Nothing else matters amp settings — NUX MG-400
The Metallica guitar tone for “Nothing else matters”, dialed in for a NUX MG-400 with a Vester V-2. Studio version, Metallica (Black Album, 1991) - Heavy rhythm section
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ head through Marshall 1960B 4x12 cab (Celestion V30s), Aphex EQF-2 parametric EQ (scooping 1.2kHz), ESP MX-220 with EMG 81 active humbucker
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 6 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 6 |
| Reverb | 2 |
| Master | 7 |
01EQ Block (Parametric / Graphic)
Placed post-amp block in NUX MG-400 to replicate the Aphex mid-scoop
02Plate Reverb Block
End of chain in MG-400 for subtle studio space
The NUX MG-400's Cali V amp model delivers the core Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ saturation used on the Black Album. Because the Vester V-2 passive humbuckers lack the ultra-tight, compressed low-end of active EMG 81s, the post-amp EQ pulls out the boxy mids around 1.2-1.6kHz while pushing 3.2kHz to match Hetfield's aggressive attack. Bass is kept at 6 to prevent muddiness in digital modeling.
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These settings are for a NUX MG-400. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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