MESA MARK IIC+ COPY?

Рет қаралды 80,029

2 жыл бұрын

Trying out the new Synergy preamp module IICP. Basically a copy of the Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ preamp. Whooped out my Mark IIC+ to check if it compares.
0:00 Intro
2:03 Mark IIC+ Sound
2:25 Layout
3:23 Comparison Using Mark IIC+ 5-Band EQ
5:33 Gain Comparison
6:29 Comparison Using IICP 5-Band EQ
7:44 More Playing
9:13 Extreme V EQ
10:50 Shift Buttons
12:03 Conclusion
DISCLAIMER: This video is not sponsored. The company sent this to me for free but it was sent back after the demo was been made. The brand does not have any influence on how I make and what I say in my videos.
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I'm Ola Englund and welcome to my channel. A channel dedicated to guitar related gear with a focus on metal. I also play in the metal bands The Haunted & Feared and run a guitar company www.solar-guitars.com
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Пікірлер: 354

@OlaEnglund 2 жыл бұрын

Seeing how everyone else made a video for this last week, I remembered that I had this thing sitting on my desk for a while. Took it out to compare it to the real deal.

@dimebagcoleman7548 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Ola what is the song you played at 7:55!? And that guitar is the shit!

@IStabz 2 жыл бұрын

pretty spot on I must say! \,,,/

@floswallow4828 2 жыл бұрын

This Thing Sounds killer. I Love the Synergy Stuff.

@IStabz 2 жыл бұрын

@@floswallow4828 800.00 total for the crushing tone!🤫🤘🏼

@davidtguitar 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds great

@FryetteAmps 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Ola! This is one of our top fav IICP demos. Why? Because, first, you know how it's supposed to work, and then you go straight for the throat to find out if it really measures up - not just guessing or relying on memory. There is no question in the viewers mind "how close" it gets. That's the real test. The EQ is actually the same frequencies and range. The problem as you said is that the sliders are small and difficult to navigate. But you can imagine the criticism if it wasn't there at all, so as always Steve went for it. The other thing making the EQ more aggressive sounding on the IICP is that it has a more transparent buffer than the original, which does round off some of the top end due to the well known no-so-great FX loop in the original, so when you push 6600 all the way up on the amp, it sounds smoother and less aggressive. The way around this is to, yes, be careful in setting the sliders to match the sound, rather than the physical position. Nice work and fun to watch!

@RyRyTheBassGuy 2 жыл бұрын

If possible, I think trim pots would've been better than sliders. Not the same look, but easier to adjust.

@burnbacktime 2 жыл бұрын

I'm beyond excited for this. Hopefully mine shows up tomorrow. I've been a fan of this circuit since I was 16 but have never been able to get my hands on it until now. I can't wait until it hits my doorstep. Cheers from Maine!

@idiotburns 2 жыл бұрын

Great work Ola and Steve!

@Dastardly_X 2 жыл бұрын

🤘🏻 🌟 🤘

@coobanez777 2 жыл бұрын

"Be careful" - Ola probably wishes he would have gotten this sage advice before 9:18 in this video!

@BalashToth 2 жыл бұрын

"There is a clean channel, but who gives a shit about that?" - new Ola merch with that please

@MrJackal43 2 жыл бұрын

Classic....

@HudsonHandel 2 жыл бұрын

The synergy has more presence and is a little more “grindy”/modern. However the overall characteristics are the same. Which is dope.

@SHREDTILLDEAD 2 жыл бұрын

He does not have them dialed in the same.

@podfuk 2 жыл бұрын

Agree

@RoadSKOL 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Ola - sorry if this has already been mentioned but Steve Fryette (designer of the II CP module) paid you a nice compliment in the latest version of his show Malcontents. He stated that you putting the module up against an actual IIC+ really showed how close the two preamp sections sounded. He said your review was spot on and very fair. Nice job and thank you!

@OlaEnglund 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the heads up, I checked out the episode because of you.

@Kizamime 2 жыл бұрын

That's a hell of a lot closer than I expected. The synergy is definitely a lot more modern, and seems to have more gain, but that's about it. Very impressive

@Nick-df1pv 2 жыл бұрын

Closer than expected with the difference in electronic components. Probably about as close as two amps of the same model and manufacture date.

@SHREDTILLDEAD 2 жыл бұрын

He does not dial them in the same so meh ...look again.

@SlinkyT82 2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree it sounds a little bit more modern but still pretty close. Steven Fryette is the man!

@GenerationDown 2 жыл бұрын

First, I’m so stoked that one of these companies finally made a IIC+ module other than the hard to find Jaded Faith Mod. I’m actually gonna get this.

