What about testing the Pitbull and the Friedman BE DLX modules together? Do you think they'd have enough different tonal gaps to work well or just compete for frequencies?
It’s crazy how close the Axe FX sounds to the modules. I love the Bogner Überschall and and 6505 modules’ tones, but honestly I think you can’t go wrong with the options available to you! I would probably rock the Bogner if I had the chance
Well, to be perfectly honest here, in my humble opinion, of course without offending anyone who thinks differently from my point of view, but also by looking into this matter in a different perspective and without being condemning of one`s view and by trying to make it objectified, and by considering each and every one`s valid opinion, i honestly believe that i completely forgot what i was going to say..ah i remember, nice setup dude, synergy stuff is just amazing imo!😂💪
Hello Mr Axe FX III user guy….I also have one. You were saying about ease of use with the Syn Vs Fractal. I learned…and then forgot…about setting the 5 rotary knobs to the main amp knobs for instant access. Or connecting them to any other control you may want to use without diving into the menu, like the input gate or trim for example. Just wanted to share this micro bit of Axe FX awesomeness for making things easier. Take care. I learned this from Leon, so that would be where to have a peek if you’re interested.
i love to see that so many guitarists switching back from the digital stuff to real gear again. i never got into the digital hype and spend nearly 6k on a synergy system with the big head, syn 2, 10 modules..its a bit pricey for sure but worth every cent imo and it is so much fun to play around with all the different preamp modules in the syn-2 using various poweramps like a mesa 2:90, VHT or an engl E850 (my favourite)..the mesa IIcp+ is my least favourite module so far and the diezel preamps need a diezel powerstage to sound any good imo. cheers 🎸🎸
When you consider the cost of three of the heads that isn't that expensive and takes up less space weight etc. and you can keep adding modules relatively cheaply as you want or need ! Great rig !!!
❤ Get another three synergy racks and mount ALL your modules. You've got the rack space and imagine switching between them all, as well as using them in parallel, stereo etc.
The fryette Deliverance on the AXE is brutal. The tone is subjective, but the axe have so mush fine tuning that you can get wherever you want. Don’t complicate yourself
My opinion in order of preference, IICP, ENGL, 6505, Fryette (either). I do find that what cuts easily turns to a white noise mess at volume. It is a balance act to be done on site to find it, as some venues might enhance certain frequencies due to contruction and whatnot, then there's the PA system.
Yeah Taylor, killer vid as per usual. In terms of what modules you should use I'd probably suggest using the savage first of as that is what I would call your "signature sound". It's very gainy, rough around the edges but absolutely killer in tone. With those demo riffs it just rips through and through. For a second module I'd probably suggest a different kind of feel or response just for some variation so my go to's would be either the uberschall or the IIC+ simply because their tonal characteristics and response are just different enough to get your signature sound but maybe accentuate different frequencies in the lows and low mids for some more "percussive" sections in your music. Overall I think any 2 modules would go well for what you are doing as long as you dial them in correctly, it's just all about what you think your sound would need throughout your set. Hope this helps :)
Yeah I lean pretty hard that way as well! I actually like the idea of the savage and uber a lot, but I think the deliverance makes sense most. Also, I think probably I will have to do a second module that has some sort of clean sound so I can have them live... unless I program my clean patch to bypass the synergy preamp and just use the axefx... 🧐
Yeah I can definitely see why you'd go with the deliverance. First of all, you have first hand experience with the real amp itself so there's no better reason than that I'd say in terms of live usage. Additionally, the option to make it fatter with the 2 gain knobs like you mention in the video can provide a similar use to what the IIC+ or Uberschall would do for sure. In terms of the clean tone I'm not too sure how you'd solve that. I'm not familiar with the savage or the deliverance when it comes to cleans so I'd recommend experimenting with the modules multiple channels to see if you can find a setting you like just so there's some tonal consistency between your rhythm/leads and your cleans. If you don't really find something that works for you, you can always use the axefx cleans and it'll come out perfectly fine. As always just follow your ears and you should be able to find something that works for what you are doing :)
Great video!, i love every video of people who digging into any detail of the signal chain on every rack used in live/studio i’m getting all the time internet on any information, in my opinion i will stay on the Axe Fx as a main amp, but as a backup, i will use The synergy 2CP and trying to blend it with the 6505 module, the Hebert module, the VH4 module, the Savage module, the BE DLX module, or the SLO module for low end, trying to play with it to find the perfect tone, and thank you for every information about everything
Since you're using active pickups and the preamps probably have a high input impedance you probably don't really need any active circuitry to create a stereo signal. Just take a die cast aluminium enclosure and drill 3x 9 mm holes in it. Mount an input jack socket and two output jack sockets. Run two wires in parallel from the tip (signal) of the input jack to the tip of each of the output jack sockets. If you use open style jacks that ground to the enclosure you are then done! You can now send your guitar signal to two preamps. I repeat: get a box and three jack sockets, drill three holes, solder two wires. Done. You have your dreams come true for maybe $15.
As a rack nut, I am in love with the Ksr Artemis. The absolute best modern tube amp I've ever played for my style. Maybe give one of their amps a shot one day. Never been huge on multi effects units, but that's probably cause I have used the same 5 pedals for everything. Great video as always!
