Synergy Owners Thread

[Shask]

I returned the killer Kali module as didn’t really like the voicing of it particularly with the bright switches. Preferred the Friedman Be deluxe

Yeah, the KK and Be-Dlx are kind of similar in that they are both modded Plexi circuits. The BE- Dlx has less gain and is fatter overall.

 

[Shask]

I found a good deal on a SLO II, so I have that on the way. It will be interesting to compare it to the 6505.

Lately I have been into the Uber and UL+SD-1.

 

[Spaced Out Ace]

Yeah, the KK and Be-Dlx are kind of similar in that they are both modded Plexi circuits. The BE- Dlx has less gain and is fatter overall.

The BE-50 Deluxe has more than enough gain for me. I'm guessing the BE-Dlx gain potential is similar, so the Killer Kali seems like it'd be overkill(er).

 

[Richard_G]

I’m not sure what kind of modded Marshall sound you’re looking for, @Shask, that you can’t already get from the plethora of Marshall-esque modules available.

That’s a genuine question, by the way.

Personally, I’m more interested in other future modules than even more Marshall-esque options—like that Rockerverb module from this year’s Winter NAMM.

 

[aivoryuk]

I found a good deal on a SLO II, so I have that on the way. It will be interesting to compare it to the 6505.

Lately I have been into the Uber and UL+SD-1.

The SLO II was another that I returned. I got it with vision of a 90’s EVH sound (before the 5150 endorsement) but I found that my powerball module did that sound and did it better (more tighter)

 

[Elric]

They don't really have anything that does high gain modded 800 right now, that is not far away like a SLO or something.

While I agree in principle, I would say that technically: the OG Synergy 800 module is actually intentionally modded to have more gain than an 800.

From the PDF 'manual':

If you’re on the hunt to add that original amp's characteristic bite to your Synergy rig, the 800 preamp module is where you'll find it. We went to great lengths to ensure this module represents that amplifier’s tone in great detail. Dave Friedman of Friedman Amplification - who has worked on countless 800s, including personal amps of many guitar heroes - designed the module around his extensive knowledge of what makes the great ones truly special. He then hot rodded the 800 module with a higher-gain channel that takes your tone into even thicker harmonic territory. And for even more cut, both channels of this 12AX7-driven preamp feature a bright switch, ensuring your every note slices right through the mix.

The 800 module is truly excellent. Shout out to @2112 who I know is a fan, as well.

If the JMP is a reliable precedent the 800 module should be something special.

 

[Shask]

While I agree in principle, I would say that technically: the OG Synergy 800 module is actually intentionally modded to have more gain than an 800.

From the PDF 'manual':


The 800 module is truly excellent. Shout out to @2112 who I know is a fan, as well.

If the JMP is a reliable precedent the 800 module should be something special.

Yeah, I was considering buying the 800, but then they discontinued it and there are rumors of a Marshall version, so waiting on that.

I would consider buying an 800 module if I saw one at a good price.

 

[Shask]

The BE-50 Deluxe has more than enough gain for me. I'm guessing the BE-Dlx gain potential is similar, so the Killer Kali seems like it'd be overkill(er).

It can get up to like 90s Megadeth type sounds, so it can get gainy. It is just more polished sounding. It don't do the nastier sounds well. Think pre-5150 Carcass.

 

[Shask]

I’m not sure what kind of modded Marshall sound you’re looking for, @Shask, that you can’t already get from the plethora of Marshall-esque modules available.

That’s a genuine question, by the way.

Personally, I’m more interested in other future modules than even more Marshall-esque options—like that Rockerverb module from this year’s Winter NAMM.

I wouldn't say I can't get sounds, because I have a lot of modules that do different things. However, the specific thing I am talking about is late 80s / early 90s thrash and death metal sounds. Early Carcass, Early Cannibal Corpse, Anthrax, Exodus, Early Fear Factory, Early Sepultura, etc... basically, the boosted / modded 800 heavy sound that was everywhere as the standard heavy sound before the 5150 and Recto came around. It is more aggressive than a modded Plexi sound, but not quite full 5150 yet.

 

[Shask]

The SLO II was another that I returned. I got it with vision of a 90’s EVH sound (before the 5150 endorsement) but I found that my powerball module did that sound and did it better (more tighter)

I have a Jet City head that I did a SLO mod to, so I expect it to be similar. I generally boost it. It kind of reminds me of the missing link between a modded JCM800 and a Dual Recto. It always reminds of a cross of those 2 amps.

 

[Elric]

I wouldn't say I can't get sounds, because I have a lot of modules that do different things. However, the specific thing I am talking about is late 80s / early 90s thrash and death metal sounds. Early Carcass, Early Cannibal Corpse, Anthrax, Exodus, Early Fear Factory, Early Sepultura, etc... basically, the boosted / modded 800 heavy sound that was everywhere as the standard heavy sound before the 5150 and Recto came around. It is more aggressive than a modded Plexi sound, but not quite full 5150 yet.

