HeadRush Core settings
Enter Sandman settings for HeadRush Core
Metallica · adapted 4 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "Enter Sandman" riff tone on a HeadRush Core, use the 83 400R (Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ Lead) amp model on the lead channel, then set Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 4.5, Treble 7, Presence 4.5. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Riff settings
Adapted for a PRS SE Custom 24 · updated 2026-08-18
- Amp model
- 83 400R (Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ Lead)
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- Marshall 4x12
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Amp block
- Drive
- 8
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 4.5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 4.5
Effects chain
- 1noise gateNOISE GATE (ISP Technologies Decimator)Release 3 · Threshold 5
- 2distortionBLACK OP DISTORTION (80s-era op-amp-based distortion pedal)Gain 8 · Tone 6 · Level 7
- 3boostBOOST (Xotic EP Booster)Gain 2 · Level 8
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting for chugging riffs.
- Use aggressive picking for a percussive attack.
- Maintain a consistent rhythm to enhance clarity and articulation.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your HeadRush Core actually has.
- Guitar
- ESP MX-220 (black finish)
- Amp
- Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++
- Gain
- 8
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 4.5
- Treble
- 7
- Presence
- 4.5
- Reverb
- 0
Different guitar or pedals? Get Enter Sandman adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts Metallica's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What amp model should I use on the HeadRush Core for Enter Sandman?
Use the 83 400R (Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ Lead) (lead channel) with Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 4.5, Treble 7, Presence 4.5, followed by NOISE GATE (ISP Technologies Decimator), BLACK OP DISTORTION (80s-era op-amp-based distortion pedal), BOOST (Xotic EP Booster).
Which pickup should I use for Enter Sandman?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 10 and volume at 10.
What gear did Metallica use on Enter Sandman?
Guitar: ESP MX-220 (black finish). Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++.
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a PRS SE Custom 24. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Enter Sandman on other amps
- Enter Sandman on Fender Mustang LT25 · 644
- Enter Sandman on Boss Katana · 470
- Enter Sandman on Fender Frontman 10G · 238
- Enter Sandman on Line 6 Helix Floor / LT / Rack · 168
- Enter Sandman on Boss GT-1000 · 121
- Enter Sandman on Fender Frontman 15G · 118
- Enter Sandman on Fender Champion 20 · 114
- Enter Sandman on Neural DSP Quad Cortex · 94
Popular songs on the HeadRush Core
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Walk · Pantera
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Mr. Brightside · The Killers
- Stairway to Heaven · Led Zeppelin
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Back in Black · AC/DC
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- Creep · Radiohead
- Alive · Pearl Jam
- Plug In Baby · Muse
Settings are generated by ToneAdapt's tone adaptation for the gear named on this page and are a starting point — every amp, guitar and room is a little different.