Every Amp You'd Ever Need - Synergy SYN30

This is the 7th video in the series where we are looking at a bunch of high-end guitar amplifiers. In this video, we look at the fabulous Synergy SYN30.
The great thing about this amp is that it uses modules, so you can choose any flavor or amp you like and they sound fantastic.
If you want the power of the Synergy platform but prefer to stay with a straightforward, tube amp-based rig, the SYN-30 Single Module 30-watt All-tube Head is for you. Based around a 6L6 power section, the SYN-30 boasts the perfect power for clean headroom and pushed crunch. The head boasts an onboard clean channel as well as a dock for one of our Synergy preamp modules, offering a total of three footswitchable channels that have been voiced by some of the most legendary amp designers in the business. And while the SYN-30 is as easy to use as any all-tube amp head out there, it boasts immaculate cabinet simulated direct output, MIDI programming, and a transparent effects loop that make it as useful in the home studio as it is on the gig.
The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.

[@bsbrooks455]

There's a saying among guitarists that goes something like this: Put Clapton in a room with any guitar and amp (or Hendrix, SRV, etc.....it doesn't matter) and although the tone might change he will still sound great and still sound like Clapton. Paul, all of those different modules sounded different, but great. However, the most striking thing to me was that no matter which module you were playing through, you still sounded like Paul. And that is meant to be the highest compliment!

[@TheStudioRats]

Very kind, cheers Bruce.

[@TheMaxKids]

Funny thing is if you ever listen to any old isolated tracks from the Beatles, Zep, etc., you find they sound pretty bad by themselves and yet sounded great in the overall mix. I have to wonder would the Beatles have sounded worlds better with todays technology?

[@shorerocks]

"It's pedal-platformy". Love that. Got my SYN-2 a week ago, rockin' the BB-BE and the Bogner Überschall. My goodness.

[@MrStephenlederle]

I've been looking at the same combination for myself. But since I can't afford it, I got into the Synergy ecosystem with the SYN-1 with an Engl Powerball module.

[@Ren-ng5gl]

I can't believe the quality of this channel... Bravo.

[@StuartHerbert]

Great to see Synergy getting some love on the channel. James, can I recommend the new Synergy IICP module? It’ll give you two new tones that you don’t have from the other five modules. Through a Jensen speaker, it’s the best sounding tweed amp module they’ve made so far. And through a V30 4x12, it’s a full-blown Mesa Boogie Mark 2 C+, perfect for late 80s and 90s hard rock & metal tones. I’ve had mine a month now, and it’s my favourite module so far (but there again, I love the sound of tweed amps 🙃)

[@ernieb3626]

Man Guys that thing is awsome. Im looking for one. I had no idea that it even existed. Thanks as Always Gentleman, and Gods Blessings to you and the channell

[@CoreyWitt]

This is one of the best guitar channels on YT. Thanks for what you do. Can you share the signal chain for recording? Literally everything you post sounds radio-ready. It’s all great.

[@jalaskabtu]

best review channel, just loving guys :) keep rocking

[@nedim_guitar]

Cool demo! That amp and the modules are a pretty good idea.

[@mvenuti1980]

Love my Synergy!

[@nazmoking3171]

The modularity of this amp is impressive. For those of us that even these $'s invested is too rich, go get yourself a Spark and you'll have these different amp models built in digitally in a much more modestly priced amp. And for those that might want to experiment with these different amp modules before buying, get a SPARK and figure out which tones appeal to you the most before buying one of these modules or the real amps they are modeled after!

[@nedim_guitar]

It all depends on what you're doing. The Spark is great for home playing and practice, but I don't think it's great for recording. Although, almost anything can be recorded with, I don't want to be a tonal snob. 😄

[@nazmoking3171]

@@nedim_guitar I haven't tested it for recording so I'll take your word for it.

[@johanbengtsson6246]

The Spark, Kemper and all of that digital thingies are awesome. Really. But for gigging when You want that roar and connection guitar-amp, there really isn't a substitute for tube amps, and this system is all of the all-tube goodness any oldtimer like me could ever whish for. At home, I love to use BIAS, Kemper, Guitarrig stuff, that is magic at low volume and through headphones and also it gives you a very good idea of what You would really like in a "real amp". Good stuff.

[@colebertram8482]

What's the standard American high gain based off of on the spark ?

[@watchtheskies]

Unfortunately Marshall have yet to endorse the Synergy idea, the Synergy branded Marshall 'esque' modules were created by Dave Friedman, Dave did a great job of it, the Synergy PLEXI module is pretty awesome

[@FastRedPonyCar]

Now that they’ve been bought out, maybe we’ll actually see some official Marshall modules but I mean…honestly Dave’s modules are still probably better than what Marshall could cobble together :/

[@bhosterman]

I love the face he made after playing the Gold Top and the Dumble... That was a bunch of internal expletives and "I have to get this back somehow!"

[@brentporter9324]

I’ve had some synergy stuff for awhile, the biggest downfall of the system is the Syn5050 rack mounted power amp. By squeezing it into a 1U space they sacrificed the transformers. My experience has been using the preamps through a different power amp has been much much better, like night and day different.

[@ibanezman1025]

Any experience of using a synergy head or combo that has the 6L6 power section built in?

[@brentporter9324]

@@ibanezman1025 no, I bought the syn2 rack mount for the preamps, so I went with the syn5050 to match, but after it didn’t work out I just started running the preamps through other amps power sections when I use it. If I were to grab a power amp for it specifically now, I’d probably look at an Engl power amp or a used Mesa boogie.

