SYNERGY MODULAR TUBE AMPLIFIER - SYN50 & SYN1 Preamp

[@OlaEnglund]

CHINA CHINA CHINA CHINA...

[@darknature79]

Youre definitely sweet.

[@onelegend]

NUMBER ONE

[@RussXnimbusX42]

Va-China!

[@blakecurtis7809]

Shiny shiny shiny. Have a great sexy time!!!

[@bradleyrayson2955]

Ola is trafficking now? Hehe jk

[@goatsurgeon]

I’m glad I’m not the only guitarist out there that plays the same warm up riffs and licks all the time

[@gibsoadstudios648]

Visceral Abomination the weird ones play different stuff for a warmup😂

[@marcus6872]

The original Randall modular MTS was a Bruce Egnater design, he had his own modular amps the M4 and he's a part of Synergy amps. I'm glad to see you demo these, I've been drooling over the Synergy stuff for over a year now.

[@Tritium21]

Synergy is MTS compatible. If you have MTS modules you can use them on the Synergy chassis. You MIGHT be able to use the Synergy modules on the MTS chassis.

[@gregg4164]

Yes that is what i just said in my post before I saw yours. You can use the MTS modules in the synergy amps.

[@Nightdare]

Conversely: You can't use dual channel modules on Randall amps (but you can on Egnater M4 amps AND you can get the Randall amps modded, not sure about the Randall RM4 preamp though)

[@Robstafarian]

I had a SYN2, an SLO module, and a TDLX module for a few weeks earlier this year (it was part of my phase-two testing of the guitar circuit I invented, and I returned them when testing did not turn out well). The Synergy system is great, and it works as it should (e.g. the Fender Twin channel of the TDLX has massive input headroom, as one would expect). I plan to order a SYN1 and a BMAN module in a few months.

[@wallbreakers5062]

Marcus The Vile I was wondering if there was some connection

[@ThrashingBasskill]

Do you have to blow out the dust before using it, like the old NES Modules..?

[@Katzekaze]

...but more importantly, does it takes old NES modules?

[@1thess523]

Or put your old Ocean Pacific Velcro wallet filled paper to keep the modules down hahaha

[@TheJasonEstes]

@@1thess523 OMG I have one of those wallets from when i was a kid. Still got it

[@realtruenorth]

@@1thess523 LOL

[@Crowbar11115]

5:50 D....N....R!!!!! Nobody busts that riff out! Thank you Ola...you are now Top 3 Swede to me!

[@johncollyeraravena7968]

Ola Englund "The Top 1 Sweede" Ola Englund "The Math Teacher" Ola Englund "The Wise One" Ola Englund "The Seer of Sounds"

[@Nightdare]

For some odd reason he left out: Ola Englund "The humble Soul"

[@mad7stringer]

I think he said "see'er of sounds" lol

[@apoplexiamusic]

Man's got more nicknames than a Lord Of The Rings character

[@yoitsmegabe]

So cool, its like a physical tube version of an axe fx.

[@johnkarakatsianis7281]

SOLDANO sounded killer!!!

[@Stev0BabaGhanoush]

That Morgan module sounds killer. Absolutely slays the chime-y clean thing. That as my clean channel and the Friedman DS module as my dirt and I’ll be a happy, happy boy.

[@JEKAFISHER]

I think this is the first time Ola's sound is a little different, I like it!

[@partriotsfight5039]

Despite trying to make them all sound the same. Amazingly they were not far off. Synergy should have sent them to someone else. The Morgan can get the cleanest tone you have ever heard. Think David Gilmore

[@Opeckie]

It's like an API 500 series lunchbox for guitar amps... I LOVE IT! Sounds GREAT too!

[@rolfrolf9176]

Synergy really should make some bass stuff, that would be awesome

[@tommywills1856]

I'm more of a traditional Amp kind of guy but this is actually pretty fuckin cool. I know a lot of guitar players, myself included who always think and talk about combining the best qualities of 2 different amps they love. Mesa rectifier and Marshall JCM 800 always comes to mind

[@moonsuga]

Damn what's the riff in the beginning, or is it your own? Sounds really cool

[@alextiron9680]

+1

[@charlesl7137]

Exactly what i was about to ask

[@fishlx]

This totaly should make it onto the next haunted album!

