Neural DSP Archetype: Plini X settings
Master of Puppets settings for Neural DSP Archetype: Plini X
Metallica · adapted 8 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "Master of Puppets" riff tone on a Neural DSP Archetype: Plini X, select the AMP 2: CRUNCH preset, then set Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 2, Treble 7, Reverb 0.5, Octaver 0. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Ibanez RGA42FM · updated 2026-11-13
- Preset / mode
- AMP 2: CRUNCH
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Neural DSP Archetype: Plini X knobs
- Gain
- 7
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 2
- Treble
- 7
- Reverb
- 0.5
- Octaver
- 0
- Transpose
- 0
- Compressor
- 0
Built-in effects
- Reverb on (Spring) · 0.5
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting to achieve the chugging sound.
- Use fast alternate picking to maintain the aggressive attack.
- Keep your picking hand close to the bridge for a sharper articulation.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Neural DSP Archetype: Plini X actually has.
- Guitar
- ESP MX220 (custom, aka 'Eet Fuk')
- Amp
- Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) into Marshall JCM800 (power amp section), Mesa 4x12 cabinet
- Gain
- 9
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 3
- Treble
- 7.5
- Presence
- 6.5
- Reverb
- 1
Different guitar or pedals? Get Master of Puppets 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 preset should I use on the Neural DSP Archetype: Plini X for Master of Puppets?
Start from the AMP 2: CRUNCH preset, then set Gain 7, Bass 6, Mid 2, Treble 7, Reverb 0.5, Octaver 0.
Which pickup should I use for Master of Puppets?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 10 and volume at 10.
What gear did Metallica use on Master of Puppets?
Guitar: ESP MX220 (custom, aka 'Eet Fuk'). Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (preamp) into Marshall JCM800 (power amp section), Mesa 4x12 cabinet.
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Ibanez RGA42FM. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Master of Puppets on other amps
- Master of Puppets on Fender Mustang LT25 · 1,425
- Master of Puppets on Boss Katana · 926
- Master of Puppets on Fender Frontman 10G · 434
- Master of Puppets on Line 6 Helix Floor / LT / Rack · 280
- Master of Puppets on Fender Champion 20 · 218
- Master of Puppets on Fender Frontman 15G · 207
- Master of Puppets on Neural DSP Quad Cortex · 193
- Master of Puppets on Boss Katana 50 Gen 3 · 182
Popular songs on the Neural DSP Archetype: Plini X
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Final Masquerade · LINKIN PARK
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Mr. Brightside · The Killers
- Twilight of the Machines (feat. Austere) · Heretoir
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Hypnotize · System Of A Down
- Dizzy On the Comedown · Turnover
- Cemetery Gates (Live from Foundations Forum Metal Convention, 1990) · Pantera
- A Line In the Sand · LINKIN PARK
- Walk · Pantera
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.