Heart shaped box amp settings — Thomann DNAFX AMP20
The Nirvanna guitar tone for “Heart shaped box”, dialed in for a Thomann DNAFX AMP20 with a Thoman St-20HSS SBK. Studio version, In Utero (1993)
Fender Bassman amp (clean channel), Fender Jaguar (bridge pickup), Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion, Electro-Harmonix Small Clone chorus
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 6 |
| Bass | 5 |
| Mid | 8 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Presence | 4 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01Boss DS-2 Turbo Distortion
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Essential for the chorus/solo aggression. Turbo mode I (switch position I, not II). For verses, either bypass pedal or roll guitar volume back. A Boss DS-1 is a cheaper alternative that gets 90% there.
02Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Used on chorus and especially the solo. Depth switch set to 'up' (full). Any analog-style chorus will work; the Thomann's built-in chorus effect (if available) can substitute—set rate slow, depth high.
The Thomann DNAFX AMP20 is a budget solid-state modeling amp. Without the DS-2 pedal, you must rely entirely on the amp's gain—I've pushed gain to 6 to approximate the chorus dirt, but it will lack the mid-forward punch of the DS-2's Turbo mode. Mids are set high (8) because Kurt's tone was never scooped; this compensates for typical budget amp voicings that lean bright and thin. Reverb is 0—the In Utero recording is bone dry.
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These settings are for a Thomann DNAFX AMP20. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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