Blackened amp settings — Boss ME-50
The Metallica guitar tone for “Blackened”, dialed in for a Boss ME-50 with a Yamaha PAC311H. Studio version, ...And Justice for All (1988)
ESP Explorer (bridge humbucker) → Ibanez TS9 → Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ (lead channel) → tuned E♭ Standard
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 7 |
01Boss ME-50 Overdrive/Distortion block (OD/DS)
Set OD/DS type to Turbo OD (TS-style) to simulate the TS9 boost into the amp model — this is the primary gain source; the amp model provides the Mark IIC+ voicing
The ME-50's amp modeling is the Mark IIC+ voice here (select OD/DS high-gain model). Original used Mark IIC+ lead channel which is mid-forward and vocal; the ME-50's OD/DS amp types are slightly more scooped, so bass and mid are dropped 1 point each from the original Mark IIC+ recipe (5→4) to avoid muddiness. The TS9 boost is replicated via the ME-50's Turbo OD block in front — that's your tight low-end and midrange push. Retune to E♭ Standard or the palm-mutes won't sit right.
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These settings are for a Boss ME-50. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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