Syn-2 integration

Stage & Studio Valvulator GPDI/IR
1

Hi, I assume I can treat the Valvulator like any other amp with an effects loop and add the syn-2 to it that way? Is there a better way?

Thanks!
R.J.

2

Hi @rjvan, and welcome to the community!

Yes, you can absolutely do that with the new Valvulator GPDI/IR, in fact, that was designed from the beginning. Inject Synergy preamps directly into it’s power amp by connecting it to the GPDI/IR FX loop.

Regards,

3

Hi @dan. If I wanted to use that setup with a PS2 for a higher volume situation configuration - would you use the GPDI line out (into PS2 line in) or the GPDI speaker out (into PS2 amp in) for best results?

Cheers,
Nick

4

Hi Nick,

So this is the scheme we talked about before. The FX loops let your Synergy preamps drive the GPDI/IR power section.

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If you needed more volume, you would replace the GPDI/IR with the PS-2.

I need to think about if the “Add a channel” feature might help here…

1 Like
5

Thanks. I am still hoping to use the DGPI preamp+amp into the PS2 (with or without a synergy module), that is why I was asking if it would be best to use the GPDI line out or amp out into the PS2.

6

OK thanks for clarifying. I’ll take another look tomorrow… (Europe time)

7

I would use the ADD AMP method.

There are two ways to do this:

  1. Syn 2 is added amp with GPDI Line Out connected to PS-2 Line In.
  2. GPDI is added amp with Syn 2 Line Out connected to PS-2 Line In.

A third option is to use the PS-2 FX Loop for the Add Amp function.

I prefer adding the Syn 2 to the GPDI so the Syn sends to the GPDI 1W output stage and IR Out.

Then follow the instructions in the Syn 2 manual for adding whichever one to the other. This can be done following the Syn 2 manual because the Add Amp jacks operate and are labeled the same way.

Here’s a link to the syn manual for marginally better visibility:

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8

Thanks and clear. So for you there is no (tonal) benefit in using the GPDI speaker out into the PS2 (as you would with a cranked 50W amp) - it’s just as well to just feed the PS2 line in?

9

Thanks for the reply. I’ll give it a shot Tonight.

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10

The GPDI/IR Line Out is taken just after the power stage (from the reactive load) and is at line level. The PS-2 Line In expects line-level inputs, so this is a good match: using GPDI/IR as a preamp and PS-2 as a power amp.

You could take the 1W GPDI/IR Speaker Out and connect that to the PS-2 Amp IN but has one issue: The Amp In needs to accept signals over a wide range, up to 200W! You will be driving it with 1W max. So PS-2 has a lot of work to do to reamp that. It will work for sure, but it might be a little quiet, and you might not achieve what you want.

I’d experiment with using Amp In if you like, it is not wrong to do that, but using Line In is more versatile and gives you more control over volume.

Regards,

11

Thanks @dan, that makes sense, I will have to try both.

I was actually expecting, perhaps mistakenly, that the GPDI/IR line outs would be after the power amp, at the end of preamp > 1W power stage > built-in power load. The Michael Nielssen video seemed to point to this, too (he mentions adjusting the master volume to avoid clipping when using IR out). Could you confirm (sorry, I’m a pain…).

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12

Hi

Let me check on that and I’ll get back to you! (Probably tomorrow now).

Apologies, yes, the signal goes through the preamp then the reactive load and is tapped off from there and sent to the IR Out and Analog Out.

(Will update above too).

1 Like
13

In terms of integrating the syn-2 for recording what would the difference be between valvulator gpdi/ir vs power load Ir.

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14

I guess that depends on how you are looking to integrate the Syn2 into your setup but those products have different functions. The GPDIIR is a preamp with a 1 watt power section. It has direct recording options including loading your own IRs. The Power Load IR is a reactive load plus IR section (including loading your own IRs) made for recording the signal direct off an amp. You don’t need either of these products for recording with the Syn2.

For recording with the Syn2, I would just take the direct out and plug that into your interface. Then, pull up an IR loader of some kind (I think most DAWs have a built in IR loader — and there are plenty of third party software IR loaders).

If you need a hardware option for IRs, you could get something like the Two Notes Torpedo C.A.B. M+ which is an IR loader that does not have a load of any kind for an amp (simpler and cheaper).

Alternatively, you could use the built in cab sim on the Syn2 for recording with your interface without using an external IR of any kind. This will work okay but ultimately I personally wouldn’t be happy with just that option. I would want external IRs of some kind.

Hopefully that helps. Or let us know how you are looking to integrate a Syn2 into your recording setup.

Thank you,

calis

15

Thank you for the quick reply! I currently run my sun-2 direct to AD/C and either use the onboard cab sim or digital IR. So this is def a “want” not “need” lol.

I’m not only looking for outboard IR but also one that emulates a power amp in addition to speaker and mic placement.

16

Got it. So, I think the C.A.B. M+ will probably work for what you want. Unless you are wanting a hardware power amp section and then it comes down to what you want that to be. You could achieve that with the GPDI’s 1 watt built in power amp. Or you could get a power amp like a Fryette 2902 and the Power Load IR. There’s a pretty big price difference going between those options C.A.B. M+ vs GPDIIR vs power amp with Power Load IR.