GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence
Aerials Riff Guitar Tone Settings — System Of A Down
System Of A Down · 2000s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Ibanez Iceman (likely IC300 or IC400, as used by Daron Malakian during Toxicity era)
Pickups
Ibanez stock humbuckers (ceramic, high output, likely V7/V8 or Powersound, exact model not confirmed for studio recording)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203 head into Marshall 4x12 cab (studio recording, Toxicity era; Friedman BE-100 used live post-2010s but not on original recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for 'Aerials' (2001, Toxicity album). Daron Malakian used his Ibanez Iceman with stock humbuckers into a Marshall JCM800 2203 head and Marshall 4x12 cab. All gain/distortion from amp, no dirt pedals. No evidence of effects pedals or amp effects on riff section. Friedman BE-100 and pedalboard with MXR Phase 90/Boss DD-6 are for modern live use, not this recording.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass5.5
Gain7.5
Reverb0.5
Treble6.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- aggressive palm muting
- articulate low-string definition
- saturated high-gain distortion
- slightly scooped mids
- dry, immediate attack
- chunky rhythm sound
- clear note separation
- modern metal crunch
- bridge pickup bite
Notes & Caveats
- No direct source lists exact amp knob settings for 'Aerials' studio recording; settings estimated based on Marshall JCM800 typical metal usage and era.
- Friedman BE-100 and pedalboard (MXR Phase 90, Boss DD-6) are for live use post-2010s, not on original 'Aerials' studio recording.
- No evidence of effects pedals or amp effects (delay, reverb, modulation) used on riff section; tone is dry and direct.
- Pickup model is inferred from era and typical Ibanez Iceman specs; exact pickup model for studio session not confirmed.
- If future evidence surfaces of pedals or different amp used on the studio recording, update accordingly.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Daron Malakian used a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier with moderate mids, tight bass, and a present but not harsh top end for 'Aerials.' The tone is saturated but not extreme, with clarity and punch, typical of early 2000s alt-metal. Reverb is minimal, as the track is very dry and direct.