Petrucci gear - Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence

Quad Cortex
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Hi guys!

Do any of you know what Petruccis gear/rig was on Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence? I think his tone is amazing on that album, especially that riff on About To Crash (Reprise)!!

I believe he used his beloved IIC+ and in that regard, what IIC+ capture do you find the best to capture that Petrucci tone?

Cheers!

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According to Wiki, IIC+ and Dual Rectifier. I would search the cloud as there are quite a few IIC+ captures to experiment with etc.

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From Chat GPT:

2/2

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

To create a John Petrucci tone from Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence on the Quad Cortex, you’ll want to combine a few key elements: high-gain amp tones, tight low-end response, a powerful midrange, and ambient effects for spacious solos. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the blocks you’ll need to replicate his tone:

1. Input Block

  • Ensure your guitar is set up with high-output pickups, ideally a humbucker like the DiMarzio Crunch Lab (which Petrucci uses). Input sensitivity should be set so your signal is strong but not clipping.

2. Noise Gate

  • Threshold: Adjust to eliminate noise from the high-gain settings, but don’t cut off sustain.
  • Attack/Release: Fast attack, moderate release to keep your signal tight during rhythm playing.

3. Compressor (Optional)

  • For clean or slightly driven passages, a compressor can even out dynamics, providing more sustain.
  • Type: Studio VCA or Optical compressor.
  • Settings:
    • Threshold: Around -20dB.
    • Ratio: 4:1 or 3:1.
    • Attack/Release: Medium attack, fast release to keep articulation.

4. Overdrive/Boost

  • Petrucci often uses an overdrive in front of his amp for tighter, more focused distortion.
  • Suggested Pedal: Tube Screamer or Horizon Devices Precision Drive.
  • Settings:
    • Gain: Low (to tighten the low end).
    • Tone: Adjust to taste, usually set bright.
    • Level: High enough to push the front end of the amp.

5. Amp Block

  • Amp Model: Use a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ or Mark IV model (Petrucci’s go-to amps during Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence).
  • Settings:
    • Gain: High (to get a saturated tone).
    • Bass: 3-4 (keep it tight, Petrucci likes a focused low-end).
    • Mid: 5-6 (for his signature midrange punch).
    • Treble: 6-7 (for clarity and definition).
    • Presence: 5-7 (to get some top-end sizzle).
    • Master Volume: Moderate (to avoid overly squashed tones).

6. Cab Block

  • Cabinet: Use a 4x12 cabinet with Celestion Vintage 30s or a similar simulation.
  • Microphone: Dynamic 57 or Ribbon mic blend (Petrucci often uses a blend of mics for a full, rich sound).
  • Mic Placement: Close mic for tight response, slightly off-axis for less harsh high end.
  • Low/High Cut Filters: Low cut around 80-100Hz, high cut around 6-7kHz to eliminate unwanted fizz.

7. EQ Block

  • You can add a post-EQ block for further tonal shaping.
  • Graphic EQ:
    • Boost around 800Hz for midrange punch.
    • Slight cuts around 4kHz to reduce harshness.
    • A boost at 100-150Hz for body, if needed.

8. Reverb/Delay

  • For solos and ambient clean sections, use both reverb and delay blocks.
  • Reverb:
    • Type: Plate or Hall reverb.
    • Decay: Medium to long (2-4 seconds).
    • Mix: 20-30% for a natural but not overwhelming space.
  • Delay:
    • Type: Digital or Analog delay with moderate repeats.
    • Time: 400-500ms (for solo sections).
    • Mix: 20-25% (to blend with your lead tone without muddying it).

9. Modulation (Optional)

  • For some ambient and clean sections, add a subtle chorus or phaser.
  • Chorus Settings:
    • Rate: Low (0.1-0.3Hz).
    • Depth: Moderate (20-30%).
    • Mix: 10-15% for a subtle thickening effect.

10. Expression Pedal (Optional)

  • If you want to mimic Petrucci’s use of a volume or wah pedal:
    • Wah: Add an expression-controlled wah block at the front of the chain.
    • Volume Pedal: Use the expression pedal to control volume swells for dynamic effects.

Final Signal Chain Example:

Input → Noise Gate → Overdrive → Amp → Cab → EQ → Delay → Reverb → Output

Make sure to fine-tune based on your playing style and the specific guitar you’re using. Petrucci’s tone is dynamic, so use your hands to vary pick attack and get the most out of this setup!

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