When you were young amp settings — Blackstar Blackstar idx core 100
The The killers guitar tone for “When you were young”, dialed in for a Blackstar Blackstar idx core 100 with a PRS Custom 24. Studio version, Sam's Town (2006)
Fender Hot Rod DeVille 2x12/4x10, Ibanez Destroyer guitar, Ibanez AD9 Analog Delay, Boss DD-3/DD-7, Electro-Harmonix Big Muff (Green Russian), possible Tube Screamer for boost
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 6 |
| Bass | 4 |
| Mid | 6 |
| Treble | 7 |
| Presence | 5 |
| Reverb | 3 |
| Master | 6 |
01Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9 (or similar overdrive)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Used as a boost to push the amp into that bright, sustaining territory. Without this, increase amp Gain to 7 and accept less sustain on lead lines.
02Boss DD-7 Digital Delay (or similar)
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned. Set to dotted-eighth at ~330ms (song is ~136 BPM). This delay IS the song — the riff sounds flat without it. Use the ID:Core's built-in delay set to 330ms, Mix at 4, Feedback at 4 as a substitute.
The original Fender Hot Rod DeVille is American-voiced with scooped mids and bright treble. The ID:Core 100's ISF at 5 splits the difference between American and British voicing — this matches the Fender's clarity while adding the midrange punch your PRS humbuckers naturally provide. Mids pushed to 6 compensates for the ID:Core's tendency to bury midrange in its stereo field. Your PRS humbuckers are hotter than Keuning's single-coil Destroyer pickups, so gain stays moderate at 6 to avoid mud.
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These settings are for a Blackstar Blackstar idx core 100. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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