Synergy Syn2 Preamp and Syn 5050 Power Amp Demo Video By Shawn Tubbs

[@filipedelbel]

Everything is fantastic about this demo, guitar sounds and playing, product and I was so positively impressed by the cabsim!

[@BackingTrackKing]

While I find the demos good and informative, I keep coming back to Mr. Tubbs' demos because of the music intros. The best music available today and so inspirational!

[@rolandpei]

Such a cool demo and you are such a sick player! I absolutely love all of it - the mix, the composition, and crazy cool licks..just crazy good!

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much!! You're very kind!

[@rolandpei]

That riff with the I35 and Tele layered sounds so great. Amazing idea to stack em

[@jesse_cole]

Man, that Morgan red channel sounds smokin.

[@edwardhawkins1362]

Jesse Cole I totally agree. I’m in love w/ it

[@rikshredder]

Amazed, once again, Shawn! I get lost in your playing and forget what the demo is about, lol. And, now, back to practice!

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much Rik!

[@jst601]

Interested in this now that Mr T has demonstrated it. Indeed.

[@Eventual420]

I've never heard you play before, serious chops Shawn. Excellent review, thank you!

[@_patrikjay_]

One of the greatest demos ever

[@KrazyDoctor]

Wow, great combo of preamps and the Fryette design power amp pairs well with these modules.Always enjoy your playing Shawn!

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much!!

[@charlesrocks]

That Metropolous amp sounds so amazing!!!!

[@joesprunt585]

this is some of the best playing i've heard from you..... hell, this is some of the best playing i've heard PERIOD.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much Joe!

[@BenDewhirstMusic]

Best opening song yet? Definitely a contender! Bloody amazing.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much!!

[@mikebledsoe2315]

*Nice demo and guitar playing Shawn.*

[@taylormesa]

well done indeed! The Synergy products sound amazing, thanks for the brilliant demo!

[@weegiebuck]

Such and efficient picker and shredder. Great video.

[@zeppo20]

Man you really play very well, the Synergy sounds great.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks very much Nicky!

[@hootowl6354]

No one demos the 5050 in stereo. Why is that? I'd also like opinions on how it sounds at very low volume. That fan is loud. I think they should think about improving on that.

[@ChristianBundgaard]

It sounds amazing! Thanks for demoing it with the cab sim!

[@ShawnTubbs]

Awesome! Thanks Christian!

[@MrDavemiley]

I noticed that all of the Gainy Modules they offer lean more toward the Modded Marshall flavor . If they get some Mesa MKII & Fuchs/Dumble flavored modules , I would be tempted to jump on this system. Though the Gainy Modules they offer sound absolutely Awesome !

[@buckycore]

This song is amazing and that tone 😍😍😍

[@nashlongkumer]

Love your videos Shawn.Huge fan of your playing too!

[@gbaren]

Gret Demo…loved the Dan Huff (Giant) riff on the SLO setting :)

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much Glenn. Yeah I kinda wore that cd out! ;)

[@gbaren]

Shawn Tubbs 😂 Huff is a f’n monster and so are you brother!

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks Glenn!

[@tonepoet]

Is this the first song off of your solo release (*hint *hint)? Killin' it like always, man. I love that you're lathering on a thin froth of delay like sweet gravy.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much!!!

[@jamesgrobertson8024]

Amazing demo Shawn thanks for that

[@geo0859]

Such a great tech demo and great player too :)

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks very much for watching!

[@rockinvegan1765]

Killer playing! Sounds awesome. Damn, now I have to buy this thing. How does it sound best? In the Snyergy head, with the Syn5050 or in the effects loop of a boutique amp? Can't believe a rack system will sound as good as the head. But what do I know...

[@JedWunderli]

Great tune and great tones.

[@AshRavens]

somebody call the fire department to Shawn's house. and 911 for me becuz I'm dead after that solo.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much Ash!!

[@aaronshortmusic]

Would the Syn-1 and the T-Dlx module be good for someone that wants to take it to a gig and plug it directly into the PA?

[@ShawnTubbs]

All of the modules would be good for that application. The TDLX or B Man would be good especially if you plan on using pedals.

[@EliPorterMahn]

When in bridged mono do you flip both stand by switches on to activate all 4 power tubes?

