While I love Henning, disclosing is something that simply is required by law and would get quickly very expensive if not done properly. He is still the greatest … well ok Freddy Mercury seems to be the greatest, but Henning is still close behind. And he is still alive, that is certainly is a big plus!
Exceptional video! Finally good honest demo's of the cab simulated DI (and cab M as well). Sounds very good and definitely useable for many of us who want real amp behind us as backline at a gig and still want DI out to the mixer/PA/IEMS. Goodbye digital for me!
I think one of the reasons the Egnater/Randall never took off as much as was possible was it was too early days for the internet in some ways. I think these days far more people are aware of boutique gear via youtube etc, and so marketing and possibilities of getting a product big purely based on it being good is higher. Those days it still seemed largely a world where the average guitarist on the street only knew Marshall, Mesa, and Fender for amps, with very limited other known brands like Bogner. I was interested in the Egnater back then but was no stores I could buy it from (and was also poorer)!
What would really put this system over the top is an integrated Two Notes circuit in the head, combo and rack units....like the REVV G20. A SYN4 unit that takes effects modules would be great too.
I am always interested in the module stuff, it never is exactly the same (as preamps arent the only thing in an amp) but means you can get an array of tones in one rack.
I'd like to see them add a save patch sound to quickly find a fave sound. Plus that box is it really £500. That's a shocker before you even figure out what preamp you'd want...
Now you can get a Friedman Twin Sister and a Syn2 with two DS modules and have six Dirty Shirly channels! I do wish they had sent you a Syn30 combo so you could discuss the clean channel on that unit.
The whole "great for studio owners who don't like amps" didn't interest me. But as soon as you suggested using the Syn 1 to add a clean or dirt channel/s to amps otherwise unspecialised in those fields that's when I got interested, that'd be so good in a gig especially to minimise your set-up
"You probably don't have a stack of modules" ... yes I do :D Do you get to keep any of the stuff Henning? If so check out the Salvation Audio (from the Vivider pedal and designer of KHKD). He makes insanely awesome mods for this.
Man, why the hate for the Kemper? I'd love a rack full of tube heads but I've got a limited budget and even more limited space with a family and neighbours with limited tolerance for tube amps in the sweetspot. I had a Marshall, had a Two Notes Torpedo... just didn't like the sound and endless problems with WoS... sold them, got a Kemper, love the sounds. The Synergy system has been an exciting prospect since I saw it at NAMM, but doing the maths on this. I use 4 different profiles for two different guitars so that would be 2x Syn2, 4xmodules (and I'd have to compromise as they don't actually do the modules to cover the amp profiles I'm using), 2 x Power amps plus a Two Notes Torpedo Studio/Live.... this doesn't equate to anything like an alternative to using the Kemper or AxeFx or Helix for a lot of people. Even if I stripped it down to two modules it's still going to work out well over a £1000 more than the power rack I've got. The Synergy system is great. I love the concept, love the fact that it's manufacture created but it's as inaccessible price wise for me as the amps themselves really. And if manufacturers have an issue with missing out on Kemper cash because people are selling profiles... then they should make their own... make them well and make them better than the others... I for one would gladly pay a little extra for a manufacturer-endorsed profile pack from the likes of Diezel and Friedman and I suspect I'm not the only one (otherwise why would people ever pay for a profile and not just use RigExchange stuff? They want the real thing, so manufactures should give them the option in the way that Lazy J and Victory did). I find it staggering that they are SO far behind the curve on this that they haven't done that already... how long has the Kemper been around now? I saw an interview with Dave Friedman on TH-cam about this and ventured the same opinion that they should make their own profiles and his attitude was almost 'why bother? Don't like Kemper, Don't like modellers. Like tubes... harrumph'... if that's the prevailing attitude then whose to blame for them missing out on profit? Make a BE100 profile, a Butterslax profile Dave. I'll buy it. I wonder. Do drummers bitch about Superior Drummer and EZDrummer stealing money from the impoverished hands of Pearl or DW or Gretsch? I don't know I don't frequent drum forums?
The best thing is: he says this system is completely okay by his ethical standards (which are illogical but whatever let's assume them) even though they do still have the unbranded "DLX" and "800" modules. They are still copying sounds (circuits even!) without naming them properly and without paying their originators. These are the things he objects to with the Kemper. If you think only "small" companies deserve "fairness" ... well then we are really in crazytown. Some are apparently more equal than others. I put "small" in quotations because those boutique amp makers make a shit tonne of cash from their high priced amps. That is fine, but they don't deserve pity, especially since they have the agency to create businessmodels in which they do earn that cash (through making profiles or making competing hardware like this).
Let me try to make this as short and simple as possible. Manufacturers working with Kemper = recipe for desaster. I'm sure prices of profiles are only a fraction of the prices of Synergy modules no? If manufacturers "sell" Kemper profiles, how much can they earn? In the long run people will start buying Kempers and just buy official profiles, how will MANUFACTURERS make money? Even if they work with Kemper, they would have to make the profiles substantially less accurate or less quality compared to their actual amps to protect themselves from the above mentioned problem. But if they do that, then people won't like those "official" profiles and still choose to buy profiles from individual sellers. Catch my drift? Whereas they can make much more profit from Synergy - enough that they don't mind the slight dent in their own products' sales report.
Gordon Chin explain the fact that Victory and Lazy J both did official profile packs with The Amp Factory and Revv are in the process of developing their own official profile packs (that’s word on the grape vine). Selling profile packs is opening up another revenue stream at minimal outlay to the manufacture not detracting from core business. As a profiler user I’m not anywhere near being in a position to buy either an amp or a Synergy set up so manufacturers are making precisely NO profit from me at all. However if the developed their own official profile packs I’d be a buyer and they’d make money from me (which, once the packs are down will amount to almost pure profit when the initial studio outlay is covered). The mistake is to presume that the profiler market and amp market are always the same. There are many people like me who simply do not have £3k to burn on an amp or a similar amount to address all my set up needs buying Synergy stuff. Simply put the opportunity is there to make money for a tiny initial investment and they appear to have chosen not too. And if that is the case then they need to stop bitching about nasty Kemper users stealing money from them. And as a Kemper user I want more amps made I want more manufactures making boutique products because I love amps and dream of one day owning a shit load. Kemper isn’t going to kill tube amps. No one making quality tubes anymore will kill tube amps.
