Don’t Smile amp settings — Vox AC30C2
The Sabrina Carpenter guitar tone for “Don’t Smile”, dialed in for a Vox AC30C2 with a BLOND STR. Studio version, Short n' Sweet (2024) — produced/performed by Julian Bunetta
Studio production with programmed/DI guitars, likely amp sims and layered clean-to-crunch tones with post-processing; no verified live rig exists for this track
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 4 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 6 |
| Treble | 5 |
| Reverb | 2 |
| Master | 5 |
01Compressor (RECOMMENDED — not owned)
RECOMMENDED — a basic Dyna Comp or CS-3 is essential for this polished pop tone; the studio track is heavily compressed
02Mild Overdrive (RECOMMENDED — not owned)
RECOMMENDED — a Blues Driver or Klon-style at low gain adds the edge without full crunch; the AC30 alone at this gain level will be too clean or too raw
The AC30's Class A chime works well here but needs taming — the original is compressed studio DI, not a raw amp sound. I've set the Top Cut (treble) conservative at 5 to avoid ice-pick highs the AC30 is prone to. Without a compressor pedal, your dynamics will be wider than the record — roll tone knob to 7 to soften the Strat-style single coils and get closer to that processed smoothness.
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These settings are for a Vox AC30C2. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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