Sad But True amp settings — Headrush Mx5
The Metallica guitar tone for “Sad But True”, dialed in for a Headrush Mx5 with a Epiphone 2021 IBG Flying V (modded with emg bonebreakers). Studio version, Metallica (Black Album), 1991 — recorded at One on One Studios LA with producer Bob Rock
ESP MX-220 (EMG 81 bridge) → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ with Aphex EQF-2 EQs and CX-1 Compressor in loop, Marshall JCM800 for midrange layering, Mesa Strategy 400 power amp, Marshall 1960B cabs with Vintage 30s. D Standard tuning.
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 2 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Presence | 4 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 7 |
01Parametric EQ block (Headrush onboard)
Place in effects loop position (post-amp block) — this replicates the Aphex EQF-2 mid scoop at 750Hz-1.2kHz that defined the Black Album rhythm tone
02Compressor block (Headrush onboard)
Place in effects loop position after EQ — replicates Aphex CX-1 compression for sustain and punch
03Cab/IR block
Use Marshall 1960B 4x12 with Vintage 30 IR or closest equivalent — SM57 on-axis, close-mic'd
Your EMG Bonebreakers have similar hot ceramic output to Hetfield's EMG 81, so no gain compensation needed — you're tonally matched at the source. The Headrush's Mark IIC+ model replicates the original amp's tight low-end and aggressive presence. The critical adaptation is the post-amp EQ block: Hetfield's tone lives in that 750Hz-1.2kHz scoop from the Aphex EQs, not just the amp's graphic EQ. Without that cut, you'll sound like a generic Mesa, not the Black Album.
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These settings are for a Headrush Mx5. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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