The Dark Eternal Night amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3
The Dream Theater guitar tone for “The Dark Eternal Night”, dialed in for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 with a Schecter Demon 7. Studio version, Systematic Chaos (2007)
Mesa/Boogie Mark IV, Music Man JP7 with DiMarzio Crunch Lab (bridge), Maxon OD808 as clean boost
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 9 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 5 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 6 |
01Tube Screamer / OD808 style overdrive
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Used as clean boost with drive at zero, level maxed. This tightens the low end and adds pick attack definition critical for this tone. A Boss SD-1 or TC Electronic Cinders works as budget alternative.
The ID:Core's digital modeling lacks the Mark IV's tight, compressed low-end response. Set ISF toward British (2 o'clock) to approximate the Mesa's aggressive mid-character rather than American scoop. Bass is dropped from the original's 6 to 4 because the ID:Core's bass frequencies are looser—Petrucci's tone relies on a very controlled low end. Without the OD808 boost pedal, the tone will feel slightly mushy on palm mutes; this is the single most important addition to reach the target.
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These settings are for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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