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Armageddon It Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Def Leppard
Def Leppard · 1980s · rock
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Jackson PC1 'Chameleon'
Pickups
DiMarzio Super 3 (bridge humbucker), HS-2 (middle), Sustainer (neck)
Amp
Scholz Rockman X100 (rackmount), possibly blended with Gallien-Krueger 250ML
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup (DiMarzio Super 3 humbucker)
Studio recording for 'Armageddon It' (Hysteria, 1987); Phil Collen's Jackson PC1 was used for the riff, running into a Scholz Rockman X100 for the signature processed sound. Some sources mention the Gallien-Krueger 250ML was also used on Hysteria for rhythm tracks. No evidence of live rig or Marshall JMP-1 for this specific studio recording.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass6
Gain7
Reverb3
Treble7.5
Presence6
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Tone Character
- processed and compressed
- tight and percussive attack
- bright and articulate
- chorused stereo spread
- smooth sustain
- midrange presence
- studio-polished
- modulation shimmer
- multi-tracked
- not raw or fuzzy
Notes & Caveats
- No direct numeric amp settings found for 'Armageddon It'; settings estimated based on typical Rockman X100 and 1980s Def Leppard studio practices.
- Multiple sources confirm Rockman X100 and Jackson PC1 for Hysteria-era rhythm tracks, but some rhythm parts may have used Gallien-Krueger 250ML as well.
- No evidence of pedals used for the riff section; all effects likely from Rockman or studio processing.
- Chorus and compression are integral to the Rockman sound, not separate pedals.
- Pickup choice inferred from typical Phil Collen rhythm approach and tonal characteristics.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Def Leppard's 'Armageddon It' features a polished, high-gain 80s rock tone with tight low end, scooped mids, and bright, cutting treble typical of Mutt Lange's production and the band's use of Rockman and Marshall amps. The reverb is subtle but present, adding space without washing out the riffs.