Tone library / Death / WIthin the mind

WIthin the mind amp settings — Marshall MG50FX

The Death guitar tone for “WIthin the mind”, dialed in for a Marshall MG50FX with a Ibanez QX54QM. Studio version, Spiritual Healing (1990) — Morrisound Studios, Tampa FL

Original rig

Marshall JCM800 2203, BC Rich Stealth with DiMarzio X2N bridge humbucker, Boss DS-1 for lead boost, no modulation or reverb

Aggressive, scooped mid-range death metal lead tone with searing high-end bite, tight low end, and razor-sharp articulation for fast legato runs
Amp settings — Marshall MG50FX
CHANNELOD1 (Overdrive 1)
GAIN 8 BASS 4 MID 5 TREBLE 7 PRESENCE 0 REVERB 0 MASTER 6
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain8
Bass4
Mid5
Treble7
Presence0
Reverb0
Master6
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE8 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01Kemper Profiler Stage — Amp Block

Use a JCM800 profile pushed hard — this is your primary tone source for the lead. Set Definition parameter around 5-6 for tightness. The MG50FX becomes a clean power amp/monitor in this setup.

Profile Select Marshall JCM800 high gain profile · Gain 7 · Bass 5 · Mid 5 · Treble 8 · Presence 6

02Kemper Profiler Stage — Drive Stomp (DS-1 style)

Engage for solo boost — adds clarity and cut through the dense rhythm tone. Chuck used a DS-1 to add definition on leads.

Drive 4 · Tone 6 · Volume 7

03Kemper Profiler Stage — Cabinet Block

Closed-back 4x12 essential for tight death metal low end. Disable Pure Cabinet for more raw bite.

Cabinet Type 4x12 Marshall 1960 with Greenbacks or V30s · High Shift 0 · Low Shift 0 · Character 5
Why these settings

Your Ibanez QX54QM has lower-output Fishman Fluence Modern pickups compared to Chuck's screaming-hot X2N — push the Kemper's Distortion Sense parameter up by +2dB to compensate for the output difference. The MG50FX has a darker, less articulate voicing than a real JCM800, so use the Kemper as your primary amp tone into the MG's FX Return (bypassing its preamp) or direct to monitors. Treble pushed to 7-8 counters the MG's tendency to get muddy under high gain.

PRO TIPChuck's lead articulation came from aggressive alternate picking with the pick angled slightly — dig in hard on the attack, let the note bloom, then use legato for speed runs. Roll your tone knob to 8 (not 10) to tame the Fluence's extended high end and get closer to the X2N's throatier grind.

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These settings are for a Marshall MG50FX. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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