: This preset functions best with high-output humbucker pickups (such as the EMG 60/81 active set favored by Metallica). If using passive pickups, you may need to bump the Skreamer volume or the Amp Gain up by 5-10%.
to better emulate the power amp saturation of the original recording. Parametric EQ
Few riffs stand as monoliths in the history of heavy metal like the title track from Metallica’s 1986 masterpiece, Master of Puppets . For guitarists using Native Instruments Guitar Rig 5, recreating that specific mid-80s thrash tone—the "Master of Puppets Box" sound—is a rite of passage.
A signature thrash sound, but not fully scooped (around 6.5 out of 10). Guitar Rig 5 Metal Preset Metallica Master Of Puppets Box
High-gain presets introduce significant hiss. A tight gate is essential for the staccato rhythmic picking style (palm muting) featured in the track.
: SM57 emulation, placed slightly off-axis to tame harsh high-end frequencies. 5. The Post-Amp Graphic EQ (The Secret Sauce)
Slightly boost the low-end thump at 80 Hz to 100 Hz ( +2 dB ) and the crisp high-end slicing frequency at 3 kHz to 4 kHz ( +2 dB ). This creates the legendary "V-Shape" curve responsible for the hollowed-out, metallic chug of the track's rhythm tracks. 3. Quick Reference Preset Cheat Sheet Guitar Rig 5 Component Target Value / Setting Noise Gate Threshold / Release -45 dB / Fast (50ms) Skreamer Volume / Drive / Tone 100% / 0% / 55% Gratifier (Mesa Clone) Channel / Gain Modern or Lead / 60% Gratifier EQ Bass / Mid / Treble 45% / 40% / 65% Control Room Cab / Mic Style 4x12 Modern / 57 Dynamic Parametric EQ Mid Frequency (1.2 kHz) Cut by -5 dB 4. Tips for Perfecting Your Performance : This preset functions best with high-output humbucker
Set your guitar volume knob to 100% and use the bridge pickup.
Since the is often a user-shared file, you may need to import it.
, are often recommended to drive the virtual amp models effectively. How to Use These Presets Metallica Master Of Puppets Guitar Lesson + Tutorial Parametric EQ Few riffs stand as monoliths in
Solid EQ (Subtle scoop at 750Hz, high-end boost at 3kHz).
after the cabinet to fine-tune the "scoop" or remove harsh frequencies around For a quick starting point, look for user-shared banks like "Metallica Master of Puppets" "Metal & HiGain"