@Silverlining1111 2 жыл бұрын

The Boogie is so nice to look at

@guitarnutbolinuli5788 2 жыл бұрын

This is the review I've been waiting for, I knew Ola would give it to us straight. Thanks Ola.

@rossbalch 2 жыл бұрын

By far the best demo of this I've seen so far. A lot of reviewers didn't really seem familiar with how the MK series amps worked and had trouble dialing it in.

@LucasMastropasqua 2 жыл бұрын

These Synergy modules and products are fantastic for those of us that can’t afford the actual amps! I know we have some amazing modeling technology now but sometimes I want a piece of hardware with glowing glass inside.

@Soldano999 2 жыл бұрын

"Mercedes are fantastic for those of use who can't afford a rolls royce"

@LucasMastropasqua 2 жыл бұрын

@@Soldano999 Very true!

@jadenpadgett1821 2 жыл бұрын

but it has tubes

@LucasMastropasqua 2 жыл бұрын

@@jadenpadgett1821 Oh yeah I didn’t mean it didn’t have tubes I just meant it is a great way to change your sound while still having the glowing glass as opposed to modeling which doesn’t. Poor wording on my part.

@jadenpadgett1821 2 жыл бұрын

@@LucasMastropasqua ohhhhhh i see what you mean now alls good

@xdisciple2776x 2 жыл бұрын

Best demo of this module, thanks Ola.

@cdawg-switchhitter2473 2 жыл бұрын

I think I speak for us when I say when you do these type of videos it’s great to hear you playing a song from memory.

@OlaEnglund 2 жыл бұрын

For me it's more about trying to play with a lack of memory :D Thanks

@nickx1754 2 жыл бұрын

To be fair, if you compare two original Mark IIC+ amps, you'd probably get just as much variation in tone (if not more) with component tolerances being what they were back then, or different components all together (I.e. transformers, etc). Sounds comparable but then there's the feel aspect... Idk, seems pretty cool at any rate. Nice comparison, Ola!

@neonether 2 жыл бұрын

Was looking for this comment. Bought 2 of them a while back and had to part with them because it wasn't quite right to my ear. Once I find the ONE, never letting it go!

@ElShogoso 2 жыл бұрын

@@neonether another thing is that even if you find THE ONE, it's an old amplifier, you might have to recap or even change the transformer or tubes eventually for maintenance, and that alone can already change it's sound. That's the quirk of the analog world

@doctorskull8197 2 жыл бұрын

Very entertaining video! Put a smile on my face. Keep up the great work!

@BBGuitars 2 жыл бұрын

To my ear they did a really good job with this one!

@PeterMoore350 2 жыл бұрын

Good review mate ! I didn’t bother watching the other reviewers coz I knew you would make a decent video review of it. Cheers

@brownsfan7753 2 жыл бұрын

Great review!!! Love the A/B comparison!!

@JimsMusicJourney 2 жыл бұрын

I got this Friday. I love it. I have 6 modules. This is my new favorite.

@jasons.3921 2 жыл бұрын

Ola, the look on your face at 10:29 absolutely makes it worth subscribing to your channel. I happened to pause it right there...it kinda looks like ya sharted. Love your channels and thanks for having Louise be a bigger part of the channels personality. My wife has become a big fan...kinda wish I hadn't shown her, cause, now I have to share you with her. Keep the great (and relevant) content coming. Cheers from Texas!

@soundstorm9508 5 күн бұрын

The fact that he's running the Synergy module into the power section and transformers of the C+ is a huge reason why they sound so close. Cool demo, but I don't think you're going to nail this sound just by buying a module and running it into any old power amp.

@SinghStrings 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Ola! Just here to encourage you to keep your drum journey chugging along! And keep us updated

@mikemunro811 2 жыл бұрын

That mesa tone is the ducks nuts, amazing! The synergy comes close, I’m sure theres nothing wrong with the EQ section, it’s just accentuating the inherent brittle sound that I can hear in all the preamp modules.

@TheGgreen100 2 жыл бұрын

That is... unbelievably close. Wow. Was not expecting that at all.

@coreyclark6505 2 жыл бұрын

10 hours, 2k views and 0 dislikes. That’s how it’s done. Best video on the module yet.

@maximediastore 2 жыл бұрын

The sound of the Synergy preamp module is just awesome, it has a little bit more presence in the hi frecs but it's just "equal" to the all time mighty MESA BOOGIE (my fav) cheers OLA!

@joshww2339 2 жыл бұрын

Really excited!

@wesleytrott6397 2 жыл бұрын

It sounds really good man!

