Tone library / System of a Down / Toxicity

Toxicity amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3

The System of a Down guitar tone for “Toxicity”, dialed in for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 with a ESP LTD EC-256. Studio version, Toxicity (2001) — main drop-C riff

Original rig

Mesa/Boogie Triple Rectifier + Marshall Plexi 1959SLP blend, Ibanez Iceman IC300/IC520 with bridge humbucker, no pedals

Aggressive scooped modern metal chug with tight low-end and cutting high-mids

Amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3

CHANNELOD2 (Super Crunch voice)BOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	8
Bass	5
Mid	4
Treble	7
Reverb	0

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

Original used dual-amp blend for scooped Rectifier teeth + Plexi body. The ID:Core's OD2/Super Crunch voice approximates the Rectifier's tight aggression. ISF set to 10 o'clock (40% toward American) gives the scooped modern character rather than British mid-hump. Mid dropped to 4 replicates the Rectifier's signature scoop; treble at 7 cuts through without fizz. The ID:Core lacks a presence knob — the ISF handles that upper-mid voicing instead.

PRO TIPSet ISF knob to approximately 10 o'clock (lean American/scooped). Palm-mute directly over the bridge saddles with the heel of your hand for that percussive, tight chug — Malakian's attack is precise and choppy, not loose.

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These settings are for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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