There is no doubt about it. A high-powered British stack is, was, and always will be the sound of rock. From the creation of these amps in the 1960s to compete with musicians like Pete Townshend, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton, a revolution in smooth, thick overdrive was born. Since then, a series of British amps have been so iconic that they continue to dominate stages around the world. From the Bluesbreakers album to the cutting-edge precision of Malmsteen, the company that invented the amp stack is still synonymous with hard rock and metal.
By 1981, hard rock and heavy metal had reached a turning point. Gone were the fuzzy, loose tones that characterized the genre's beginnings. Guitarists demanded more distortion, more precise performance, and the ability to control it all with a master volume. A legendary British amp manufacturer responded by offering one of the most important guitar amp heads of all time, affectionately nicknamed the 800. Rockers of all stripes immediately adopted this new machine, writing and playing music heavier and faster than ever before. In fact, for a large part of the 80s, it was almost a certainty that you would find an 800 accompanying your favorite rock guitarist. Their aggressive highs and pronounced mids made them – and continue to make them – the ideal complement to the work of Zakk Wylde, who had a hit with Ozzy, and the dark intensity of Slayer's Kerry King. If you love harder rock, you are no doubt familiar with the powerful sound of the monumental 800.
INTERCHANGEABLE PREAMP
If you are looking to add the characteristic bite of this original amp to your Synergy system, the 800 preamp is for you. We have done everything possible to ensure this module reproduces the sound of that amplifier down to the smallest detail. Dave Friedman of Friedman Amplification, who has worked on countless 800 amps, including the personal amps of many legendary guitarists, designed this module using his deep knowledge of what makes exceptional models truly special. He then enhanced the 800 module with a higher-gain channel that pushes your sound toward even denser harmonics. And for even more precision, both channels of this 12AX7 preamp feature a Bright switch, ensuring every note cuts perfectly through the mix.
The Synergy 800 features two channels, each with gain and volume knobs, as well as a Bright switch. Both channels share a three-band EQ.
CATHODE SELECTOR:
The Synergy 800 module includes a three-position switch to configure the input tube bass response to match the original circuit of the selected module (patent pending). The switch setting affects feel and tightness. Each amp designer uses a specific combination of components to dial in their input tube circuit. We have selected the three most popular combinations accessible via this switch. You can experiment and test any position to find the one that suits you. The 800 module is preset to the same setting as a Marshall JCM 800, which is position 2 (2.7kΩ resistor and 0.68μf capacitor).
Synergy hardware and interchangeable preamps are protected by U.S. patent.