The Unholy Trinity: 7 Steps To Dial In The Ultimate Avenged Sevenfold Tone In AmpliTube 5

Are you chasing that iconic, razor-sharp, and harmonically rich high-gain tone that defines Avenged Sevenfold? For guitarists in 2024, the quest to replicate the sounds of Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance has never been easier, thanks to powerful amp modeling software like IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube 5. Forget spending thousands on a Mesa/Boogie or Bogner; this guide will walk you through the exact digital gear and settings you need to conjure the spirit of the Deathbat right on your computer.

Getting the perfect A7X tone isn't just about cranking the gain; it's a precise alchemy of amp selection, EQ sculpting, and strategic effects placement. We'll break down the "Unholy Trinity" of amps used by the band and provide step-by-step instructions to capture the sound from the metalcore aggression of Waking the Fallen to the progressive metal mastery of The Stage, ensuring your tone is fresh, unique, and ready for the studio or stage.

The Architects of Destruction: Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance Gear Profile

To accurately model the Avenged Sevenfold sound in AmpliTube 5, you must first understand the core components of the guitarists' real-world rigs. This foundational knowledge is key to selecting the correct digital emulations (Tone Models) within the software.

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• Synyster Gates (Lead Guitar): Synyster Gates is famously associated with high-end, boutique, high-gain amps. His core sound has evolved, but it is primarily built around the Bogner Uberschall (for its massive, tight low-end and searing top-end) and the EVH 5150 III (for its modern, articulate gain). For his earlier work, Mesa/Boogie Rectifiers were also a staple. His signature Schecter guitars, equipped with Synyster Gates Invader pickups, contribute significantly to the aggressive output.
• Zacky Vengeance (Rhythm Guitar): Zacky Vengeance often uses a slightly different flavor of high-gain to complement Syn's tone, adding depth and width to the overall mix. Historically, he has used Marshall JCM800s and, more recently, Jet City Amplification heads, though the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier is a common element in their layered rhythm tracks, providing that chunky, scooped, modern metal aggression.

The A7X sound is a blend of these different high-gain voices, layered together to create a massive wall of sound. In AmpliTube 5, we will focus on the three most accessible and iconic models that cover all these bases.

Step 1: Selecting the Unholy Trinity of AmpliTube 5 Amps

AmpliTube 5 offers incredibly accurate emulations of the amps that define the A7X sound. For maximum flexibility and accuracy across different eras, you should focus on these three models, which are often available in the AmpliTube MAX or specific collections (like the MESA/Boogie Collection).

The Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (The "Recti-Fire")

This amp is the backbone of the classic, chunky A7X rhythm tone, especially on albums like City of Evil and Nightmare. In AmpliTube, look for the MESA/Boogie Dual Rectifier model (often labeled as "Recti-Fire" in older versions or simply "Dual Rectifier" in the official collection).

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• Channel: Red or Modern High-Gain
• Mode: Solid State Rectifier (for a tighter, more immediate attack)
• Gain: 7.5–8.5 (The key is to use a boost pedal *before* the amp, so the amp gain doesn't need to be fully maxed)
• Treble: 6.5–7.5 (To cut through the mix)
• Mids: 3.0–4.0 (Scooped mids are a hallmark of this era, but don't go below 3 or you'll lose presence)
• Bass: 6.0–7.0 (Plenty of low-end thump, but keep it tight)
• Presence: 6.0

The Bogner Uberschall (The "Uber-Mod")

This is the closest you'll get to Synyster Gates' modern signature high-gain lead and rhythm sound. Look for the Bogner Uberschall emulation in AmpliTube 5.

• Channel: High Gain
• Gain: 8.0 (The Uberschall is naturally high-gain; a lighter boost is needed)
• Treble: 7.0
• Mids: 5.0–6.0 (Syn's tone is less scooped than the rhythm track, giving his leads more body)
• Bass: 6.5
• Presence: 7.5 (Crucial for the searing, aggressive top-end)

The EVH 5150 III (The "150W" Model)

A fantastic alternative or layering option, the 5150 sound is a modern metal staple. In AmpliTube, the 150W model (or similar Peavey/EVH emulations) will get you in the ballpark.

• Channel: Lead (Red)
• Gain: 7.0–8.0
• Treble: 6.5
• Mids: 5.5
• Bass: 6.0
• Resonance/Presence: 7.0 (Use the Resonance control to dial in the low-end thump)

Step 2: The Essential Pre-Amp Boost and Tightening

The secret to a tight, articulate metal tone—especially for dropped tunings like Drop D or Drop C—is not just the amp, but the pedal placed before the amp. This is known as "tightening the front end."

