Crafting the Perfect Black Album Tone with Hotone Ampero II
As guitar enthusiasts, we all strive to capture the essence of our favorite tones, and for many, the iconic sound of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” from their legendary Black Album is the holy grail. In this blog post, I’ll dive into the process of recreating that timeless tone using the Hotone Ampero II amp modeler and a custom IR (Impulse Response)
The Hotone Ampero II: A Powerhouse in a Compact Package
Before we delve into the specifics of the patch, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Hotone Ampero II. This amp modeler is a true gem, packing a wide array of features and impressive sound quality into a compact and portable unit. With its intuitive interface and extensive library of amp models and effects, the Ampero II is a versatile tool for guitarists of all genres. I bought the Ampero II specifically since it can output a stereo chain for my two amps. This patch is made in mono though so you can still use it with one amp without any panning in Ampero’s interface
Crafting the Enter Sandman Patch
To recreate the iconic tone of “Enter Sandman,” we’ll be using a patch that has been meticulously tone-matched with the album stems. I created the patch and the IR in Studio One with special tone matching software to recreate the freuency response. This ensures that we capture the nuances and characteristics that define the Black Album sound. However, there’s a catch – the Hotone Ampero II prohibits saving patches with custom IRs directly on the device. But fear not! We have a solution.
Downloading the Custom IR
To achieve the authentic “Enter Sandman” tone, we need a custom IR that complements the patch. Since we can’t save the IR directly on the Ampero II and share it with the community, I’ve made it available for download here on my page. Simply visit download the IR file and Patch down below at the end of this post. Once you have it, you can load it into the Ampero II and unleash the true potential of this patch.
The Recording Setup
For the quick and dirty soundsample that you can find in the community section of Hotone, I opted for a straightforward recording approach using my Samsung S21 Ultra’s microphone. While a more elaborate mic setup would yield even better results, the goal here is to showcase the patch’s capabilities in a practical and accessible manner.My recording setup consists of a dual amp stereo configuration:
- Hotone Ampero II (running firmware version 2.0) as the brain of the operation.
- Laney Supercub with a 2×12 cab for the first amp.
- Blackstar HT5TH Combo (2×10) for the second amp.
Running both amps simultaneously allows for a rich and expansive stereo sound with mod effects and delays. In this setup both amps play the same thing so there will be no compatibility issues if you only run one amp.
Unleashing Your Inner Metallica
With the Hotone Ampero II and the custom IR, you now have the power to capture that legendary sound in your own performances and recordings.Remember, the key to great tone lies not only in the gear but also in the hands of the player. So, grab your guitar, load up the patch, and let your creativity flow. Who knows, you might just create the next iconic riff that will inspire generations to come.Happy playing, and may the spirit of the Black Album guide your musical journey!
Download the custom IR here
Download the patch in the Hotone Community here