Blackened amp settings — Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier
The Metallica guitar tone for “Blackened”, dialed in for a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier with a Gibson Les Paul Modern. Studio version, ...And Justice for All (1988), signature rhythm riff
Mesa Boogie Mark IIC++ / Quad Preamp slaved into Marshall power amps, Mesa 4x12 cabs, ESP MX-220 / Gibson Explorer with EMG 81 pickups, outboard parametric EQ for severe mid-scoop
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 2 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 6 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 4 |
01Tube Screamer (TS9)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; tightens the Dual Rectifier's flubby low-end into the tight Mark IIC+ attack
The Dual Rectifier has a loose, saggy low-end compared to the ultra-tight Mark IIC++ used on the record, so keep the bass at 5 and scoop the mids down to 2 on the Modern channel. With passive Les Paul pickups instead of Hetfield's active EMG 81s, boost the treble and presence to replicate the razor-sharp string attack. Adding an overdrive as a clean boost up front will instantly tighten the pre-gain low end to match the album's percussive precision.
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These settings are for a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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