[@JohnR242]

There you go Paul. Your search is over. All you need in one amp (Again). Now when they make the Matchless module your in "Tone Heaven mate" Cheers!! John Russell (74 year young Rocker now in a rocker ;) in the U.S.A.(Born in Portsmouth U.K)

[@johanbengtsson6246]

Buy a SYN2 or SYN1 and run it through your Matchless FFS! 🤘❤😂 Synergy system is just mindboggling! Shoutout to Bruce Egnater who started this way of thinking! (The TOL100 is still my favourite amp of all times)

[@donmcdonald4874]

Great video. I love that you are 100% independent.

[@MajorUpgrade]

Me - I FINALLY GOT IT!!! THE BEST PIECE OF GUITAR GEAR IMAGINABLE!!! The Internet - DUDE! Have you SEEN THIS NEW THING?!? It’s aMAzing!!!

[@paulhubert7467]

Paul mentioned he wished there was a Matchless module. There is a Morgan AC module that will cover clean chime with the best of them

[@trebleboost7]

That AC is my gateway module with the Syn-30 and I do really like it a lot and it is a great pedal platform module. I really want to try out some other ones too. I love the flexibility of the system.

[@idiotburns]

Hey guys, love that case, did you know I am currently making a line of captivating cases for Synergy amp modules and they are really cool, look me up, Burns Cases.

[@dracul74]

I have 5 different synergy modules and they are all good. I will say that running them with a real tube power amp sound best. For example I have the syn-1 (not the head) and have used mine with the two notes power amp modelling and also in the fx loop of an amp and it sounds much better with the real tube power amp.

[@nedim_guitar]

That's interesting!

[@geneparmesan8827]

If you like the bogner xtc blue channel , try the pedal , the mini version sounds amazing

[@Utube-g3g]

I have to respectfully disagree. The bigger original blue is imo way better. Different opinions doesn’t mean we argue. Just stating my thoughts and what my ears like.

[@iangeddes3438]

So many amps and effects pedals and effects boards over the years .. playing live.. and i say live 4 .. 5 .. or 6 .. tones is adequate.. got a good few multi effects but using them to their full capability is beyond me lol 😆.. 89 les paul .. katana 100 with gafc .. Good tones works after boogies .. marshalls... fenders.... hh amps .. remember them ... Maybe the audience will tell me what's best lol 😆.. don't think so ... Enjoy your music .. in studio or live .. Best regards ....

[@spencercarter8008]

Gotta agree mate... The katana is a monster platform. Simple to use, sounds immense.... Couple of great break up/drive tones, a virtual blues driver for lead boost... The 100w 2x12 is a gigging legend.

[@hollywoodactress]

@@spencercarter8008 anyone compared the katana 100 vs the fender gtx 100?

[@TechMetalRules]

My favorite module is the Fryette Pittbull Ultra Lead! I might need to snag one of those "OS" modules now, haha

[@martinsutcliffe5824]

My go-to channel for how a piece of gear sounds for add-9 chords

[@ProducerBryan]

Sounds great! What are the details on that Esquire Tele?

[@trebleboost7]

I just picked up an HX Stomp with the belief that I could use the Syn-30 preamp and the Stomp as the power amp and cab stereo to FOH but learned that the Stomp does not have separate power amp models! Now I am wondering if I can just use the Synergy output XLR to 1/4 TS in to the stomp and just use cabs/IRs? The direct out does sound surprisingly good with the internal cab sim but of course is not stereo. I like the fact that you can split and use the XLR as well as a connected cab. Also another little discovery is that the Syn-30 footswitch will select channels on a Volante - at least the first three MIDI selected voices.

[@fredcolameo3095]

helix absolutely needs a poweramp section

[@nickjones867]

Could you do a demo using the record out please

[@sroelit]

It’s interesting that the modular capabilities instantly make you want even more flexibility-you mentioned that you liked the blue channel but wished you could pair that with a different module . . . But of course for many players the one channel they have in their amp is the end of their flexibility-and then they shape with pedals etc.

[@disasterman6523]

Where did ye source the carrying case for the modules? Was it a custom build?

[@DimitrisMitrolios]

Awesome guys! What are we listening at chainwise? DI out IR emulated or a miked cab and if the latter which speakers?

[@TheStudioRats]

It’s going into a twonotes studio.

[@dash4786]

How did you get that case for them?

[@markstout1649]

Great review thanks

[@jonnystanley8720]

Do you have the amp hooked up to a mic’d up cab? Sounds awesome

[@jem777vbk]

Hi, which is the signal chain please?

[@timfoyleband250]

You guys rock!

[@klontart]

How does the Synergy system take care of power tube distortion character for each module? I normally have the power section work really hard.

[@TheStudioRats]

They are pre amps, no power tubes in the modules

[@mmatthewias280]

I’d take the Matchless from last week.

[@56brever]

How much/what kind of post production is done to the sounds we are hearing.

[@TheStudioRats]

Just a touch of reverb thats it

[@jips123]

Maybe it's my ears but this sounds a bit brittle.

[@Utube-g3g]

Some do. Some sound pretty good. I hope I don’t give in and start buying more gear.

[@mikerichardson2177]

Sooooooo.....Katana? I dont own a Katana...but I sure u do it all on one of those

[@Utube-g3g]

Doubt it. Try a tube amp maybe. I’d buy a katana as a beginner tbh.

[@geneparmesan8827]

Please some new riffs

[@TheStudioRats]

Are you watching for the gear reviews or the playing? If your watching for the playing I suggest you look elsewhere.

[@jamiebriggs8277]

Love you guys, but it's hilarious when you try to talk about anything metal related 😆