Synergy Amps - Everything You Need to Know! 

Henning, mad props for disclosing up front that they paid you to do this video. You are the absolute greatest!

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

super informative - AND the $0.02 comments are THE MOST valuable insights - THANK YOU HenningP!

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 always thought the MTS setup was awesome and glad to see it resurrected in this.

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...

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.

So far the best demo!!! Thank you 🙏

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)!

Great overview, and super informative. Definitely an advantage for the studio that wants to offer the guitarists options.

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 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.

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.

Clever idea, transferring the 500 module concept to the amp world and hoping for the "collect them all" effect.

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.

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!

Morgan Friedman at 03:51. Man, that was funny - still giggling about it now... :-)

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!!

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.

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?

Henning, you MUST make a video of this setup with a Boss ES-8!

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

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...

"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 RU-vid 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?

Nice review. Open and honest all the way. Why I like your reviews and critiques.... "Back to me" ... -Henning Pauly

I wish they made something like for bass,,,(i,e markbass, TC, GK, Ampeg)

Just awesome - fantastic vid, fantastic product - end.

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

There is more now to know. So how about that Synergy Playlist? (gentle nudge)

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....

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.

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 ?

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!

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?

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.

Seymour Duncan had in 80's Convertible combo and head that had modules just like those. two modules in combo and head.

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...

Stereo effects that’s the clincher thanx so much for covering that

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.

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.

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.

Excellent review & criticism as usual, keep up the good perspective that you always seem to bring to us MUSICAL JUNKIES!

I would love a demo of the Fryette module

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.

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

Another idea I came up with years ago... although this has the actual companies making stuff, so that's better

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!

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 ?

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 share this video alot to explain the modules

How about changing the tubes on the modules and other units?

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.

Les Paul into a Plexi. Job Done!

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?)?

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!

Hello, I want to connect the Syn 2 + Syn 5050 and go directly to the interface, how is it connected?

Thank You!

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.

Can you use these WITHOUT the docks, when using a guitar amp?

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!

Haha, I still have some of the Randall Modules for sale. And the Musicstore near my place did still have some amps and modules

hello The power supply for the midi foot controller gets plugged in to the phantom power input in the back of the syn-2

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

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?

Damn. I’ve spent so much money on expensive amps in the past 5 years and I’m just now discovering synergy amps. I feel like a dumb ape 😂

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 !!

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?

at 30:47 how would link up 3 syn-2 units to the power amp?

I also am curious how a tube screamer sounds with the Plexi????

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.

Can you run the SYN1 straight into a set of computer monitor speakers?

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'd LOVE to know how they sound on my VHT 2502 in stereo????

Can I just run the the 3 Chanel in my Marshall mk11 100 watt lead with no power unit?

What was the module used with the music man y2d? Sounded incredible

Hey guys... i want to know song names in this video at 0:17 Please:)

Do they come with the dock?

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 ...

Also ist das so ähnlich wie beim Randall RM?

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!

If you use a rack mounted power supply you can turn on the power amp instantly...

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. ❤

Waiting the availability in Europe

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?

my question is will these modules work with the randall rm100

Randall did this same kind of system years ago...

its 2020, A Steve Vai module has come out...

0:16 - 0:23 is there a full version of this song?

Do you like the syn 5050 or the synergy head better?

Metroplex for the win!

U guitar youtubers sure have a lot of stuff.

Got to ask ..Does Friedman pay anything to Marshall when he clones/develops their circuits, the whole ethical arguments mean nothing in the amp/guitar world, every amp is a development from another (By the way Henning what do you think of Harley Bentons guitar designs), Using a preamp that is built in cooperation with Morgan, for example, has 2 commercial effects, 1, Morgan gets publicity for 0% financial investment (which they need) and 2, Synergy get a nice endorsement from a boutique amp maker (which they need for the price theyre charging).. Marshall and Fender do not need said publicity, hence not plying with synergy... Oh and dont get me started on the stomp boxes...

But the Kemper exists , trying to reinvent the wheel here with a big pile of hardware, a turkey for xmas .

Can we see some comparisons since you probly have most of these real amps

Can i put a randall mts module in synergy syn1 preamp?

Idk my main complaint is they're just too expensive. Like they're nice and all but 2000 for a 30 watt amp? Nah I'll pass.