Gordon Chin, I'm sorry but your "short and simple" math really makes no sense without numbers. 1. I think you're overblowing the profit the amp makers will make on Synergy modules 2. I think you might be underestimating the volumes (amounts sold) of Kemper profiles. Very simple: 1x $10 vs. 10x $1 Without any of those numbers your argument really has no footing. It could go either way and we just don't know. Also: the impact on "would be" sales is very, very difficult to model. You really cannot say one profile or module sold === one less amp sold. That's not how markets work. That impact wll also not be the same for Synergy or Kemper. My hunch is that people who buy Synergy mods _will_ be less inclined to buy the real amps. I'd say most Kemper profile buyers probably wouldn't buy all those amps that they bought profiles for since they are much more bite-sized expenses. Again: this is extremely fuzzy and has interaction effects all over the place, it's just not as simple as it looks.
This is the review I've been patiently waiting to see, and I knew it would be exceptionally well done. I'm waiting on a Revv Generator 7-40 Mk II to be built at the moment but I'm pretty sure a Synergy system is next.
Excellent video. Still trying to figure out if I'd need a power amp for direct recording, or would a Syn-2, module and Two Notes Cab M into my Roland VS2000cd work?
OK this is an awesome demo of these...I'm currently using a Helix LT for live performances because we cover so many different artists...it would be great to use two send/ return channels to patch in a clean Synergy preamp and a drive one to get that genuine tube preamp deal...which two though? Will have to watch this video again to identify the two I would use the most...
I would make your Monster Rack 2 Spaces higher and add a power conditioner and wireless to it ;) This Synergy concept seems to be an amazing tool for guitar sound.
I have a question! Could you wire it from the amps preamp to the syn1 and then back into the power amp ? And then just go straight into your amp from your guitar ? I have a boogie mark IV that comes with a footswitch that lets me have the FX loop activated for separate channels. So I can have the FX loop on me clean channel and then with the press of a Button i go to the lead channel without having the FX loop active. So basically selecting the SYN1 with the boogie footswitch. U get where i am going with this ?
have you tried any of these modules with pedal? It would be cool for example to see how some of them take od pedals to tighten up high gain, or distortion pedals on the cleaner side of the modules! maybe a good video idea?
Theres no reason why they wouldn't play well with pedals. It's mean to function exactly as a real tube amp in the syn50. Even in the Syn1 you're still running the pure, unadulterated preamp exactly as the manufacturer intended.
Why is that 'mounting box' soo expensive? There is no poweramp in it and it costs like €500,-+? Seems like a great idea only too expensive the modual prices i sorta get.... but that 'box' wouldn't pay more than €50 euros for that... is just a box with some outputs and power...
Marcus Heawood lol i know its more than just a box and there ofcourse are some components and wiring going on that being said. It's a relative simple product that for me can't be justified being €500,- or more.
Great concept by Synergy. Many options indeed with great sounds direct from the original manufacturer. Question: do you know why the Plexi and the 800 (obvious JCM800), and both incredible and iconic heads, do not carry the Marshall logo? Any issues there with said British company? Cheers!
Im fixing to go with the synergy set up. I ordered the pre amp and also the 100 watt power amp. I have been using a Kemper set up and Im Wondering if there is a way to hook up the Kemper into the Synergy pre amp and use the Kemper strictly for its effects which I really like.
Is there separate sag for each chnl on a module? Fan noise should be no problem once your making some noise (sound). Can you have four, six or 8eight modules all connected to the power amp and running thru the speakers , so you can use them without rewiring ?
Hi Henning, danke für Deine tollen Videos - ich schreib mal auf deutsch weil ich weiss Du verstehst mich. Gerade WEGEN Deinen Video den Syn 30 mit SLO Modul beim T gekauft. Leider brummt der Amp, auch wenn NIX angeschlossen ist (außer Strom und der Box). Lautstärke auf null. Ist das normal bei den SYN amps? Oder sind Deine lautlos, wenn keine Gitarre eingesteckt ist? Zum üben auf Zimmerlautstärke ist das Brummen echt total nervig.
@@EytschPi42 Vielen Dank für die Prompte Antwort. Deine Tests sind echt super - trotz Sponsoring hat man immer das Gefühl, Du erzählst keinen Quatsch :) Danke und weiter so!
brwcket thing 17:10 totally needs a bar that goes under the strap that you can put under strap, or I also have a couple other ideas about that aside from rack mounting.
I currently am using a HX Stomp into a Blackstar amp using the 4-cable method. I'm wondering if (how?) I can put the docking station between my HX Stomp and the Blackstar so that I can have the following options: 1. Blackstar pre-amp with HX Stomp effects 2. Synergy modules with HX Stomp effects 3. HX Stomp amp modules and effects. (All using the Blackstar power section.) Haven't been able to find anyone doing this (or willing to explain how to do it.)
Cool idea....but I'll stick with my Roland Blues Cube Artist...and if I want , switch my tone capsule...be it a Eric Johnson, Ultimate blues, Robben Ford or New York blues.tone capsules . Maybe not as good as those...but they really and I mean honestly sound excellent, as with these modules...the tone capsules are also a bit pricey, but they completely re- voice the amps sound into the capsule of your choice!
so with the torpedo, you'd use the DI output of the syn-1, just with the cabinet simulator disabled? this way it's not necessary to put a load box or similar in the chain (after all there is a tube in the syn-1, right?)?
I have had to remove my handles. Thats okay i put handles on the sides. That kinda seems like an old late 80s rack unit thingy. So whats cheeper? 2 amps or all the parts you need to get that ready to go out of the house? No power for sim 1?
You forgot an additional single rack space for a power conditioner/surge protector. I wouldn't build a rack without one, especially for a touring professional musician.
