Tom Delonge Rectifier Settings

2 min read 01-01-2025

Tom DeLonge, known for his work with Blink-182 and Angels & Airwaves, is renowned for his distinctive guitar tone. A key component of that sound is his use of Mesa/Boogie Rectifier amplifiers. While precise settings aren't publicly available from DeLonge himself, we can explore common Rectifier settings used to achieve similar tones. Understanding these settings allows guitarists to craft their own approximations of his signature sounds.

The Rectifier's Versatility: A Foundation for DeLonge's Tone

The Mesa/Boogie Rectifier series offers incredible versatility, ranging from clean and shimmering tones to aggressive, high-gain distortion. This range perfectly suits DeLonge's musical evolution, encompassing the pop-punk energy of Blink-182 and the more atmospheric soundscapes of Angels & Airwaves.

Key Elements of DeLonge's Tone:

Gain Staging: DeLonge likely utilizes a combination of preamp gain and master volume to achieve his desired saturation levels. He might favor a moderate gain setting for a dynamic, responsive tone, avoiding excessive muddiness.
EQ: The Rectifier's EQ section is crucial. Expect a balance between bass, mids, and treble, depending on the song and desired effect. For cleaner tones, a flatter EQ might be used, while heavier riffs might involve boosting the mids for cut and presence. Experimentation is key.
Presence and Resonance: These controls significantly affect the amplifier's high-frequency response and low-end tightness. DeLonge might use these controls to shape the overall feel and sustain of his sound.
Effects: While the Rectifier provides a strong foundation, DeLonge almost certainly incorporates effects pedals. Delay, reverb, and modulation effects are likely used to create the characteristic textures heard in Angels & Airwaves' music.

Approximating DeLonge's Rectifier Settings: A Starting Point

While precise settings remain elusive, we can suggest starting points for both clean and distorted tones:

Clean Tone:

Channel: Clean channel
Gain: Low (2-3)
Bass: 5
Mid: 5
Treble: 6
Presence: 4
Resonance: 5
Master Volume: Moderate

Distorted Tone:

Channel: Lead channel (or crunch depending on the desired level of gain)
Gain: Moderate to High (6-8)
Bass: 6
Mid: 7
Treble: 6
Presence: 5-7 (Higher for more cutting highs)
Resonance: 4-6
Master Volume: Adjusted to taste

Note: These are only starting points. Experiment with different settings to find your own voice and emulate DeLonge's unique sound. The specific model of Rectifier amplifier will also affect the results. Experimentation is key to finding the sweet spot that matches your preferences and gear.

Conclusion: The Journey to Your Own DeLonge-Inspired Tone

Ultimately, recreating Tom DeLonge's exact Rectifier settings is impossible without insider knowledge. However, understanding the amplifier's capabilities and experimenting with different settings allows guitarists to capture the essence of his tone. The journey of sound exploration is as important as the final result. So, grab your Rectifier, experiment, and discover your own unique voice.