Tone library / Michael jackson / Man in the mirror

Man in the mirror amp settings — Vox Da20

The Michael jackson guitar tone for “Man in the mirror”, dialed in for a Vox Da20 with a Gibson Les Paul Modern. Studio album version, Bad (1987) — clean rhythm guitar parts played by Dann Huff

Original rig

Valley Arts Custom Pro Stratocaster (middle+bridge single coils) into studio DI / clean rack preamp (Triaxis/SP-77 or Roland JC-120) with Dyna Comp, rack stereo chorus, and studio digital plate reverb

Pristine, ultra-clean 80s studio pop tone with high-end sparkle, tight compression, and subtle chorus shimmer
Amp settings — Vox Da20
CHANNELClean 2
GAIN 2 BASS 4 TREBLE 8 REVERB 4 MASTER 6
KnobSetting (0–10)
Gain2
Bass4
Treble8
Reverb4
Master6
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Guitar
PICKUPneck+middle TONE10 VOLUME9
Signal chain

01Onboard Multi-FX (Chorus + Reverb)

Select the built-in Chorus+Reverb effect on the Vox DA20 selector dial

Speed 3 · Depth 4 · Mix 4
Why these settings

The original track uses an ultra-bright single-coil Strat straight into studio compression and pristine clean channels. On your Gibson Les Paul Modern, pull the coil-split tap for the neck and bridge (or middle position if split) and keep tone wide open at 10 to simulate single-coil glassiness. On the Vox DA20 (which features only Gain, Tone/Treble, Bass, and Master knobs with no dedicated midrange or presence), set the voice dial to 'Clean 2', dial Treble up to 8, and keep Bass moderate at 4 to prevent humbucker low-end mud.

PRO TIPUse a light 0.60mm nylon pick and strike with a fast, feathered wrist right near the bridge saddles to capture the signature 80s Dann Huff rhythmic pop 'chank'.

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These settings are for a Vox Da20. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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