mbugbee
Groupie
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This is the way.
Synergy Owners Thread
- Thread starter Mongillo19
- Start date
2dor
Shredder
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I have the BE-DLX and I'd probably just grab the Killer Kali if I were allowed to chose imho.
Desertdweller
Shredder
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After playing it a bunch last night I feel like most of the YouTuber videos on this are overgained. It could just be me, but I’m finding that there is absolutely a massive ton of gain on tap, and what sounds like a Fortin 33 / Dirty Tree / TC Integrated Preamp overdrive included in the gain staging. With a high and a low gain knob, the 3 position bright switches that add upper register gain, and the 3rd gain stage Violence switch, yeah there’s a ton of gain on tap but it doesn’t have to be maxed and fully saturated to sound wicked as hell.
I really like that by using the Saturation switch and the EQ shape it can sound like a bunch of different amps without having to be the Marshall sound or the Mesa sound or something. This is a really interesting module, maybe the deepest one yet I’ve tried.
This are the settings I landed on innmy first night with it to give me a really crunchy but not oversaturated rhythm sound on the blue channel and then a bit more mids (the eq knobs are quite powerful) for a lead tone. Obviously whatever poweramp or setup you're going through will have an impact as well.
I really like that by using the Saturation switch and the EQ shape it can sound like a bunch of different amps without having to be the Marshall sound or the Mesa sound or something. This is a really interesting module, maybe the deepest one yet I’ve tried.
This are the settings I landed on innmy first night with it to give me a really crunchy but not oversaturated rhythm sound on the blue channel and then a bit more mids (the eq knobs are quite powerful) for a lead tone. Obviously whatever poweramp or setup you're going through will have an impact as well.
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Elric
Roadie
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- 763
LOL, exactly. That’s the point of the Synergy stuff.
Baba
Shredder
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we are looking forward to you comparing it side by side too, my friend
norminal
Rock Star
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- 6,761
Leon’s video really showcases the mid-gain capabilities. It seems to be very versatile in all ranges of gain. I could literally have two of these, and dial all four channels from EOB to high gain. Such a “killer” module.
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- 6,073
Kali in the house.
Module goes haaaaarrrd.
I didn’t do too much tone exploring trying to slap something into the daw, but I was surprised how good the mid gain tones are, and how usable each of the switch modes are. I was worried about the amount of mod switches on tap, but they all do something cool and unique.
Only a couple hours with it, but it’s definitely a slapper. Synergy killing the game.
Module goes haaaaarrrd.
I didn’t do too much tone exploring trying to slap something into the daw, but I was surprised how good the mid gain tones are, and how usable each of the switch modes are. I was worried about the amount of mod switches on tap, but they all do something cool and unique.
Only a couple hours with it, but it’s definitely a slapper. Synergy killing the game.
Baba
Shredder
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- 1,423
Yeah, a SYN20IR and a module or two are definitely on my list this year. I texted a guitar buddy of mine yesterday, and said, "it seems like it's impossible to get a bad tone out of one of these modules".
What I'm pleasantly surprised about, is, (as mentioned previously), the mid gain tones of the Kali and the Uber. I mean, when 5 of the 6 YouTube demos your first come across, are dudes with Dimebag downtuned guitars with EMG's, who aren't interested in exploring low to mid gain tones, it's hard to think some of these modules DO have good low to mid gain tones as well, but they do, and my band doesn't play metal, so, I need to know that.
The thing a Synergy setup will be perfect for, for me, is that inevitable period, when all of a sudden, out of nowhere ,"my rig sounds like shit".
Instead of searching for an entirely new rig, I could bounce between a Kali, Uber, SLO II, Friedman, etc. Shit, you could do that, mid-gig, if you're as fickle as me, lol.
What I'm pleasantly surprised about, is, (as mentioned previously), the mid gain tones of the Kali and the Uber. I mean, when 5 of the 6 YouTube demos your first come across, are dudes with Dimebag downtuned guitars with EMG's, who aren't interested in exploring low to mid gain tones, it's hard to think some of these modules DO have good low to mid gain tones as well, but they do, and my band doesn't play metal, so, I need to know that.
The thing a Synergy setup will be perfect for, for me, is that inevitable period, when all of a sudden, out of nowhere ,"my rig sounds like shit".
Instead of searching for an entirely new rig, I could bounce between a Kali, Uber, SLO II, Friedman, etc. Shit, you could do that, mid-gig, if you're as fickle as me, lol.
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mavrick102000
Rock Star
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With those switches engaged it's like a grind and hex pedal being engaged in front of the preamp. They can get really harsh very quickly. But with them off it's probably much more heavy mod Marshall, without the ice-pick.
mavrick102000
Rock Star
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Why hasn't Synergy created a 4 unit rack mount for modules like the original Egnater M4.LOL, exactly. That’s the point of the Synergy stuff.
If you go down this path you will surely have at least 4 modules - AT LEAST!
When I had the M4 I bought 4 modules just to start and load that bisch up with tones.
I think I had like 8 of them at one point and the Vai, nor Uberschall existed then, obviously not even the Fortin. And it was still awesome, midi controllable switching, it was great.
laxu
Rock Star
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I'm guessing they think that since every module is two channels...8 channels would be a bit much!