@pattheripper8485 2 жыл бұрын

Man that sounds so good!

@rodolfomacedoodisio6241 2 жыл бұрын

Great demo as usual, Ola! Probably the synergy is a bit more present (bright) due to newer capacitors. After all, the original 2C+ is somewhat 40 years old

@ChannelForty2 Жыл бұрын

I agree man, just a little bit more edge with the synergy. It sounds amazing and definitely sounds like Mark series. I'm impressed and thinking I need it! Ya, ya I need it!

@TimothyHuffGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome Zelda shirt Ola!!! My favorite game EVER! Played almost all of them!

@TimothyHuffGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

I think I may buy a Synergy now. It sounds amazing!

@docsworld1369 2 жыл бұрын

I have over the ear headphones on and they sound exactly the same!! Wow Synergy nailed it!!

@charlesrocks 2 жыл бұрын

HOLY SHIT!!! THAT SOUNDS IDENTICAL!!!!!! OMG!!!!

@Metalbass1979 2 жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing! Certain settings had zero difference in tone between the two in my ears.

@felinekaiju4517 Жыл бұрын

I'm impressed with how close the module comes for for being at least quarter the size of the preamp circuitry in the Mesa.

@leogeraldo4872 2 жыл бұрын

Funny as hell Great video Ola!

@idiotburns 2 жыл бұрын

THE VIDEO WE WERE ALL WANTING!!

@nobbynose4254 Жыл бұрын

informative as always

@Hanssone 2 жыл бұрын

At the beginning the the video they sounded very close, but as soon you began to make tiny adjustments on the 5 band, its hard to come back with the fiddling controls. But im still very impressed.

@andybecker5001 2 жыл бұрын

Great demo. Ola knows his shit with setup. Great tone.

@johnpacino4491 2 жыл бұрын

I like the Synergy even more! It's very close but has in tge same time more definition and more gain if you need it.

@donoklein 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant. Haven’t watched a single second but the title literally captured my click in one second

@FedericoMK 2 жыл бұрын

Finally a proper comparison!!!!! well done Ola! please don't forget to RESPONG!

@ChiAeNima 2 жыл бұрын

I like a lot this guitar related KZfaq channel when the content is guitar related. Awesome video.

@OlaEnglund 2 жыл бұрын

You’re NOT gonna like my drum videos that’s for sure!

@ChiAeNima 2 жыл бұрын

@@OlaEnglund I'm sure will.. 😂😂

@fateunleashed9680 2 жыл бұрын

Dope video I knew when I watched Rabea do his video and he said it doesn't do metal something was wrong, so I'm glad you could get the results I was expecting more of! Slight tangent rant here...Tubes aren't filters, nor do they change frequency in any way. Also, feel isn't frequency don't get those two confused. Feel isn't measurable as it's a subjective experience, and your subjective reality is always changing due to placebos. If you believe the the $800 signal cable will make your cover song sound better, then you'll claim there was something that changed when it didn't. The way to know if a piece of gear changes the frequencies of the tone signal coming out of your guitar's butthole is by reading the frequency response graphs shipped with the products. If there's no graphs, then it has no effect it's that simple! Glenn Fricker made a video recently proving this, and if you watch the 3 part GGD cali drums Nolly himself shows how the speaker, cab, and mic make all the difference. It's way easier to reference those four videos rather than arguing with me about it. It's data, so argue with the presenters of the data instead.

@BootlegBil 2 жыл бұрын

Synergy have a good series going on here. It makes sense to get hold of SYN2 'chassis', then fit your 2 favourite modules. Say, Friedman alongside Soldano, or Plexi with this module. Mix & Match to make your own sound.

@jimmiejames4674 2 жыл бұрын

My buddy has his synergy running through two cabinets powered by a Crown amplifier..The sound is so powerful.

@ConstantineM 2 жыл бұрын

They sound REALLY close. Awesome

@paulsharp1712 2 жыл бұрын

Nice comparison. Pretty sure here's an insert point underneath the MKIIC+ chassis that is just before the power amp after the EQ, if you use that instead of the FX loop you can do a direct comparison.

@robertbeckerii2715 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing how close it was other than the EQ , differently worth the $$$$ for a stand in if you can't afford an amp head ... or for a small gig or practice amp stuff !!!

@Hippo007 2 жыл бұрын

I have to say, the Synergy module is pretty impressive sounding. Especially for the price point difference

@Ambassadeur77 2 жыл бұрын

Ola den här Demo var riktigt bra! Det är faktiskt lättare hitta Synergy än Mesa IIc+ :D Hälsningar från Finland igen. Snart ska vi ha kallt och Mesa bara värmer huset.

