Vox Valvetronix VT20X settings
Back in Black settings for Vox Valvetronix VT20X
AC/DC · adapted 3 times on ToneAdapt
To get the AC/DC "Back in Black" riff tone on a Vox Valvetronix VT20X, select the BRIT 1959 preset, then set Gain 4, Volume 7, Bass 4, Mid 6, Treble 5, Reverb 0. Use the bridge pickup with your guitar's tone on 7-8 and volume on 8-9.
Riff settings
Adapted for a Fender Stratocaster · updated 2026-10-25
- Preset / mode
- BRIT 1959
- Pickup
- Bridge pickup
- Guitar knobs
- Tone 7-8 · Volume 8-9
Vox Valvetronix VT20X knobs
- Gain
- 4
- Volume
- 7
- Bass
- 4
- Mid
- 6
- Treble
- 5
- Reverb
- 0
- Tap tempo
- 0
- Amp models selector
- 10
Playing tips
- Focus on a tight picking attack to enhance the percussive quality of the riff.
- Use palm muting on the lower strings for added definition and punch.
- Experiment with your picking dynamics to achieve a raw, uncompressed feel.
The original rig
What AC/DC used on the recording, for reference. ToneAdapt translates this to the controls your Vox Valvetronix VT20X actually has.
- Guitar
- Gibson SG Standard (1970s, likely '69-'73, stock humbuckers)
- Amp
- Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100-watt Plexi (1970s, 4-input, non-master volume, into Marshall 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12M Greenback speakers)
- Gain
- 4
- Bass
- 4
- Mid
- 7.5
- Treble
- 4.5
- Presence
- 5.5
- Reverb
- 0
Different guitar or pedals? Get Back in Black adapted to your exact rig
These settings were generated for the gear named above. ToneAdapt adapts AC/DC's tone to your own guitar, pickups, amp and pedals in seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What preset should I use on the Vox Valvetronix VT20X for Back in Black?
Start from the BRIT 1959 preset, then set Gain 4, Volume 7, Bass 4, Mid 6, Treble 5, Reverb 0.
Which pickup should I use for Back in Black?
Bridge pickup, with the guitar's tone at 7-8 and volume at 8-9.
What gear did AC/DC use on Back in Black?
Guitar: Gibson SG Standard (1970s, likely '69-'73, stock humbuckers). Amp: Marshall 1959 Super Lead 100-watt Plexi (1970s, 4-input, non-master volume, into Marshall 4x12 cabinet with Celestion G12M Greenback speakers).
Will these settings work with my guitar?
These settings were adapted for a Fender Stratocaster. Different pickups change how much gain and treble you need. ToneAdapt adapts the tone to your exact guitar, pickups, amp and pedals.
Back in Black on other amps
- Back in Black on Fender Mustang LT25 · 295
- Back in Black on Boss Katana · 287
- Back in Black on Line 6 Helix Floor / LT / Rack · 157
- Back in Black on Fender Frontman 10G · 143
- Back in Black on Boss GT-1000 · 107
- Back in Black on Fender Champion 20 · 79
- Back in Black on Fender Tone Master Pro · 75
- Back in Black on Positive Grid Spark · 66
Popular songs on the Vox Valvetronix VT20X
- Sweet Child O' Mine · Guns N' Roses
- Enter Sandman · Metallica
- Master of Puppets · Metallica
- Hotel California · Eagles
- Whole Lotta Love · Led Zeppelin
- Walk · Pantera
- Sultans of Swing · Dire Straits
- Welcome to the Jungle · Guns N' Roses
- Smells Like Teen Spirit · Nirvana
- 1979 · The Smashing Pumpkins
- Do I Wanna Know? · Arctic Monkeys
- Take Me Out · Franz Ferdinand
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.