Tone library / System Of A Down / Hypnotize

Hypnotize amp settings — Marshall Code 50

The System Of A Down guitar tone for “Hypnotize”, dialed in for a Marshall Code 50 with a Epiphone Les Paul Standard 60s. Studio version, Hypnotize album (2005)

Original rig

1962 Gibson SG (humbuckers) → Friedman-modified Marshall JMP100 (modified high-gain channel) → 4x12 cab. No pedals on main distorted tone. Tuned to Db standard (Db-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb).

Tight, aggressive mid-forward crunch with clear note articulation despite heavy gain. Punchy palm mutes, controlled low-end, not scooped.

Amp settings — Marshall Code 50

CHANNELJCM800 model (or '80s British' preset)BRIGHToffBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	4
Mid	7
Treble	5
Presence	6
Reverb	0
Master	6

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE7 VOLUME10

Signal chain

01Behringer EQ

Use to tighten low-end and push upper-mids for riff definition. Place before amp input. Slight mid-hump shape centered around 800Hz.

100Hz 4 · 200Hz 5 · 400Hz 6 · 800Hz 7 · 1.6kHz 6 · 3.2kHz 5 · 6.4kHz 4

Why these settings

The Marshall Code's JCM800 model is the closest match to the Friedman-modded JMP100. Your Epiphone LP humbuckers have similar output to Malakian's SG, so no gain compensation needed. I pulled treble back to 5 (vs his ~6) because the Code's digital treble can get fizzy. Mids pushed to 7 to replicate the Friedman mod's mid-forward voicing — this is critical for SOAD's riff clarity. Bass at 4 keeps palm mutes tight in drop tuning.

PRO TIPMalakian's picking attack is extremely precise and percussive — use the thick part of the pick and strike strings at a slight downward angle near the bridge to get that chunky, defined palm-mute sound. Sloppy picking will turn this tone to mud.

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