Psychosocial Bass Tone Settings — Slipknot
Slipknot · 2000s · metal
studio
Original Recording
A reconstruction of the bass tone. Gear attributions and estimated settings are explained in the research notes below.
Studio recording, 2008 (All Hope Is Gone album). Paul Gray used a P-Bass for the studio session after testing multiple basses, as confirmed by V-Man and interviews. Ampeg SVT is the most cited amp for Paul Gray's Slipknot studio work.
Amp Settings
Suggested starting points on a 0–10 scale, not documented studio knob positions. Match to your gear for controls specific to your setup.
Effects Chain
- Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI · preamp
- Boss ODB-3 Bass OverDrive · overdrive
- DBX 160A Compressor · compression
Fender Precision Bass → Tech 21 SansAmp BDDI → Boss ODB-3 → DBX 160A Compressor → Ampeg SVT-CL → Ampeg 8x10 cab (mic'd) + DI blend
Tone Matcher
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Tone Character
- aggressive grind
- clanky upper mids
- deep, percussive low end
- scooped mids
- raspy, metallic attack
- tight, compressed sustain
- audible pick noise
- sits above guitars in mix
- slightly fuzzy edge
Playing Technique
- pick
Sources
- Slipknot bassist V-Man on joining the band and playing in a mask | Guitar World
- I'm interested in the tone for the all hope is gone album can anyone ...
- What setup would achieve the best “Slipknot” Paul Gray sound?
- Slipknot – All Hope Is Gone - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album
- Slipknot - Psychosocial Bass Cover : r/BassGuitar - Reddit
Tone Story / Why This Tone Works
studio