I Gigged The Synergy Amps..

[@TheGazza83]

Now this is content. Seeing how gear holds up in a gig

[@TaylorDanley]

I do my best when I get the opportunity to play leave and road test stuff. Hopefully more of this in 2024

[@FastRedPonyCar]

Absolutely. I don’t review a pice of gear until I’ve taken it on stage. The stage separates the men from the boys. I’ve had a lot of gear come and go that never got a video because it just didn’t cut it when being pushed or had some design flaw that made it weak on stage.

[@27retrodaze]

Im still bummed i had a chance to get a 2-slot panel with a Deliverance, a Pitbull, an SLO and a Friedman BE for $1k... And i passed on it... Been slapping myself for it ever since...

[@riokinsey2134]

Rightfully so. Poor choice, man. 😆

[@TaylorDanley]

Hey we all have been there. Be nice to yourself, you're trying your best!

[@27retrodaze]

Hypothetically... lol

[@88Nikoli]

I'd kick you too , I paid that just for the syn 2

[@27retrodaze]

@@88Nikoli exactly...

[@wheresallthezombies]

Sounds killer! As far as that mono/stereo issue, you could use some gaff tape to tape it down in stereo? Also, I’ve noticed people are confused by the synergy system. A lot of people think it’s some kind of modeling system or something. I’ve also seen people say they don’t like it because they prefer tubes. Lol. Sick they live shirt!

[@Ottophil]

Ive had the same issue with my friedman IRX. The old guys at work told me its a digital modeler…but its not.

[@charlesrocks]

The Synergy stuff is so fucking good. I intend on gigging my Synergy rig live as well.

[@TaylorDanley]

Yeah it's pretty badass. A great compromise for analog guys that want to cary less bulky/weight gear.

[@misfitwookiee3177]

Thank you for this! I'm not planning on playing live until I can get pain issues dealt with, but the SYN-2/50-50 setup is what I'm planning on for recording. Nice to know what it does live, though, in case I can - and what issues I'd need to address in purchasing a portable rack case! Keep up the great work and playing out, bro!

[@TaylorDanley]

Thanks dude! Glad I can give some insight to what it's like using it live for all those looking!

[@Henysipper]

I wonder how well they would pair with the Fryette Power Station.

[@rayzeus]

The Power Station is a fine power amp, but it's designed to be very neutral sounding, so it won't sound as big or as aggressive as some other power amps out there. It's made to be so neutral because it's also designed to be an attenuator, and it aims to not add any flavour past the power section of the amp going into it.

[@rocketsauce5067]

If you have room, Put some spacers in the front to move it away from the back panel.

[@Mojoman57]

Four small spacers on the rack screws for the amp should help it clear the back cover.

[@adamstrachn]

Wicked tones brother! I'm looking at the SYN-50 or the Badlander 50. I know I'll get more options with Synergy, but man does that Badlander sound fantastic.

[@TaylorDanley]

Yeah I hear that. Tough choice.

[@mattcamacho5570]

My biggest curiosity with the synergy stuff has been the bass response. How is the bass response with the modules and power amp? Can it thump the speakers when chugging like a 5150? Thanks, killer rig ya got!

[@TaylorDanley]

That's a great question and my honest answer is... I don't know. I THINK so, but I haven't done a 1:1 a/b comparison, which is what I want to do next. That will really answer it more than my anecdotal "yes" 😂

[@philipandersen4406]

Could try using longer bolts and washers to pull the amp forward just a bit maybe so the switch isn't rubbing the cover.

[@TaylorDanley]

Someone else suggested that as well! Good idea, I may do that.

[@waynefaircloth3423]

Hey Taylor. Would you mind doing a video explaining how you have this rig wired up and also setup within the Axe III ? This is the part that throws me in the past, on how to run a rig like this Thanks

[@TaylorDanley]

I do have an older video where I explain 90ish percent of what it is currently, but it is something I need to update for sure.

[@admgloval]

I tried out the Synergy 2 bay unit and 3 different modules, the Savage, the SLO and the Uberschall module and none of them sounded good to me. Idk why that is because I hear them sounding great in videos all over KZbin. I ended up sending them back to Sweetwater. I did not try out the Synergy poweramp though, I was using them through my Mesa 2:90 poweramp which sounds great with my Triaxis and with the Axe-Fx II going through it. The modules all sounded dull and none of them were tight enough without using a boost and even then it didn't sound that great, at least not as good as my Triaxis/2:90 or Axe-FX II/2:90. Why don't you just use the models in the Axe-FX III? Would think that would be good enough along with the Synergy power amp which will add the tube oomph to your live sound.

[@TaylorDanley]

It was essentially just to have the quick access to the tone shaping controls. It's an ongoing experiment, IDK if the added weight will be worth it in the long run, but I just thought it would be fun to try out. Weird, wonder why they sounded that way for you, I think they've sounded pretty killer no matter what I've ran them into!