My personal Synergy setup is the SLO and uberschall, routed into the matching 50/50 power amp and a two notes torpedo live. With that setup, I tend to pick a module based on how well it pairs with a cab (both physical and virtual). Given the setup in the video, definitely digging the uberschall.
totally get why you'd want to switch things up, but if it's for ease of getting to the amp settings on the axe fx , that's what the 'perform page' is for you can add exactly which controls you want in there, ( amp / gate etc etc..) and then it's like one button press away essentially from the front panel the downside for me would be adding (if you felt like it) pedals to the rack, i can imagine certain boosts into the synergy would sound awesome i'd probably just further tweak the FX3 to my liking, impedance curve/speaker drive/compression/thump in the amp block is a revelation and using the Cab block preamp, check out OTTO cabs if you have the chance otherwise, very cool for metal (in our case Drop B modern/deathy/thrash sort of tunes)
i do the exact same thing with the same block layout with my Axe Fx3 & use Ext preamps, I use ether my Rockman X100, ADA MP1 or my Marshall JMP1 using the axe fx for pwr amp sim, pre and post FX and of course a IR in the cab block for going direct and for headphones vias output one and output 2 with no cab block to my Marshall 9200 to pwr my cabs. lot easier to tweek my preamp sounds using a dedicated preamp and its conttrols vs menu diving.
I have a similar live setup except I use a line 6 for effects, my best module is the soldano for live use, quiet yet sounds massive with a lot of chunk, Uberschall for solos.
You know I gotta comment..... Just played a show I ran the uberschall as my main distortion, powerball ran my cleans, and it sounded incredible!! SLO is amazing too it's thhhhhhick for you the uberschall and 5150 or savage will do the trick!
Not trying to throw shade, love this tone, but I think you could do just as good in a less complicated setup. Bluguitar Iridium or the Seymour Duncan Powerstage with an AMT or similar style preamp pedal, Mooer Black Truck maybe. Maybe that's just my preference. Love your stuff, keep up the great work
I use the Savage, Uber and SLO modules myself. I only use my modelers for effects namely the Ampero II since acquiring the Synergy. I say for your Syn-2 Savage and Deliverence suite you best.
The real thing of course sounds better, but this seemed like a lot of work for a slightly better tone? I mean who am I kidding as I'd likely do the same, but the logical person in me has to say that for the added tone it may have been a bit of work for a limited betterment of tone.
@@TaylorDanley That makes sense though, much easier to frig around with the amps settings on the front than the menu's of the axe fx. I have a kartakou colossus preamp (5150 clone basically) and I tend to do the same with my Helix rack. I much prefer the tone and ease of use of the preamp
For what it's worth I run the syn50 head and fractal fm3 4cm only pedals are my direwolf and my endless blockade the fm3 runs all my other effects, tuner, and switches channels
Hello Taylor How you connect the Synergy with AXe FX ? In serial option or in the loop of axe fx? Can you share your axe fx settings? I mean which kind of poweramp from axe are you using for the synergy preamp?
The deliverance module has impressed me in every video out there and this one was no exception either. I really wasn't a fan of the Duncan power amps though. I tried this one you have and the power stage 200 and I sent both of them back. They lack any decent amount of harmonic complexity to the sound. I know that sounds super obscure and cork-sniffer but basically, my old 50w fryette powerstation smoked both of them. If you haven't already, I'd check out one of those or maybe their LXII for something more compact. The guys I know who have tried the LXII and the Synergy power amp all say the LXII is better. Anyways.. one other thought is that the AXEIII is a really expensive piece of gear to just use for some preamp boost and basic effects. That's why I sold mine. I was using a fraction of it's potential and ended up selling it for a modest profit (back when covid had wrecked supply chain and people were foaming at the mouth for these things) and I ended up getting a FM3 and it's way better for me as a simple rock guitar cover band musician. It's been on my acoustic gig pedal board forever though as I'm mostly using real amps again. For you though, if all you really want is a good tube preamp boost, the Victory Copper preamp pedal sounds like something that would do the trick and could sit on a slide out tray in the rack and be always on or foot switch controlled to bypass if you want less rowdiness and also, real tubes.
Hi Taylor I been looking at the synergy gear for some time now, you helped me decide to pull the tigger on it. I have a recording studio but the space it limited I don't have the room for large cabinets and amps yet. As I am looking for lager space I have been looking at the synergy to fill that void.
Oh boy, as much as I love a good peavey sound you kinda had me on that Deliverance module. That sounds sick. All of them definitely sounded better then the Axe FX so life is complicated in a good way
Im a very active rack user. However i only use the vintage stuff, works wonders for 80s shred metal, and some heavier stuff, i can recommend alot of those old preamps and thinga of that nature :)
I use the synergy stuff for about 5 years live and recording, in different version first used it in a similar version but with the helix rack, then pedalboard, now small pedal board with morningstar mc6 pro and my old strymon big sky and timeline and maybe the best sounding version so far. I used the übershall the most but recently switched more to the 6505, kinda cuts more live,… Anyway still love your content dude!
I'm doing something similar via a pedalboard rig, My KSR Ceres is running into my boss 1000gtcore effects loop outside that I'm running a Atomic ampli-firebox MKII for poweramp emulation....but into a low watt tube poweramp so I can get the high end sparkle of those Ec-83's on top of my love for grunty KT88's. It's way more complicated then needed but it allows infinite capabilities of which some modelers fall flat on while producing a preamp sound. Synergy stuff sounds amazing you may have sold me on the ENGL.
Interesting, I like the Synergy Engl module more than the AxeFX Engl patch. For what you're playing I think ENGL and Bogner would work best. If it was MY rig, I'd use the 6505 and the 2CP.
I dig the video bro! I’d say it definitely sounds better with the synergy models. If I had to pick two to throw in there with your selection I’d say the fryette deliverance and the Friedman HBE sounded the best to my eyes.
