Neural DSP Quad Cortex settings
Master of Puppets settings for Neural DSP Quad Cortex
Metallica · adapted 193 times on ToneAdapt
To get the Metallica "Master of Puppets" riff tone on a Neural DSP Quad Cortex, use the Brit 2203 (Marshall JCM800) amp model on the lead channel, then set Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 6, Mid 2, Treble 8, Presence 6. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 10 and volume on 10.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Harley Benton ST-20HSS SBK Standard Series · updated 2026-11-10
- Amp model
- Brit 2203 (Marshall JCM800)
- Channel
- Lead
- Cab
- 4x12
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 10 · Volume 10
Amp block
- Drive
- 8
- Master
- 7
- Bass
- 6
- Mid
- 2
- Treble
- 8
- Presence
- 6
- Original drive
- 8
Effects chain
- 1boostExotic Z Boost (Xotic RC Booster)Gain 6 · Bass 5 · Treble 5 · Level 8
- 2noise gateAdaptive GateRelease 3 · Threshold 4
- 3reverbSpring (M)Mix 2 · Decay 2
- 4distortionChief MT (BOSS MT-2)Gain 8 · Tone 7 · Level 8
Built-in effects
- Reverb off
Playing tips
- Focus on tight palm muting for chugging riffs.
- Use fast alternate picking to maintain aggression.
- Ensure your attack is percussive to enhance articulation.
The original rig
What Metallica used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Neural DSP Quad Cortex 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 amp model should I use on the Neural DSP Quad Cortex for Master of Puppets?
Use the Brit 2203 (Marshall JCM800) (lead channel) with Drive 8, Master 7, Bass 6, Mid 2, Treble 8, Presence 6, followed by Exotic Z Boost (Xotic RC Booster), Adaptive Gate, Spring (M), Chief MT (BOSS MT-2).
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 Harley Benton ST-20HSS SBK Standard Series. 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 Boss Katana 50 Gen 3 · 182
Popular songs on the Neural DSP Quad Cortex
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Walk · Pantera
- 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
- Mr. Brightside · The Killers
- Crossroads · Cream
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.