[@Rushtallica]

The one at about 5:45 is D.N.R. off Testament's the Gathering album. Great song IMO. \m/ 8)

[@forbiddenevil2399]

Pretty cool Ola!!!! Top 5 Swedish People! 1. Ola Englund 2. Johan Hegg 3. Yngwie Malmsteen 4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic 5. Bjorn Borg

[@mememem]

There's definitely nothing more stereotypically Swedish than the name Zlatan Ibrahimović.

[@ringadingding32]

@@mememem Zlatan Aint swedish tho, the name is not swedish ether

[@ringadingding32]

Zlatan is not swedish

[@DrKarnivore]

He was born in Malmo?!

[@TIMmusic-bz2vg]

Zlatan is from Bosna...not from Sweden

[@paulkielt9301]

The best way to change your sound on the fly. Sounds great! The Soldano preamp is the one I prefer the most.

[@Doggy-B]

Soldano mod instantly sounded spot on! Slo 100 ftw!

[@techniqueswithtodd]

Glad to see modular preamps making a come back. The Randall MTS, as mentioned was a great idea. It came in various forms, rack mount, amp head, with swappable preamps. It's cool that they are made with the actual vendors.

[@tdarcs]

It's important to note that Synergy also offers an all tube 100 watt power amp that is a single rack space configuration with 4 6l6's, which is incredible to me. Haven't seen any other company accomplish that, but I'm sure somebody else has done it at some point and I just don't know about it. Excellent video Ola as always, been waiting for this one. Saw the amp behind you in a few videos.

[@trevor4533]

Yeah, the power amp seems pretty sweet. If I recall correctly, Fryette designed it.

[@vemonguy686]

I know there's a bunch of people not liking this thing, but for me this thing IS SO FUCKING COOL. Its literally like the amp is a gaming console and the preamp is the game!!! I freaking love it!! I hope to God this company gets a bunch of preamps, because I would love this! Im constantly trading in amps for new ones and this would fix it!!

[@heavymachete6235]

i really hope that these things eventually become as modular as modular synths, then each person's tone will be more unique than ever

[@beardguitar5539]

You are the BEST gear reviewer ever!! Plus, you could make a Crate sound acceptable (pls don't, cuz then I'll want to buy one). This Synergy amp would be more interesting if it could combine the the preamp sounds. Otherwise I like my mess of different heads.

[@trumpsamerica2862]

Anyone can make a Crate sound good. EQ is an important skill.

[@JRP3music]

The concept of adding channels to an existing amp and not losing your fx loop is awesome. I believe in this Synergy system of manufacturers working together to develop the modules and all the parties involved getting paid for the designs of the modules. I have been waiting for this concept to develop further. I am just not interested any more in the digital amp stuff. I like digital fx like delays and reverbs. Having the ability to mix and match with hardware is my preference. Great job Ola!

[@dagblix6146]

Riff and lyric from: Act I: Scene Two: II. Strange Déjà Vu Sang av Dream Theater

[@ceptabil]

Thanks! Couldn't remember this.

[@straightedgeecw]

The SYN 1 might have the first analog cab sim that sounds good to me. Wow.

[@robertstankey1497]

What if we had Fortin modules?

[@markk9184]

Oh my god!

[@-thirteen]

Salvation Audio can make you one

[@kyfisher3662]

Or fortnite modules!!!

[@voidabstraction]

But then Fortin couldn't charge massive exclusive prices ;)

[@andrew74x]

Robert Stankey the lifted Larry would Be awesome!!!!!

[@davedavem]

Ola, you're so wise and beautiful

[@justinplaysguitar]

I just got the synergy 50 50. Power head and I’m going to use it for my fractal fm3

[@RyanAmplification]

The Morgan and soldano fucking ripped. The clarity of the Morgan made my dingle tingle.

[@carlvandam]

I used to own a Randall MTS 100 watt head. I loved the idea of interchangeable preamps. But Randall's preamp modules sounded like ass. You had to send them out to guys on a web forum and get them modded in order for the preamps to sound good. I was sad this idea didn't catch on but it was Randall's poor sounding modules that killed it. These preamps obviously sound way better than any of the Randall ones. I will have to look into some Synergy stuff. Thanks for the video.

[@DudeSmokedd]

my god.. im in love with this product...amazing video!!

[@Polentaccio]

I'm a user of the original MTS line and have a lynchbox with a few modules. They do sound great BUT the limitation will always be the power amp. It is better for some preamps than others. For example, the AC/Morgan stuff will sound better through EL84's and a diff power amp but hey its good enough. While many tube amps can be dialed in to sound the same, this stuff is no different. Great to have a ton of preamps but if you all make them sound the same, you probably don't need that many.

