Smooth Criminal amp settings — Marshall DSL40CR
The Michael Jackson guitar tone for “Smooth Criminal”, dialed in for a Marshall DSL40CR with a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster. Studio version, Bad (1987)
Fender Stratocaster direct into Neve recording console via custom active DI box (played by David Williams), heavily compressed with studio outboard gear
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 2 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 6 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01Compressor (e.g. MXR Dyna Comp / Keeley Compressor Plus)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned
David Williams tracked this iconic rhythm part direct-to-desk rather than through an amplifier, resulting in a sterile, ultra-tight clean tone. On the Marshall DSL40CR, use the Classic Gain channel strictly in Clean mode with Gain down at 2 to avoid any Marshall crunch, slightly scoop the mids to 4, and cut the bass to 4 to mimic the tight transient response of a studio DI line. Keeping the built-in reverb completely off matches Bruce Swedien's bone-dry studio mix.
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These settings are for a Marshall DSL40CR. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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