Just wanted to say having started my Synergy rig system I really like it, can't see getting tired of it or selling as they are the best sounding amps you will ever play through. I have 2 SYN1's, the Pitbull and Ecstasy modules and man, just fun to play. Fryette is a genius designer. They are all good to fantastic and if you get tired of merely worrying about "do they sound like original" thing which is rather boring after a while, how about can they sound better? I started messing with the option switches inside most of them and you end up with a whole new modified version of that amp structure. I changed my Ecstasy module to the middle position Cathode setting and to the "Air" setting and for me sounds better for my style, does it sound like an Ecstasy amp, I should care really, does it sound amazing and make you want to play, oh hell yes. Great stuff I love it, best thing to happen to the guitar and still within the range of being able to afford it. Getting it piece by piece is just marvelous. I've had my share of amps over the years but I am seriously kicking myself for not going this route over a year ago when it started. New modules are coming out, they are just so secret about it plus the Covid crap is slowing everything down. Going to be some major cool stuff coming in 21. I tried all sorts of modeling adventures the last few years trying to go state of the art tech and really, all gone, back to the tube based amps. Tube are never going to go away, digital is fine for a lot of players, but after I got back into the tube thing, my playing expanded so much and the desire to play and not program a bunch of complex shit is a blessing and a half.
Salvation Mods does this stuff and they nail it. Many pros use them. They will even clone your own amps so you can go on the road with your amps without the real ones getting ruined on the road. Billy Corgan has used them for years. Check em out as well. I like the module idea and the synergy stuff looks cool too.
Janne Oksanen I wouldn’t say cheap but I wouldn’t say expensive either. A typical module is about $550. And I’ve never had a problem getting them as far as availability.
I think the Salvation Audio (Mods) modules are the best sounding modular-preamps on boutique market now. Really! Antonin Salva is the master of this! Check their collection of modules... some of them are clones of really unique and rare vintage amps. salvationaudio.com/index.php?page=modifications
Joris Griffioen I use their fender bassman, Orange or50 & Randy Rhodes Marshall. I have used them with the Randall head that takes em and a external mesa tube power amp. It’s really a cool way to get a ridiculous dream amp type setup. They can do custom mods to the modules or clone whatever. I hope these type of systems get even more popular.
Hallo Henning, eine blöde Frage, da ich gerade daran verzweifele. Kannst du den Syn5050 wirklich in ein Rack einbauen? Die Schrauben an der Seite sind zu dick. Damit sprengt es die Maße der 19'' Racks. 6 Racks habe ich getestet. Keines passt. Die Racks halten sich an die Norm, nur Synergy leider nicht!
@@EytschPi42 Ok, ich hab's gefunden - die Rackspezifikation 450,85 mm und Synergy reizt diese komplett aus. Racks die nicht mit Bohrlöchern sondern Führungsschienen arbeiten haben ca 1 mm weniger - wie zb alle Thon Racks. Damit passen die Schraubköpfe nicht durch die Schienen. Zum Glück hab ich genug Rackequippment - auch ausgemustertes, mit dem ich die kritischen 4 Schrauben ersetzen konnte. Aber schon lustig. seit 25 Jahren das erste Gerät, dass nicht in diese Racks passt.
A guitarists life divides into two parts, first he tries to be like his idol and to get his sound, but then he tries to get his own tone and sound , his own style....
Is the Soldano Module ( with less gain ) closest to Dumble ? Which one is ?..the Fender one did not have the singing cleans nor the clear Overdrive ...
3 years late, but im seriously considering a Synergy amp. I do have a question. With the SYN2 running in stereo, can u run 2 modules as left and right, or is it only one module at a time in stereo?
Do you know how to use the effects loop, when the 5050 is connected to the SYN-2? I have found that when I connect input A&B to L&R main outs (via Manuel instructions), the effects loop in the SYN-2 does not work. Trying to get my delays and reverbs to work. The effects loop worked fine when it was just the SYN-2 was connected to a combo amp. Need some help here!
@@EytschPi42 A friend of mine helped me figure out the problem! I needed an additional guitar cable to connect the right output of my delay pedal to the Right Effects Return in the back of the SYN-2. I previously thought that a connection like this was only for a stereo connection, but in bridge mono, I am still using both 50 watt amps, so the right & left effect returns need to have connections.
I want a 3 or 4 channel module system. I am already doing something similar to this concept with pedals. I originally wanted the Randall M4 preamp. I am very excited to hear the old modules and new modules will work in the SYNEGY system.
@@EytschPi42 I bought it to use with the Vai module. Great recommendation. Now here is the kicker, what do you think is better... The SLO30 had or the SLO module?
People will feel how they will about companies like Kemper. It's similar to a bunch of software companies patenting their modeling process in plugin form. Tech is certainly intellectual property. Look at it from a legal perspective, the livelihood of any product-based company lies within what can be patented. Hardware, circuits, design, trade dress...etc There's no way to patent a sound is there? So just like you can't patent the idea of a stranger coming to pick you up in a car (e.g. Uber vs Yellow Cab), you can't patent a sound (in terms of a guitar tone; jingles and songs, yes), but you can patent your beautifully made, hand-built amp design. Until that changes, this industry will continue on it's current path, taking liberties until there's a lawsuit with a case decision that can influence the market's behavior. Feel how you will about it, but that's just the plain truth.
Hi man! I wanted to buy an ENGL FIREBALL 25 or a SAVAGE 60.. But after your deep and precise review, I had mang doubts due to my quite big pedalboard. Do you think SYNERGY heads (my favourite would be the SYN30.. or even the SYN50 if it works better with pedalboards) might match a pedalboard in front of them? Thank you so much!
no, only power amps need a load. The SYN1 and SYN2 can go direct into a mixing console or audio interface and they sound pretty damn good. If you turn the built in speaker simulation off and use software like the "Wall of Sound" from Two Notes for Impulse Responses from Cabs, you can get a wider variety of sounds and even more realistic ones. In that case the preamp is still totally analog and all tube!
RiffsNReviews you're right, with Egnater and Randall. It's just kind of funny to me, cause I remember thinking about essentially the same idea a while ago, and I just heard about them in this video
I have the SYN 1 and I love it. It's added 2 more channels to my Friedman Small Box 50. My question is...on an amp with no effects loop, is it safe for the amp to run the Syn 1 from the main out into the front of the amp? Thanks!
Awesome! Thanks you for the quick response and for all of your info on this great piece of gear. I'm a bit of a "Tube Nerd" so for me, this thing is a game changer. I play in an 80's arena rock cover band. I plan on gigging this with the Soldano SLO Module into the front of an 18 watt Marshall clone for our smaller venues! Thanks again!!!
@@kshag do you know if you can still use the cab sim if you go from an external power amp section to the di out ? maybe I'm just stupid but every review that I've seen so far seems to avoid that part...
