Enter sandman amp settings — Marshall DSL20HR
The Metalica guitar tone for “Enter sandman”, dialed in for a Marshall DSL20HR with a Ibanez AZ2402. Studio version, Metallica 'Black Album' (1991)
ESP MX-220/Explorer with EMG 81 bridge pickup → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ (later Mark IV) → Marshall 1960B 4x12 with Celestion G12T-75s. Scooped EQ via API 550A in post.
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 3 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 5 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
The Mesa Mark series has a tighter, more scooped voicing than the DSL's mid-forward Marshall character. I've dropped mid to 3 (vs typical Marshall 5-6) to approximate the signature scoop, and kept bass at 6 rather than higher to avoid the DSL's looser low-end becoming muddy. Your Ibanez AZ2402's Seymour Duncan Hyperion pickups are hotter and brighter than passive humbuckers but less compressed than Hetfield's EMG 81s—gain 8 gets you there without fizz.
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These settings are for a Marshall DSL20HR. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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