This preset is inspired by various iconic and recognizable guitar tones from the mid to late 80s that all had a fairly similar sound, often found within the genre some might define as 'Hair Metal'... It's a crunchy, big and aggressive sound that'll make you want to break out the fluorescent guitars and bandanas!
While there are heaps of gain and overdrive available on this preset, it also has a very usable clean tone (all from one amp!) which gives you all the sparkle and chime that was very often utilized for the lighter guitar parts in countless hits from the 80s.
While I have programmed in handy snapshots for 'go-to' levels of gain (described below), you can also make use of stomp mode, where I have assigned a few choice FX to bypass manually if you so desire. Want to hear the amp without chorus? Give it a try! Or without the tubescreamer hitting the front of the Marshall? Find out for yourself!
What I can say with certainty is that this preset was designed for live playing in a band setting, so certain choices with EQ and volume settings between snapshots will reflect that to an extent. I have used this preset on 80s tribute shows many times and have always been satisfied with the results, along with all the band mates and sound engineers who have heard it!
The preset was put together using a Musicman Luke 2 BFR model, fitted with an EMG SL20 set (2 SLV single coils and an 85 humbucker) so you may want to factor in making some very minor adjustments to gain levels if your guitar has lower output pickups. Or you may enjoy the sound as-is! It's up to you. Made on Helix firmware version 3.50, but should work on newer versions without issues.
Clean - Use this to instantly get the ambient sparkle and chime of numerous beautiful clean parts, found on songs such as 'Is This Love' by Whitesnake for example...
Drive - This is the tone that a huge number of rock and metal records from this era would frequently use. Tons of gain, attitude, but with a certain clarity to assist in cutting through a busy mix. A classic mid boost overdrive into an already driven amp, with a hefty but controlled amount of stereo delay, is the bulk of this tone.
Solo - Building on the same elements as the 'drive' snapshot, with the addition of even more overdrive (with a little adjustment to EQ) and a level boost post amp. When it's your time shred, you'll be heard!
This preset is best used when connected to a PA console, audio interface or FRFR speaker as it has cab sim (IR) enabled. If you intend to use it with an amp and cabinet please disable the amp/cab block.
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