@Aolian 2 жыл бұрын

I've been saying for years that rather than only make super complicated amps like the JPIIC and Mark V they should also make a two channel Mark head that has "the" distortion sound, maybe with a few voice switches* and a great clean sound. *I have a Mark III that I modded by, among other things, cutting out most of the R2 circuit added in the IIIs, as it affected the tone of the lead mdoe. Now it works as a voice switch because of the stacking design. It's totally unique and sounds awesome when engaged.

@beautague9163 2 жыл бұрын

The synergy head or using a tube power amp with a syn 1 or 2 will probably be a big difference in sound, plus there are one or two internal dip switches if I'm not mistaken, I'm really excited to buy one this or next week! Love my synergy 50

@Gizmo-st1ky 2 жыл бұрын

Damn! It sounds pretty damn close. These modules are interesting, gonna look more into these to pair with my H&K

@alenlenia 2 жыл бұрын

thanks again Ola for showing me what i cant buy right now

@damonwolf793 2 жыл бұрын

I hear the E.Q. on the fryette pitbull module is just as crazy. Not to worry though that preamp sounds incredible.

@quakana Жыл бұрын

I would have to see the synergy rig through another ....totally separate power amp. Part of the IIC+ Magic has always been the power section and the GEQ. Especially if we are talking a simulclass power section. I agree it sounds close but how much of the sound is the mesa power section? Killer Video Ola! Love your channel

@edoardoferrarini 2 жыл бұрын

I remember Randall was doing heads with same concept back in 2008/2010. You can still found them used at good price

@jackrex7817 2 жыл бұрын

You had me at Steven Fryette makes a Mark 2c+

@douglasshelton3482 2 жыл бұрын

The fart at 6:42 has so much reverb it snapped me back to paying attention to the video as I was daydreaming about one of these synergy preamps.

@nckhed 2 жыл бұрын

That was a shart in the bathroom kind of sound. 😂

@MrJackal43 2 жыл бұрын

For the size of that thang, its great!

@flogginga_dead_horse4022 2 жыл бұрын

sounds great to me!!

@rupertodelhuerto8586 2 жыл бұрын

super review...!!

@Jorgeoleas 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent vid

@krailanuar 2 жыл бұрын

Love it Mk2C+

@gabrielribeirosilva7879 2 жыл бұрын

Ola, the Nordic God of guitars ! Great video man, the 2C + for me is one of the most iconic metal tones and the Synergy sounds good too. Please man, could you compare the 2C+ with the JP2C for us ?

@Mee0tchy 2 жыл бұрын

I bet he's already conjuring up a Synergy shootout with the Mesa 2C+ and JP2C, we just have to be patient :)

@RM-hr7ug 2 жыл бұрын

The summer chair seat cover

@arpeggioblues5924 2 жыл бұрын

I had a IIC+ back in 1985, and had I known how sought after it was, would Never had let it go.. mine was tweed like that one too.. wow.. hindsight is always 20/20

@cnemi22 2 жыл бұрын

Your chug comparison. The original Mark IIC+ growled. Had depth. The synergy sounds great with my presence, too sparkle.

@TinglesASMR 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, nice video! I'm really looking more and more into sinergy stuff as it seems to be way to have multiple amps without busting the bank or having to buy a new house. I was wondering, why not playing through a looper to compare both amps ? Wouldn't it be easier to switch between amps ? Keep up the good work Ola it's always a pleasure to check your videos!

@vanscool 2 жыл бұрын

That sounds really good! However, you are not only getting the benefit of the Mesa’s EQ but the output transformer as well. And that’s a big benifit because the output transformers in the Mesa Mark IIC+ are massive.

@burnbacktime 2 жыл бұрын

I wonder what it will sound like pumped into the loop return of my triple rectifier. It has massive transformers.

@e-musicpro5379 2 жыл бұрын

Both sound amazing, the difference is very subtle, the Synergy has a little more presence, and the Mesa has more low end.

@SHREDTILLDEAD 2 жыл бұрын

Mmm maybe but no.

@dreammfyre 2 жыл бұрын

The new one definitely got more of a bite/edge. The old one sounds more chunky and to my ears more pleasant.

@nikolasnavarro4161 2 жыл бұрын

Synergy has a little bit more presence and I like that, personally. Gain structure sounds pretty much exactly the same, though.

@hamtheman222 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds pretty damn good!! That E1.6 tho....