[@bouadie2007]

Thanks for the demo! But why not let us hear the recording from the power amp and not the preamp ?

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks for watching. Not sure what you mean but from 8:35 through 14:20 is the Synergy Pre-Amp into the Syn 50-50 Power Amp. At around 14:20 I turn the power amp off so you can hear just the Synergy Preamp direct. The main performance at the top is with the Power Amp as well. Hope this answers your question and thanks again for watching.

[@frankgreco]

Killer intro song Shawn! Simple but very tasty. And that Syn2 is an amazing piece of technology. But why would Friedman or Morgan or Soldano help to build their respective pre-amps for Synergy? Doesn't that negatively affect sales of their own amps?

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much Frank! I appreciate you tuning in. I'm not much of a business man so I can't give an informed answer to your question. The only truly informed statement I can make is that I know that Synergy has developed an excellent platform for getting great tones that are all tube and all analog.

[@frankgreco]

I guess Synergy is responding to the Kemper/AxeFX simulations of analog. But given how realistic the Kemper and AxeFX are (based on many reviews from professionals) and how many more different amps they model, what's the real advantage (other than price... which seems to be significant)?

[@ShawnTubbs]

I've played both the Fractal and Kemper and they are really good but they are still just models of a particular amp. The Synergy modules especially the Soldano, Friedman, Morgan and Diezel modules were built by the actual amp designers. They aren't meant to be an approximation or digital model. They are the exact circuit and all tube analog.

[@GunslingerFW]

So I picked up the syn 2, BE MOD AND DS mod. Running through my bogner atma head and bogner shiva 2x12 cab. (I own a BE100 head as well). Trying to trim down my weight of rig. I noticed that the signal compresses really easy compared to my bogner amp channels. It’s like as if the syn mods are topping out early. The head is only 18 Watts. I’m guessing I wouldn’t have this problem with a higher wattage amp with a lot more head room. My disclaimer I guess to the average joe wanting to run this through a blues deluxe or a lower wattage amp. Is to stay away. I’m sure if you have 50 Watts plus head, this thing will sound good. However the other thing I noticed is that the BE mod is lacking in overall depth compared to the DS. The DS is almost unbearable in the amount of depth. Rolling the bass knob around can control the depth but you’ve just limited the shape of your tone. I’m still trying to figure out some of this bare in mind, this is my first impression with about 4 hours on it. But first impression to me is you’ll need the matching power head 5050 in order to really achieve what this system can do. That’s my guess. Any suggestions are wanted. I gig every weekend in a band that has a wide genre range. This system has a lot of potential.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Have you reached out to Synergy?

[@GunslingerFW]

Shawn Tubbs No. I picked up the 5050 this morning. I live 20min from Sweetwater. 😉. I picked up the B man and took back the dirty Shirley. Much better. However I need to unload my BE 100 from my cargo case and actually compare the two together sometime this weekend/week. B man is really nice on the clean. However the channel 2 is kind of flubby on the low strings but really crispy on the high strings when over driven. (Glassy if you will) bass all the way off playing with a luke3. The BE mod I almost have to have dimed to get it to be not to far off depth wise from the B Man. The treble at noon mid at 3 o’clock bass 10. I will say it’s light years overall better than running through the atma. It was doing just as I suspected with compressing to early. The volume could barely be loud enough to be played in a live setting. (Before it would compress) I play in a non mic’d show setting. (Old school) So the head room is a little more important for me.

[@GunslingerFW]

I guess overall to me this would be a great rig for the guy getting into boutique amps. But if you already have the real thing it might be a back pedal. Like I said I’d just need to compare my show rig with this.

[@AndersonCustomGuitar]

Thought it was just me but the DS module has turned me off. I have a RM50 with some old modules, I picked up the DS and it didn't live up to the hype, heavy compression an turning up the gain kills the highs. I tried to compensate by rolling off the bass but it sounded worse than the Randall plexi module. After hearing these clips I might go all in with the 50/50 SYN 2 & a two notes torpedo studio.

[@stealyourfacekev]

A bassman is flubby in the bottom end in real life. I think it’s pretty accurate. I can’t speak for the DS module but I do have the HBE module and it does seem to roll off the high end when I turn up the gain. Kinda annoying but I love it regardless.

