TonesMatch
Cosmic Sea — Death1 / 2
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Cosmic Sea Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Death

Death · 1990s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
1990s Jackson Soloist (likely SL1 or custom, as used by Chuck Schuldiner on 'Human')
Pickups
Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB (bridge humbucker, stock on Jackson Soloist of this era)
Amp
Marshall Valvestate 8100 (used by Chuck Schuldiner on 'Human' studio recording)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1991. Gear confirmed by multiple interviews and period photos for 'Human' album. Settings estimated based on genre, era, and amp model as no direct numeric settings found for this song/section.

Amp Settings

Mids
4
Bass
5.5
Gain
8.5
Reverb
1
Treble
7
Presence
6.5

Effects Chain

  • Delay pedal (model unknown) · delay

Jackson Soloist (bridge humbucker) → Delay pedal (model unknown, 308ms) → Marshall Valvestate 8100 (minimal spring reverb)

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • scooped mids
  • aggressive palm muting
  • high-gain saturation
  • articulate note separation
  • crisp attack
  • slightly metallic edge
  • minimal ambience
  • fast response
  • focused low end

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct numeric amp or pedal settings for 'Cosmic Sea' riff found in sources; settings estimated based on Marshall Valvestate 8100 typical usage in early 1990s death metal.
  • ⚠️Guitar and pickup model inferred from period-correct interviews, photos, and known gear for 'Human' album sessions.
  • ⚠️No explicit pedal model confirmed for the riff section; delay effect is audible but pedal model is not specified.
  • ⚠️No evidence of chorus, flanger, or phaser in riff section; delay is clearly audible in the mix.
  • ⚠️Reverb is minimal and likely from amp or studio room, not a pedal.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Death's 'Cosmic Sea' (from 'Human', 1991) features a tight, aggressive, and articulate high-gain tone typical of early 90s death metal, likely using a Marshall Valvestate or similar amp with scooped mids, tight bass, and pronounced treble/presence for clarity. The tone is very dry, with little to no reverb, matching the production style and genre conventions.

Sources