What are the amp settings for metal?

The ideal amp settings for metal typically involve a combination of high gain, scooped mids, and balanced treble and bass. Here's a breakdown:

Recommended Amp Settings for Metal

Gain: This controls the amount of preamp distortion. For metal, you need a good amount of gain to get that aggressive, saturated tone. A setting between 6 and 8 on a scale of 1 to 10 is typical, but this can vary depending on the amp.
Treble: This influences the high frequencies and contributes to clarity and bite. Settings between 5 and 7 will usually cut through the mix without being harsh.
Mids: Mids are crucial for tone, but metal often involves a "scooped mids" approach, meaning you reduce the mid-range frequencies to create more room for the lows and highs. A range of 3-5 is common, but you should adjust to taste based on your guitar and amp.
Bass: This controls the low frequencies. Settings between 5 and 7 provide a solid foundation to the sound without becoming muddy.

Start with a Baseline: Begin by setting all your controls to the middle, then slowly adjust each setting to find your optimal metal sound.
Gain First: Adjust your gain to the amount of distortion you like, then refine the tone with other knobs.
The "Scooped Mids" Approach: While the typical metal sound favors reduced mids, consider how this interacts with other instruments in a band setting. Sometimes a bit more mids will help you cut through better.
Experiment: Every amp and guitar responds differently, so experimentation is crucial to finding the settings that work best for your gear and preference.
Consider Your Gear: The amp settings depend on the type of amplifier you are using (e.g., tube, solid state, digital) and your guitar.

These settings are a starting point and will likely need to be adjusted according to your equipment and desired tone:

Remember to use your ears and experiment to discover what sounds best to you!