Before I Forget amp settings — Marshall MG30FX
The Slipknot guitar tone for “Before I Forget”, dialed in for a Marshall MG30FX with a Dean ML Dime-O-Flage. Studio version, Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses (2004)
Rivera Knucklehead Reverb heads (KT88/6L6 Master/Slave), Fender Telecaster with EMG 81/60, Maxon OD-9 Overdrive as boost, Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Bass | 7 |
| Mid | 4 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Presence | 6 |
| Reverb | 0 |
| Master | 5 |
01Tube Screamer-style Overdrive (e.g., Ibanez TS9, Boss SD-1)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Used as a clean boost to tighten low end and add pick definition. Essential for this tone. Run directly into amp input.
02Noise Gate (e.g., Boss NS-2, Donner Noise Killer)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. High-gain + high-output pickups = noise. Gate tightens palm mutes and silences string noise between riffs.
The MG30FX's OD2 channel is Marshall's attempt at modern high-gain but lacks the tight low-end control of the original Rivera. Mids are scooped to 4 (vs typical Marshall mid-forward voicing) to approximate the American-style scoop of the recording. Without a TS-style pedal in front, the low end will be flabbier than the original — the overdrive recommendation is critical for authenticity. Your Dean's passive Dimebucker-style pickups are hotter than standard passives but cooler than Root's EMGs, so gain stays at 8 rather than backing off.
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These settings are for a Marshall MG30FX. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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