Great content as always Taylor! I would say you're complicationg the sort-of complex system you already have. But I can see the added value of the better sounding preamps - it surely adds to the feel you get while playing - and that beeing said - I would prolly do the same to test it out
Your AxeFx tone is awesone, please create a video to show how to dial it in. I'm having trouble reaching this level of savagery! It's possible to see your basic parameters on this video, but it's not exhaustive. Thanks a lot!!
You know if you did use a pc you could buy an audio interface that has multiple inputs so basically your whole band could run one one device also you could control lights or even get a cheap projector to have visuals behind you
We tried using a couple different laptops. They're just unreliable live. You can also run lights off the midi out on the LP16.. You could probably also use it to trigger a projector if you wanted as well, I haven't dug too far into that.
@TaylorDanley I'm curious as to what was actually unreliable about them the software the hardware? Did somebody steal them causing you to cancel a show making everyone go nuts on the internet
@@Durkhead Both. People use Macs usually because they are more reliable to run live, but honestly you can find tons of incidents of them failing live. Idk why, I just think it's probably TOO much stuff that is going on in the background. It's sad they don't make the LP16 anymore, but it's a backing track player, and audio interface all in one. And it cost like $400 or something when I bought it. Nothing else to it, it just plays backing tracks, so it's more reliable for that purpose. I love it.
Hey man, speaking of live, as a solo guitarist that occasionally uses harmonies and octave changes in small sections of our songs in the studio, is there any chance if you have time, you can do a video showing the best method to replicate it live? I.E harmoniser pedals or perhaps even plug in options? I once tried the boss harmoniser, perhaps it was me, but i could only get it to sound like harmonies from the eagles, as opposed to slayer or carcass. Anything heavy through that pedal just didnt sound natural. Thanks and the bogner uber was best for me 🤘
I honestly think harmonizers always sound weird. Like it's cool if that's what you're going for, but if you want it to sound like another guitar player that you're harmonizing with, I think you need backing tracks personally.
6505's palm mute chugs sound better to my ear and I don't understand why you need 2 modules 😊 but if you have to choose another the 2c plus does thicken up the mix!
I think the engl mod is more your vibe but I just love that 6505 mod. I'm a fractal fan boi but if you got the scratch to run a rig like yours, why not.
The engl was beautiful, the 6505 was beautiful. The bogner was pretty good. To me it sounded like it had nice low end articulation, but the gain sounded a little dry to my ears. Didn't like the Friedman, atleast not for what you were playing. It doesn't match well imo. The pitbull was good. The deliverance had this weird harsh high end frequency in there that I didn't like at all. The last one was meh. I personally love the 6505, I love Peavey and definitely my go to. It's great for so many tones. But I thought that the engl sounded best. The engl definitely matches better with your play style. So Engl.
The synergy preamps sound so much thicker and tighter to me. What are you using for a power amp? Sounds awesome man. I have a Quad Cortex and as much as I like it, I am kind of thinking of selling and replacing it with a synergy system.
I'd go with the Savage 100%. I got your pack on the Tonex and it fuckin rips! It's my most used bank, up there with a Randal Satan and Peavey Invective.
@@TaylorDanley Been trying to buy your Deliverance pack for a month now, but the site bugs out at checkout and IK's customer support is kinda dogshit... I'll get it eventually though. Can't wait to see what's next!
Wish you had the Powerball but thay being said you really can't go wrong with the 6505 or the Savage. The ones with the faders ESPECIALLY the IIC+ .... no... yeah no i mean it's cool in the studio but even on the real amp i hated the faders sensitivity. Lastly no you're not making a mistake you're improving your tone. Would love to see the synergy power amp in there as well!
Any chance of playing a show in Austin? I wonder if Dave Friedman could mod the syn2 to do what you want it to do. Also, Bill Kelliher had this setup for the last tour, maybe this one too. Except he has helix and a fryette power amp. Sounds crazy cool. Btw, my vote is that 2c+ with the gain turned down. That tone was so sick for your stuff.
Probably not, I don't think Sacrificer will be touring anytime soon. Honestly after the revisit, I think the HBE works great as is for what I want it to do!
I don't play live right now but since the Friedman IR-X came out I just want to center a rig around it 😂 just have that, a wireless, tuner, gate, compact power amp (mayne ksr PA50?) And my 1960 cab lol
That's why he's using the tube pre blcok to add simulation to the synergy... Although they were closer in sound with that disengaged IMO. Also, that block doesn't exactly mimic the behavior of each actual amp. Personally I'd try bending it to see if that worked. Not sure how well it would, just because I only have a II and haven't turned it in in 3 years.
@@XChristianNoirX the tube pre amp model in the axe fx is not a power amp simulation. its a simulation of a preamp tube. thats why it sounds alot closer with it off. because it colors the sound differently to just a poweramp. you can absolutely get the tone in the axe fx to 99.99% (if not 100%) of the synergy tone. that's why i dont understand why add the weight
again why bother? all the synergy module amps exist in the axe fx already with even more customizability and control available. you can get the same tone easily. why add around 10kg to a live rig???
@@constantinosmavroyannis9409 You got me man, idk. I know the Pittbull, my favorite module, is not in the AxeFX. And the reason I would run synergy over axe fx for the preamp (so I can slam the front end with a boost of my preference without clipping an ADA converter) doesn't apply here since he's plugging into the axefx first. But the tube pre turned power amp modeler is useful if you have preamp or preamp pedal that the axefx doesn't have (in my case, a VHT Pittbull and an OR120 preamp pedal) if you want a more accurate sound than just running the pre into solid state power amp and cab or IR.
*EDIT* I typed this, and then you legit started talking about it, LOL TIMING! *EDIT* If I'm not mistaken, can't you emulate the power tubes via the axe fx, and still use the Synergy module for the preamp?
