Synergy Owners Thread

[Whizzinby]

Speaking as someone who has run a Syn2+5050 for a long time, the clean channel is ALWAYS a huge problem. Only a few modules even have a proper clean, IMHO. A lot of Syn owners end up w/ 2 Syn2 because of this, I suspect. I’ve been following the TGP mega thread for a long time and I think a lot of folks feel that way.

If the 50 could hold 3 or 4 modules it’d be different. But the two module limit is problematic, IMHO. You basically have to give up one module slot.

A 3 slot 100IR would do the trick.

Yeah, one of the big reasons people love Synergy is being able to build monster switchable high gain rigs, and having to give up a slot just to get a base clean tone limits the dream. lol

A new SYN50 with the simple clean and IR capability would be an endgame device for many Synergy fans.

But they may like selling multiple SYN2’s to all the SynFans. Though we could always chain Syn2’s into Syn50IR for a completely ludicrous awesome setup.

 

[laxu]

Has anyone ever thought about if Synergy will introduce a larger module variant? Not as a replacement but as an addition to their lineup? Something like a Synergy XL or Synergy Max, modules?

I always think that for instance the IICP module seems super cramped with the 5-band GEQ where I've heard that just breathing on it can change the sound. A larger module would give them more space for ease of use as well as expanded capabilities, perhaps 3 channel modules, or more full-size 2 channel modules with dedicated EQ for both channels in addition to a multitude of switches.

Perhaps just me?

I don't think they will, unless they find that the current format is pushed to the absolute limit.

I can understand why they wanted to go with compatibility with the old Egnater MOD/Randall MTS modules just so there's more modules out there when the Synergy line launched, but that compatibility also painted them in a corner where the modules can only fit so much stuff.

As you can see there's not a whole lot of extra space to cram more components on the IICP module. It looks like the board with the front panel knobs and graphic EQ is absolutely packed.

It will be interesting to see how the Tone King Imperial module looks like since it's probably one of the most complex they've made.

If they want to make more complex modules, they will have to go for SMD.

 

[Tanax]

I don't think they will, unless they find that the current format is pushed to the absolute limit.

I can understand why they wanted to go with compatibility with the old Egnater MOD/Randall MTS modules just so there's more modules out there when the Synergy line launched, but that compatibility also painted them in a corner where the modules can only fit so much stuff.

As you can see there's not a whole lot of extra space to cram more components on the IICP module. It looks like the board with the front panel knobs and graphic EQ is absolutely packed.

It will be interesting to see how the Tone King Imperial module looks like since it's probably one of the most complex they've made.

If they want to make more complex modules, they will have to go for SMD.

Looking at that, and I've seen it before, makes me think that they already pushed it to its limit Releasing a bigger module would allow for more space inside the module as well as more space for the front panel.

I understand it though. If they released a bigger module version, they won't have all of the existing units but have to port them one by one. Probably not worth it. And there will be people who prefer the smaller format so like I said before, they'd probably need both formats.

Still, it's a nice thought..

 

[laxu]

Looking at that, and I've seen it before, makes me think that they already pushed it to its limit Releasing a bigger module would allow for more space inside the module as well as more space for the front panel.

I understand it though. If they released a bigger module version, they won't have all of the existing units but have to port them one by one. Probably not worth it. And there will be people who prefer the smaller format so like I said before, they'd probably need both formats.

Still, it's a nice thought..

I think a more sensible design would have been to move the tubes to the SYN-1, SYN-2 etc so each module does not need two tubes in it. But the issue with this might be that you might want different coupling caps etc to form different gain stage circuits so putting the tubes too far from those might be a problem.

I think the existing module format could still take an extra board installed on top of the area behind the graphic EQ on the IICP in the pic. Just flip it upside down.

 

[Tanax]

I think a more sensible design would have been to move the tubes to the SYN-1, SYN-2 etc so each module does not need two tubes in it. But the issue with this might be that you might want different coupling caps etc to form different gain stage circuits so putting the tubes too far from those might be a problem.

I think the existing module format could still take an extra board installed on top of the area behind the graphic EQ on the IICP in the pic. Just flip it upside down.

That would be a cool idea. And the extra board also. But all of that just contributes to being able to fit a more complex circuit inside, it doesn't solve the issue of limited front panel space so the issue with the IICP GEQ will still be there.

I've heard that the Mesa GEQ is finicky as it is on the big units, but that the Synology module is even more so. Just makes it kinda painful to work with if it's that hard :/

 

[laxu]

That would be a cool idea. And the extra board also. But all of that just contributes to being able to fit a more complex circuit inside, it doesn't solve the issue of limited front panel space so the issue with the IICP GEQ will still be there.

I've heard that the Mesa GEQ is finicky as it is on the big units, but that the Synology module is even more so. Just makes it kinda painful to work with if it's that hard :/

On the Mesa GEQ 70% of the range does only a little, and the extremes do a lot. That's why you see quite extreme curves on it.

I don't know if Synergy has replicated this behavior on theirs or if people find it tricky because it's smaller in size but also if it has a different behavior where the middle range is more sensitive, then than can make people feel you have to adjust it very carefully.

I agree it doesn't solve it, but I don't see Synergy changing the module format because that would be a big overhaul in their entire production. I wouldn't mind it of course. Maybe they could make an "XL" format and build an adapter plate that allows hooking up the current modules?

 

[Elric]

On the Mesa GEQ 70% of the range does only a little, and the extremes do a lot. That's why you see quite extreme curves on it.

I don't know if Synergy has replicated this behavior on theirs or if people find it tricky because it's smaller in size but also if it has a different behavior where the middle range is more sensitive, then than can make people feel you have to adjust it very carefully.

