Blackened amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3
The Metallica guitar tone for “Blackened”, dialed in for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 with a Dean Far beyond driven ML. Studio version, ...And Justice for All (1988)
ESP Explorer with EMG pickups into Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ boosted by Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9, tuned to E♭ Standard
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 6 |
01MXR Six Band EQ
Use to tighten low-end and add upper-mid presence; slight scoop at 400Hz mimics the AJFA dry character
The ID:Core's OD2 voice is the closest to a saturated Mark-series lead channel. Original Mark IIC+ settings were Gain 8, Mid 5, Treble 7 — the ID:Core runs slightly hotter so gain drops to 7. Mid reduced to 4 because the Blackstar's ISF-less voicing is already mid-present vs the scooped AJFA sound. The Metal Zone stays OFF — its gain structure would muddy the tight picking articulation this tone demands; use the MXR EQ instead for surgical shaping.
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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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