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Circles — Incubus1 / 2
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Circles Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Incubus

Incubus · 2000s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
PRS CE 24 (early 2000s, likely used for 'Morning View' sessions)
Pickups
PRS HFS Treble (bridge), Vintage Bass (neck) humbuckers
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (studio recording era), sometimes blended with Marshall JMP
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 2001 'Morning View' album. Mike Einziger is known for using PRS CE 24 guitars and Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amps for heavy riff sections on this album. No direct evidence for live/touring substitutions in this specific riff section.

Amp Settings

Mids
6
Bass
6
Gain
6.5
Reverb
2.5
Treble
6.5
Presence
6

Effects Chain

  • Boss PH-2 Super Phaser · phaser

PRS CE 24 → Boss PH-2 Super Phaser → Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (with light spring reverb)

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • thick and saturated
  • articulate under high gain
  • defined low end
  • aggressive attack
  • modern alternative metal edge
  • not overly scooped
  • slightly compressed
  • clear note separation
  • punchy rhythm

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct source lists exact amp or pedal settings for 'Circles' riff; settings estimated based on era, genre, and typical Mesa/Boogie Rectifier usage.
  • ⚠️Guitar and amp models inferred from multiple rig rundowns and interviews for 'Morning View' era; no explicit studio log for 'Circles' riff.
  • ⚠️No explicit pedal model confirmed for this riff; phaser is likely but not 100% confirmed for this section.
  • ⚠️No evidence of delay, chorus, or flanger in the riff section; only distortion and possible phaser are relevant.
  • ⚠️Settings are not from official studio notes but are consistent with genre and artist's known gear.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Mike Einziger's tone on 'Circles' is classic Incubus: crunchy but articulate, with a mid-forward, British-voiced amp character and moderate gain. The bass is tight but not boomy, mids are pushed for clarity, and reverb is subtle, matching early 2000s alternative rock production.

Sources