[@hyperbolekid]

Opeth is using Synergy for their touring rig. I liked your review Ola. Top notch reviewerer as always!

[@MrDreamsAlot]

I wonder if OLA "the man beast" realizes he is the most famous/successful guitar play in the metal world right now. For real dude you are the real dude! We can see your dedication and hard work. Alaso that amp sounds amazing! 😭 😭 😭😭 😭

[@madddog6790]

The Randall MTS system was basically the same thing...no digging around in the amp. As a matter of fact, those old modules work in the Synergy, and the Synergy modules will work in the old Randall gear, but only 1 channel. If I didn't already have a Kemper I'd pick up a Syn1, since I have 5 or 6 MTS modules laying around, but can't justify spending any more $$ based on how shitty I play and how little I play these days. The Kemper was my "once in a lifetime" purchase. Of course, I pretty much play only on one profile (though yours are pretty killer), and I could have bought that particular amp for 1/2 the price of the Kemper lol.

[@persephonecarden5751]

Bruce Egnater is the main designer and patent holder behind Synergy. The Randall MTS system was manufactured under that same patent even share compatibility.

[@HunterRouth]

11:08 is the Soldano SLO module. Sounds tight.

[@caretheis6779]

It would be cool if they got some mesa boogie and marshall modules

[@bigmike9527]

BOGNER!!

[@AuntAlnico4]

big mike * Yeah they got Bogner, but Marshall !

[@minatoni5040]

@@AuntAlnico4 synergy 800?

[@MaximeDELRIEU]

Pretty sure the 800 module stands for Marshall JCM 800

[@bobisadrummer]

They have a Plexi and JCM800 module as well as multiple Marshall Hot-Rodded amps in the form of Soldano's and such.

[@jimyounger9490]

Yup , the Soldano or the Engle !! That is an awesome product !!

[@JRP3music]

Designed by Egnater then Randall acquired the MTS module system. The Synergy system, was cool enough to have backwards compatibility with the previous designs.

[@ry_man89]

That look at 8:11 into the video is priceless. Amazing.

[@wendelllanders8439]

Great video Ola!!Synergy amp' s hit the Mark with this concept!!

[@0sarkast0]

Similar solution for changing pickups would be nice.

[@Ghandjaloodah]

Vadim Hochlov This is actually a really good idea. Would love to see such a system. Quickswap Pickups.

[@Robstafarian]

I conceived of such a system a bit more than six years ago; I prioritized a different concept, which I later reduced to practice such that it became a true invention, the electric guitar circuit I mentioned in another comment. By the time I finished that work, an Australian guitar company had launched a crowdfunding campaign for their independently-developed and objectively-inferior means of accomplishing the same goal; that forced me to abandon my work.

[@brucemorgan94]

Gibson and EMG both have products like this

[@brpadington]

I think these modular amps are genius. I kind of already have a setup like this using a Kemper as a pre-amp into a Marshall poweramp. I am most tempted by that SLO100 module.

[@markk9184]

The chug master strikes again! Opening riff and others are awesome!

[@VoiceKulaka]

Damn, those riffs!

[@1lorenzoercoli]

If I'm not mistaken, the Morgan AC is based on the original Vox AC30, that's why it says AC. I love the face you do when you start chugging and the amp sound sick.

[@Robstafarian]

The Morgan AC module is based on Morgan's AC amps, which contain tweaked versions of Vox's 12AX7-based preamps (no EF86).

[@gregg4164]

I have read that the older Randall modules are compatible with this new system. If that is true I'm surprised you did not mention that fact. It says it right on their website.

[@kengihepworth5761]

I saw a similar concept in Japan. And it wasn't new, it was mid 80s equipment. There were 6 different modules, 4 pre, 2 post. I've never seen or heard of them since. They were smaller than these and sounded compressed, and tended to lose gain/ presence when pushed. Good idea, but probably under researched, at the time.

[@everydayperson764]

If i were to choose, it be the Soldano and Engl savage. Tremendous stuff.

[@Pr0fitOfDoom]

I like the idea of this system and I think it sounded great - to have a small size tube pre like this for recording at home would be great. It is quite pricey though - $499 for the empty SYN-1 chassis and then $399 to purchase one module. At this price you are not too far off from purchasing an AX8, yes it's a modeller but hugely flexible. Maybe they will do some bundle deals in future that would make this more affordable.