I'm concerned about using in front of any amp..so far my experience is that I get some odd sounds when I do that. Lately I've just been running it into the "Return" jack of an old Marshal DSL 50 basically "Hijacking" the power amp of that head and driving it with the SYN 1 Pre Amp...still not sure if I want to gig that set up with my band.
@@kshag You have a good mind to be concerned. These are preamps, being that these are licensed products, they don't have the same ability to dual as a pedal that can be run in front of an amp. You can buy a fairly cheap tube head (if you prefer) with an fx loop just so you have a decent power amp. Or get something like a Seymour Duncan powerstage...there's enough options these days so you don't have to settle for using something nice like this improperly.
ahahaha: Sitting in front of my computer, watching this, my girlfriend is sitting in the same room, listening for a while and asks:"is he from australia?"-nein, er ist deutscher :D
I've been a Randall Module user for several years . After having my RM20 modded , and having a couple of custom Modules built for me , I have my dream amp. One question about the Synergy 50/50 Power Amp ; is it user Bias friendly ? Oops , 2 questions ; can the 6L6's be switched with EL34's ? Great video !!
Just the low gain "blue" channel. If you can get your hands on a RM4 chassis there is a MIDI mod so you can access all the channels. I don't think there is a way on the board to set the channel, just the three position bias switch. Would be nice if someone came up with a mod for the RM combo amps.
Will be nice in the future to have this set like a helix. Memory on all preamps and effects and cabs . Footswitch and all changes in the same time .that would be the best of the best
They are based on the same design by Egnater. The older systems are compatible with the new ones so if you already own the Randall or Egnater stuff it plugs right in. That is a very smart move by them to keep that community alive.
the first solid state stereo power amplifer i build for 35 years ago 60watt +60watt toroidal trafo 40 00uf caps in powersuply.i have seen peavy bass amp combo with just 4700uf cap in powersuply.point be that the watt claim of most amps are lies.look at the power consumtion.on the sticker at the back off most gear.iff it say it draw 200watt from the wall and it is a solid stade clas a/b type amp you can take that 200watt number and split it in 4-if it say 200watt power consumtion you are lucky if it have 50watt max out + 50 watt stereo-.50% efective. moslty solid state efectivnes is around 50-65% effective.tubes are worsce
i say the prize should match the quality and parts used inside.do not like to pay brand name money.just pay more because it is a brand that are popular.people wants to be fooled when it comes to sound gear anyway.
Fooled? These are officially licensed products, designed by the manufacturer of the brand...they're meant to sound exactly as they intend them to. There's no guesswork here...
I've really been enjoying your videos but would love to see your thoughts on rivera amps. Figured it was a company that you just haven't had a good relationship with so i figured I'd let you know atleast one person wants to see that. ❤
Henning, mad props for disclosing up front that they paid you to do this video. You are the absolute greatest!
it's a moral duty, not to mention legal requirement. something that you're supposed to do is not 'mad props' worthy.
@@the80386 mad propos because, according to reality, almost no one takes the duty to mention there is money going on when they make a review.
Maybe props but not mad.
Except when he sings.....lol
While I love Henning, disclosing is something that simply is required by law and would get quickly very expensive if not done properly. He is still the greatest … well ok Freddy Mercury seems to be the greatest, but Henning is still close behind. And he is still alive, that is certainly is a big plus!
FYI you are my SOLE SOURCE for information on new products. You’re by far the most knowledgeable, thorough and funniest guy out there 🙏🏻
This review was the most thorough I have found that covered more of the overall features - well done
I always thought the MTS setup was awesome and glad to see it resurrected in this.
I am still a fan.
Exceptional video! Finally good honest demo's of the cab simulated DI (and cab M as well). Sounds very good and definitely useable for many of us who want real amp behind us as backline at a gig and still want DI out to the mixer/PA/IEMS. Goodbye digital for me!
super informative - AND the $0.02 comments are THE MOST valuable insights - THANK YOU HenningP!
I think one of the reasons the Egnater/Randall never took off as much as was possible was it was too early days for the internet in some ways. I think these days far more people are aware of boutique gear via youtube etc, and so marketing and possibilities of getting a product big purely based on it being good is higher. Those days it still seemed largely a world where the average guitarist on the street only knew Marshall, Mesa, and Fender for amps, with very limited other known brands like Bogner. I was interested in the Egnater back then but was no stores I could buy it from (and was also poorer)!
(That's a bit of an over-exaggeration, but you get the point...)
@@Piplodocus Randall's set up wasn't exactly user-friendly. Something like that was not really meant as a gigging or touring solution.
What would really put this system over the top is an integrated Two Notes circuit in the head, combo and rack units....like the REVV G20. A SYN4 unit that takes effects modules would be great too.
I am always interested in the module stuff, it never is exactly the same (as preamps arent the only thing in an amp) but means you can get an array of tones in one rack.
I'd like to see them add a save patch sound to quickly find a fave sound. Plus that box is it really £500. That's a shocker before you even figure out what preamp you'd want...
Clever idea, transferring the 500 module concept to the amp world and hoping for the "collect them all" effect.
I think it would be nice if the SYN-2 had the option to run both modules at the same time in stereo. That would be a big game changer to me.
You can with the syn-5050 as far as I am aware
Now you can get a Friedman Twin Sister and a Syn2 with two DS modules and have six Dirty Shirly channels!
I do wish they had sent you a Syn30 combo so you could discuss the clean channel on that unit.
The whole "great for studio owners who don't like amps" didn't interest me. But as soon as you suggested using the Syn 1 to add a clean or dirt channel/s to amps otherwise unspecialised in those fields that's when I got interested, that'd be so good in a gig especially to minimise your set-up
"You probably don't have a stack of modules" ... yes I do :D
Do you get to keep any of the stuff Henning? If so check out the Salvation Audio (from the Vivider pedal and designer of KHKD). He makes insanely awesome mods for this.
I respect that everything is modular. I wonder if they will ever package the syn-2 with the power amp in a single 2 or 3 u space.
Tell Synergy to fab a rack mount kit for the Syn-1. That would be awesome!
Man, why the hate for the Kemper?
I'd love a rack full of tube heads but I've got a limited budget and even more limited space with a family and neighbours with limited tolerance for tube amps in the sweetspot.