It looks like my question was DELETED...and I dont understand WHY, considering I followed all community guidelines. I asked a couple questions on your peavey triple video...about it vs a jsx, and your overdrive pedal. If you have the time to respond, I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks
Your comment probably triggered RUclipss automated filters, it happens all the time. I didn’t see it, I get a lot of comments on here, so apologies. I’ve never actually played a JSX, but I know they are similar amps. I don’t know much about the relationship between the xxx and JSX, but wouldn’t surprise me if the xxx was the budget version. My overdrive pedal… might come out one day. I can’t really say because it’s figuratively and literally in the builders hands. If it’s something you’re interested in, definitely spam his website and maybe that will motivate him to finish it 🤣
@@TaylorDanley thank you bro. Yeah I talked to them a couple days ago. They said they definitely will produce it though. Thanks again, man. Love your stuff
Fryette stuff def sounded the best. The first riff on the pit bull was mean as fuck and could see that cutting through the mix the best live. The engl and 6505 just had a weird shrillness to them
FInally people are starting to get over the axe fx hype ;) So much more pleasure out of real amps as far as I'm concerned, it makes you wanna play more, write more songs, digital is still a bit toyish although it came a long way.
Two types of people, those who own an AxeFx, and those who talk shit. In a blind test, you would not be able to differentiate, case closed. And this also applies to QC, Kemper, Line6, Ampero, etc...
@@shaharbar well my smart, Ive owned an axfx2 since 2011 ;) oops ;) I talk only about what I know... Unlike you apparently 😅 Also, with in-ears, very hard to hear the difference, in front of the amp though, night and day. Tried all the solutions... None of them sounded good. When I went back to a full valve rig I've gone back to being inspired by guitar. Axefx is a great practical tool... But for many it doesn't work or inspire. The hype was that it will replace tube amps but it will not.
@@shaharbar these days more pros use the axe as effects, if you're looking for classic effects, it's still good even the axe2. If pros use the amp sims it's mostly only in-ears, which makes sense.
@@shaharbar playing guitar is more than just how it sounds... It's an experience, and if it works for your experience, I'm happy if you're happy. I've got nothing against axefx users, I'm one of them (for some scenarios). But that's not what the hype sold us originally. So I was only saying it over hyped.
Do you guys dig the synergy stuff? Let me know which one I should use live!
Best way to go seymour duncan power amp 2x12 speakers and pod go or any line 6 line up😂😂😂
What about testing the Pitbull and the Friedman BE DLX modules together?
Do you think they'd have enough different tonal gaps to work well or just compete for frequencies?
Just got the Syn-1 with SLO and the Uberschäll is on its way ;)
In the future:
All restaurants are Taco Bell
All guitars are Ibanez
All amplifiers are Synergy
It’s crazy how close the Axe FX sounds to the modules. I love the Bogner Überschall and and 6505 modules’ tones, but honestly I think you can’t go wrong with the options available to you! I would probably rock the Bogner if I had the chance
Well, to be perfectly honest here, in my humble opinion, of course without offending anyone who thinks differently from my point of view, but also by looking into this matter in
a different perspective and without being condemning of one`s view and by trying to make it objectified, and by considering each and every one`s valid opinion, i honestly believe that i completely forgot what i was going to say..ah i remember, nice setup dude, synergy stuff is just amazing imo!😂💪
Hello Mr Axe FX III user guy….I also have one. You were saying about ease of use with the Syn Vs Fractal. I learned…and then forgot…about setting the 5 rotary knobs to the main amp knobs for instant access. Or connecting them to any other control you may want to use without diving into the menu, like the input gate or trim for example.
Just wanted to share this micro bit of Axe FX awesomeness for making things easier. Take care. I learned this from Leon, so that would be where to have a peek if you’re interested.
i love to see that so many guitarists switching back from the digital stuff to real gear again. i never got into the digital hype and spend nearly 6k on a synergy system with the big head, syn 2, 10 modules..its a bit pricey for sure but worth every cent imo and it is so much fun to play around with all the different preamp modules in the syn-2 using various poweramps like a mesa 2:90, VHT or an engl E850 (my favourite)..the mesa IIcp+ is my least favourite module so far and the diezel preamps need a diezel powerstage to sound any good imo. cheers 🎸🎸
When you consider the cost of three of the heads that isn't that expensive and takes up less space weight etc. and you can keep adding modules relatively cheaply as you want or need ! Great rig !!!
❤ Get another three synergy racks and mount ALL your modules. You've got the rack space and imagine switching between them all, as well as using them in parallel, stereo etc.
There you go, think outside the box! lol
You know this is the only way to do it Taylor , and then get a Herbert module to fill the hole . Makes it easier to store your modules too . 😂
@@TaylorDanleyis it thinking outside the box or is it thinking inside the rack? 🤔
@@JohnnyOskam types of thinking is another episode
The fryette Deliverance on the AXE is brutal. The tone is subjective, but the axe have so mush fine tuning that you can get wherever you want. Don’t complicate yourself
$$$
The Savage tone is probably the best for your main tone, the pitbull & 6505 are a little dryer in comparison...
Personally I think the synergy sounds the best. I know it’s not about the time but it’s definitely better in my opinion.
I did not expect that Synergy to sound better than the Axe, holy shit, kudos to old-school, non-modeling tech
My opinion in order of preference, IICP, ENGL, 6505, Fryette (either). I do find that what cuts easily turns to a white noise mess at volume. It is a balance act to be done on site to find it, as some venues might enhance certain frequencies due to contruction and whatnot, then there's the PA system.
Yeah that's a big reason I like the idea of being able to quickly tweak the tone with the synergy units!