[@JuanjoNarive]

Leaving 2 blank spaces over the power amp will help to reduce fan noise?

[@gtrslinger6262]

Awesome playing Shawn! Love all your videos. Do these modules have reverb? What reverb or delay were you using? Thanks and keep up the great videos!

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much, Chris! The modules themselves don't have effects. Whatever verbs or delays you're hearing are plugins.

[@ryanpaulretouch]

Sounds amazing! What cab were you using?

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks Ryan. Bogner 2x12 closed back. Eminence CV75 speakers.

[@hiatuso8260]

Good grief you are a talented dude!

[@_patrikjay_]

Thanks Shawn ...So well done...

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much!

[@brettdiaz]

I love your demos! Can these modules be used with the Fryette Power Station?

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks Brett! I would think you could plug the main output of the Syn-1 or 2 into the line in of the Fryette. Probably work great but check with Fryette for sure.

[@bruceegnater7450]

Great job Shawn. Thanks

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much Bruce!!

[@locifer696]

Awesome vid! I’m seriously considering getting the Syn2 myself. Have you tried putting an overdrive in front of it? Or a boost?

[@ShawnTubbs]

All of the modules seem to take pedals well.

[@locifer696]

Awesome thank you for the feedback, I have just one more question. In regards to the Syn 2, would it be possible to control not only all four channels of the Sny 2, but also have effects/pedals assigned to different channels via midi? Hope this question’s not to convoluted to make sense, but in simplest terms, would you be able to program the Syn r5 or a third party midi controller to turn on your overdrive when switching to channel 2 on the Soldano red channel, and then turn off the OD and switch on reverb/delay on an Bogner ecstasy blue channel, for example? Your insight would be greatly appreciated!

[@ShawnTubbs]

@@locifer696 You would need to have a separate audio midi device for routing your OD/Dist to the input of the Syn-2. Something like a Ground Control GCX.

[@soundknight]

Would love for them to have a Two Rock unit

[@ShawnTubbs]

That would be great!

[@_patrikjay_]

I want to hear the upcoming 65 that may be the jewel

[@stanesposito2664]

Amazing! Is this a brand new product? Thanks!

[@ShawnTubbs]

Yes it's relatively new. Thanks Stan.

[@rikshredder]

Shawn how were you running the out of the power amp before going XLR direct out? Were you running into a cab or through FX loop of an amp? Thanks.

[@ShawnTubbs]

The XLR out and the Main out are in Parallel. XLR to the Apogee input, Main out to the PA.

[@dagoat1]

Sounds great Shawn! How does it take pedals?

[@ShawnTubbs]

I've only tried pedals on the "lower gain" modules like the Morgan AC, TDLX and BMAN modules. Pedals worked great! Thanks!

[@dagoat1]

Great! So it feels like an amp?

[@ShawnTubbs]

Yeah I think so for sure.

[@charlesrocks]

Amazing!

[@AnonymousBosch3158]

Is it possible to double tracking? For example, if I have Tc electronic mimiq, how can I use it? Do I have two ins for instrument?

[@ShawnTubbs]

There is only one instrument input.

[@getvicky13]

Shawn, does the Syn5050 need to be loaded down if I want to use it only with IRs and not an actual cabinet?

[@getvicky13]

Or would that be redundant since the Syn2 has its own cab sim?

[@ShawnTubbs]

Yes you would just use the Syn2 XLR cab sim out.

[@getvicky13]

And I can defeat the cab sim in case I wanna use IRs?

[@ShawnTubbs]

Yes you can bypass the cab sim.