@GhostGuitars 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds VERY similar. I wish Ola could come over to my place and sort out my sounds

@digge4985 2 жыл бұрын

These are really good for us who can't afford the real amp. I'm definetly getting one of these

@GravesoftheInnocent 2 жыл бұрын

Pretty impressive.

@Jopeymessmusic 2 жыл бұрын

Although certainly based on the Mark series, it's very much a modern equivalent. So it still sounds great. Maybe more similar to a mark V model as opposed to a direct copy of the IIC+.

@assassinNXL13 2 жыл бұрын

I made the same face you made when you hit the V shape. Im wearing headphones and my ears were like ‘BLOOOOOOOOD” I cant even imagine what your ears felt like since you were right next to the damn amp 🤣

@daniel_naaden 2 жыл бұрын

laughed when you said "shit of the day", that's gotta be part of the official Ola Testing Shit intro now, that's awesome lol

@customerservice9710 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome

@drscott7359 2 жыл бұрын

I have a syn 2 with uberschall and Engle savage and love it!! I run it thru effect return of a biggie MK V! I think the synergy system is the best piece of guitar equipment over the last 5 yrs. I have it interfaced into a helix and also have a bunch of neural dsp plugins and tech and tone these days is beyond awesome. I guess the synergy just feeds a little tube snob in me!

@SRKanai1 10 ай бұрын

Question. I want the IICP in the syn 1 housing, but when I go to the website, it looks like the syn 1 comes with a plexi module in it. Can i just order a syn 1 with the IICP module in it or do i have to spend the money on a syn 1 with a module im not gonna use plus money on the module i want to fill it with?

@DMarlow83 2 жыл бұрын

Impressively close, Synergy sounds great! Player, guitar, power section, mic and room are all the same and that helps a lot, but I think it's a legit clone.

@davidepannone6021 2 жыл бұрын

Ngl. I really liked the sound of that little thing. I mean ofc nothing can replace a 2c+. But as you said, they're pretty much a boutique amp now and the price point on those things is ridiculous.

@tobins6800 2 жыл бұрын

Good times to be had just listening. Close enough for gummint werk.

@jimmiejames4674 2 жыл бұрын

From now on any show of Vikings going into battle should have Ola shredding in the background!!!

@soulriffer 2 жыл бұрын

HI Ola, great video as always, ! I would to thank you cause you have open my mind on my approche of guitar playing. Can you test a Wangs Amp the HD15, it's a chinese handwired with high quality composants. Thank you Ola !

@J-MLindeMusic 2 жыл бұрын

Sounds pretty damn close for a fraction of the price of any Mark head by Mesa. A solid option for sure...

@nicoceleste1438 2 жыл бұрын

Great Ola

@Yupppi 2 жыл бұрын

I assume Mesa didn't work with them like some of the other manufacturers so the naming reflects that (copyright and such). As usual, they do brilliant job at Synergy. Just like they did with SLO and others. I feel like you should probably account part tolerances to the sound, you can't just turn the knobs in the same direction and assume the 20% part tolerance will match. Yet it's stupid similar even if you account the part tolerance. Except that 6600 Hz slider. That's awful for some reason. And you confirmed my initial assumption, that the 5-band EQ in Synergy module is just way too small for how much effect it has. Your original unit is slightly darker in general. The best part of the Synergy module system is that you can get two different amps for for example clean and drive sounds, like Vox style Morgan with Mesa Mk. 2c+, or JCM800 or whatever you want. In an affordable price. And by affordable I don't mean a cheap chinese copy, I mean like a regular amp and not that custom work for thousands or used market for legendary amps.

@francescopedersoli3327 2 жыл бұрын

That guitar is awesome 🤟🤟🤟 Jag älskar det!!!

@MetalMan1245 2 жыл бұрын

Yes.

@Twobarpsi 2 жыл бұрын

I would've liked to see Ola put the IICP through a regular power amp as a comparison. Of course running it through a real Mesa is going to make it sound good.

@johnmaddox1712 2 жыл бұрын

i thought the same, so it can’t run straight into a cabinet? or can it

@Twobarpsi 2 жыл бұрын

@@johnmaddox1712 it can go direct into your computer/DAW/headphones but to play it live with a cabinet, it needs a power amp.

@tonedover 2 жыл бұрын

well you can watch any of the other 2 dozen videos on this module that do this. this demo is the most important as he puts it through an actual 2c+ power amp

@Twobarpsi 2 жыл бұрын

@@tonedover I only watch Ola...

@JorisGriffioen 2 жыл бұрын

@@tonedover well, it's the most correct comparison of the preamps. But you're not going to drag a Mesa head around to plug your Mesa-clone preamp into, so comparing a complete rig you'd actually use is pretty valuable too.