Im chasing the ultimate Tool/Adam Jones tone, 10000 days tone is my favorite, I do have my own preset ive made but its still not there, ive seen this guy on youtube that uses the AxeFxIII that sounds perfect, has anyone gotten to anything that comes close to this?
I can’t help you with this. All I can say is this guy has indeed nailed it, and 10,000 Days is an excellent choice!
Adam Jones is known for using a Diezel VH4. Try the “D-Cell H4” amp model in the QC, most likely Channel 3.
I love this amp and it sounds great in the QC.
Ask the AI/LLM.
This is what one of the many LLM’s gave me:
To achieve an Adam Jones (Tool) sound on the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, focus on his signature massive, distorted tone—characterized by a high midrange push, deep bass presence, and atmospheric effects like delay and phaser. Jones primarily uses a Diezel VH4 amp (Channel 3), a Gibson Les Paul (bridge pickup, tone knob at 7–8, volume fully cranked) along with pedals like the Big Muff Pi (fuzz/distortion), MXR Phase 90, Line 6 DL4 (delay), and Boss DD-3. On the Quad Cortex, you can approximate this using built-in models and captures. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on community tips and model recommendations.
### 1. **Basic Setup: Guitar and Signal Path**
**Guitar**: Ideally a Gibson Les Paul Custom or similar humbucker-equipped guitar. Switch to the bridge pickup, set tone to 7–8, and volume to 10 for maximum saturation.
**Signal Chain in Quad Cortex**: Build a chain like: Compressor (optional) → Fuzz/Distortion → Amp → EQ → Phaser/Flanger → Delay → Reverb. Download captures from the Cortex Cloud if needed (e.g., Diezel VH4-inspired ones from third-party providers like Amalgam Captures for Adam Jones settings).
### 2. **Amp Model: D-Cell H4 (Diezel VH4 Emulation)**
Select the **D-Cell H4 Amp Model** in the Quad Cortex (Channel 3), as it directly emulates the VH4 that Jones uses for his core tone. This model has four independent channels, and Channel 3 is perfect for his modern, high-gain crunch.
**Recommended Settings for Channel 3** (clock-face notation; adjust to your setup):
Gain: 12:00 (noon) – for controlled distortion without muddiness.
Volume: 12:30 – Balances the output.
Treble: 2:00–3:15 – Adds bite without getting shrill.
Mids: Maxed out (5:00) – This is key to Jones’ “penetrating” midrange push.
Bass: 3:30–4:00 – For that thick, earthy foundation; if bass is too much, dial back the treble slightly.
Master Volume: Noon (12:00) – For natural compression.
Presence: To taste, around 1:00–2:00 for airiness.
Tip: If the tone feels too clean, boost the gain or add an overdrive boost before the amp.
### 3. **Build the Effects Chain**
**Fuzz/Distortion (pre-amp)**: Use a Big Muff Pi emulation (e.g., “Rat” or “Big Muff” model in the QC). Settings: Sustain high (8–10), Tone at 5–7 for mid-heavy distortion. This creates the “wall-of-sound” effect.
**EQ (post-amp)**: Prioritize high mids. Bass: 8, Mids: 8+, Treble: 7. Cut low frequencies if needed (high-pass filter at 80–100 Hz) to avoid mud.
**Modulation (Phaser/Flanger)**: MXR Phase 90 emulation for tracks like “Schism.” Speed: Slow (Rate 1–3), Depth: Medium (5–7). For feedback effects (e.g., in “Stinkfist”), combine with a flanger (BF-2 style): Low rate, high feedback, plus an EQ boost in the highs.
**Delay**: Line 6 DL4 or Boss DD-3 emulation. For the classic Tool sound: Analog mode, Time: 300–450 ms, Feedback: 3–5 repeats, Mix: 30–40%. For “10,000 Days”-style atmosphere, go longer (600 ms) with modulation.
**Reverb**: Hall or plate reverb, Mix: 20–30%, Decay: Medium-long for space without drowning the core tone.
### 4. **Fine-Tuning and Tips**
**Rhythm vs. Lead**: For riffs (e.g., “Forty Six & 2”), emphasize more bass and mids; for leads (e.g., “Wings for Marie”), add more delay and reverb.
**Cab/IR**: Pair the amp with a 4x12" Mesa Boogie cab (e.g., V30 speaker IR from the Cloud). Experiment with multi-amp setups: One for low-end, one for mids.
**Download Presets**: Check the Cortex Cloud for “Diezel VH4” or “Adam Jones” presets. Community forums often share files (e.g., via Google Drive), or buy captures like “DZL V4 QC DI” with Jones-inspired settings.
**Testing**: Play riffs from “Lateralus” or “10,000 Days”—the tone should sound “thick” and “aggressive” with clear sustain. Adjust to your guitar and cab; high mids are crucial for the “Tool signature.”
If you want to dive deeper: Watch YouTube tutorials on “Quad Cortex Tool Tone” for visual demos.
With these settings, you’ll get close—the Quad Cortex is flexible, so tweak by feel. Good luck recreating it! If you need specific song presets, let me know.