MESA BOOGIE MKII C+ OR SYNERGY IICP?

In today's video, Paul from The Studio Rats is checking out the Alternative to the Mesa Boogie MK2 C+ from Synergy called the IICP.
The mesa Boogie MK2 has been around since the mid 80's and has become an iconic amp due to its versatility and classic tones. Mesa Boogie have just released the MKII C+ reissue. Synergy Amplification have a IICP module for their module based guitar amplifiers that is based on the Mesa Boogie MK2C+ and it is fantastic!
Link to Synergy Amplifiers and Modules (affiliate)
thmn.to/thocf/...
Link to Synergy
www.synergyamp...
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.

[@IamMusicNerd]

I have a ton of real tube amps, and whenever I have compared one of the Synergy modules to one of my originals, I am always impressed how close Synergy gets them to sound like the originals. I love that they work with a lot of the actual amp builders to make sure they have the same circuits as the originals, and they pay the original amp builders for using their designs. Such a good business model. I ended up buying the SYN50 head and a couple modules, and it’s incredibly flexible. When plugged into my 212 or 412 cabs, it just sounds huge. But I love that they have XLR outs and IRs for cab free use as well. Awesome system.

[@joewyatt8371]

I'll take the Synergy 100% of the time.

[@jcugnoni]

I did a direct comparison of the iicp module pluggeg in 4 cable method to a Mesa (allows you to switch instantly).. and there is just no difference. Amazing. The Synergy ecosystem is such a great thing and all modules are stellar!

[@victorvaldenegro4001]

I used to run 2 MK II C+ combos in stereo back in the late 80s. Sure wish I still had them! I do have the Synergy system, so I guess if I get nostalgic for that tone, I can get the module.

[@quiquepriore]

sounds amazing, clean and lead all in one 🔥

[@aviator_bryan]

When I was a senior in High school I bought a mint condition 1984 Boogie MKIIC+ shorty head in 1990 for $400 cash. The owner never really played it, since the rest of his gear was stolen after a break in, but the Boogie was overlooked in a closet with a leather slip cover on it. So, all original tubes, hang tags, even Xmas cards from Randall Smith lol. It wasn't even dusty. I loved that amp, but eventually sold it a couple years later when I was making a career change and needed money. I sold with a cab for like $600 for a fast sale. If I would've known then what I know now LOL. -sigh-

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I feel you bro. There’s certain gear from the 80s and the 90s that I sold and would love to have back.

[@BatangQuiapo-d6l]

Video suggestion. Please compare the Synergy Soldano 2 module, Soldano X88IR to your SLO100 amp. 🙏

[@tiagoramalhais5493]

I did get he Synergy Module, it quenched my thirst for the Mesa mark sounds.

[@123lowp]

Hey great demo

[@kasakka]

I really love how your videos sound. What does your whole signal chain look like for this video for example? Mics? Mic preamps? Plugins?

[@TheStudioRats]

There’s a whole vid on the channel

[@shorerocks]

I tried the Synergy IICP module. For me a no-go. Switching from lead channel to clean channel the lead channel can still be heard, and then "faded out". Then you are clean. Makes it unusable for me.

[@mendelrocks]

Missed you chaps this Wed. Cheers

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers fella, back next week!

[@raybeeger1529]

The Mesa clean sound is wonderful, for me better than Fender but I play a MB Lonestar Classic. That could be a lighter option! I guess the most MB "haters" don't understand the reaction between the preamp and the additional EQ. 😂

[@demokraatti]

Lonestar is the only Mesa with a tone that appeals to me. Too bad it’s built be Mesa and I really don’t want to mess with anything from Mesa. Fender clean tone can be a lot. If you like Mesa Lonestar, I would guess that you could like Tweed Deluxe a lot.

[@Adventuresingearland]

Synergy easier to dial in than the Mesa as well or am I being cynical?!?