I had a Marshall, had a Two Notes Torpedo... just didn't like the sound and endless problems with WoS... sold them, got a Kemper, love the sounds.
The Synergy system has been an exciting prospect since I saw it at NAMM, but doing the maths on this. I use 4 different profiles for two different guitars so that would be 2x Syn2, 4xmodules (and I'd have to compromise as they don't actually do the modules to cover the amp profiles I'm using), 2 x Power amps plus a Two Notes Torpedo Studio/Live.... this doesn't equate to anything like an alternative to using the Kemper or AxeFx or Helix for a lot of people. Even if I stripped it down to two modules it's still going to work out well over a £1000 more than the power rack I've got. The Synergy system is great. I love the concept, love the fact that it's manufacture created but it's as inaccessible price wise for me as the amps themselves really.
And if manufacturers have an issue with missing out on Kemper cash because people are selling profiles... then they should make their own... make them well and make them better than the others... I for one would gladly pay a little extra for a manufacturer-endorsed profile pack from the likes of Diezel and Friedman and I suspect I'm not the only one (otherwise why would people ever pay for a profile and not just use RigExchange stuff? They want the real thing, so manufactures should give them the option in the way that Lazy J and Victory did). I find it staggering that they are SO far behind the curve on this that they haven't done that already... how long has the Kemper been around now?
I saw an interview with Dave Friedman on TH-cam about this and ventured the same opinion that they should make their own profiles and his attitude was almost 'why bother? Don't like Kemper, Don't like modellers. Like tubes... harrumph'... if that's the prevailing attitude then whose to blame for them missing out on profit? Make a BE100 profile, a Butterslax profile Dave. I'll buy it.
I wonder. Do drummers bitch about Superior Drummer and EZDrummer stealing money from the impoverished hands of Pearl or DW or Gretsch? I don't know I don't frequent drum forums?
The best thing is: he says this system is completely okay by his ethical standards (which are illogical but whatever let's assume them) even though they do still have the unbranded "DLX" and "800" modules. They are still copying sounds (circuits even!) without naming them properly and without paying their originators. These are the things he objects to with the Kemper.
If you think only "small" companies deserve "fairness" ... well then we are really in crazytown. Some are apparently more equal than others.
I put "small" in quotations because those boutique amp makers make a shit tonne of cash from their high priced amps. That is fine, but they don't deserve pity, especially since they have the agency to create businessmodels in which they do earn that cash (through making profiles or making competing hardware like this).
Let me try to make this as short and simple as possible.
Manufacturers working with Kemper = recipe for desaster.
I'm sure prices of profiles are only a fraction of the prices of Synergy modules no?
If manufacturers "sell" Kemper profiles, how much can they earn? In the long run people will start buying Kempers and just buy official profiles, how will MANUFACTURERS make money? Even if they work with Kemper, they would have to make the profiles substantially less accurate or less quality compared to their actual amps to protect themselves from the above mentioned problem. But if they do that, then people won't like those "official" profiles and still choose to buy profiles from individual sellers.
Catch my drift?
Whereas they can make much more profit from Synergy - enough that they don't mind the slight dent in their own products' sales report.
Gordon Chin explain the fact that Victory and Lazy J both did official profile packs with The Amp Factory and Revv are in the process of developing their own official profile packs (that’s word on the grape vine).
Selling profile packs is opening up another revenue stream at minimal outlay to the manufacture not detracting from core business. As a profiler user I’m not anywhere near being in a position to buy either an amp or a Synergy set up so manufacturers are making precisely NO profit from me at all. However if the developed their own official profile packs I’d be a buyer and they’d make money from me (which, once the packs are down will amount to almost pure profit when the initial studio outlay is covered).
The mistake is to presume that the profiler market and amp market are always the same. There are many people like me who simply do not have £3k to burn on an amp or a similar amount to address all my set up needs buying Synergy stuff.
Simply put the opportunity is there to make money for a tiny initial investment and they appear to have chosen not too. And if that is the case then they need to stop bitching about nasty Kemper users stealing money from them.
And as a Kemper user I want more amps made I want more manufactures making boutique products because I love amps and dream of one day owning a shit load.
Kemper isn’t going to kill tube amps. No one making quality tubes anymore will kill tube amps.
Gordon Chin, I'm sorry but your "short and simple" math really makes no sense without numbers.
1. I think you're overblowing the profit the amp makers will make on Synergy modules
2. I think you might be underestimating the volumes (amounts sold) of Kemper profiles.
Very simple: 1x $10 vs. 10x $1
Without any of those numbers your argument really has no footing. It could go either way and we just don't know.
Also: the impact on "would be" sales is very, very difficult to model. You really cannot say one profile or module sold === one less amp sold. That's not how markets work. That impact wll also not be the same for Synergy or Kemper. My hunch is that people who buy Synergy mods _will_ be less inclined to buy the real amps. I'd say most Kemper profile buyers probably wouldn't buy all those amps that they bought profiles for since they are much more bite-sized expenses. Again: this is extremely fuzzy and has interaction effects all over the place, it's just not as simple as it looks.
You can just take the cab sim straight out of the syn-2 without the power amp or the two notes (+kempers are beast as well)
Henning, you MUST make a video of this setup with a Boss ES-8!
This is the review I've been patiently waiting to see, and I knew it would be exceptionally well done. I'm waiting on a Revv Generator 7-40 Mk II to be built at the moment but I'm pretty sure a Synergy system is next.
Morgan Friedman at 03:51. Man, that was funny - still giggling about it now... :-)
...that's what she said...
Synergy. Is cool but take the time to check out the Blackwidow MGP-1A, analog tube modeling guitar preamp, you’re in for a real surprise!!
Excellent video. Still trying to figure out if I'd need a power amp for direct recording, or would a Syn-2, module and Two Notes Cab M into my Roland VS2000cd work?
OK this is an awesome demo of these...I'm currently using a Helix LT for live performances because we cover so many different artists...it would be great to use two send/ return channels to patch in a clean Synergy preamp and a drive one to get that genuine tube preamp deal...which two though? Will have to watch this video again to identify the two I would use the most...
I would make your Monster Rack 2 Spaces higher and add a power conditioner and wireless to it ;) This Synergy concept seems to be an amazing tool for guitar sound.
