How to Dial In "Crystalised" by The xx - Guitar Tone Settings
What The xx Actually Used on "Crystalised"
- GuitarEpiphone Les Paul Studio
- AmpRoland Micro Cube
- EffectDelayA pedal - which one isn't documented · On the lead guitar parts
- EffectReverbThe amp's own · On the lead guitar parts
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 Roland Micro Cube. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From xx (2009). The album's Wikipedia article says Romy Madley Croft played an Epiphone Les Paul on most of the album and a Gibson ES-335 on a few songs, and that for her lead guitar parts she used a delay pedal and a Roland Micro Cube amplifier with a reverb setting, which producer Rodaidh McDonald felt would best replicate the icy, echo-filled sound of the demos. Baria Qureshi's second guitar was a Gibson SG through a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe or Blues Deluxe. The article does not say which songs used which guitar, so a Les Paul Studio stands in for the Epiphone, and the make of the delay pedal is not documented. Keep the amp clean with its reverb engaged, use the neck pickup and add a delay for the echo. The Micro Cube has a single Tone knob, so only gain and volume are given. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Crystalised" Tone
What guitar did The xx use on "Crystalised"?
The xx tracked "Crystalised" on an Epiphone Les Paul Studio (released 2009). Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Crystalised" need?
On Roland Micro Cube: Gain 3, Volume 6. 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 "Crystalised" without a Roland Micro Cube?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Crystalised" 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.
What effects are on "Crystalised"?
The recording has delay and reverb on it. No source names the unit behind them, so this page doesn't guess one. ToneMirror maps each effect onto your rig - a pedal you own, your amp's own controls, or a block on a modeler - and says plainly when your rig can't make one.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Crystalised" by The xx are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.