The Savage for a more scooped raw sound, and then the JP2C for a more thick sound (also would be good for leads)
The Deliverance and JC II+ would make for a really dope combo! If you ever end up expanding your collection, I'd probably recommend the Herbert module
Thanks for the recommendation!
Yeah Taylor, killer vid as per usual. In terms of what modules you should use I'd probably suggest using the savage first of as that is what I would call your "signature sound". It's very gainy, rough around the edges but absolutely killer in tone. With those demo riffs it just rips through and through. For a second module I'd probably suggest a different kind of feel or response just for some variation so my go to's would be either the uberschall or the IIC+ simply because their tonal characteristics and response are just different enough to get your signature sound but maybe accentuate different frequencies in the lows and low mids for some more "percussive" sections in your music. Overall I think any 2 modules would go well for what you are doing as long as you dial them in correctly, it's just all about what you think your sound would need throughout your set. Hope this helps :)
Yeah I lean pretty hard that way as well! I actually like the idea of the savage and uber a lot, but I think the deliverance makes sense most. Also, I think probably I will have to do a second module that has some sort of clean sound so I can have them live... unless I program my clean patch to bypass the synergy preamp and just use the axefx... 🧐
Yeah I can definitely see why you'd go with the deliverance. First of all, you have first hand experience with the real amp itself so there's no better reason than that I'd say in terms of live usage. Additionally, the option to make it fatter with the 2 gain knobs like you mention in the video can provide a similar use to what the IIC+ or Uberschall would do for sure.
In terms of the clean tone I'm not too sure how you'd solve that. I'm not familiar with the savage or the deliverance when it comes to cleans so I'd recommend experimenting with the modules multiple channels to see if you can find a setting you like just so there's some tonal consistency between your rhythm/leads and your cleans. If you don't really find something that works for you, you can always use the axefx cleans and it'll come out perfectly fine.
As always just follow your ears and you should be able to find something that works for what you are doing :)
why add more weight to the rig? the axe fx can do everything those synergy preamps can
Awesome tip about running the preamp block after the Synergy!
Sacrificer is a sick-ass name. 🤘
Haha Thanks dude!
Btw. That pit bull module sounded the best. It was tight, super saturated, articulate and responsive. Mean timbre as well. I loved that sound !!
I'm a simple man... I just lug a 2x12 cab with a katana 100 these days which has an emulated out for front of house :D
There's nothing wrong with that!
Great video!, i love every video of people who digging into any detail of the signal chain on every rack used in live/studio i’m getting all the time internet on any information, in my opinion i will stay on the Axe Fx as a main amp, but as a backup, i will use The synergy 2CP and trying to blend it with the 6505 module, the Hebert module, the VH4 module, the Savage module, the BE DLX module, or the SLO module for low end, trying to play with it to find the perfect tone, and thank you for every information about everything
Since you're using active pickups and the preamps probably have a high input impedance you probably don't really need any active circuitry to create a stereo signal. Just take a die cast aluminium enclosure and drill 3x 9 mm holes in it. Mount an input jack socket and two output jack sockets. Run two wires in parallel from the tip (signal) of the input jack to the tip of each of the output jack sockets. If you use open style jacks that ground to the enclosure you are then done! You can now send your guitar signal to two preamps. I repeat: get a box and three jack sockets, drill three holes, solder two wires. Done. You have your dreams come true for maybe $15.
As a rack nut, I am in love with the Ksr Artemis. The absolute best modern tube amp I've ever played for my style. Maybe give one of their amps a shot one day. Never been huge on multi effects units, but that's probably cause I have used the same 5 pedals for everything. Great video as always!
My personal Synergy setup is the SLO and uberschall, routed into the matching 50/50 power amp and a two notes torpedo live. With that setup, I tend to pick a module based on how well it pairs with a cab (both physical and virtual). Given the setup in the video, definitely digging the uberschall.
love the nirvana shirt and riffs of course
I think the front knobs on the Axe FX can be assigned to the amp block so you can just use them on the fly.
Yes that's right, you can, but I have them programmed to other things I need on the fly!
@@TaylorDanley Never enough knobs lol.
You can also double tap A to jump to the amp page
totally get why you'd want to switch things up, but if it's for ease of getting to the amp settings on the axe fx , that's what the 'perform page' is for
you can add exactly which controls you want in there, ( amp / gate etc etc..) and then it's like one button press away essentially from the front panel
the downside for me would be adding (if you felt like it) pedals to the rack, i can imagine certain boosts into the synergy would sound awesome
i'd probably just further tweak the FX3 to my liking, impedance curve/speaker drive/compression/thump in the amp block is a revelation and using the Cab block preamp, check out OTTO cabs if you have the chance otherwise, very cool for metal (in our case Drop B modern/deathy/thrash sort of tunes)
I love the Engl module the most. It’s got a weight to it that the Axe FX3 can’t replicate.
I'd say you should go for either the Savage module or the Pitbull. Something about how dry and tight the Pitbull sounds is just so cool.
Yeah, it's VERY punchy.
The Savage module is my favorite of the synergy stuff Ive gotten to use.
When you were switching between the Axe and Synergy could tell that distinct really high frequency fizz from the modeler.
This is true, and a good point. Modelers definitely have a high end response real gear doesn't have!
Savage preamp adds so much presence
i do the exact same thing with the same block layout with my Axe Fx3 & use Ext preamps, I use ether my Rockman X100, ADA MP1 or my Marshall JMP1 using the axe fx for pwr amp sim, pre and post FX and of course a IR in the cab block for going direct and for headphones vias output one and output 2 with no cab block to my Marshall 9200 to pwr my cabs. lot easier to tweek my preamp sounds using a dedicated preamp and its conttrols vs menu diving.