Have you messed with any of the Fryette modules? They might be viable for you.

 

[Shask]

Have you messed with any of the Fryette modules? They might be viable for you.

Yeah, I have the Ultra Lead. The UL + a Boost like a SD-1 gets some great heavy sounds. It kind of reminds me more of a hi-fi Recto the way I dial it in with a scoop in the graphic.

 

[aivoryuk]

Yeah, I have the Ultra Lead. The UL + a Boost like a SD-1 gets some great heavy sounds. It kind of reminds me more of a hi-fi Recto the way I dial it in with a scoop in the graphic.

I’ve been looking at the ultra lead - I have the deliverance which I like.

 

[GTR37]

I am really hoping that Marshall does the new 800 w the mods when they replace the old 800
The new circuit w tight switch
Bright sw, mid voicing / saturation
Would be a Killer , probably similar to the Cali but a different flavour

 

[Shask]

I’ve been looking at the ultra lead - I have the deliverance which I like.

I am opposite. I have looked at the Deliverance many times, but many people say those 2 modules have a lot of overlap. I dont really want another module that is 90% like another I have. I mean, all of them have a lot of similarities, but that is a little too similar. I like having the graphic on the UL because I can crank the bass to oblivion and scoop the mids more. I think that would be more variable than the depth/presence on the Deliverance.

 

[Shask]

I am really hoping that Marshall does the new 800 w the mods when they replace the old 800
The new circuit w tight switch
Bright sw, mid voicing / saturation
Would be a Killer , probably similar to the Cali but a different flavour

Bonus points if it has the mid shift and resonance from the DSL.

 

[GuitarsnGravel]

I have the Uberschall and the SLO II modules. In my limited experience, the guitar's pickups really matter when pairing with an amp. The SLO II sounds great with 2 of my guitars and not very good with another guitar. The Uberschall does not sound good with the 2 guitars that work with the SLO II but it sounds really good with another one of my instruments. Killer Kali is my next purchase, I'll see which instruments work best with it.

 

[Shask]

I have the Uberschall and the SLO II modules. In my limited experience, the guitar's pickups really matter when pairing with an amp. The SLO II sounds great with 2 of my guitars and not very good with another guitar. The Uberschall does not sound good with the 2 guitars that work with the SLO II but it sounds really good with another one of my instruments. Killer Kali is my next purchase, I'll see which instruments work best with it.

Yeah, I find the Pre-EQ switches on the Uber really depends on the pickups I am using. If I am using quacky pickups, then the whole thing will be super quacky. It really helps tighten up other pickups. The KK is kind of similar in that regard with all the bright switches.

 

[2dor]

For those with the BE-DELUXE module, there's an easy "mod" you can do on the top channel which gives it more bite:

Anyone have a BE Deluxe modded to make it meaner?

Most seem to agree the BE Deluxe are too compressed and polite. The layout and design and MV is killer. I know Dave will mod anything and the trend is to be more raw and open which is what he did with the PT v2. The Deluxe has all the switches but I felt like they are either too bright or dark...

www.rig-talk.com

I did it on mine roughly 2 years ago; was pretty easy and I really like it:

Anyone have a BE Deluxe modded to make it meaner?

So which are the rawest Friedman amps? From what I have read and heard on clips, it seems like the Smallbox, the Runt, and his Pink Taco 2 ( newest) one have the most teeth.

www.rig-talk.com

 

[Shask]

For those with the BE-DELUXE module, there's an easy "mod" you can do on the top channel which gives it more bite:

Anyone have a BE Deluxe modded to make it meaner?

Most seem to agree the BE Deluxe are too compressed and polite. The layout and design and MV is killer. I know Dave will mod anything and the trend is to be more raw and open which is what he did with the PT v2. The Deluxe has all the switches but I felt like they are either too bright or dark...

www.rig-talk.com

I did it on mine roughly 2 years ago; was pretty easy and I really like it:

Anyone have a BE Deluxe modded to make it meaner?

So which are the rawest Friedman amps? From what I have read and heard on clips, it seems like the Smallbox, the Runt, and his Pink Taco 2 ( newest) one have the most teeth.

www.rig-talk.com

Looking into this, I find it interesting that Friedman doesn't seem to use bright caps on the gain knobs. That would definitely make it smoother and less aggressive. That kind of makes me want to modify one of the channels on the BE-Dlx since it has 2 identical channels.

The Be-Dlx with a boost like a SD-1 gets some good sounds also. Helps with adding some aggression it doesn't have on its own.