Neural DSP Quad Cortex settings
Alive settings for Neural DSP Quad Cortex
Pearl Jam · adapted 13 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Pearl Jam "Alive" solo tone on a Neural DSP Quad Cortex, use the Brit 2203 (Marshall JCM800) amp model on the lead channel, then set Drive 5, Master 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 7, Treble 6.5, Presence 6. Use the neck + middle pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Solo settings
Adapted for a Gibson Les Paul · updated 2026-11-14
- Amp model
- Brit 2203 (Marshall JCM800)
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- Marshall 1960A 4x12
- Pickup
- Neck + Middle
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Amp block
- Drive
- 5
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 5.5
- Mid
- 7
- Treble
- 6.5
- Presence
- 6
Effects chain
- 1overdriveGreen 808 (Ibanez TS808)Gain 2 · Tone 5 · Level 6
- 2reverbSpring Reverb Engine (M)Mix 3 · Decay 5
- 3noise gateAdaptive GateRelease 5 · Threshold 4
Playing tips
- Use dynamic picking to achieve the glassy highs characteristic of the original tone.
- Focus on clear note separation by playing with precision.
- Maintain a light touch to avoid excessive compression while still achieving sustain.
The original rig
What Pearl Jam used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Neural DSP Quad Cortex actually has.
- Guitar
- Fender Stratocaster (likely 1960s or '57 Reissue, Aged White, as seen in 1991-92 live footage)
- Amp
- Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet with 65 Amps Empire 22-watt Tube Head and/or Satellite Atom 36-Watt Head (studio era, early 1990s)
- Gain
- 6
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 7
- Treble
- 6.5
- Presence
- 6
- Reverb
- 2.5
Different guitar or pedals? Get Alive adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts Pearl Jam'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 Alive?
Use the Brit 2203 (Marshall JCM800) (lead channel) with Drive 5, Master 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 7, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, followed by Green 808 (Ibanez TS808), Spring Reverb Engine (M), Adaptive Gate.
Which pickup should I use for Alive?
Neck + Middle, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did Pearl Jam use on Alive?
Guitar: Fender Stratocaster (likely 1960s or '57 Reissue, Aged White, as seen in 1991-92 live footage). Amp: Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cabinet with 65 Amps Empire 22-watt Tube Head and/or Satellite Atom 36-Watt Head (studio era, early 1990s).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Gibson Les Paul. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Alive 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.