faceplate, but they should with the SLO II module).

Given how well this module seemed to sell and the fact that a lot of folks forked $100 just for a purple version of it, I'm going to guess your letter came off as random feedback from some lone nut outlier.

They might silently rev it with some improvements, like Fryette did the Deliverance though if they get enough constructive criticism here on the net, though; so I guess there is always hope!

FWIW, I don't think it is horrible. The problem is it's not an SLO module, really. It's some other thing. It's definitely not my least favorite module and tweaked for lower gain it gets closer to the SLO.