I have a similar live setup except I use a line 6 for effects, my best module is the soldano for live use, quiet yet sounds massive with a lot of chunk, Uberschall for solos.
You know I gotta comment.....
Just played a show I ran the uberschall as my main distortion, powerball ran my cleans, and it sounded incredible!! SLO is amazing too it's thhhhhhick for you the uberschall and 5150 or savage will do the trick!
I agree with most of the comments here, the ENGL Savage on the Synergy sounds killer!
Not trying to throw shade, love this tone, but I think you could do just as good in a less complicated setup. Bluguitar Iridium or the Seymour Duncan Powerstage with an AMT or similar style preamp pedal, Mooer Black Truck maybe. Maybe that's just my preference. Love your stuff, keep up the great work
I use the Savage, Uber and SLO modules myself. I only use my modelers for effects namely the Ampero II since acquiring the Synergy. I say for your Syn-2 Savage and Deliverence suite you best.
Kohle did a video where he blended the Bogner with the Fryette....maaaaaaaan what a beast of a tone that was.
The real thing of course sounds better, but this seemed like a lot of work for a slightly better tone? I mean who am I kidding as I'd likely do the same, but the logical person in me has to say that for the added tone it may have been a bit of work for a limited betterment of tone.
Yeah, like I mentioned, it's not really a tone based decision.. it's more just so I don't have to menu dive to adjust settings.
@@TaylorDanley That makes sense though, much easier to frig around with the amps settings on the front than the menu's of the axe fx. I have a kartakou colossus preamp (5150 clone basically) and I tend to do the same with my Helix rack. I much prefer the tone and ease of use of the preamp
For what it's worth I run the syn50 head and fractal fm3 4cm only pedals are my direwolf and my endless blockade the fm3 runs all my other effects, tuner, and switches channels
Hello Taylor How you connect the Synergy with AXe FX ? In serial option or in the loop of axe fx? Can you share your axe fx settings? I mean which kind of poweramp from axe are you using for the synergy preamp?
The deliverance module has impressed me in every video out there and this one was no exception either.
I really wasn't a fan of the Duncan power amps though. I tried this one you have and the power stage 200 and I sent both of them back. They lack any decent amount of harmonic complexity to the sound. I know that sounds super obscure and cork-sniffer but basically, my old 50w fryette powerstation smoked both of them. If you haven't already, I'd check out one of those or maybe their LXII for something more compact. The guys I know who have tried the LXII and the Synergy power amp all say the LXII is better.
Anyways.. one other thought is that the AXEIII is a really expensive piece of gear to just use for some preamp boost and basic effects. That's why I sold mine. I was using a fraction of it's potential and ended up selling it for a modest profit (back when covid had wrecked supply chain and people were foaming at the mouth for these things) and I ended up getting a FM3 and it's way better for me as a simple rock guitar cover band musician. It's been on my acoustic gig pedal board forever though as I'm mostly using real amps again.
For you though, if all you really want is a good tube preamp boost, the Victory Copper preamp pedal sounds like something that would do the trick and could sit on a slide out tray in the rack and be always on or foot switch controlled to bypass if you want less rowdiness and also, real tubes.
Hi Taylor I been looking at the synergy gear for some time now, you helped me decide to pull the tigger on it. I have a recording studio but the space it limited I don't have the room for large cabinets and amps yet. As I am looking for lager space I have been looking at the synergy to fill that void.
They are great! I'm going to do a big chug battle (shoot out with the actual amps) soon too.
@@TaylorDanley That would be great!
Oh boy, as much as I love a good peavey sound you kinda had me on that Deliverance module. That sounds sick. All of them definitely sounded better then the Axe FX so life is complicated in a good way
Haha, life is complicated in a good way. Love it!
Im a very active rack user. However i only use the vintage stuff, works wonders for 80s shred metal, and some heavier stuff, i can recommend alot of those old preamps and thinga of that nature :)
I use the synergy stuff for about 5 years live and recording, in different version first used it in a similar version but with the helix rack, then pedalboard, now small pedal board with morningstar mc6 pro and my old strymon big sky and timeline and maybe the best sounding version so far. I used the übershall the most but recently switched more to the 6505, kinda cuts more live,…
Anyway still love your content dude!
I'm doing something similar via a pedalboard rig, My KSR Ceres is running into my boss 1000gtcore effects loop outside that I'm running a Atomic ampli-firebox MKII for poweramp emulation....but into a low watt tube poweramp so I can get the high end sparkle of those Ec-83's on top of my love for grunty KT88's. It's way more complicated then needed but it allows infinite capabilities of which some modelers fall flat on while producing a preamp sound. Synergy stuff sounds amazing you may have sold me on the ENGL.
Interesting, I like the Synergy Engl module more than the AxeFX Engl patch. For what you're playing I think ENGL and Bogner would work best. If it was MY rig, I'd use the 6505 and the 2CP.
I dig the video bro! I’d say it definitely sounds better with the synergy models. If I had to pick two to throw in there with your selection I’d say the fryette deliverance and the Friedman HBE sounded the best to my eyes.
They all sound great! I would choose The Fryette Pitbull! It’s grrrrrrr! But when you played the high strings it had a nice definition.
I liked the Fryette Pitbull, and the ENGL Savage module best. The rest seemed to have a high end solid state fizz like a Metal Zone pedal.
Great content as always Taylor! I would say you're complicationg the sort-of complex system you already have. But I can see the added value of the better sounding preamps - it surely adds to the feel you get while playing - and that beeing said - I would prolly do the same to test it out
I plan on using the Peavey for modern high gain then use the Fender for atmospheric cleans.
