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Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Synergy Amps Friedman HBE Preamp Module". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Synergy Amps Friedman HBE Preamp Module, a testament to high-end sound engineering. Crafted by the legendary Dave Friedman, this preamp module is your ticket to the grandeur of rock 'n' roll tones. The HBE Preamp Module draws its inspiration from the iconic Friedman BE-100 amplifier, providing you with an amplified experience that echoes the same robust power and nuanced character.
With the Synergy Friedman HBE preamp module, you get to experience the precise tone and impressive touch sensitivity of an HBE-boosted BE-100. Thanks to the dual channels powered by a pair of 12AX7 preamp tubes, you can easily switch between a high-gain rhythm tone and a boosted lead sound. The result is a tone that's present, aggressive, and addictively gratifying.
This module doesn't just emulate or model; it's a real deal designed by Dave Friedman himself. The Friedman HBE module also features a Cathode Select Switch, allowing you to configure the input tube bass response to match the original circuit of your preferred module. This unique feature ensures optimal feel and tightness, allowing you to truly tailor your sound.
Key Features:
- Solid tube construction for premium sound quality
- Developed by the legendary Dave Friedman
- Inspired by the iconic Friedman BE-100, but with more gain for an amplified experience
- Dual channels for versatile sound production
- Equipped with 2x 12AX7 tubes for robust power
- 3-Band EQ for precise sound shaping
- Separate gain and volume controls for each channel
- Cathode Select Switch for customized input tube bass response
Product specs
| Available since | April 2018 |
| Design | PlugIn Module |
| Tube(s) | Yes |
| Amp Modeling | No |
| Effects | No |
| Headphone Output | No |
| Direct Out | No |
| MIDI Interface | No |
| Integrated Expression Pedal | No |
| Connections for Pedals or Switches | No |
| Aux-Input | No |
| Integrated Tuner | No |
| USB-Port | No |
| Drum-Computer | No |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can the Synergy Friedman HBE Preamp Module produce?
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The Synergy Friedman HBE Preamp Module is known for delivering high-gain, British-style tones with a focus on clarity and punch, making it ideal for rock and metal genres.
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Does the Synergy Friedman HBE Preamp Module require any additional equipment to function?
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Yes, the Synergy Friedman HBE Preamp Module needs to be used with a compatible Synergy amplifier or a Synergy SYN-1 or SYN-2 docking station to operate.
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Is the Synergy Friedman HBE Preamp Module suitable for live performances?
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The Synergy Friedman HBE Preamp Module is designed for both studio and live performance settings, providing versatile and powerful tones that can easily cut through a mix.
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Can the Synergy Friedman HBE Preamp Module be used for clean tones?
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While primarily designed for high-gain tones, the Synergy Friedman HBE Preamp Module can dial back for a more moderate gain, but it excels in delivering overdriven and distorted sounds rather than pristine clean tones.
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Does the Synergy Friedman HBE Preamp Module have built-in effects?
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No, the Synergy Friedman HBE Preamp Module does not include any built-in effects, focusing solely on delivering high-quality preamp tones.
Videos
Sergey Golovin
SYNERGY FRIEDMAN HBE MODULE VS FRIEDMAN BE100 DELUXE
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Synergy Amps Friedman HBE Preamp Module.
Mods and upgrades
Features and functionality
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Synergy modules offer superior channel switching flexibility compared to older Randall and Egnater modules, enhancing user control over sound.
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The RM20 combo is praised for its versatility across different gain settings, with the D-zilla module excelling in low-gain scenarios despite its metal-oriented design.
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Comparisons
User experience
Use cases and applications
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The Synergy system is favored by musicians who appreciate the tone and customization of modded modules, as exemplified by use in setups like Billie Corgan's.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
10745
The quintessential prog power metal preamp. Never looked back since.
Before using this preamp module, I used to have the Jaded Faith JFM800 module. While it did the job, it was very difficult to work with as the low-end was extremely muddy and the midrange was not defined well enough. Extreme EQ settings were required to make the JFM800 really work for the time.
Enter the Synergy Friedman HBE module. Based on the Hairy Brown Eye channel of the famous Friedman BE-100 amplifier, this preamp really delivers the goods. The low-end sounds tight and articulate from the get-go, the midrange is well-defined and with the added bonus of separate gain and volume levels for two channels, you can actually distinguish your own rhythm and lead channels for the sounds you're going for.
This preamp has solved a lot of issues for me. Before I had this, I had to crank up the Mud Control on my Electric Eye Audio Mud Killer overdrive just to get a passable metal tone. With the Friedman HBE module, I don't have to do that anymore. It's so amazing in fact, that the HBE module has also allowed me to get rid of the 6-band EQ from my pedalboard as well.
If you want the Galneryus tone in a preamp module, check out the Synergy Friedman HBE. I did, and so far, I haven't even considered going back to the JFM800 ever since.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Channel 1 Gain 12 o'clock, Channel 2 gain 2 o'clock, Bass 11 o'clock, Midrange 1 o'clock, Treble 2 o'clock, both channel volumes 11 o'clock
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video, Steve Vai was seen using a Synergy SYN2 rackmount preamp and a 5050 power amp along with a bunch of Synergy preamps.
In this video, Ola Englund is shown to use three modular preamps from Synergy - Friedman HBE, Diezel VH4 and ENGL Savage.
At 13:30 in this video, John Browne's rig is also shown to consist of a Friedman HBE module by Synergy.
In this Instagram post made by Syu on January 19th of 2019, he was seen using a Synergy preamp modelled after a Friedman Brown Eye 100.
At 19:54 in this video, Glenn Fricker mentions that he owns five modules from Synergy - Plexi, Diezel VH4, 800, Friedman HBE and the Soldano SLO.
Jeremy DePoyster uses the Synergy Amps Friedman HBE Preamp Module in his SYN-2 setup to achieve a modded Marshall-type tone and a clean sound, as showcased in a YouTube video by SynergyAmps.
In this video, Sergey mentions that he used a variety of studio gear as well as guitar amplifiers for his album "Satellite:"
-Eventide H3000 -Roland SDE3000 -Synergy Friedman HBE Module -Synergy SYN-1 -Marshall Silver Jubilee -Custom Audio Amplification PT100 -Gibson Les Paul -Lexicon PCM80 -st.Rock React:IR -Mesa Boogie Mark V -Synergy Metro Plex -MXR/CAE Line Driver Booster -Marshall Plexi MkII -Universal Audio Apollo 8 -Zilla 2x12 cabinet with Celestion Vintage 30's and Creamback's -Shure SM57 -Model D Synth -Oberheim OB-Xa
Album Usage
The Synergy Amps Friedman HBE Preamp Module has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Synergy Amps Friedman HBE Preamp Module, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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