How to Dial In "Format C: for Cortex" by Dark Tranquillity - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Format C: for Cortex"
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 Damage Done (2002). Damage Done is the sixth studio album by Swedish melodic death metal band Dark Tranquillity, released on 22 July 2002 by Century Media. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an ESP LTD EC-1000 through an Engl Powerball (E645), the rig we use for Dark Tranquillity's other songs from Damage Done, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Published transcriptions put it in C♯ standard (C♯ F♯ B E G♯ C♯), three half steps below standard.
Common Questions About the "Format C: for Cortex" Tone
What guitar did Dark Tranquillity use on "Format C: for Cortex"?
The guitar on "Format C: for Cortex" (released 2002) isn't documented; the ESP LTD EC-1000 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. The track is in C♯ Standard (C♯ F♯ B E G♯ C♯), so retune before you dial anything in.
What amp settings does "Format C: for Cortex" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 8, Bass 6, Mid 5, Treble 7, 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 "Format C: for Cortex" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Format C: for Cortex" 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 "Format C: for Cortex" by Dark Tranquillity are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.