Back In Black amp settings — Vox VT40X

The AC/DC guitar tone for “Back In Black”, dialed in for a Vox VT40X with a Epiphone Les Paul Classic. Studio version, Back in Black (1980) — Angus Young rhythm/main riff

Original rig

1970/71 Gibson SG Standard into Schaffer-Vega Diversity System (preamp boost/compressor) into cranked Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100W / JTM50 heads and 4x12 cabs with Celestion speakers

Biting, mid-forward British crunch with clear note definition and tight low end

Amp settings — Vox VT40X

CHANNELBRIT 800 (or BRIT 1959) amp modelBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	6
Bass	5
Mid	7
Treble	7
Reverb	1
Master	6

Don’t have a Vox VT40X? See this song on other amps → Match your own rig →

Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01SoloDallas Schaffer Replica / Clean Boost

RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; Angus used the SVDS wireless unit's built-in comp/boost to hit the front of the Marshall.

Boost 6 · Tone 5 · Level 7

Why these settings

The Vox VT40X's BRIT 800 model nails the cranked Marshall upper-mid bark required for the main riff. Keep the gain around 6 so open chords remain articulate and punchy rather than over-saturated, and pull the bass to 5 to prevent the 10-inch combo speaker from getting boomy. Note that the VT40X faceplate has no physical presence knob, so highs and edge are dialed directly via the Treble control.

PRO TIPAngus's attack comes from hard, aggressive right-hand picking close to the bridge with heavy gauge picks, letting the open E, D, and A power chords ring with zero palm-muting.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Vox VT40X. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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