Fade to black amp settings — Harley Benton Hb 40 Mfx
The Metallica guitar tone for “Fade to black”, dialed in for a Harley Benton Hb 40 Mfx with a Harley benton Sc550 II deluxe. Studio version, Ride the Lightning (1984) — rhythm section focus (Hetfield)
Gibson Flying V → Boss DS-1 (boost) → Marshall JCM800 2203, tuned E♭ Standard
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 6 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 6 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Presence | 6 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01Boss DS-1 (or similar distortion/boost)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. The DS-1 was used as a mid-push boost into the already-cranked Marshall. Without it, push amp gain to 7 and accept slightly less cut.
The HB-40MFX is a solid-state practice amp with digital modeling — it lacks the natural compression and harmonic breakup of a cranked JCM800. I dropped gain from the original's 7 to 6 because solid-state amps get fizzy faster at high gain. Backed treble from 7 to 6 and presence from 7 to 6 because budget solid-state amps tend toward harsh highs. Boosted mid from 5 to 6 to compensate for the SC550's humbuckers being warmer than Hetfield's Flying V. The recording is bone dry — zero reverb.
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These settings are for a Harley Benton Hb 40 Mfx. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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