The GEQs on the Syn modules are difficult to work with because of their size. It's difficult to make small adjustments with them because they're tiny. My take: I'd rather have them and available for iconic preamps that have GEQs than not even if it is a PITA to adjust them. I would not rely on tweaking them on the fly, though.

That said, if you run a rig where the preamp sits in the loop of something like a Fractal device, you can easily throw any flavor of EQ you want immediately after any of the preamps if the onboard one is too fiddly. So that is something one could consider.

They have done a decent job on the ones with a graphic of allowing the GEQ to be active for one or both channels selectively, etc.

It's definitely got trade offs vs a bigger device though, for sure.

I agree it doesn't solve it, but I don't see Synergy changing the module format because that would be a big overhaul in their entire production.

Agree. Would be completely shocked if they seriously entertained the idea. They had bigger modules in a sense already (the Randall ones were same size but had only one dedicated channel) and they moved the opposite direction, presumably because the market wants more functionality in the same footprint.

A 1U Syn2 can barely hold 2 modules in the current form factor. What's left? Making a 1U rack unit and calling it a 'module'? Not sure people would be willing to pay for half rack width 2U "modules". They'd likely cost more than the already not super cheap modules further limiting the appeal.

A bigger module format would absolutely flop in the market place, I would think. So, if someone considers the small size trade offs of the modules a deal breaker, you might as well just build a rack with individual units; I doubt anyone is going to build out a competing ecosystem with bulkier modules.

 

[[Nathan]]

Just saw the Synergy Mini, cool in theory. The platform has been a bit of a mental swing and a miss for me but this does look rad.

 

[2dor]

Just saw the Synergy Mini, cool in theory. The platform has been a bit of a mental swing and a miss for me but this does look rad.

It's a cool platform but I agree on the poweramp PoV... Maybe this one's different but I'm an EL84 skeptic.

 

[Melodioso]

There should be a bunch of videos soon I am think the North America release is Friday w vids from
Leon , Micheal , Pete , Ben Eller. And of course Jon
Hmm SyN 20 or Astro 20

It's supposed to be released on the 27th, so tomorrow.

So far, almost no video except Ola's, and no product page on online stores. Let's see !

 

[GTR37]

It's a cool platform but I agree on the poweramp PoV... Maybe this one's different but I'm an EL84 skeptic.

I have think it will probably be a cool little amp and great for recording or if you have it on a 212 cab in the room it will be loud enough
But if you are rehearsing in a room un mic’d or have a heavy drummer it will likely not keep up and even if it does the unpleasant characteristics of 20 watt EL84 amp will appear
But for a home studio
Guys that want to get into the synergy stuff
Late night practice or going into a DAW it will be great

 

[Melodioso]

I have think it will probably be a cool little amp and great for recording or if you have it on a 212 cab in the room it will be loud enough
But if you are rehearsing in a room un mic’d or have a heavy drummer it will likely not keep up and even if it does the unpleasant characteristics of 20 watt EL84 amp will appear
But for a home studio
Guys that want to get into the synergy stuff
Late night practice or going into a DAW it will be great

It's probably why many people are expecting a dual module SYN-50IR to follow up on that release. As you mentioned, this will certainly attract new customers in the ecosystem (thanks to the "reasonable" price tag) - me included . But if they decide to release a 50W, I'd also buy that for playing live. Clever from them if they do it

 

[GTR37]

It's probably why many people are expecting a dual module SYN-50IR to follow up on that release. As you mentioned, this will certainly attract new customers in the ecosystem (thanks to the "reasonable" price tag) - me included . But if they decide to release a 50W, I'd also buy that for playing live. Clever from them if they do it

oh they will surely and a new syn2 or 4 IR , but they are very slow , I saw a photo of the Syn20 proto on the FB page 3 or 4 years ago

 

[2dor]

Late night practice or going into a DAW it will be great

Yeah, plugins & modelers already do that better at lower power consumption etc.
Waiting for more reviews to hit.

 

[GTR37]

Yeah, plugins & modelers already do that better at lower power consumption etc.
Waiting for more reviews to hit.

They do but it depends some people want the feel of the tubes , I mean it’s personal preference also if someone were looking at the Soldano Astro or say a 20 watt Freidman , probably save a few bucks and have a more versatile system

But yes EL84 at volume are generally going to suck for most heavier rock / metal guys

 

[GTR37]

Micheal Nielsen

 

[GreatGreen]

This thread seems like the right place for this question. I’ve had a Fryette 2/90/2 for years and I love the sound I get out of that amp. However I’d love to see a mono version of it.

How close in tone is the Fryette PS-100 to being a mono version, or at least one side, of the 2/90/2?

 

[2dor]

Thomann:

Synergy SYN-20IR Head

Synergy SYN-20IR Head, Röhren Verstärker Topteil für E-Gitarre; Modulares Vollröhrensystem, das den Austausch von Vorverstärkermodulen zur Erweiterung der Klangpalette ermöglicht; eingebauter Clean-Kanal im amerikanischen Stil plus 2-Kanal-Modul...

www.thomann.de

 

[laxu]

Thomann:

Synergy SYN-20IR Head

Synergy SYN-20IR Head, Röhren Verstärker Topteil für E-Gitarre; Modulares Vollröhrensystem, das den Austausch von Vorverstärkermodulen zur Erweiterung der Klangpalette ermöglicht; eingebauter Clean-Kanal im amerikanischen Stil plus 2-Kanal-Modul...

www.thomann.de

Not a bad price. With a module it's about 1600-1700 € depending on the module. That's a lot less than say the Soldano Astro 20.

 

[aivoryuk]

Not a bad price. With a module it's about 1600-1700 € depending on the module. That's a lot less than say the Soldano Astro 20.

£899 in the uk or £1199 with a module