Enter sandman riff tape from Kirk Hammett amp settings — NUX MG-30
The Metallica guitar tone for “Enter sandman riff tape from Kirk Hammett”, dialed in for a NUX MG-30 with a Gibson Flying V. Main riff tape recording / Black Album era (1991)
Mesa Boogie Mark IIC++ / Mark IV preamp, Marshall Plexi mix, Jackson Rhoads / Gibson Flying V with EMG 81, Tube Screamer boost, Dunlop Cry Baby wah
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 7 |
| Mid | 3 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 6 |
| Reverb | 2 |
| Master | 7 |
01Gate block (NUX MG-30)
Essential to keep tight staccato chugs quiet between palm mutes
02EFX block: T Scream (NUX MG-30)
Used as a clean boost to tighten low-end flub before the high-gain amp model
03EQ block: 10-Band (NUX MG-30)
Classic Mesa 'V' curve shaping post-amp to capture the signature 1991 scoop
On the NUX MG-30, select the high-gain Mesa-style model paired with a 4x12 V30 IR to recreate Kirk's Mark-series rhythm sound. Because your Flying V's humbuckers supply hefty low-mid resonance, the pre-amp T Scream block cuts unwanted low end while the onboard EQ pulls back 750Hz to get the studio cut. Reverb is dialed low at 2 strictly for room depth rather than ambient wash. Clean intro switch: bypass the EFX block, switch the amp model to Twin Clean, and roll guitar volume back to 7.
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These settings are for a NUX MG-30. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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