[@Soloist1983]

it's like Pete Thorn and Warren DiMartini's styles mixed together, excellent :-)

[@kellyhallidayiiify]

Hi Shawn. I have to agree with everyone else here and say that you really play the hell out of them guitars! Good form, sir! I have a quick question for ya. I'm in the market for a new rackmount tube power amp and was kinda deciding between a couple models before I read about the SYN5050. Have you had the chance to play through the Fryette G-2090 or the G-2050 at all and if so, how do they compare to the SYN5050? I play mostly metal, but it's not typical metal. Really heavy at times but also alot of groove, alot of bounce, and kinda proggy with hints of funk, blues, jazz, hip hop and surf. I really like my tone to be punchy and clear, heavy but not fizzy, and kinda tight, not boomy. Almost percussive with the woody overtones and slap bass/single coil-like attack and pop. Crushingly spanky haha! I also love glassy and sparkly clean tones with that slight buttery round edge to it. Basically I just love tube tone and solid state just hasn't done anything for me for the last 10 years or so! I really like what I've heard with the Fryettes, and I don't necessarily need more than 100 watts, but with the 2902, I would use an attenuator to really push the tubes but keep the volume levels down, even for live use. I was considering the Mesa 2/90/2 and the Engl 100 watt tuber, but some reviews and vids have turned me away from them. I'm currently running an Axe FXII through a Line 6 HD100 Spider Valve head, or basically through the Bogner designed tube power section of the amp, and out through my Vader 4x12 cab, and it sounds killer!! But, having a head sitting on top of a 10U rack on top of a cab is just asking for tragedy haha! Me need rack power solution! Any advice, user experience, and professional opions/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Keep up the killer work!

[@ShawnTubbs]

Hi Kelly, thanks for tuning in and I appreciated the kind words. I don't have any experience with Fryette as far as the newest models go other than the SYN5050. Steven had a lot to do with that amp and I thought it sounded amazing! Crazy efficient but not so much that it lacked sag and feel. Really stellar amp. I've certainly played my share of Mesa Power amps over the years. The Mesa 290 being one of them and they are really good amps as well. Now the Fryette amps that I do have experience with are the older VHT Classic Power amps. They were the very best out there in my opinion and I doubt anything has changed with the new models. I would say go with anything Fryette. The wattage is up to you but I think Steven is building the best power amps IMHO.

[@kellyhallidayiiify]

Shawn Tubbs Hi Shawn, me again haha. So, I did decided to go with the Syn5050 and it is pretty fricken awesome. Got it for $200 less too because it was a demo model and so far no problems and just sick tones. I really like the presence and depth controls and I've been able to dial in everything from sparkly cleans to gritty, throaty blues to crushing metal with ease. It's been screwed into a 10u rack case but I only use 4 spaces so was planning on getting a smaller rack and parting with the big one. I was thinking about getting a 4u but am kinda worried about having the tube heat running directly under the axe fx. Have you had any issues with heat? I was thinking that I could get a 6u and install a 1u cooling fan between the axe and the amp and have room for either a drawer or maybe a syn2 for more options and flexibility. Is the cooling fan in the syn5050 strong enough to the point where you'd trust it running under an expensive processor? Mine is 4 spaces apart from the axe so I haven't had to experience any heat issues. Thanks again if you get a chance to read this and reply and thanks for your previous advice!

[@kellyhallidayiiify]

Shawn Tubbs And then I rewatch the video and see tha you have the pre and power amps stacked in your rack haha. I feel kinda silly asking but I'm assuming you have no heat issues stacking the 2? Thanks again!

[@largtr]

For the Syn 5050: how many watts per side at 8 ohms? 35 or so? would it be loud enough to play with a loud band (drummer) without mic'ing?

[@ShawnTubbs]

It's 50 watts at 4, 8 and 16 ohms. It should be plenty loud.

[@Kenman540]

I hate to ask this, but Shawn when you do the module reviews could you do a comparison of both channels per module with the same settings? I'm not asking for everything at noon. The reason is many people right now think that both channels on each module are the exactly the same other than the gain and master setting. It's apparent now the channels are voiced different also. Thanks for the great review.

[@aviel-kiss5985]

The slo is the same on each channel. When setting the gain pots differently - it does change tone some.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks Avi.

[@jakeandlori23]

Shawn crazy question. I have a Kemper and it's great but I don't use all it has to offer would you suggest this over the Kemper not sure if you have had any experience with one. Thanks again

[@ShawnTubbs]

Well, ​it really depends on how you are truly using the Kemper. If you're using it to switch between several different models of amps via footswitch on the fly then you might want to stick with it. If you've picked one model on the Kemper that you use all of the time a really not much else than I would consider the idea of switching to the Synergy platform for sure. The Synergy is not a model, and it's completely analog and tube driven platform.