[@adriancole9681]

Ran a helix floor into a synergy savage for a tour and it sounds amazing. Previously used a Seymour powerstage too with amp blocks engaged. Both are great set ups though

[@steveweilhart2359]

It's been around a while now it's pretty awesome equipment - the modules are voiced from the actual amp builders so it's the real deal - Steve Vai uses it now he runs the Fender bassman for cleans and his Vai/Carvin module for his high gain along with his pedals for boost and Fractal for other effects just 1 example lots of players use the Synergy gear

[@FastRedPonyCar]

I’ve got a syn1 and xtc module on the way. Going to try it through my power station, Waza TAE and little two note cabM+ pedal. I thought about grabbing the Uber module and doing the 4 cable setup with my Jubilee. I think that would cover a ton of sonic territory but I’m trying to avoid dragging an amp head on stage if possible. I’ve gotten spoiled with DI pedalboard/modeler rigs that I can carry in 1 trip and hook up within 5 minutes.

[@steven_uk]

Great video. It's good to hear people's real life experience using these products for live performances. Tired of shills who never play live and instead make advertisements for whichever brand pays them.

[@Turbo-D]

i just love my synergy rig but i skipped on the synergy 50/50 just because i think that there are much better poweramps out there especially for that huge amount of money like the VHTs, ENGLs or mesas. to my surprise and disappointment the synergy could not keep up with any of the other poweramp which i have mentioned here, it sounded much darker, less powerful, the ooomph is just not there. the designer said that this is because of the big 6l6 tubes used in a small 1u chassis so they had to put in smaller transformers. so..if you need 1u, get a mesa 20/20 instead, if you want something affordable get a peavey classic 50/50, otherwise for quality go with ENGL or VHT or just keep it simple and save some money and get the syn-50 head insteadhope that helps. cheers 🎸🎸

[@SuperCMO79]

That sounds really really good. Thick full percussive crushing good, would not be dissapointed at all. Now if something switched from a fitting issue versus the increased weight , to me it wouldn't be to much of a dillema to maybe up the rack size a smidge. But The mile may vary!

[@TaylorDanley]

Yeah, I'm actually contemplating going with a completely different rack setup that could change the whole situation completely lol.

[@kevintestagrossa]

awesome rig man, you could try stacking some washers behind each rack bolt of the syn power amp to bring it forward maybe an inch or so. I have a shallow rack myself and I tried this out to stop cables being squashed up by the back rack door.

[@darkrednecks]

This is awesome man. Ive been thinking about getting the one the heads if they ever do a Sunn preamp. Glad to know they hold up well

[@bhosterman]

I too have switched to the SYN 2 with a Friedman HBDLX and the IICP but without a poweramp. Instead, I'm using a two notes CabM+ to go to front of house and for in ears. I've been using the TC electronics G System for about 14 years to control everything but I think it's time to put it out to pasture. Its good but it saps a bit of the tone and the FX are kind of bleh. Thinking about an AXE FX... But that's a huge investment with some kind of controller too.

[@cerebralsoundslive]

Just out of curiosity, I heard you say cab(s) when referring to your stereo switch situation onstage. What cabs do you run onstage? 4x12s? 2x12s? Veritcal/Horizontal? I too am of the load on load off as quick as possible mindset and I'm building a similar(ish) setup. Cheers!

[@TaylorDanley]

I have 2 harley benton 2x12's. They are lightweight, cheap and easy to speaker swap whenever you get the itch to try new speakers lol. Sometimes I'll bring out my Mesa 4x12's for special occasions..

[@MrStephenlederle]

I just got into the Synergy stuff. I got the Syn-1 going into the Seymour Duncan Powerstage 700. Sound so good! I picked up the Uberschall and Powerball modules. I'm going to pick up a KSR PA50 to see if it's any better than the PS700.

[@calatan0]

Have you tried adding some small/thin wood blocks and or styrofoam near the back cover? I assume you screw In the back cover? The wood should give you more space in between your switches and the styrofoam should keep it sturdy. Best of luck

[@JD-vj4go]

Sounded really good. Do you prefer the synergy modules to the amp sims in the axe fx?

[@TaylorDanley]

Yes, but not because of tone or anything. I just like the experience of dialing things in with knobs and buttons rather than an encoder wheel and menu system.

[@JD-vj4go]

@@TaylorDanley I can appreciate that. Even the best modeler interfaces are slow and annoying to use.

