Unchained amp settings — Marshall MG30FX
The Van Halen guitar tone for “Unchained”, dialed in for a Marshall MG30FX with a Dean ML 79 floyd. Studio version, Fair Warning (1981), tuned to E♭ Standard (Drop D♭ for low string)
Frankenstrat (bridge humbucker) → Marshall 1959 Super Lead Plexi (Variac down to 90V) → MXR M-117 Flanger
| Knob | Setting (0–10) |
|---|---|
| Gain | 7 |
| Bass | 6 |
| Mid | 7 |
| Treble | 6 |
| Reverb | 2 |
| Master | 5 |
01Boss OS-2
Clean-ish overdrive boost to tighten low end and add Marshall-style upper mid bite into OD1
02MXR 6-band EQ
Push 800Hz and 1.6kHz sliders to recreate the Plexi mid-bark; keep into front input
03MXR M-117R Flanger
RECOMMENDED — not currently owned; essential for the signature opening riff jet sweep
The MG30FX on OD1 captures the core British crunch, but solid-state clipping can lack the spongy lower-mid punch of a Variac'd Plexi. The MXR 6-band EQ provides the essential 800Hz–1.6kHz push, while the Boss OS-2 acts strictly as a low-drive boost to push the front-end compression. The iconic riff sweep requires an MXR flanger; until acquired, the core rhythm relies on the mid-boosted OD1 channel.
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These settings are for a Marshall MG30FX. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.
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