Synergy has been killing it lately. Never thought I could afford to own so many of my favorite tube amps before. The fact that Synergy actually work with the original amp brands, and are all tube, puts them way above all those digital modelers to me.
Incredible sounds! Thanks for doing it justice! Given that you also owned a real Z Wreck, we can really appreciate how you dialed it in to give up the goods!
@DrZAmplification I have several modules and I love them all but the Z Wreck module really is on another level. I don't know if it is the phase inverter 0 watt poweramp that makes the difference or whatever it is but this module is just so amazing! This module is by far my favourite...so great great job with this one!
Randall MTS and Egnater made some great modules as well...I gigged a Randall MTS 50 head (thank you Randall) supporting Cyndi Lauper in the USA about 15 years ago and it sounded killer. At some point Ive got to give the Synergy stuff a go as they sound like the next step up from the original concept...note to self "find a cure for GAS" Great vid Studio Rats
sounds like a vox and matchless had a big baby and sounds amazing. that les paul sounded perfect and classic. what a rig. amazed at how it sounds and looks to feel like a class A amp too.
I just bought the Synergy Syn-2 (2 module rack unit) and a KSR PA50 (6V6 tube power amp 50 watts), along with a BMan module, Engl Powerball module, & a Bogner Uberschall module. In total that setup was $2,800.00 (all used and bought on Reverb). However, I priced the amps separately and those three amplifiers alone would have cost $7,950.00. As someone that has been saving for a Marshall JVM head (usually runs $3,800). But the main issue is this. I want a Fender Bassman edge of breakup clean tone, a JCM 45 crunch tone, and the Uberschall's rhythm and lead channels. But I'm not dragging those two huge amps and cabinets around from gig to gig or from rehearsal to rehearsal. But now, in a rack mounted setup I have the cleans, crunch, rhythm, & leads tones from drastically different amp manufacturers for less than the price of 1 Engle Powerball 100 which costs $2,500.00 alone. God bless the Synergy Brand/team
Synergy has been the only company to get me to switch to a rack system and not regret it in any way. Im using the Fryette 2/50/2 and 2/90/2 power amps though :)
I have the VHT Classic. I used to have a 2150, but I sold it and got the Classic with those EL-34s. Been running modular preamp for 10 years, Randall RM4 and modules from Salvation and Jaded Faith and some from Bruce Egnater. It sounds great in stereo.
This is what they need. Kingsley makes a tube phase inverter pedal called the Hatchet that can be run after their tube preamps like the Constable and others and makes it sound like the full amp. Also Kourbis Tube preamps include the phase inverter in their tube preamp pedals. The Kourbis Plexivibe (I have one of these) is like my Plexi when I’m using my PPIMV to keep volume low but still crank it. Their Cockney Riot pedal is like a JCM800 - they all have a Master knob which is overall pedal output, then a Volume knob which sounds like a Master volume but is driving phase inverter, then a Gain knob which is the preamp gain. They sound like the full amps though. I plan on getting their Cockney Riot pedal too. How you can make your current tube preamp or Synergy module sound like this Z Wreck or like the Kourbis pedals or Hatchet pedal, is by getting an Axiom Effects PAE-2 Power Amp Emulator pedal. I have two PAE-1’s and on the waitlist for the PAE-2, but it has controls for Negative Feedback, Bias, PI Gain (this is one control that will add that PI Tube saturation), Master, Atten (like a reverse volume and is actual overall pedal output - turn it up and it attenuates output more), Rectifier type (pick SS or dial in a few rectifier tube types), power tube type, and power (headroom control - 5w to 100w on the dial), toggle for cathode bias/fixed bias, toggle for push-pull/single ended. These are analog 9v pedals doing the best tube power amp emulation and will make your tube preamp (including the synergy modules) sound like the big full amps. I do hope Synergy reworks their modules, but for now I use my PAE-1 after my tube preamp (or just use my Kourbis Plexivibe on its own) to get that big full amp sound. Just send the signal after the PAE-1 to a very clean tube or solid state power amp and you have the big full amp sound. A Hatchet pedal from Kingsley after would also work. Hatchet is a custom order item and they are over $400 I think. I’ve just seen used ones in the $600 range. The PAE-1 cost me $250 and the new PAE-2 which includes presence and resonance controls, will be $263 when it ships. 24 week waitlist approximately right now. Internally they have a flyback voltage control and impedance control too. Uncanny tube power amp emulation to run after your preamp pedal or synergy system.
@@vondragonnogginI have a Hatchet. I run it after a Rocktron Valvesonic Plexi preamp, it’s amazing. I also have a Randall RM4 and about 8-10 modules. Mostly custom modules from Salvation and Jaded Faith. I also have a Metroplex module. That Hatchet will be with me forever. I run a hot preamp signal into, and it gets that awesome power amp compression/breakup.
