Sultans of swing amp settings — Marshall MG30CFX
The Dire straits guitar tone for “Sultans of swing”, dialed in for a Marshall MG30CFX with a G&L Legacy HSS. Studio version, Dire Straits (1978)
1961 Fender Stratocaster (middle+bridge) into 1961 Fender Vibrolux / Twin Reverb with Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer compressor and studio plate reverb
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 3 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 3 |
| Master | 5 |
01Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer (Compressor)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; essential for the fast, snappy attack and sustained clean decay
The Marshall MG30CFX lacks a presence knob and naturally pushes stronger midrange than Knopfler's vintage Fender Twin/Vibrolux. Setting the channel to pure Clean with gain kept low prevents preamp breakup, while cutting mids to 4 and elevating treble to 7 replicates the classic scooped, glassy Fender chime. Adding subtle built-in plate-style reverb gives the sense of space heard on the studio mix without washing out the percussive note definitions.
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These settings are for a Marshall MG30CFX. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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