Synergy Modules | Peavey 6505 Preamp

The Synergy Peavey 6505 Preamp Module offers guitarists a faithful recreation of the highly regarded Peavey 6505 amplifier head, a unit with a significant history in recorded and live music, particularly within the extreme metal genre. Originally conceived for a prominent guitarist in the 1970s, the Peavey 6505 and its predecessors quickly gained favour among musicians seeking high-gain tones with clarity and definition. Its sonic characteristics have been lauded by renowned producers and engineers for its ability to sit effectively within a mix, and its impact on guitar tone was even noted by Guitar Player Magazine in relation to Machine Head's album "Burn My Eyes". The Peavey 6505 continues to be a popular choice for both studio recordings and live performances.

The development of the Synergy module involved an extensive collaboration between the Synergy engineering team and Peavey, spanning over two years. This partnership focused on accurately capturing the tonal nuances, feel, and overall response that have contributed to the 6505's enduring popularity. The resulting all-tube preamp module provides a genuine and streamlined representation of the amplifier's key sonic attributes. Guitarists can access both the classic tones for which the amplifier was initially designed and the more contemporary high-gain sounds that it has come to define, all within this single module.

The Synergy Peavey 6505 module features a dual-channel design, with each channel mirroring the impressive gain range of the original amplifier. Both channels are equipped with a Crunch setting, derived from the Crunch mode of the amplifier's Rhythm channel. This setting offers a versatile range, moving from subtle bluesy overdrive to a more assertive hard rock punch. The Lead setting on both channels accurately replicates the amplifier's acclaimed red (Lead) channel, known for its articulate midrange, substantial low-end presence, and aggressive high-end cut. The identical nature of the two channels allows for flexible usage. Guitarists can configure one channel as a lead boost for the other or utilise a footswitch to transition between a vintage-style crunch tone and a thick, powerful lead sound. Regardless of the chosen configuration, the module delivers authentic, all-tube Peavey 6505 tone.

A notable feature of the Synergy Peavey 6505 module is the inclusion of a Cathode Select function. This feature consists of a three-position switch located on the printed circuit board, which allows users to adjust the input tube bass response to align with the original circuitry of various modules. This adjustment directly influences the feel and tightness of the sound. Different amplifier designers employ specific combinations of components within their input tube circuits to achieve their desired tonal characteristics. Synergy has identified the three most common combinations and made them accessible via this switch. Typically, USA-voiced modules utilise setting 1 (1.5K resistor and 22uf capacitor), while British-style modules often employ position 2 (2.7K resistor and .68uf capacitor). The Peavey 6505, along with Soldano and Vai modules, uses position 3 (1.8K resistor and 1uf capacitor). This feature provides users with the ability to experiment with different settings to find their preferred tonal response.