How to Dial In "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper" by Dream Theater - Bass Tone Settings
What Dream Theater Actually Used on "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Mesa Boogie Bass 400+. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their bass configured for this take.
John Myung tracked this on a four-string Spector NS-2 — active EMG-voiced, bright and hard-edged, which is why the bass stays audible under Petrucci and Rudess-era keyboard unisons. Fingerstyle throughout, played fast and evenly with the right hand near the bridge pickup for consistent attack; the tone is scooped-clean rather than overdriven, letting the pick-like transient do the cutting. Standard four-string E tuning — the low riffs are played up the neck, not detuned, and the unison instrumental section only works if every note speaks at the same volume.
Common Questions About the "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper" Tone
What bass did Dream Theater use on "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper"?
Dream Theater tracked "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper" on a Spector NS-2 (released 1992). Pickup selector: neck + bridge (position 3 / out-of-phase) on the bass. Tuned to standard (bass) (E A D G).
What amp settings does "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper" need?
On Mesa Boogie Bass 400+: Gain 4, Bass 6, Mid 6, Treble 8, Presence 7, 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 "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper" without a Mesa Boogie Bass 400+?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper" 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 "Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper" by Dream Theater are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.