Here’s what Synergy say about the Synergy Soldano SLO II All-Tube Dual Channel Preamp Module:
The Slo History
Soldano’s Super Lead Overdrive 100 (SLO-100) set the standard for modern high-gain amplification. In 1987 Seattle-native Mike Soldano built one of the first high-gain amplifiers with searing harmonics and the perfect balance of gain, sustain and tight touch response.
The SLO completely changed what players came to expect from amps. While the SLO’s drive channel found it backing up renowned rock guitarists like Mick Mars (Motley Crue), Warren de Martini (Ratt), and Howard Leese (Heart), its clear and tactile clean channel and bluesy crunch also made it the first choice for non-metal stalwarts, such as Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, Warren Haynes, Gary Moore and Lou Reed to name a few. Today, the amp’s tone and steadfast reliability remains a go-to for thousands of guitarists around the world.
Version II Upgrades
The original SLO pre-amp captured the iconic Super Lead Overdrive sound and quickly became the most sought-after module in the Synergy community. The new SLO II offers three distinct upgrades to the original module design.
- Independent EQs – The SLO II offers a dedicated three band EQ on both channels, allowing you to precisely adjust each one independently.
- Crunch / Overdrive Switch – Following the original SLO-100 amplifier, the SLO II module now features a Crunch / Overdrive select switch per channel. This allows YOU to choice either of the legendary Soldano gain options. You can select two Crunch Channels, Two Overdrive Channels or one of each!
- Normal / Tight Switch – The Normal setting offers the iconic Soldano sound. The Tight position maintains percussive articulation as you increase the gain, ideal for more modern guitar players.
The combination of these improvements, allows for more precise and extended tonal sculpting, making this module the most versatile SLO preamp ever. And as you would expect, everything that makes the original pre-amp is here and accounted for. The unmatched touch response, the thick yet articulate voice, and the famous sustain continue to be its heart and soul.
Iconic Soldano Sound
All high-gain fans need to experience playing the Soldano SLO-100. Thanks to the Synergy Soldano SLO II preamp module, it’s never been easier. But the SLO module isn’t some modeling or emulation of Soldano’s beloved circuit. Mike Soldano designed this dual 12AX7-powered preamp to elicit the same thick sound, creamy gain, and endless sustain of his original amp. Thanks to the Synergy Soldano SLO II preamp module, nailing the elusive tone of a cranked Soldano SLO-100 is easily within your reach.
Cathode Select Switch
The SLO II module features a three-position switch on the PCB which allows you to configure the input tube bass response to match the original circuit of the selected module. This will affect the feel and tightness. Each amp designer has a specific combination of components that makes up their input tube circuit. We have selected the three most popular combinations which you can access with this switch. For example, Friedman modules use position 2. The USA voiced modules typically use setting 1. The Soldano SLO II uses position 3. Of course, you can experiment and try any of the positions to see what you prefer. The modules will come preset to the designers preferred setting which for the SLO II module is position 3 (1.8K resistor and 1uf capacitor).
Start your own classic valve amp collection: How do Synergy preamp modules work?
The Synergy 20IR amplifier has a slot which allows you to quickly and easily swap Synergy preamp modules making it the most flexible, convenient, and tonally versatile all-tube amplifier head. Combining the SYN-20IR’s built-in vintage American-style clean channel, with any of the Synergy modules of your choosing, you can create your dream amplifier, whilst still being able to easily switch it up thanks to Synergy’s dynamic range of modules.
Synergy preamp modules are compact, all-tube guitar preamps that capture the sound of iconic amplifiers. The modules are designed to be used in modern guitar rigs, and are suitable for direct recording and lower stage volumes. Simply slot into the Synergy 20IR amplifier, or install it into a desktop or rackmount configuration. Collect more modules to expand your tonal possibilities!
Specifications
- All-tube preamp module based on the SLO-100
- Two identical and fully independent channels
- Gain, Bass, Middle and Treble per channel
- Crunch / Overdrive switch per channel
- Normal / Tight switch per channel
- 2 x 12AX7 preamp tubes ensure rich harmonic performance
- Easy to install and remove from Synergy preamp docks
