A listening test was conducted using a 2020 PRS Custom 24 (bridge pickup) running into an Apollo Twin X, monitoring through studio headphones. The preset “A7X - The Stage Lead” was compared to a reference track from The Stage (2016).
To nail the "hot" high-gain tone of Avenged Sevenfold AmpliTube 5
, you need to replicate the aggressive, mid-scooped but articulate sound synonymous with Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance. 1. Amp Selection
Synyster Gates is legendary for using high-gain "American-voiced" heads. In AmpliTube 5, your best "hot" options are: German Gain (Bogner Uberchall model):
This is the gold standard for that thick, crushing A7X rhythm. Dual Rectifier (Mesa/Boogie model): amplitube 5 avenged sevenfold hot
A great alternative for the raw, aggressive saturation found on albums like City of Evil Engl Powerball model:
Excellent for the ultra-precise, modern metal crunch of later albums. 2. "Hot" Tone Settings (The Cheat Sheet)
For a powerful rhythm or "hot" lead tone, start with these baseline settings on your chosen high-gain amp:
6–8 (Don't max it out; you need clarity for those fast runs). 5–6 (Keep it tight to avoid "flub"). A listening test was conducted using a 2020
3–4 (A slight scoop is classic A7X, but keep enough to cut through). 6–7 (For that sharp pick attack). 6–7 (Adds the "sizzle" to the high end). 3. Essential Signal Chain Tube Screamer (Overdrive) in front of the amp. Set the Drive to 0 Level/Volume to 10
. This acts as a "hot" boost, tightening the low end and pushing the preamp for more sustain. 4x12 Recto 4x12 Modern cab. In the AmpliTube 5 Cabinet Room , use a combination of a Dynamic 57 (for bite) and a Condenser 414 (for body). Add a subtle Digital Delay Hall Reverb for solos to give them that stadium-sized depth. 4. Playability Tips Most of their "hot" tracks are in (D-A-D-G-B-E).
Use the bridge humbucker. If you want the authentic look and output, Synyster Gates uses Schecter Signature Guitars with high-output Seymour Duncan Invader pickups. "Hail to the King"
Title: Deconstructing the “Hot” Modern Metal Guitar Tone: AmpliTube 5’s Avenged Sevenfold Preset Suite Through empirical testing
Author: [Your Name] Publication Date: April 12, 2026 Subject: Digital Amp Modeling, Guitar Tone, Hard Rock / Metal Production
Through empirical testing, three specific settings in AmpliTube 5 generate the signature hot A7X attack:
Before we touch a knob, understand that A7X’s tone isn't just "high gain." It is: