Neural DSP Quad Cortex settings
1979 settings for Neural DSP Quad Cortex
The Smashing Pumpkins · adapted 12 times on ToneAdapt
To get the The Smashing Pumpkins "1979" riff tone on a Neural DSP Quad Cortex, use the Brit 2203 (Marshall JCM800) amp model on the clean channel, then set Drive 4, Master 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5. Use the neck + middle pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Ibanez RG · updated 2026-10-10
- Amp model
- Brit 2203 (Marshall JCM800)
- Channel
- Clean
- Cab
- 4x12 Closed Back
- Pickup
- Neck + Middle
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Amp block
- Drive
- 4
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 6.5
- Presence
- 5.5
Effects chain
- 1compressionChief CS3 (BOSS CS-3 Compression Sustainer)Level 7 · Sustain 6
- 2modulationChief CE2W (BOSS CE-2W)Mix 5 · Rate 4 · Depth 5
- 3reverbSpring Reverb Engine (M)Mix 4 · Decay 3
Playing tips
- Use fingerstyle for a more dynamic and nuanced attack.
- Experiment with light palm muting to add depth to the riff.
- Consider using a compression pedal to enhance sustain and even out dynamics.
The original rig
What The Smashing Pumpkins used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Neural DSP Quad Cortex actually has.
- Guitar
- Fender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 80s, as used by Billy Corgan in studio)
- Amp
- Marshall JCM800 (modded with KT88 tubes, as used on Mellon Collie sessions)
- Gain
- 4
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 6.5
- Treble
- 6.5
- Presence
- 5.5
- Reverb
- 2.5
Different guitar or pedals? Get 1979 adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts The Smashing Pumpkins's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What amp model should I use on the Neural DSP Quad Cortex for 1979?
Use the Brit 2203 (Marshall JCM800) (clean channel) with Drive 4, Master 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 5.5, followed by Chief CS3 (BOSS CS-3 Compression Sustainer), Chief CE2W (BOSS CE-2W), Spring Reverb Engine (M).
Which pickup should I use for 1979?
Neck + Middle, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did The Smashing Pumpkins use on 1979?
Guitar: Fender Stratocaster (likely 1970s or early 80s, as used by Billy Corgan in studio). Amp: Marshall JCM800 (modded with KT88 tubes, as used on Mellon Collie sessions).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Ibanez RG. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
1979 on other amps
Popular songs on the Neural DSP Quad Cortex
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Walk · Pantera
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Holy Wars · Megadeth
- Raining Blood · Slayer
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Crazy Train · Ozzy Osbourne
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Highway to Hell · AC/DC
- Pride and Joy · Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
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.