I'm Alive amp settings — Marshall JCM800 2203
The Helloween guitar tone for “I'm Alive”, dialed in for a Marshall JCM800 2203 with a ESP LTD MH-1000. Studio version, Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I (1987)
Marshall JCM800 2203 100W Heads + Gibson Flying V / Les Paul (Kai Hansen/Michael Weikath) boosted with Ibanez Tube Screamer / Boss OD-1
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 3 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Presence | 6 |
| Master | 4 |
01Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned (essential for tightening 80s speed metal low end into a 2203)
The JCM800 2203 is the exact core amp used on the album, but the Horus Sound Studio power metal tone requires an overdrive out front to cut bass flub and slam the preamp. To prevent excessive harshness from the hot active/passive bridge humbucker on your LTD MH-1000, amp treble and presence are capped at 6 while pushing the midrange to 7 for cutting articulation. Per double-gain prevention rules, keep the amp preamp gain at 3 when pushing it with the recommended boost pedal.
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These settings are for a Marshall JCM800 2203. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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