Your AxeFx tone is awesone, please create a video to show how to dial it in. I'm having trouble reaching this level of savagery! It's possible to see your basic parameters on this video, but it's not exhaustive. Thanks a lot!!
Hello Dove, what do use for ventilation (heat dissipation)?
Is that ever a concern for team Sacrificer?
Maybe it's just a placebo effect but that Fryette/Pitbull module sounds KILLER for some old school death metal; gave me real 1990's Florida DM vibes
Maybe LPF after the amp on AxeFX might help bring it closer. I find it helps me a lot on the Axe II.
Yeah, that's true!
You know if you did use a pc you could buy an audio interface that has multiple inputs so basically your whole band could run one one device also you could control lights or even get a cheap projector to have visuals behind you
We tried using a couple different laptops. They're just unreliable live. You can also run lights off the midi out on the LP16.. You could probably also use it to trigger a projector if you wanted as well, I haven't dug too far into that.
@TaylorDanley I'm curious as to what was actually unreliable about them the software the hardware? Did somebody steal them causing you to cancel a show making everyone go nuts on the internet
@@Durkhead Both. People use Macs usually because they are more reliable to run live, but honestly you can find tons of incidents of them failing live. Idk why, I just think it's probably TOO much stuff that is going on in the background.
It's sad they don't make the LP16 anymore, but it's a backing track player, and audio interface all in one. And it cost like $400 or something when I bought it. Nothing else to it, it just plays backing tracks, so it's more reliable for that purpose. I love it.
Def tough between that set of modules. I still think the Savage, just has a certain grind that is awesome about it
I like the compression the synergy has better. Almost like a EL34. Both sound good tho
Love the content, Bro! Savage and the 6506 both sound amazing!!
Awesome, glad you like it!
Hey man, speaking of live, as a solo guitarist that occasionally uses harmonies and octave changes in small sections of our songs in the studio,
is there any chance if you have time, you can do a video showing the best method to replicate it live?
I.E harmoniser pedals or perhaps even plug in options?
I once tried the boss harmoniser, perhaps it was me, but i could only get it to sound like harmonies from the eagles, as opposed to slayer or carcass.
Anything heavy through that pedal just didnt sound natural.
Thanks and the bogner uber was best for me 🤘
I honestly think harmonizers always sound weird. Like it's cool if that's what you're going for, but if you want it to sound like another guitar player that you're harmonizing with, I think you need backing tracks personally.
@@TaylorDanleyfair call mate, thanks for your thoughts. Cheers
6505's palm mute chugs sound better to my ear and I don't understand why you need 2 modules 😊 but if you have to choose another the 2c plus does thicken up the mix!
I think the engl mod is more your vibe but I just love that 6505 mod. I'm a fractal fan boi but if you got the scratch to run a rig like yours, why not.
The engl was beautiful, the 6505 was beautiful. The bogner was pretty good. To me it sounded like it had nice low end articulation, but the gain sounded a little dry to my ears. Didn't like the Friedman, atleast not for what you were playing. It doesn't match well imo. The pitbull was good. The deliverance had this weird harsh high end frequency in there that I didn't like at all. The last one was meh.
I personally love the 6505, I love Peavey and definitely my go to. It's great for so many tones. But I thought that the engl sounded best. The engl definitely matches better with your play style. So Engl.
Gonna try come out to Oct 20th show, seen ya at portland shows but never officially met, kill it!
Awesome dude, see you there.
Hell yeah man kill it@@TaylorDanley
The Synergy by faaaar! 🤘🏽😈🤘🏽
Any opinions on the SD power amp vs the Synergy one?
You know that you can setup 2 pages for quick access settings on Fractal systems? One per preset and one global
The Synergy definitely is warmer and sounds more pleasing. The Axe fx has a shrill tone that is abrasive.
The synergy preamps sound so much thicker and tighter to me. What are you using for a power amp? Sounds awesome man. I have a Quad Cortex and as much as I like it, I am kind of thinking of selling and replacing it with a synergy system.
Cool video thanks for the well-needed comparison !
For me it's either the Friedman or the Boogie.
Sick executioner castle freak figure you got there and sick tones as always dude.
The synergy sounds much better to my ears when it came to engl sound. Depends if they’re running through the same speaker ir or cab
I'd go with the Savage 100%. I got your pack on the Tonex and it fuckin rips! It's my most used bank, up there with a Randal Satan and Peavey Invective.
Dude! That's awesome. Glad you enjoy it. More to come!!
@@TaylorDanley Been trying to buy your Deliverance pack for a month now, but the site bugs out at checkout and IK's customer support is kinda dogshit... I'll get it eventually though. Can't wait to see what's next!
Wish you had the Powerball but thay being said you really can't go wrong with the 6505 or the Savage. The ones with the faders ESPECIALLY the IIC+ .... no... yeah no i mean it's cool in the studio but even on the real amp i hated the faders sensitivity.
Lastly no you're not making a mistake you're improving your tone. Would love to see the synergy power amp in there as well!
Any chance of playing a show in Austin? I wonder if Dave Friedman could mod the syn2 to do what you want it to do. Also, Bill Kelliher had this setup for the last tour, maybe this one too. Except he has helix and a fryette power amp. Sounds crazy cool.
Btw, my vote is that 2c+ with the gain turned down. That tone was so sick for your stuff.
Probably not, I don't think Sacrificer will be touring anytime soon. Honestly after the revisit, I think the HBE works great as is for what I want it to do!
