Until It Sleeps amp settings — Ampeg BA-108v2
The Metallica guitar tone for “Until It Sleeps”, dialed in for a Ampeg BA-108v2 with a Epiphone Thunderbird. Studio version, Load (1996)
Jason Newsted: Sadowsky 5-string bass (PJ pickups), Ampeg SVT-2 Pro head into Ampeg 8x10 cabs, SansAmp Bass Driver DI for studio grit, rounds, pick attack. Bob Rock's production pushed a cleaner, rounder bass tone than previous Metallica albums — less clank, more low-mid presence.
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 4 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Treble | 4 |
| Master | 5 |
The BA-108v2 has only Gain, Bass, Treble, and Volume — no mid control. Newsted's SVT tone is mid-forward, so I'm keeping bass moderate (6) and treble pulled back (4) to avoid the BA-108's tendency toward a scooped practice-amp voice. Gain at 4 adds light compression without fuzz. The SF300 and WD7 are not needed for this tone — Newsted ran clean-ish on Load with only subtle SansAmp warmth, not heavy distortion.
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These settings are for a Ampeg BA-108v2. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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