How to Dial In "In the Desert" by Architects - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "In the Desert"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Nightmares (2006). Nightmares is the debut studio album by English metalcore band Architects, released on 15 May 2006 by Distort and In at the Deep End Records. The album's personnel list credits Tom Searle on lead guitar and Tim Hillier-Brook on rhythm guitar. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP E-II Eclipse through an EVH 5150III 100W, the rig we use for Architects' other songs from Nightmares, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in drop C (C G C F A D).
Common Questions About the "In the Desert" Tone
What guitar did Architects use on "In the Desert"?
The guitar on "In the Desert" (released 2006) isn't documented; the ESP E-II Eclipse above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in Drop C (C G C F A D), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "In the Desert" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 6, Mid 5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, Volume 7. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "In the Desert" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "In the Desert" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "In the Desert" by Architects are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.