[@aminahmed2220]

Awesome video Paul have a great weekend also I have a stomach flu ❤😢🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇨🇦🎸🎄🌲

[@TheStudioRats]

Oh no, get well soon

[@zakklee2556]

Any Headrush Core content ? James did a great review, interested in your opinion.

[@sweezyjackson4935]

While I absolutely lust foe a boogie amp I dont worry bout them because I am a poor amd cant afford one. 😂😂

[@sharkair2839]

curious, when you show up for a gig, what is your # 1 amp?

[@TheStudioRats]

At the moment it’s a HOOK Wizard.

[@Tanax13]

It's difficult to take this video seriously when both you and Leon Todd released Synergy videos on the same day. Not to mention that you say that the reissue is "expensive" when you buy amps like Amplified Nation. I have no doubt that the Synergy is great - but your reasoning was just really weird.

[@jasonsapp792]

I love Mesa amps and own several... I have never understood the rage about the 2C+ ... On the MK V amps I have owned I NEVER used that mode .... To each there own

[@tubo777]

Clearly because of Metallica fans. Reality is the great tones the amp can do were those of Lukather , Petrucci , etc.

[@FastRedPonyCar]

Because on the V, that mode isn’t very good. I used to own a V. It’s significantly better on the VII. I had a Mesa studio preamp at the same time I had the V and plugging that into the loop return of the V sounded so much better than IIC mode on the amp. I’ve got a IICP synergy module now and I think it’s a tad better than either of my studio preamps I used to have. Nearly identical to IIC mode on my VII. The EQ sliders on the synergy module are a huge pain to adjust though. The EQ pedal Mesa makes stuck in the signal path right after the SYN1 or rack module would be much easier to live with.

[@tayfun8k]

How you record it? Speaker and mic? Tone❤❤❤

[@TheStudioRats]

Yes that was speaker and mic

[@Andy_Yates]

Yikes, 3700 GBP. I paid less in US$ for my lightly used Bloomfield Drive. You guys get put through the ringer for Mesas. Damn in the US it goes for similar money to my SLO30 combo. I don't think I realized Mesa prices had risen so high

[@thehumblepundit9790]

Sorry, but Fractal has the best Mesa Mark tones of any digital solution. Just incredible. In a mix, you'd never know the difference.

[@RoadSKOL]

That might be but the Synergy system is all analog and sounds better than any digital solution I’ve heard.

[@FastRedPonyCar]

I’ve owned the AxeFX 3 and FM3 (and the fender TMP and currently the quad cortex) the synergy module is on a totally different level. It’s maybe a hair better than the Mesa studio preamps I used to own and almost identical sounding to MKIIC mode in my mark VII.

[@kellygreenii]

Fractal has the best amp modeling, for sure. But none of them can **quite** pull off perfect replication of analog tube distortion. If you’re used to hearing tube distortion, you can hear the difference. Clean tones to edge of breakup? Flip a coin.

[@georgepagakis9854]

I had a Mark II C without the EQ in the 80s. I bought it for 1500 CDN back then which was a lot of money and sold it in the 90's for 2000 CDN The clean channel sucked and it was a one trick pony. Had that Santana solo sound which you can get board of easily. I then got into Twin Reverb and Marshalls and never looked back. Why anyone would pay 12K US for that crap is beyond me.

[@betterthandeadohyea4500]

It's pronounced MAY-SAH

[@TheStudioRats]

Maybe where you are

[@MrHitthespot]

I always love your tone, however I can’t stand the sound of Mesa’s. The most of the rock guitar players around here can’t stand them. They sound dry and stagnant to us. The synergy does sound a little better to me.

[@TheStudioRats]

Synergy stuff is great!

[@kellygreenii]

Boogies can be tough to dial in a good sound, and a lot of people these days don’t know how to do it.

[@jeffmazzei8520]

Would be nice if you would use more Modern Guitars to demo stuff such as Suhr , PRS

[@TheStudioRats]

Funny enough, I’m looking into a Suhr at the moment