[@paulbradshawguitar]

really cool rig, with how it's setup, hard to say depending on how many tones you use in a gig, if if it's overcomplicating things with the axe fx3/added latency/feel in mind (using a boost from the axe fx3 then back out and back in 4cm style) not to bash fractal drive/boost blocks (avid FM3 user here 😄 i'd probably look at integrating/trying pedals for boosting to see how that sounds/feels and keep the fx3 for time based effects/modulation/DI out etc.. in the loop i just have a feeling you'll get a better boosted tone out of using pedals as opposed to the digital counterpart

[@christian_oz]

You can't supplement the brackets of the bottom power module so that they buttons don't stick out the back? Have it maybe come 1/2 inch forward?

[@Sticky_Tea]

Is there space in the front to put some washers behind the power amp? Just to get it forward a little bit?

[@TaylorDanley]

That's actually a really good idea... IDK, I'll have to explore that.

[@vincelupone]

A 90 degree IEC connector will probably solve the problem with the depth issue.

[@TaylorDanley]

I think the foam from the case cover comes all the way up to the back of the power amp, so anything sticking out of that IEC socket will be an issue. Although I could just cut the foam... maybe....

[@vincelupone]

@@TaylorDanley Ah gotcha! I was able to get it to fit nicely in a Gator shallow 6 space, but not a foam shockmount rack like yours.

[@jamiegrant6970]

I use that syn5050 with the axe fx iii and two mesa boogie 1x12 cabinets at home. Playing out I may bring just one, you should try it.

[@Ghaos]

I'm thinking about the Synergy PA, how deep is your shallow case?

[@TaylorDanley]

It's like just a hair over 12"

[@markolivares6943]

Have you tried the matching synergy 4x12? Wanted to purchase one however not sure if I would like it.

[@EvelynIsabee]

This isnt necessarily in regards to this video, but I appreciate your holistic and thoughtful approach to your considerations for gear. You seem like you’d be an amazing product designer or product manager. As a Bassist I try not to spend too much on guitar gear*, but I watch your videos for the great takes, rad riffs, and enthusiasm and positivity. *Can’t wait for my kraken mk2 to arrive head to come :D

[@TaylorDanley]

Thanks so much, that's a really thoughtful comment! I've actually done product design before for a company. It had nothing to do with guitar gear, but could be that carried over 🤷‍♂️

[@catalyzed8457]

Cool setup! I like to use my Quad cortex straight into a KSR PA50 power amp then 412 Mesa Cab. I have my guitar wireless, so it's like 2 cables and i'm ready. I've tried a few solid state amps but nothing compares to tube for me, at least at the end of the chain.

[@riffer-t]

How are those KSR PA50? Are they plenty loud? Good punch? Low end? thanks

[@hierrogm]

Nice …I recent set up the exact same thing cept I’m using Mesa boogie 2:100 brutal ..and with axefx …perfect

[@marijandesin8226]

Cool to see this Do it more often you will?

[@TaylorDanley]

Play live? I hope to!

[@diabeticmonkey]

I’m convinced that Synergy is gonna be huge. It’s the damn future lol

[@yamilcamacho5698]

Question, why not save weight and just run the AXEFX only?

[@TaylorDanley]

I did that for a long time. I've been experimenting because I like the experience of dialing analog gear as opposed to menu diving/using the encoder. I haven't come to a conclusion yet on what works best for me, still in the trial phase with the synergy stuff.

[@rickdelphi5358]

How did the SYN 50 power amp do live? Enough power compared to a 100watt head?

[@retropuffer2986]

Look at that beautiful Jackson Warrior!

[@TaylorDanley]

Thanks! Yes, there's a bunch of options to work around it, it's a pretty small issue just one you should be aware of in this situation... troubleshooting right before you play is never something you want to have to do lol.

[@RyanCowley_]

I had one of the OG module amps, the Randall MT4, the concept was good, and the designer Bruce Egnater is a genius when it comes to heavy tones, but that amp was just bad, the modules sounded too similar, so I’ve been hesitant to check out the Synergy stuff

[@88Nikoli]

Yeah I love the syn 2 got a Powerball and a Herbert atm , need more rhough

[@nicolasbeaudry6158]

You guy sounded amazing❤

[@mikesmith1290]

I can’t believe how cheap the Synergy modules are!

[@mikekakonikolas7407]

Get a Fryette Power Station, problem solved! You get the best loadbox too!

[@TaylorDanley]

I think those are mono, so I'd need two of them. But yeah, I should probably get one anyways lol.

[@mikekakonikolas7407]

@@TaylorDanley aah, you are right, totally missed that! Although PS-2 (50w) has 2 output jacks. Do you need stereo or just 2 outputs?

[@mccloud273]

Synergy is dope, though I do get lost at times with the concept itself. With how they've been coming along lately, I'm sure there'll be an even bigger plethora of options, maybe with brands that might fly under the radar like Wizard or KSR Speaking of Wizard: did you know KT150 tubes exist? Two of those egg-looking-thingamabobs can output a meaty 300 watts, imagine having that in a power amp 😂

[@Grim.Tyrant]

Would love to see more live rig applications and content

[@scottmckinstry1698]

Can we get more gig vlogs please? Not to add to the list of shit you have to do when you're playing shows, but would awesome to see you and the guys travelling, setting up and performing.

