Tone library / Cannibal corpse / Zero the hero

Zero the hero amp settings — Vox VT40X

The Cannibal corpse guitar tone for “Zero the hero”, dialed in for a Vox VT40X with a Ibanez GIO GRG170DX. Studio recording, Hammer Smashed Face EP (1993)

Original rig

Crate Blue Voodoo / Marshall JCM800 + Boss MT-2 Metal Zone, Gibson Flying V / custom guitars with EMG 81 pickups

Crushing, scooped, abrasive early 90s death metal rhythm with sharp attack
Amp settings — Vox VT40X
CHANNELUS HIGAIN (Mesa Dual Rectifier model)BRIGHToff
GAIN 8 BASS 7 MID 3 TREBLE 7 REVERB 0 MASTER 6
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain8
Bass7
Mid3
Treble7
Reverb0
Master6
Don’t have a Vox VT40X? Match your own rig →
Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01Boss MT-2 Metal Zone

RECOMMENDED — not owned (vital for authentic Cannibal Corpse grind; set amp to DELUXE CL clean and gain to 2 if used)

Level 7 · High 6 · Low 6 · Middle 4 · Mid Freq 5 · Dist 2
Why these settings

Since no physical pedals are available, the US HIGAIN model on the VT40X provides the compressed, aggressive saturation of the early Morrisound/Border City era. The midrange is pulled down to 3 to replicate the slight mid-scoop of the recording while maintaining cut with treble at 7. Note that the VT40X faceplate does not feature a dedicated presence knob, so presence is omitted.

PRO TIPCannibal Corpse tracks in this era are tuned down to E-flat/D-standard for this EP; use heavy downward picking pressure right next to the bridge to get tight, percussive palm mutes without low-end flub.

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.

Get ToneAdapt on Google Play
More tones for the Vox VT40X
DualitySlipknotTornado Of Souls (2004 Remix)Megadethhero of the daymetallicaParanoidBlack SabbathFreezing MoonMayhemFloods soloPantera
Find your amp
Browse
Vox VT40X settingsALL SONGS FOR THIS AMP Cannibal corpse tonesALL SONGS Ibanez GIO GRG170DX tonesSAME GUITAR Tone libraryEVERYTHING

Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.

Get ToneAdapt — first match free