That said, I think they should make such a product for those who like to collect the modules.
1 module slot = annoying swapping.
2 = occasional annoying swapping.
4 = not swapping that often if at all.
Elric
Roadie
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- 763
Dunno. I know a lot of Synergy fans (myself included) have just gone w/ multiple Syn2s when wanting to go bigger. In theory the Syn2 already has four channels because the modules are dual channel, so maybe that was part of the thinking.
I probably would have built my rig out the same way even if there were a Syn4. I.e. you get a taste with the 1u unit and then add a second when or if it is needed and the modular thing is for you.
Unless there is a big price and/or weight advantage, I am not sure a Syn-4 would add much value to the ecosystem. Maintaining a second variant likely incurs manufacturing and support cost for the manufacturer as well.
Also, got the Killer Kali in; concur w/ @Whizzinby it's legitness. Easily a top 5 module for me out of the gate. Love that modded Marshall thing and this one is not shy about having that Marshall upper mid bite on tap.
laxu
Rock Star
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I'd imagine it's basically a SYN2 with an extra set of module slots and more relays for switching. Imagine the above, with another SYN-2 front panel, bracket set and connectors slapped on top. Doesn't seem like it would be too much work or expense.
If they wanted to make it really cool, maybe an extra set of inputs/outputs to run either set of modules separately for stereo rigs.
What are your top 5 modules, and why?
Baba
Shredder
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Jarick
Rock Star
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I really wanted a Randall MTS setup back in the day, one of the 3-channel 100 watt heads. But with the new modules where they often have two channels, could probably get by with just two modules. Maybe something like the Friedman BE-BB for clean and high gain with a Friedman DS for mid gain stuff.
Desertdweller
Shredder
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You didn't ask me, but I'll jump in and say I personally have 3 top and an honorable mention.
1) Killer Kali, it's so good
2) DRECT, with a boost in front
3) Uberschall
Honorable mention: IICP. If it had separate clean and lead channel controls and an onboard boost like the Kali or Uber do, it'd be in the mix more.
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- Messages
- 6,073
Spent another evening playing the Kali. Got it wired into the Borg rig, w/LXII and pedalboard. Dope ass module.
Played it with a 7 string yesterday, all Ibby RG today. So far it doesn’t like my beloved Friedman cab as much as a Mesa 412 (Go figure) or an Orange 412. Need to fool around cab/IR selections more.
Typically my preference is an SD1 with M amps, but much preferring an 808 with this module. Fills it out really nice without getting too thin or mid mushy.
The mods here are really well thought out. Typically when I see any amp with that many switches and knobs it gives me anxiety as I’m not overly into option-paralysis-tweaker-amps and generally find they do a little bit of everything but nothing great. The modes on the Kali actually have utility and are pretty straight forward to understand. Throw a dart with almost any setting and it sounds good.
Flipping the Violence switch is so satisfying in that 13yo basement rocker sort of way. Engage the “Let’s gallop into hell” switch! So nasty. Just awesome.
Amazingly, the thing sounds badass without violence engaged too. Snappy rock and thrash tones for days with just the first two gain stages.
Saturation switch as far as I can tell is just a compression switch. Im defaulting atm to leaving this off when the Gallop To Hell switch is engaged, but occasionally on when just using the two gain stages. It’s a pretty usable compression, not an overly exaggerated to the point of irrelevance comp.
I actually managed to coax some pretty decent dirty cleans too. Ok probably more mid gain cleans lol. I threw a little chorus and analog delay into the front for a dirty “clean” and zoned out for about 15 minutes before the fam finally had to break me out of the trance.
Really cool module. They nailed it.
Played it with a 7 string yesterday, all Ibby RG today. So far it doesn’t like my beloved Friedman cab as much as a Mesa 412 (Go figure) or an Orange 412. Need to fool around cab/IR selections more.
Typically my preference is an SD1 with M amps, but much preferring an 808 with this module. Fills it out really nice without getting too thin or mid mushy.
The mods here are really well thought out. Typically when I see any amp with that many switches and knobs it gives me anxiety as I’m not overly into option-paralysis-tweaker-amps and generally find they do a little bit of everything but nothing great. The modes on the Kali actually have utility and are pretty straight forward to understand. Throw a dart with almost any setting and it sounds good.
Flipping the Violence switch is so satisfying in that 13yo basement rocker sort of way. Engage the “Let’s gallop into hell” switch! So nasty. Just awesome.
Amazingly, the thing sounds badass without violence engaged too. Snappy rock and thrash tones for days with just the first two gain stages.
Saturation switch as far as I can tell is just a compression switch. Im defaulting atm to leaving this off when the Gallop To Hell switch is engaged, but occasionally on when just using the two gain stages. It’s a pretty usable compression, not an overly exaggerated to the point of irrelevance comp.
I actually managed to coax some pretty decent dirty cleans too. Ok probably more mid gain cleans lol. I threw a little chorus and analog delay into the front for a dirty “clean” and zoned out for about 15 minutes before the fam finally had to break me out of the trance.
Really cool module. They nailed it.
- Messages
- 6,073
It’s my favorite Syn module.
I need to try the DRECT. Seems to be pretty well regarded.
yes - out of the modules I have it is the most versatile - cleans, crunch and more gain then you could ever need, tight as well.