[@low_e_music]

The SLO module is the clear winner.

[@Nofarewell]

Barely woke up, switched here and laughed my ass off. Made my day already. I am not even interested in modular stuff in the first place but you Mr, are a class entertainer. Thanks :)

[@PowerofJohras]

I really like this idea. It’s a cool marketing concept that allows people with limited cash to get the best of amplifiers. My problem with it is I feel like it’s not where the future is going. I see the music business going into more and more digital software. It’s like every other industry; we want more and more flexibility at lower and lower cost. I own a Mesa Trirec, and I love that. But I am also considering going into IK or Bias for instance to make it easier to record. I see most people belong to either category; tube purists with lots of cash who want the genuine ”recording experience”. And then the tech genius who wants maximum bang for the buck. I don’t see myself paying 2000 usd for their amp head, when I can buy a Kemper and get more flexibility. So I predict this product will not last on the market. It is somewhat stuck in the middle and inferior to other products out there in terms of its market position.

[@ashkantiskipping158]

Nice tone and nice riff in the beguining.

[@brian1749]

Oh man! I've 1.) been waiting for you to demo these and 2.) been waiting for that Engl pre amp to come out. Sold!

[@michaelmervin632]

The synergy is very cool but also take the time to take a good look at the blackwidow MGP-1A, analog tube modeling guitar preamp, you’re in for a real surprise

[@MrSimondaniel3]

check out Billy Corgan's modules, i forgot where i saw that but hes got killer modules that actually look like Marshall, Hiwatt etc. i bellieve theyre the salvation modules, made in Poland or something. with the Randall head.

[@goatsurgeon]

I’m usually never interested in the gear, Ola makes it interesting, and I watch these demo vids of this gear I’ll never use (except the hm300 I got that one) but I still love it! It’s cool! Entertaining! I love watching Ola enjoy all this stuff he gets to try out lol 😂

[@charlesrocks]

I love these modular amplifiers.

[@silvioschurig749]

I feel like if i want tons of different preamps, i would want to store some presets of sounds that work for me per preamp ... but maybe that's just saying I would rather go for something more software based like a kemper / axe fx or similar ...

[@swabbe4199]

But with this you get an authentic tube sound

[@silvioschurig749]

Which at least 99,9% of the users will not know because they hear it in Terms of difference to a modeling unit - it would at best be because they can see tubes in the little replaceable units …

[@silvioschurig749]

I have some tube heads, numerous pedals even an GK 250 ML late 80s tranisistor Stereo combo which I love and an Axe FX. I just feel: If I want tons of different Amp sounds, maybe in a cover band situation or similar, I don't think swapping around numerous modules in between Songs and dialing up the right Sound is a very good option. To Play my stuff I am good with Clean / Rhythm / Lead base tones plus maybe 2-4 effects. I can do that with all my money going to the original manufacturer and none to Synergy … But I don't want to piss on it - it does Sound great (but if Ola can't manage that, there goes his revenue …) and if I decide I have to have a couple of those sounds with feel of a classic Tube Head, this Synergy might be something to look at.

[@AuntAlnico4]

b a d s o y * What do you mean, " with Kemper the manufacturer gets nothing" I don't get it that is why I ask ?

[@AuntAlnico4]

b a d s o y * That sounds like a cool cool amp.

[@soad11dude]

Love the tone from some of these. They seem to be very low noise. Solid demo sir.

[@bon2yan88]

you're my go-to amp guru

[@jessedelaney77]

Ola plays metal even on an AC30!

[@jrdhrk]

AC30's are fantastic for blending tones

[@shaynesigmon4283]

Really diggin' the look of the Poplar Solars! Amp sounds crushing, Friedman Module sounded the best in my opinion 🤘🏻

[@brianb4877]

It's no question, everything sounds awesome! Versatility is great, but I feel the whole point of making gear so customizable would be for touring purposes. The Mooer preamp Live I feel trumps this system because you could check it into an airport no problem. Do you see this as a studio tool?

[@louderthangod]

Brian B I guess if you do a lot of fly dates but that’s certainly not the reality I or anyone I personally know has but if that’s the case then there are lots of options and at least these smaller modules for the effects loop give you a tube option for the back line or even direct.