Someday they will need a Burns Case! To hold 13 modules in one nice pelican briefcase 💼 and have them captivate into the case so they can be shown easily!
If this was available 10 yrs ago I would have gotten this instead of my amps because it’s just less maintenance. But it has to be really good. Yea that’s fun buying the different modules. I wonder how it takes pedals.
I also have the Syn30 head with the Morgan AC and Friedman BB/BE modules and it is a fantastic pedal platform and easy to find that edge of breakup range. I so want this Z-wreck. I almost ordered it yesterday.
Sounds epic! Can this be plugged straight into an FRFR cab or PA and used as an amp like the Dream 65 can? Can the Preamp be used by itself without being put in a Synergy amp dock?
The system requires the receiving element but I will tell you the cab sim on the output is very useable on my Syn 30 head. I run it as a stereo rig with Synergy direct and a Bogner 4x12 closed back cab with Wizard Rock 20s (Greenbackish). Sounds very close.
Just to clarify ,my poor understanding. You need to buy the head and then get the different pre-amp modules to make this work? You can't buy them and simply plug a guitar in and get the tone. Forgive my ignorance.
@@TheStudioRatsI have heard - though not confirmed, that the Syn 30 sounds a little sweeter than the 50 watters. But having Two modules sure would be handy. I like that they use Creambacks in the combos. I really need to get more cab options. Greenback type speakers seem to follow me all the days of my life!
Synergy has been killing it lately. Never thought I could afford to own so many of my favorite tube amps before. The fact that Synergy actually work with the original amp brands, and are all tube, puts them way above all those digital modelers to me.
Incredible sounds! Thanks for doing it justice! Given that you also owned a real Z Wreck, we can really appreciate how you dialed it in to give up the goods!
Thanks you Dr Z this one rocks
Is it wrong that I read your post with your voice talking in my head? 😅❤
@DrZAmplification I have several modules and I love them all but the Z Wreck module really is on another level. I don't know if it is the phase inverter 0 watt poweramp that makes the difference or whatever it is but this module is just so amazing! This module is by far my favourite...so great great job with this one!
Randall MTS and Egnater made some great modules as well...I gigged a Randall MTS 50 head (thank you Randall) supporting Cyndi Lauper in the USA about 15 years ago and it sounded killer. At some point Ive got to give the Synergy stuff a go as they sound like the next step up from the original concept...note to self "find a cure for GAS" Great vid Studio Rats
I’ve always been a huge fan of the Z Wreck. The Synergy version sounds freaking awesome!! Thanks so much for the killer demo.
Awesome demo guys! Synergy continues to innovate something new in theses modules. This one is for sure going to be a winner!
Excellent job guys of presenting the Z wreck module, thanks. Also some brilliant playing as well !
Cheers Doc
sounds like a vox and matchless had a big baby and sounds amazing. that les paul sounded perfect and classic. what a rig. amazed at how it sounds and looks to feel like a class A amp too.
You guys do a great job, i can always make a real determination from your demos
I just bought the Synergy Syn-2 (2 module rack unit) and a KSR PA50 (6V6 tube power amp 50 watts), along with a BMan module, Engl Powerball module, & a Bogner Uberschall module. In total that setup was $2,800.00 (all used and bought on Reverb). However, I priced the amps separately and those three amplifiers alone would have cost $7,950.00. As someone that has been saving for a Marshall JVM head (usually runs $3,800). But the main issue is this. I want a Fender Bassman edge of breakup clean tone, a JCM 45 crunch tone, and the Uberschall's rhythm and lead channels. But I'm not dragging those two huge amps and cabinets around from gig to gig or from rehearsal to rehearsal. But now, in a rack mounted setup I have the cleans, crunch, rhythm, & leads tones from drastically different amp manufacturers for less than the price of 1 Engle Powerball 100 which costs $2,500.00 alone. God bless the Synergy Brand/team
Wow, Killer Sound... now i want one!
Synergy has been the only company to get me to switch to a rack system and not regret it in any way. Im using the Fryette 2/50/2 and 2/90/2 power amps though :)
Which mods are you running? I have the 2/50/2 and love it.
I have the VHT Classic. I used to have a 2150, but I sold it and got the Classic with those EL-34s.
Been running modular preamp for 10 years, Randall RM4 and modules from Salvation and Jaded Faith and some from Bruce Egnater.
It sounds great in stereo.
