Hardwired amp settings — Marshall MG30CFX
The Metallica guitar tone for “Hardwired”, dialed in for a Marshall MG30CFX with a Shiver GES80. Studio version, Hardwired...To Self-Destruct (2016)
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ Simul-Class ('Crunch Berries'), ESP Snakebyte/Copperhead with EMG Het Set pickups, no pedals on main rhythm tone
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Presence | 0 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01Tube Screamer style overdrive (TS9 / TS Mini / Behringer TO800)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Use as a clean boost to tighten low end and add mid focus. Drive at 0, Level pushing the amp. This is critical for achieving the Mesa 'tight thrash' response on a solid-state amp.
The MG30CFX is a solid-state amp with a scooped, British-voiced OD channel — the opposite of Hetfield's mid-focused Mesa. I pushed mids to 7 (vs typical 5) and pulled bass to 4 to avoid flubby low end. The MG lacks the natural compression and tight attack of a tube Mesa, so a TS-style pedal used as a clean boost is essential to get that percussive pick response.
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These settings are for a Marshall MG30CFX. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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