Tone library / Metallica / Enter Sandman

Enter Sandman amp settings — NUX MG-30

The Metallica guitar tone for “Enter Sandman”, dialed in for a NUX MG-30 with a LTD MH-400. Studio version, Metallica (Black Album), 1991 — Bob Rock production

Original rig

ESP MX-220/MX-250 with EMG 81 bridge → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ (some sessions Mark IV) → Mesa 4x12 with Celestion Vintage 30s. Studio processing included API 550A EQ for mid-scoop around 700-800Hz.

Tight, scooped, percussive high-gain rhythm with punchy low end and aggressive treble bite — the defining modern metal tone

Amp settings — NUX MG-30

CHANNELAmp model: RECTO (Mesa Rectifier voicing) or MARK if available — select the high-gain American voicing closest to Mesa Mark/RectifierBRIGHToffBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	8
Bass	6
Mid	2
Treble	7
Presence	5
Reverb	0
Master	5

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Noise Gate (NUX MG-30 built-in)

Essential for tight palm-muted chugs — place before amp block to kill string noise between riffs

Threshold 4 · Decay 3

Why these settings

Your LTD MH-400 with EMG 81s is nearly identical to Hetfield's ESP rig — no pickup compensation needed. The NUX MG-30's Mesa-style amp models (RECTO or MARK) nail this voicing directly. Mid is set extremely low (2) to replicate the signature 700-800Hz scoop that defines this tone. If the MG-30 has a parametric EQ block, add a 3dB cut at 750Hz for surgical accuracy.

PRO TIPHetfield's attack is all downpicking with the pick angled slightly and striking close to the bridge — this produces the tight, percussive 'chunk' that defines the riff. Sloppy alternate picking will destroy this tone regardless of settings.

Get this tone on your amp

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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