I hope synergy incorporates this phase inverter concept into the Metro and other vintage style amps
Me too
This is what they need. Kingsley makes a tube phase inverter pedal called the Hatchet that can be run after their tube preamps like the Constable and others and makes it sound like the full amp. Also Kourbis Tube preamps include the phase inverter in their tube preamp pedals. The Kourbis Plexivibe (I have one of these) is like my Plexi when I’m using my PPIMV to keep volume low but still crank it. Their Cockney Riot pedal is like a JCM800 - they all have a Master knob which is overall pedal output, then a Volume knob which sounds like a Master volume but is driving phase inverter, then a Gain knob which is the preamp gain. They sound like the full amps though. I plan on getting their Cockney Riot pedal too. How you can make your current tube preamp or Synergy module sound like this Z Wreck or like the Kourbis pedals or Hatchet pedal, is by getting an Axiom Effects PAE-2 Power Amp Emulator pedal. I have two PAE-1’s and on the waitlist for the PAE-2, but it has controls for Negative Feedback, Bias, PI Gain (this is one control that will add that PI Tube saturation), Master, Atten (like a reverse volume and is actual overall pedal output - turn it up and it attenuates output more), Rectifier type (pick SS or dial in a few rectifier tube types), power tube type, and power (headroom control - 5w to 100w on the dial), toggle for cathode bias/fixed bias, toggle for push-pull/single ended. These are analog 9v pedals doing the best tube power amp emulation and will make your tube preamp (including the synergy modules) sound like the big full amps. I do hope Synergy reworks their modules, but for now I use my PAE-1 after my tube preamp (or just use my Kourbis Plexivibe on its own) to get that big full amp sound. Just send the signal after the PAE-1 to a very clean tube or solid state power amp and you have the big full amp sound. A Hatchet pedal from Kingsley after would also work. Hatchet is a custom order item and they are over $400 I think. I’ve just seen used ones in the $600 range. The PAE-1 cost me $250 and the new PAE-2 which includes presence and resonance controls, will be $263 when it ships. 24 week waitlist approximately right now. Internally they have a flyback voltage control and impedance control too. Uncanny tube power amp emulation to run after your preamp pedal or synergy system.
@@vondragonnogginI have a Hatchet. I run it after a Rocktron Valvesonic Plexi preamp, it’s amazing. I also have a Randall RM4 and about 8-10 modules. Mostly custom modules from Salvation and Jaded Faith. I also have a Metroplex module.
That Hatchet will be with me forever. I run a hot preamp signal into, and it gets that awesome power amp compression/breakup.
You guys are making it tough for me to decide on which amp to buy. So many choices.
Oh my dear lord .....Take my money ....NOW! Should go nicely with my Morgan module in my Syn50 :-)
The opening clean tone is exactly what I want to get from a Vox style amp.
Great video. Thank you kindly gentlemen. Cheers
anytime
Sounds Fantastic!
Cheers Joe!
The best video yet .....again .
Yeahh!
They made it at last!😊
Yeah its killer!
Sounds pretty mean and sweet!
Someday they will need a Burns Case! To hold 13 modules in one nice pelican briefcase 💼 and have them captivate into the case so they can be shown easily!
Jivey riffin' 😮😮😮
Yeahhhhhhh get in there! 💪
This sounds killer , Paul can you comment on your Pickups in that guitar are they stock , or something else ?
If this was available 10 yrs ago I would have gotten this instead of my amps because it’s just less maintenance. But it has to be really good. Yea that’s fun buying the different modules. I wonder how it takes pedals.
I also have the Syn30 head with the Morgan AC and Friedman BB/BE modules and it is a fantastic pedal platform and easy to find that edge of breakup range. I so want this Z-wreck. I almost ordered it yesterday.
Sounds great! Could have missed it but how does it clean up with the volume knob?
The intro is with the volume on the guitar turned back to 4 then full up.
@@TheStudioRats Thanks!
I can’t have a Dr z wreck cuz it’s too loud 😂 thanks synergy
Sounds epic! Can this be plugged straight into an FRFR cab or PA and used as an amp like the Dream 65 can? Can the Preamp be used by itself without being put in a Synergy amp dock?
The system requires the receiving element but I will tell you the cab sim on the output is very useable on my Syn 30 head. I run it as a stereo rig with Synergy direct and a Bogner 4x12 closed back cab with Wizard Rock 20s (Greenbackish). Sounds very close.
What's the signal chain? Miced cab or IR?
Hey Paul, I’m curious how you would compare the Z Wreck to a Matchless DC30. Thanks!
Ive got an HC15 Currently, I prefer the Zwreck.
Just to clarify ,my poor understanding. You need to buy the head and then get the different pre-amp modules to make this work? You can't buy them and simply plug a guitar in and get the tone. Forgive my ignorance.
That’s correct, you need the head/ rack to plug them into.
I need that. Do you not like the combos? Big difference between the 50/100 other than power?
Ive never tried the combo, im sure its great. the 50 watt head holds 2 modules the 30 only 1
@@TheStudioRats cheers.
@@TheStudioRatsI have heard - though not confirmed, that the Syn 30 sounds a little sweeter than the 50 watters. But having Two modules sure would be handy. I like that they use Creambacks in the combos. I really need to get more cab options. Greenback type speakers seem to follow me all the days of my life!
Is it just me or do all these guitar gear videos on you tube have way too much talking?
Ive got z wreck and without the gold or blue its not as sexy