[@316minister]

This is awesome Shawn. Thanks for the idea for what I want.....need for Christmas! Bye bye Line 6!

[@ShawnTubbs]

Right on Phil. Thanks man!

[@MrDavemiley]

I wonder how this would sound through a Fryette PS-2 .

[@ShawnTubbs]

I would think it would sound great!

[@MrDavemiley]

@@ShawnTubbs Hey Shawn thanks for the reply, I already have a PS-2 . I love this demo . You really impressed me with this one. My next question, .. Can you use two Syn-2's to have four modules ?

[@insideoutNOTW]

@@MrDavemiley yes you can

[@EXIMIO6]

Great playing congrats! I am thinking to buid an analog rig with rack units using syn 2 and syn5050, can you go over your signal chain? Do you recommend Chandler Limited TG2 for this? If I want an stereo rig should I get 2 sets of 2x12 v30 ext cabs? or 2 sets of 4x12 cab will syn5050 have the power to move this speakers?

[@squeezeprod]

hi shawn, great vid. i have a mosvalve 1160 power amp. would i be able to run these modules thru that power amp?? thx.. keep rockin..\m/

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks! Those modules would sound great into that amp!

[@squeezeprod]

hiya shawn, thanks for getting back. im looking into getting the syn2 (thanks for your guidance), wondering will be you doing a video on how it works with effects (delay, reverb, etc)? also what would be a good starting point in regards to modules to get for classic rock (journey/doobies/ etc.) im looking a possibly the morgan AC and either the friedman HBE or Soldano.. your thoughts. hope to see your great playing in oakland. \m/

[@-thirteen]

is the AC supposed to sound like a VOX? do you think it does? I can't tell

[@jacobmoline]

modcraft13 it’s supposed to sound like a Morgan AC20. It’s a hand wired take on the Vox from the amp manufacturer Morgan. It is distinctly different, though it is very close to the original circuit.

[@pedrobeltran1550]

You are playing syn2 and syn5050 but what the very first one ?

[@pedrobeltran1550]

chandler limited and a furman pl-8 is it a 8c or just an 8

[@ShawnTubbs]

Just 8.

[@emdblues]

riff master!

[@bhosterman]

It would help if you could play the guitar... ;-) Great Demo!

[@Kunnel87]

Is the FAN of the Syn-5050 really that loud? 14:20

[@ShawnTubbs]

No it's not that loud at all but I knew my camera mic would make it seem like it was.

[@YMESYDT]

This is so unbelievable you are so unbelievable.

[@soundcolumn7277]

This has already been invented earlier - Randall modules MTS. Only in the modules MTS twice as much much more tubes - 2 )) Randall RM22HB(E) and others - perdusiliteli, combo, head. But for some reason - did not continue this tema.

[@annonuhm617]

THE SYN-2 NEEDS AMP CHANNEL SWITCHING!!! One of the main purposes of midi is, that you only have to step on a pedal ONCE to get your full sound with all effects and settings. So if you want to use this with your head and switch sounds by midi you can only have one channel of your amp in the loop of the Syn-2, otherwise you would have to use the channel footswitch of the amp additionally. That is why the next version of the Syn-2 needs the possibility to switch amp channels and make them both available by midi numbers, like a G-Major or the Boss GT series can. That's the only way to use a midi floorboard with 2 amp channels, 4 Syn-2 channels and a multi FX.

[@TheStokerX]

Hey Shawn, I am looking at a synergy rig and was wondering what cab you were using with SYN5050 here? I didn't catch it if you mentioned it.

[@richardwilliams1310]

Killer \m/

[@soundknight]

Oh, and Boogie Mk2 B or C

[@ShawnTubbs]

C for sure.

[@jfgrn]

Naylor SD module!!... just saying!

[@ShawnTubbs]

That would be cool.

[@wakjob961]

drink every time he touches his glasses.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Wak Job its a nerd affliction.. :)

[@_patrikjay_]

I'm down:)...hilarious.....

[@ShawnTubbs]

You'll get so drunk!

[@TechMetalRules]

0:54 c'mon, man

[@1980hardhitter]

Awesome, your playing deserves a sub.

[@ShawnTubbs]

Thanks so much for the sub!!!