Smooth Criminal amp settings — Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212
The Michael Jackson guitar tone for “Smooth Criminal”, dialed in for a Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 with a Jackson Pro Series Soloist. Studio version, Bad (1987) — main percussive funk rhythm guitar
Fender Stratocaster (in-between position) direct into Neve console via custom active DI, compressed with UREI 1176 outboard gear
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 2 |
| Bass | 3 |
| Mid | 6 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 6 |
| Reverb | 1 |
| Master | 4 |
01Compressor (e.g. MXR Dyna Comp / Keeley Compressor Plus)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; essential for David Williams' direct-to-desk squash and percussive transient clamp
The DeVille's clean channel provides massive headroom to mimic a studio desk, but its natural low-end boom needs tightening by cutting bass to 3. Engage the Bright switch to emulate the direct-injected high-end sheen, while setting your Soloist to split or middle-coil mode to counteract humbucker warmth. If you add the recommended compressor pedal, place it first to clamp the transients and deliver the iconic studio 'pop'.
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These settings are for a Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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