Great overview, and super informative. Definitely an advantage for the studio that wants to offer the guitarists options.
So far the best demo!!! Thank you 🙏
I have a question! Could you wire it from the amps preamp to the syn1 and then back into the power amp ? And then just go straight into your amp from your guitar ? I have a boogie mark IV that comes with a footswitch that lets me have the FX loop activated for separate channels. So I can have the FX loop on me clean channel and then with the press of a Button i go to the lead channel without having the FX loop active. So basically selecting the SYN1 with the boogie footswitch. U get where i am going with this ?
have you tried any of these modules with pedal? It would be cool for example to see how some of them take od pedals to tighten up high gain, or distortion pedals on the cleaner side of the modules! maybe a good video idea?
Theres no reason why they wouldn't play well with pedals. It's mean to function exactly as a real tube amp in the syn50. Even in the Syn1 you're still running the pure, unadulterated preamp exactly as the manufacturer intended.
I wish they made something like for bass,,,(i,e markbass, TC, GK, Ampeg)
Why is that 'mounting box' soo expensive? There is no poweramp in it and it costs like €500,-+? Seems like a great idea only too expensive the modual prices i sorta get.... but that 'box' wouldn't pay more than €50 euros for that... is just a box with some outputs and power...
jan de man I was thinking the same thing. Makes this package less appealing
Bruno does a great R2!
Wow, you should be an engineer, you're obviously completely wasted in the food and beverage service industry.
Marcus Heawood lol i know its more than just a box and there ofcourse are some components and wiring going on that being said. It's a relative simple product that for me can't be justified being €500,- or more.
R & D (research and development) goes into a great product, and someone must pay for it I guess. FWIW
Great concept by Synergy. Many options indeed with great sounds direct from the original manufacturer. Question: do you know why the Plexi and the 800 (obvious JCM800), and both incredible and iconic heads, do not carry the Marshall logo? Any issues there with said British company? Cheers!
I have seen the Marshall logo on a fridge (for guitar stores, made to look like an amp) so it must be possible.
Dude u got to tell me what kind of guitar did use its fantastic 2 humbuckers an maple fret board I want one so bad love the syn stuff
Im fixing to go with the synergy set up. I ordered the pre amp and also the 100 watt power amp. I have been using a Kemper set up and Im Wondering if there is a way to hook up the Kemper into the Synergy pre amp and use the Kemper strictly for its effects which I really like.
Is there separate sag for each chnl on a module?
Fan noise should be no problem once your making some noise (sound).
Can you have four, six or 8eight modules all connected to the power amp and running thru the speakers , so you can use them without rewiring ?
Hi Henning, danke für Deine tollen Videos - ich schreib mal auf deutsch weil ich weiss Du verstehst mich. Gerade WEGEN Deinen Video den Syn 30 mit SLO Modul beim T gekauft. Leider brummt der Amp, auch wenn NIX angeschlossen ist (außer Strom und der Box). Lautstärke auf null. Ist das normal bei den SYN amps? Oder sind Deine lautlos, wenn keine Gitarre eingesteckt ist? Zum üben auf Zimmerlautstärke ist das Brummen echt total nervig.
nee... das soll so nicht sein, da stimmt was nicht.
@@EytschPi42 Vielen Dank für die Prompte Antwort. Deine Tests sind echt super - trotz Sponsoring hat man immer das Gefühl, Du erzählst keinen Quatsch :) Danke und weiter so!
brwcket thing 17:10 totally needs a bar that goes under the strap that you can put under strap, or I also have a couple other ideas about that aside from rack mounting.
I currently am using a HX Stomp into a Blackstar amp using the 4-cable method. I'm wondering if (how?) I can put the docking station between my HX Stomp and the Blackstar so that I can have the following options:
1. Blackstar pre-amp with HX Stomp effects
2. Synergy modules with HX Stomp effects
3. HX Stomp amp modules and effects.
(All using the Blackstar power section.)
Haven't been able to find anyone doing this (or willing to explain how to do it.)
How about changing the tubes on the modules and other units?
Seymour Duncan had in 80's Convertible combo and head that had modules just like those.
two modules in combo and head.
Randall also did something similar to this a while back...plenty of reasons each of these never made much commercial success though.
Nice review. Open and honest all the way. Why I like your reviews and critiques....
"Back to me" ...
-Henning Pauly
I would love a demo of the Fryette module
Cool idea....but I'll stick with my Roland Blues Cube Artist...and if I want , switch my tone capsule...be it a Eric Johnson, Ultimate blues, Robben Ford or New York blues.tone capsules .
Maybe not as good as those...but they really and I mean honestly sound excellent, as with these modules...the tone capsules are also a bit pricey, but they completely re- voice the amps sound into the capsule of your choice!
so with the torpedo, you'd use the DI output of the syn-1, just with the cabinet simulator disabled? this way it's not necessary to put a load box or similar in the chain (after all there is a tube in the syn-1, right?)?
I have had to remove my handles. Thats okay i put handles on the sides. That kinda seems like an old late 80s rack unit thingy. So whats cheeper? 2 amps or all the parts you need to get that ready to go out of the house? No power for sim 1?
You forgot an additional single rack space for a power conditioner/surge protector. I wouldn't build a rack without one, especially for a touring professional musician.
There is more now to know. So how about that Synergy Playlist? (gentle nudge)
Great idea
Just wanted to say having started my Synergy rig system I really like it, can't see getting tired of it or selling as they are the best sounding amps you will ever play through. I have 2 SYN1's, the Pitbull and Ecstasy modules and man, just fun to play. Fryette is a genius designer. They are all good to fantastic and if you get tired of merely worrying about "do they sound like original" thing which is rather boring after a while, how about can they sound better? I started messing with the option switches inside most of them and you end up with a whole new modified version of that amp structure. I changed my Ecstasy module to the middle position Cathode setting and to the "Air" setting and for me sounds better for my style, does it sound like an Ecstasy amp, I should care really, does it sound amazing and make you want to play, oh hell yes. Great stuff I love it, best thing to happen to the guitar and still within the range of being able to afford it. Getting it piece by piece is just marvelous. I've had my share of amps over the years but I am seriously kicking myself for not going this route over a year ago when it started. New modules are coming out, they are just so secret about it plus the Covid crap is slowing everything down. Going to be some major cool stuff coming in 21. I tried all sorts of modeling adventures the last few years trying to go state of the art tech and really, all gone, back to the tube based amps. Tube are never going to go away, digital is fine for a lot of players, but after I got back into the tube thing, my playing expanded so much and the desire to play and not program a bunch of complex shit is a blessing and a half.
