The Package (Live) Riff Guitar Tone Settings — A Perfect Circle
A Perfect Circle · 2010s+ · rock
live
Original Recording
Live performance, 2013+ era. Billy Howerdel and James Iha both used Fractal Axe-Fx II for live tones, modeling their classic Marshall JMP Superlead 100W amps. Guitar is a Les Paul Custom with Tom Anderson pickups. Effects are mostly from the Axe-Fx II, with some additional pedals for modulation and delay. No evidence of the Orange Dual Dark or Friedman Dirty Shirley being used for this song/era. All effects and amp tones are controlled via MIDI switching.
Amp Settings
Effects Chain
- Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II (amp/cab/effects modeling) · other
- EQD Dispatch Master · delay
- Line 6 Filter Pro · modulation
- MXR Phase 95 · phaser
- Crowther Hot Cake · overdrive
Gibson Les Paul Custom (Tom Anderson pickups) → Fractal Audio Axe-Fx II (Marshall JMP Superlead 100W model, effects: delay, reverb, filter, phaser, overdrive) → PA
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Tone Character
- midrange-heavy and saturated
- tight and percussive
- fast, reactive amp response
- full-bodied, thick low end
- aggressive, modern alternative rock sound
- clear note separation
- rich sustaining overdrive
- articulate, not muddy
- cutting presence in the mix
- dynamic, responds to picking intensity
Notes & Caveats
- No direct numeric amp settings for 'The Package (Live)' found; settings estimated based on Billy Howerdel's own description of 'full bass, full mid, treble at 7, presence at 9' for his JMP Superlead in interviews.
- All effects are run through the Fractal Axe-Fx II live; pedal models listed are based on confirmed live rig rundowns and audible effects in the live recording.
- Exact pedal order and settings are not available; signal chain is reconstructed from multiple rig rundowns and live performance analysis.
- Pickup choice inferred from typical riff tone and live video footage showing bridge pickup use.
- No evidence of Orange Dual Dark or Friedman Dirty Shirley being used for this song/era.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Billy Howerdel's tone in 'The Package (Live)' is a tight, articulate high-gain sound with moderate bass, balanced mids, and clear but not harsh treble, typical of his Mesa/Diezel amps and Les Pauls. The live mix is dry with minimal reverb, and the presence is set to add clarity without harshness, fitting the alternative/progressive rock context.