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The Tube Screamer (The "Overdrive")

Place a Tube Screamer (AmpliTube's Overdrive or Green OD model) directly before your chosen amp head. This pedal is used not for *more* gain, but to shape the EQ and tighten the low-end.

• Drive/Gain: 0 (or 0.5–1.0 at most)
• Tone: 7.0–8.0 (This cuts the muddy low-end and boosts the high-mids)
• Level/Volume: 7.0–8.0 (This pushes the amp's preamp tubes harder, creating natural compression and tightness)

The Noise Gate

High-gain amps generate significant noise and hiss. A noise gate is mandatory for the A7X tone. Place the Noise Filter or Noise Gate pedal at the very start of your signal chain. Set the Threshold just high enough to eliminate noise when you stop playing, but not so high that it cuts off your sustain. This is a critical step for modern metal tone.

Step 3: Cabinet, Microphone, and Room Selection (IRs)

The cabinet (Cab IRs) and microphone selection account for about 50% of your final tone. A7X's sound is typically captured with a 4x12 cabinet loaded with Celestion Vintage 30 speakers.

• Cabinet: Use the 4x12 Recto Traditional Slant or the 4x12 Brit V30 model.
• Microphone: The Shure SM57 (or a similar dynamic mic model) is the industry standard for metal. Position it slightly off-center on one of the cones (around the edge of the dust cap) for a balanced sound.
• Dual Mic Setup: For a richer, more complex sound, try blending the SM57 with a condenser mic like the Neumann U87 (or similar model) placed further back to capture the room sound.

Step 4: Post-Amp Effects (Leads and Atmosphere)

While the rhythm tone is mostly raw amp power, Synyster Gates' lead tone relies heavily on a few key post-amp effects. Place these in the effects loop or after the amp/cab module in AmpliTube.

• Delay: Use a digital or tape delay (like the Echo Tape Delay or Digital Delay) for solos. Set the Mix to around 20–30% and the Feedback to 30–40%. Time the delay to the song's tempo (e.g., dotted eighth note).
• Reverb: A subtle Hall or Plate reverb (Plate Reverb or Hall Reverb) with a low mix (5–10%) adds dimension to the leads and clean parts without washing out the rhythm tone.
• Wah Pedal: Synyster's iconic solos often feature a wah pedal. Use the Wah 46 or Volume/Wah model and practice controlling the sweep for expressive phrasing.

Step 5: Mastering the EQ in the Mixer Section

The final, often overlooked, step is the Master EQ in AmpliTube's Mixer section. This acts as a final polish on your sound, similar to what happens in a professional mixing console.

• Low Cut: Use a high-pass filter to cut frequencies below 80 Hz. This eliminates subsonic rumble that muddies up the mix, especially with dropped tunings.
• High Cut: Use a low-pass filter to cut frequencies above 12 kHz. This removes high-frequency fizz and harshness, making the tone smoother and more professional.
• Subtle Mid Boost: If your tone sounds lost in the mix, a very subtle (1-2dB) boost around 2.5 kHz can help the guitars cut through the drums and bass.

Step 6: Layering the Tones for a Massive Wall of Sound

The true "Avenged Sevenfold" sound is the combination of Synyster Gates' and Zacky Vengeance's distinct tones. To achieve this in your DAW:

1. Record your rhythm part twice (double-tracking). Pan one track hard left (L100) and the other hard right (R100).
2. For the Left track, use the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier settings (scooped mids).
3. For the Right track, use the Bogner Uberschall settings (slightly fuller mids).
4. The slight difference in amp character and EQ will create a massive, wide, and complex rhythm tone that sounds much bigger than a single track.

Step 7: Final Tweaks and Topical Authority Entities

Remember that the perfect tone is always in the hands. Use your ears and adjust the settings based on your specific guitar (Schecter, ESP, etc.) and pickups (e.g., Seymour Duncan Invader). By focusing on the correct AmpliTube models—Mesa/Boogie Rectifier, Bogner Uberschall, and 5150—and applying the crucial pre-amp boost and noise gate, you will unlock the authentic A7X tone. Check out the ToneNET community for user-created presets for specific songs like "Buried Alive" or "Bat Country" to get quick starting points.

Key Topical Authority Entities (LSI Keywords): IK Multimedia, AmpliTube 5 MAX, ToneNET, MESA/Boogie Dual Rectifier, Recti-Fire, Bogner Uberschall, EVH 5150 III, Green OD, Noise Gate, Celestion Vintage 30, 4x12 Cab IRs, Drop D tuning, Synyster Gates Invader, Metal Lead, Waking the Fallen, City of Evil, Nightmare, The Stage, Deathbat, Zacky Vengeance, High-Gain Metal Tone.