Salvation Mods does this stuff and they nail it. Many pros use them. They will even clone your own amps so you can go on the road with your amps without the real ones getting ruined on the road. Billy Corgan has used them for years. Check em out as well. I like the module idea and the synergy stuff looks cool too.
Those modules ain't cheap, though. And they're getting harder to get all the time.
Janne Oksanen I wouldn’t say cheap but I wouldn’t say expensive either. A typical module is about $550. And I’ve never had a problem getting them as far as availability.
Salvation Mods is awesome, what modules do you use?
I think the Salvation Audio (Mods) modules are the best sounding modular-preamps on boutique market now. Really! Antonin Salva is the master of this! Check their collection of modules... some of them are clones of really unique and rare vintage amps. salvationaudio.com/index.php?page=modifications
Joris Griffioen I use their fender bassman, Orange or50 & Randy Rhodes Marshall. I have used them with the Randall head that takes em and a external mesa tube power amp. It’s really a cool way to get a ridiculous dream amp type setup. They can do custom mods to the modules or clone whatever. I hope these type of systems get even more popular.
Stereo effects that’s the clincher thanx so much for covering that
Hallo Henning, eine blöde Frage, da ich gerade daran verzweifele. Kannst du den Syn5050 wirklich in ein Rack einbauen? Die Schrauben an der Seite sind zu dick. Damit sprengt es die Maße der 19'' Racks. 6 Racks habe ich getestet. Keines passt. Die Racks halten sich an die Norm, nur Synergy leider nicht!
das ist merkwürdig... ich sehe es immer in Racks, habe es aber selbst noch nicht eingebaut.
Hast Du Synergy schonmal kontaktiert?
@@EytschPi42 Ok, ich hab's gefunden - die Rackspezifikation 450,85 mm und Synergy reizt diese komplett aus. Racks die nicht mit Bohrlöchern sondern Führungsschienen arbeiten haben ca 1 mm weniger - wie zb alle Thon Racks. Damit passen die Schraubköpfe nicht durch die Schienen. Zum Glück hab ich genug Rackequippment - auch ausgemustertes, mit dem ich die kritischen 4 Schrauben ersetzen konnte. Aber schon lustig. seit 25 Jahren das erste Gerät, dass nicht in diese Racks passt.
A guitarists life divides into two parts, first he tries to be like his idol and to get his sound, but then he tries to get his own tone and sound , his own style....
Yes and now my playing style is that of a Vai Santana hybrid
Is the Soldano Module ( with less gain ) closest to Dumble ? Which one is ?..the Fender one did not have the singing cleans nor the clear Overdrive ...
try the OS module, that’s a dumble
@@EytschPi42 Thanks are you the manufacturer ? I don't own one but may if the gain is clear enough. Have you tried a JJ Longplate in there ?
Just awesome - fantastic vid, fantastic product - end.
Do they come with the dock?
Also ist das so ähnlich wie beim Randall RM?
I would like to hear the Syn 1 into an amp that doesn't have an fx loop, like my MusicMan HD150 or through a amp that has a solid state power amp.
These are pre-amps, they're meant to be used in the FX loop. Or direct into interface/ mixing desk at front of house.
I also am curious how a tube screamer sounds with the Plexi????
Can you use these WITHOUT the docks, when using a guitar amp?
no
3 years late, but im seriously considering a Synergy amp. I do have a question. With the SYN2 running in stereo, can u run 2 modules as left and right, or is it only one module at a time in stereo?
only one
@@EytschPi42 gotchya. Thanks man. Definitely going to start saving up and get the SYN2.
Do you know how to use the effects loop, when the 5050 is connected to the SYN-2?
I have found that when I connect input A&B to L&R main outs (via Manuel instructions), the effects loop in the SYN-2 does not work.
Trying to get my delays and reverbs to work. The effects loop worked fine when it was just the SYN-2 was connected to a combo amp. Need some help here!
It should work like any other FX loop... FX loop out to pedals, FX loope return comes back from the pedals
@@EytschPi42 definitely does not work. I’m in contact with Synergy now. Thanks
@@EytschPi42 A friend of mine helped me figure out the problem!
I needed an additional guitar cable to connect the right output of my delay pedal to the Right Effects Return in the back of the SYN-2.
I previously thought that a connection like this was only for a stereo connection, but in bridge mono, I am still using both 50 watt amps, so the right & left effect returns need to have connections.
I want a 3 or 4 channel module system. I am already doing something similar to this concept with pedals. I originally wanted the Randall M4 preamp. I am very excited to hear the old modules and new modules will work in the SYNEGY system.
Haha, I still have some of the Randall Modules for sale. And the Musicstore near my place did still have some amps and modules
Can you run the SYN1 straight into a set of computer monitor speakers?
Do you like the syn 5050 or the synergy head better?
head
@@EytschPi42 I bought it to use with the Vai module. Great recommendation. Now here is the kicker, what do you think is better... The SLO30 had or the SLO module?
Hello, I want to connect the Syn 2 + Syn 5050 and go directly to the interface, how is it connected?
you want to go to the interface BEHIND the power amp?
For that you would need a loadbox and IR loader...
@@EytschPi42 I have the torpedo captor 16, can I go from the 5050 to the torpedo and from there to the interface?
0:16 - 0:23 is there a full version of this song?
at 30:47 how would link up 3 syn-2 units to the power amp?
Can I just run the the 3 Chanel in my Marshall mk11 100 watt lead with no power unit?
People will feel how they will about companies like Kemper. It's similar to a bunch of software companies patenting their modeling process in plugin form. Tech is certainly intellectual property. Look at it from a legal perspective, the livelihood of any product-based company lies within what can be patented. Hardware, circuits, design, trade dress...etc There's no way to patent a sound is there? So just like you can't patent the idea of a stranger coming to pick you up in a car (e.g. Uber vs Yellow Cab), you can't patent a sound (in terms of a guitar tone; jingles and songs, yes), but you can patent your beautifully made, hand-built amp design. Until that changes, this industry will continue on it's current path, taking liberties until there's a lawsuit with a case decision that can influence the market's behavior. Feel how you will about it, but that's just the plain truth.
