Eruption amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3
The Van Halen guitar tone for “Eruption”, dialed in for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 with a Sterling by Music Man Cutlass. Studio version, Van Halen (1978)
1968 Marshall Super Lead 100W (variac-lowered voltage), Frankenstrat (bridge PAF humbucker), MXR Phase 90, Univox EC-80 Tape Echo, Sunset Sound EMT 140 plate reverb
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 8 |
| Reverb | 5 |
| Master | 7 |
01Onboard Modulation (Phaser)
Engage onboard MOD effect set to Phaser for the signature slow sweep before the amp gain stage.
02Onboard Delay (Tape Delay)
Set onboard DELAY to Tape or Linear type to replicate the Univox EC-80 slapback repeat.
The Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 lacks individual 3-band EQ knobs, relying on the ISF control which must be turned fully clockwise to 10 to replicate Marshall Super Lead British midrange bark. Super Crunch voice provides the cranked-Plexi saturation of Eddie's variac-sagged circuit without collapsing into modern high-gain fizz. If your Cutlass is an SSS single-coil model, roll the ISF down to 8 to add low-end body to compensate for the lower-output pickup compared to Eddie's bridge humbucker.
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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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