My vote goes to the Syn 6505. GOAT death metal sound
Synergy modules combined with an Axe Fx works for Steve Vai so why not?
Looks like you need to take advantage of Per-Preset Performance Controls ... The synergy does also sound good. Steve Vai seems to prefer them.
Not only does the Quad Cortex sound better, it's much easier to use! You can actually see what you're doing while using it! (Axe fx - please)
I wish they made a Triple XXX/3120 module!
YOU AND ME BOTH
I don't play live right now but since the Friedman IR-X came out I just want to center a rig around it 😂 just have that, a wireless, tuner, gate, compact power amp (mayne ksr PA50?) And my 1960 cab lol
Imagine how badass it would sound with the Synergy power amp... mmmmm 😋
To my taste the axefx sounded a fair bit better. I could hear the separation of the notes more easily despite the large amount of distortion.
I use the Mooer GE300 and pre amp live and SD75
The savage sounds really good but so does the peavy ( synergy)
The Bogner with a boost.
the axe fx doesnt simulate preamps. it simulates the entire amp. maybe that's why it sounds different from the synergy
That's why he's using the tube pre blcok to add simulation to the synergy... Although they were closer in sound with that disengaged IMO. Also, that block doesn't exactly mimic the behavior of each actual amp.
Personally I'd try bending it to see if that worked. Not sure how well it would, just because I only have a II and haven't turned it in in 3 years.
@@XChristianNoirX the tube pre amp model in the axe fx is not a power amp simulation. its a simulation of a preamp tube. thats why it sounds alot closer with it off. because it colors the sound differently to just a poweramp. you can absolutely get the tone in the axe fx to 99.99% (if not 100%) of the synergy tone. that's why i dont understand why add the weight
@@constantinosmavroyannis9409 you can configure the tube pre to be a power amp sim by dialing in the advanced perimeters.
again why bother? all the synergy module amps exist in the axe fx already with even more customizability and control available. you can get the same tone easily. why add around 10kg to a live rig???
@@constantinosmavroyannis9409 You got me man, idk. I know the Pittbull, my favorite module, is not in the AxeFX. And the reason I would run synergy over axe fx for the preamp (so I can slam the front end with a boost of my preference without clipping an ADA converter) doesn't apply here since he's plugging into the axefx first. But the tube pre turned power amp modeler is useful if you have preamp or preamp pedal that the axefx doesn't have (in my case, a VHT Pittbull and an OR120 preamp pedal) if you want a more accurate sound than just running the pre into solid state power amp and cab or IR.
@TaylorDanley really dig your style of riffs, do you have a Spotify list? Love to see some of your favorite band influences.
Thanks! I’m in the middle of remixing all the demo tracks and I’ll start adding them to streaming platforms here in the coming weeks
*EDIT* I typed this, and then you legit started talking about it, LOL TIMING! *EDIT*
If I'm not mistaken, can't you emulate the power tubes via the axe fx, and still use the Synergy module for the preamp?
It looks like my question was DELETED...and I dont understand WHY, considering I followed all community guidelines. I asked a couple questions on your peavey triple video...about it vs a jsx, and your overdrive pedal. If you have the time to respond, I would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks
Your comment probably triggered RUclipss automated filters, it happens all the time.
I didn’t see it, I get a lot of comments on here, so apologies.
I’ve never actually played a JSX, but I know they are similar amps. I don’t know much about the relationship between the xxx and JSX, but wouldn’t surprise me if the xxx was the budget version.
My overdrive pedal… might come out one day. I can’t really say because it’s figuratively and literally in the builders hands. If it’s something you’re interested in, definitely spam his website and maybe that will motivate him to finish it 🤣
@@TaylorDanley thank you bro. Yeah I talked to them a couple days ago. They said they definitely will produce it though. Thanks again, man. Love your stuff
I think the Engl savage is just brutal
The Friedman hbe sounded absolutely evil. Those mids just grind.
Yeah, when I was shooting this I was like 🤔
Top video, kudos to your nirvana shirt hahaha
💪
Dude the JP2C
I remember the early 2010's when we'd get shit for playing shows with modelers. Really don't miss lugging around 200lbs of gear everywhere.
Fryette stuff def sounded the best. The first riff on the pit bull was mean as fuck and could see that cutting through the mix the best live. The engl and 6505 just had a weird shrillness to them
Easy answer, buy more Syn2's you still have space and use them all
😂
FInally people are starting to get over the axe fx hype ;) So much more pleasure out of real amps as far as I'm concerned, it makes you wanna play more, write more songs, digital is still a bit toyish although it came a long way.
Two types of people, those who own an AxeFx, and those who talk shit. In a blind test, you would not be able to differentiate, case closed. And this also applies to QC, Kemper, Line6, Ampero, etc...
@@shaharbar well my smart, Ive owned an axfx2 since 2011 ;) oops ;) I talk only about what I know... Unlike you apparently 😅 Also, with in-ears, very hard to hear the difference, in front of the amp though, night and day. Tried all the solutions... None of them sounded good. When I went back to a full valve rig I've gone back to being inspired by guitar. Axefx is a great practical tool... But for many it doesn't work or inspire. The hype was that it will replace tube amps but it will not.
@@shaharbar are you still having these debates with people like 15 years later lol that's just funny
@@shaharbar these days more pros use the axe as effects, if you're looking for classic effects, it's still good even the axe2.
If pros use the amp sims it's mostly only in-ears, which makes sense.
@@shaharbar playing guitar is more than just how it sounds... It's an experience, and if it works for your experience, I'm happy if you're happy. I've got nothing against axefx users, I'm one of them (for some scenarios). But that's not what the hype sold us originally. So I was only saying it over hyped.