Hi man!
I wanted to buy an ENGL FIREBALL 25 or a SAVAGE 60..
But after your deep and precise review, I had mang doubts due to my quite big pedalboard.
Do you think SYNERGY heads (my favourite would be the SYN30.. or even the SYN50 if it works better with pedalboards) might match a pedalboard in front of them?
Thank you so much!
Hey guys... i want to know song names in this video at 0:17 Please:)
When using the Syn 2, will you need a loadbox? Is it only the power amp that needs a load, or dows the preamp also need one?
no, only power amps need a load. The SYN1 and SYN2 can go direct into a mixing console or audio interface and they sound pretty damn good. If you turn the built in speaker simulation off and use software like the "Wall of Sound" from Two Notes for Impulse Responses from Cabs, you can get a wider variety of sounds and even more realistic ones. In that case the preamp is still totally analog and all tube!
What was the module used with the music man y2d? Sounded incredible
hello The power supply for the midi foot controller gets plugged in to the phantom power input in the back of the syn-2
I'd LOVE to know how they sound on my VHT 2502 in stereo????
Another idea I came up with years ago... although this has the actual companies making stuff, so that's better
These products have been on the market for 15 years, so not really a "new" idea.
RiffsNReviews you're right, with Egnater and Randall. It's just kind of funny to me, cause I remember thinking about essentially the same idea a while ago, and I just heard about them in this video
I share this video alot to explain the modules
I have the SYN 1 and I love it. It's added 2 more channels to my Friedman Small Box 50. My question is...on an amp with no effects loop, is it safe for the amp to run the Syn 1 from the main out into the front of the amp? Thanks!
yes, you can do that, it’s safe.
Awesome! Thanks you for the quick response and for all of your info on this great piece of gear. I'm a bit of a "Tube Nerd" so for me, this thing is a game changer. I play in an 80's arena rock cover band. I plan on gigging this with the Soldano SLO Module into the front of an 18 watt Marshall clone for our smaller venues! Thanks again!!!
@@kshag do you know if you can still use the cab sim if you go from an external power amp section to the di out ? maybe I'm just stupid but every review that I've seen so far seems to avoid that part...
I'm concerned about using in front of any amp..so far my experience is that I get some odd sounds when I do that. Lately I've just been running it into the "Return" jack of an old Marshal DSL 50 basically "Hijacking" the power amp of that head and driving it with the SYN 1 Pre Amp...still not sure if I want to gig that set up with my band.
@@kshag You have a good mind to be concerned. These are preamps, being that these are licensed products, they don't have the same ability to dual as a pedal that can be run in front of an amp. You can buy a fairly cheap tube head (if you prefer) with an fx loop just so you have a decent power amp. Or get something like a Seymour Duncan powerstage...there's enough options these days so you don't have to settle for using something nice like this improperly.
ahahaha: Sitting in front of my computer, watching this, my girlfriend is sitting in the same room, listening for a while and asks:"is he from australia?"-nein, er ist deutscher :D
No, but I am ;)
I've been a Randall Module user for several years . After having my RM20 modded , and having a couple of custom Modules built for me , I have my dream amp. One question about the Synergy 50/50 Power Amp ; is it user Bias friendly ? Oops , 2 questions ; can the 6L6's be switched with EL34's ? Great video !!
my question is will these modules work with the randall rm100
My DS module works with the RM50. But you only have the one channel of the module.
AndersonCustomGuitar which channel or can you set it to one channel vs the other
Just the low gain "blue" channel. If you can get your hands on a RM4 chassis there is a MIDI mod so you can access all the channels. I don't think there is a way on the board to set the channel, just the three position bias switch. Would be nice if someone came up with a mod for the RM combo amps.
Will be nice in the future to have this set like a helix. Memory on all preamps and effects and cabs . Footswitch and all changes in the same time .that would be the best of the best
Excellent review & criticism as usual, keep up the good perspective that you always seem to bring to us MUSICAL JUNKIES!
Les Paul into a Plexi. Job Done!
Waiting the availability in Europe
Randall did this same kind of system years ago...
and this one is based on the Randall System
They are based on the same design by Egnater. The older systems are compatible with the new ones so if you already own the Randall or Egnater stuff it plugs right in. That is a very smart move by them to keep that community alive.
And it never made much commercial success...don't need to wonder why.
Thank You!
Can i put a randall mts module in synergy syn1 preamp?
If you use a rack mounted power supply you can turn on the power amp instantly...
the first solid state stereo power amplifer i build for 35 years ago 60watt +60watt toroidal trafo 40 00uf caps in powersuply.i have seen peavy bass amp combo with just 4700uf cap in powersuply.point be that the watt claim of most amps are lies.look at the power consumtion.on the sticker at the back off most gear.iff it say it draw 200watt from the wall and it is a solid stade clas a/b type amp you can take that 200watt number and split it in 4-if it say 200watt power consumtion you are lucky if it have 50watt max out + 50 watt stereo-.50% efective. moslty solid state efectivnes is around 50-65% effective.tubes are worsce
Any clean sounds?
yes, the AC, BMan and TDlx modules... awesome!
Do you watch a lot of Flintstones growing up or Bam Bam.
great info thanks🤟
Can we see some comparisons since you probly have most of these real amps
yes, in the individual module videos
i say the prize should match the quality and parts used inside.do not like to pay brand name money.just pay more because it is a brand that are popular.people wants to be fooled when it comes to sound gear anyway.
Fooled? These are officially licensed products, designed by the manufacturer of the brand...they're meant to sound exactly as they intend them to. There's no guesswork here...
I've really been enjoying your videos but would love to see your thoughts on rivera amps. Figured it was a company that you just haven't had a good relationship with so i figured I'd let you know atleast one person wants to see that. ❤
I have had no contact with them so far... maybe I‘ll see if they are at Namm....
EytschPi42 i hope so! Thank you
So if you have a Syn2 in stereo, you'll only have 2 channels? As both modules either side will be playing simultaneously?
no, it is the FX loop that is turning it stereo. You still have 4 channels.
U guitar youtubers sure have a lot of stuff.
Did they shit can the syn 1 bracket idea I cannot find it anywhere?!.
I think they never did it