[@mickenilsson]

Damn... I've been looking for the best way to get my pedalbord (with regular pedals) to FOH with a fair tone... Think I found the way... Syn 1... Not the cheapest way but it seems to be stellar... 🙏😊♥️

[@higler.]

Thank you Ola, for making me feel ok about my math skills.

[@clumhain]

soldano sounds great!

[@brinepacer]

Dude that fuckin opening riff/song is amazing.

[@The_Mimewar]

I love love love Soldanos!

[@jeffsmiley1967]

Love the sound and something I see owning one in the future

[@simonbreedingsteel2154]

Ola is one awesome player and will make anything sound crushing. These modules have nothing on the real deal! Especially what I heard from the diezel and the Friedman no comparison to the real thing. I my own opinion of course😊

[@petewoodroffemusic]

Great personality. Prefer old school amps but preamp modules are easy to transport!

[@timtomahawk9014]

I have owned Randall RM100 and the George Lynch Signature Lynchbox. My only complaint was that the modules were very limited. Thanks for the demo on the Synergy. Will the Engl modules be available soon? I am strongly considering this amp.

[@Incommensurate]

I had a Randall Rm100 head for while and it was the most lifeless amp i ever owned. it had a fender, jcm800, and "Ultra" module, and zero dynamics

[@Arch_Stanton.]

Great choices of riffs (D.N.R & Strange Deja Vu)

[@svenrohde5000]

Which Song you Play at: 0:25. clean notes After The distortion Riff are from another world

[@arbitermatt]

I think I prefer the idea of getting one of the awesome preamp pedals available and feeding it to the FX return. That way if you want to run some modulation etc after the preamp your cables don't get such a mess!

[@L.Scott_Music]

Ola makes everything Djent!

[@rodolfomacedoodisio6241]

Awesome, Ola! Thanks for a Soldano SLO demo (even if it just a pre-amp)!!

[@MrTimThunder]

I really like the idea of this and they sound great

[@bradhill935]

Another great product & great review...like the MTS series, the Syn is great but horrendously expensive, it'll be interesting to see how it competes with the many options out there.

[@joea9608]

Seymour Duncan had a modular amp in the 1980's also. I like the idea

[@larmerguitars]

I'd love to see a shootout between these and a kemper or axe fx

[@unleashthefury111]

Im getting an engl savage right now because of that very short sound demo in this video

[@donaldmccoy49]

dude this amp system is a GAME CHANGER!!! morgan ac, SLO, and plexi for me please, all tube, licensed preamps....holy shit man!!!

[@TheXExtrem]

In fact, they don't build licensed modules only. The "fender" module isn't official build in cooperation with the company.

[@garyheighway2014]

i hope the S1.6 LTD Blue Burst Matte will be back in stock soon.

[@giacomorigon7444]

I find this very interesting, but let me ask what would be the difference between plugging a pre-amp/OD pedal like the ones that Diezel or Friedman themselves already sell into the FX Return of a tube amp or a stand-alone power amp and using these pre-amp modules? Wouldn’t the resulting sound be pretty similar? Cheers

[@room101band8]

I started singing “ back on my feet again” too hahaha

[@darknature79]

I got so many damn engls im using them for pillows and steps to get in the cabinets.

[@xsonicassassinx]

SLO100... Ola finally found an amp that he couldn't scoop the life out of. sounds incredible.

[@jeromeice]

Wowww !! How do you play exactly that killer riff at 7.35 ?? Impressive one !

[@g.syit.p459]

7:50 perfect sound for a perfect frame

[@kilgore-music]

Very cool opening riff !

[@pt8175]

Yeah Morgan Amps has a AC20 and AC40 line of amps

[@hawg427]

Ola, How would you hook this up to use with the Fractal Axe-Fx since it needs a power supply. Would you use the little box you have on top of your Synergy 50 watt Head on this video.Where are the Tubes located on the little unit? Sorry for so many questions. BTW, did you keep the Fractal Axe-Fx III a few videos ago or do you still have it? Awesome molten metal tones from this unit :-)

[@thesuperstoner]

Love you're videos bro want once of your solar guitars

[@darrenhill3514]

You referenced money regarding what folks may only be able to afford...The head is $1600 and each module is $400 (US dollars) lol that's expensive but it's certainly a super neat concept. I guess I'll stick to my MT-2 Metal Zone pedal for now lol

[@chrispetersen8637]

Hey Ola! Love the video. Thanks for doing what you do, I've learned a lot. The Engl module sounded best to me!