Tone library / System Of A Down / Aerials

Aerials amp settings — Meteoro 35GSR

The System Of A Down guitar tone for “Aerials”, dialed in for a Meteoro 35GSR with a Tagima TW-520. Studio version, Toxicity (2001) — heavy main riff and chorus tone

Original rig

1962 Gibson SG / Les Paul into blended Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier (Modern High Gain) and Marshall JMP 2203, tuned to Drop C

Aggressive, mid-forward wall-of-sound modern high gain with tight low end and sharp bite

Amp settings — Meteoro 35GSR

CHANNELLead (Overdrive button engaged)

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	8
Bass	5
Mid	7
Treble	6
Reverb	0
Master	5

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The Meteoro 35GSR is a solid-state combo with a 3-band EQ and onboard spring reverb, but it lacks a dedicated presence knob. To emulate Daron's blended Mesa Triple Rectifier and Marshall JMP tone without external pedals, run the amp's lead/distortion channel with Gain at 8 while keeping Mids pushed to 7, as SOAD's heavy rhythm tone relies on prominent upper-mids rather than a typical nu-metal mid-scoop. Drop the Bass to 5 to prevent the 35GSR's 10-inch speaker from flubbing out in Drop C tuning.

PRO TIPTune down to Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D) and strike aggressively near the bridge with a thick pick (1.0mm+) to preserve percussive attack and keep the low C tight.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Meteoro 35GSR. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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Song, artist and gear names are used to identify the tone being matched; ToneAdapt is not affiliated with or endorsed by the artists or manufacturers mentioned. Settings are AI-generated starting points — trust your ears.