Tone Settings for The Outsider by A Perfect Circle (guitar and amp)

1. Volume

• Set guitar volume knob to maximum (10) to push the amp with full signal
• Adjust amp volume moderately to maintain clarity and avoid excessive breakup

2. Tone

• Guitar tone knob at approximately 7–8 for some warmth without losing definition
• Favor darker EQ on amp or pedal (more lows/mids, less treble)

3. Pickup Selector

• Bridge pickup position to achieve aggressive and tight attack
• Alternatively, bridge/middle combo (if available) to slightly round off highs

4. Humbucker or Single Coil Preferred?

• Humbucker highly preferred for thicker, heavier distortion and sustain
• Avoid single coils to reduce unwanted noise and maintain a fuller tone

5. Ideal Guitar Type

• Les Paul-style electric guitar with two humbuckers
• Mahogany body with set neck for increased resonance and warmth
• Preferably with a fixed bridge for tuning stability during heavy riffing

• Ibanez RG Series: Ideal for low-tuned, aggressive riffing with high-output pickups
• EMG 81/85 Pickups: Active pickups for tight, high-gain metal tones
• Line 6 Helix: Versatile amp modeling and effects for industrial tones
• Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor: Essential for taming high-gain noise in staccato riffs
• Dunlop Cry Baby Wah: For expressive filter sweeps used during breakdowns and leads
• Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier: High-gain amp head with tight low-end, great for modern metal
• ISP Decimator II: High-quality noise gate for heavy palm-muted sections
• Ernie Ball 11-54 Strings: Thicker gauge strings to maintain tension in drop tuning
• Boss DD-8 Digital Delay: For adding depth during ambient or layered lead parts
• TC Electronic Hall of Fame Reverb: Flexible reverb for creating space in cleaner passages

• Use high-gain amp settings for aggressive rhythm tone.
• Scooped mids help achieve signature industrial edge.
• Use tight palm muting to match staccato riffs.
• Dial in moderate compression for consistent attack.
• Layer guitar tracks for a fuller stereo image.
• Activate chorus or phaser subtly in ambient sections.
• Use drop D tuning for accurate riff replication.
• Keep drums punchy with slight reverb on snare.
• Use dynamic control to balance soft verses and loud choruses.
• Match vocal effects with moderate distortion in aggressive parts.