Tone library / Dream theater / Metropolis pt 1

Metropolis pt 1 amp settings — M vave Mk 300

The Dream theater guitar tone for “Metropolis pt 1”, dialed in for a M vave Mk 300 with a Ibanez GIO GRG170DX. Studio album version, Images and Words (1992) — main progressive heavy rhythm tone

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (TriAxis / Quad Preamp era) + Mesa 4x12 with Celestion Vintage 30s + Ibanez JPM / Custom with DiMarzio Steve's Special & Air Norton

Tight, articulate high-gain progressive metal crunch with a prominent Mark-series graphic EQ V-scoop (tight lows, scooped 750Hz, crisp presence)
Amp settings — M vave Mk 300
CHANNELUS Lead / Mesa Mark Lead amp model + 4x12 V30 Cab IRBRIGHTonBOOSToff
GAIN 7 BASS 5 MID 4 TREBLE 7 PRESENCE 6 REVERB 2 MASTER 7
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain7
Bass5
Mid4
Treble7
Presence6
Reverb2
Master7
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Guitar
PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10
Signal chain

01TS Overdrive Block (M-Vave MK-300 internal)

Used as a clean boost in front of the high-gain amp block to tighten tracking

Drive 1 · Tone 6 · Level 8

02Graphic EQ Block (M-Vave MK-300 internal)

Post-amp V-curve replicating Petrucci's Mesa 5-band graphic EQ

80Hz 6 · 240Hz 5 · 750Hz 3 · 2.2kHz 6 · 6.6kHz 7
Why these settings

The Mark IIC+ signature sound relies on preamp gain followed by a steep post-distortion mid-cut, simulated on the MK-300 using a US high-gain amp model and a dedicated EQ block. Your Ibanez GIO bridge humbucker matches Petrucci's high-output ceramic bridge pickup, needing only a slight low-mid trim to maintain fast riff articulation. The internal TS boost cuts flubby sub-bass before the amp block to preserve clarity on fast alternate-picked passages.

PRO TIPPetrucci anchors his picking hand directly on the bridge saddle for precise, heavy palm muting with a sharp, rigid pick to get maximum percussive attack on the low-register riffs.

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These settings are for a M vave Mk 300. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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