[@TaylorDanley]

Yeah, I'd love to... I just don't play live much! But when it happens, hey-o!

[@scottmckinstry1698]

@@TaylorDanley Hell yeah. Thank you!

[@ultravirez]

So it seems the problem was more with the shallow rack then the Synergy gear :P

[@low_e_music]

Damn, sounds absolutely brutal!!

[@bigchonk]

I like seeing your gear in a live setting, its a really cool idea for a video, but you need to fire that phantom bassist and get a real one lmao.(as a bass player I'm a little biased) Your videos have a very genuine feel to them, not trying to just sell something so please keep up the good work!

[@TaylorDanley]

Thanks so much! Yeah we've talked about other members, but it's hard to justify usually. They would have to bring something pretty big to the table because we function really well as a 3 piece already.

[@thisguy2973]

Sounds nice and growl-like!

[@TaylorDanley]

Very much so, I love these modules specifically for that reason.

[@dustinvandehey9885]

Love labor temple. Have had many hangover meals there. Love astoria

[@continuum288]

Please forgive me.. Please explain why your'e using the axe-fx as such? Seems like overkill to bring that modeller gigging if only for that particular application mentioned. Seems to me you'd downsize even more regarding what's needed that can be used from an analog boost. Especially if there's no post effects as mentioned. Cheers as always!

[@hierrogm]

I use a 7 u with wheels it’s going but ..yea heavy..but not crazy heavy

[@terryconnell]

I hope you do more clips from gigs and outside of your normal youtuber studio space.

[@TaylorDanley]

ME TOO

[@howardgillingham4763]

Still we like our heads in our rigs, at least I do

[@jamiegrant6970]

I would get rid of the small synergy modules if you gonna use cabs, Just use the axe fx iii as the preamp. It will sound better than those modules anyway, and a little less weight. It seems your just making it difficult when you already have a great preamp. Till the next video, cheers

[@TaylorDanley]

Thanks, I've definitley rocked it that way for a long time. As most of us, I get bored and want to try new things lol. And the synergy modules are definitely "different and new" if you know what I mean.

[@Auspexgetchell]

I agree may not be needed if you have AxeFx, but tones from Synergy are super solid and “just as good” as or better than most FX and/or amps.

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Couldn't you just put a piece of gaf tape on that switch? Maybe a velcro cover of some sort etc... .. problem fixed. Where there's a will there's a way.

[@idiotburns]

at the gates!!

[@ithebastardking2800]

Make a comparison between the 50/50 poweramp and the seymour duncan 700, that would be a cool little video. Also get the fryette ps2 or 100 fits in a shallow case. Also sounds better 🤫

[@TaylorDanley]

Yeah, that might be the move, but honestly it's hard to justify anything else when the powerstage only weighs 7 lbs. I'll either stick this out or go back to the lightness of the powerstage in the long run..

[@ithebastardking2800]

@@TaylorDanley tbh nobody noticed I swapped the fryette for the duncan ps700 until after 6 gigs and rehearsals until somebody in the band picked it up and said “ wasn’t this much heavier” 😂

[@KaddysJamKave]

That whiteboard needs an update man :D

[@TaylorDanley]

I do it about every other week, but the videos don’t always release in sequence… so sometimes it looks like I’ve had the same thing up there forever, but it’s just a video I shot a while back

[@KaddysJamKave]

@@TaylorDanley Ahhhhh gotcha 🤘

[@idiotburns]

Burns Cases!!

[@christianboddum8783]

Get a powercable with a 90 degree plug..

[@davidfaustino4476]

Your issue with Synergy gear is that your rack isnt deep enough?

[@idiotburns]

We have a very similar rig

[@beaston_guitar]

So much money and hassle… maybe one day I’ll understand. Until then, I’m perfectly happy with a traditional pedalboard and half stack.

[@ronnielobosmith4870]

NICE😮

[@beautague9163]

Ppl still gonna sleep on synergy... freaking love mine so much

[@TaylorDanley]

Yeah, I mean there's definitely people singing it's praises, but I feel like it should be way more popular than it is for what it does.

[@beautague9163]

@TaylorDanley everyone else running around buying boutique heads I'm sitting here chilling happy as can be with my syn50

[@darrenb5485]

Should of got the kruse power amp 🤘🏻😜 #kruseamplification

[@zakklee2556]

CL LA Synergy modules $250.

[@juliocaro7777]

the AxeFX sounds like poop. wow.

[@ThisOldGuitar]

tiny rack problems

[@g-man2725]

DUDE

[@Chugg.Norris]

Trying to fit a square in a triangle. ⬛️ 🔺️