How to Get a Periphery Guitar Tone with Quad Cortex
Want to get the tight, aggressive, technical guitar tones associated with Periphery using the Neural DSP Quad Cortex?
Periphery helped define the modern progressive metal and djent sound, combining extremely tight rhythm guitars, complex riffs, low tunings, and massive high-gain tones.
Guitarists Misha Mansoor, Jake Bowen, and Mark Holcomb each bring their own approach to the band's sound, but their guitar tones share several important characteristics:
Tight, aggressive high-gain distortion
Precise palm-muted riffs
Strong midrange definition
Clear note separation
Extended-range guitars and low tunings
Wide, professionally produced rhythm guitars
The challenge is getting a guitar tone that sounds heavy without sacrificing clarity.
Fortunately, the Quad Cortex gives you plenty of options for building a Periphery-inspired sound using high-quality amp captures, cabinet simulations, overdrives, and effects.
In this guide, we'll look at the amplifiers worth exploring, how to build your signal chain, and how to get a tight modern progressive metal tone with your Quad Cortex.
Looking for Great Quad Cortex Tones?
Explore professionally captured high-gain amplifiers designed for modern metal, djent, progressive metal, and aggressive rhythm guitar.
From Omega Granophyre and Fortin to EVH 5150 III, ENGL, and more, Strange Angles Music offers professionally captured tones for your Quad Cortex.
🎸 Browse Quad Cortex Captures →
What Makes the Periphery Guitar Tone So Distinctive?
Periphery's guitar sound is built around precision.
The guitars need to remain clear and aggressive even when playing extremely complex rhythmic patterns, low-tuned riffs, and fast palm-muted passages.
Unlike a traditional heavy metal tone that might rely heavily on thick saturation, modern djent tones often use controlled gain, tight low frequencies, and carefully balanced midrange.
Some of the defining characteristics include:
Tight, percussive palm mutes
Aggressive but controlled distortion
Strong pick attack
Low-tuned extended-range guitars
Clear separation between notes
Defined low-mid frequencies
Wide stereo rhythm guitar production
The goal is to make the guitar sound powerful without allowing the low end to become muddy.
This is especially important when playing complex riffs with frequent rhythmic stops, syncopated patterns, and low notes.
What Amplifiers Does Periphery Use?
Periphery's guitarists have experimented with different amplifiers and modeling systems throughout their career.
Their documented setups have included Fractal Audio Axe-Fx processors, Peavey Invective amplifiers, and other high-gain equipment.
In Premier Guitar's 2023 Rig Rundown, Misha Mansoor and Jake Bowen were using Peavey Invective 120 amplifiers alongside Fractal Axe-Fx II XL+ processors. Mark Holcomb was also using an Axe-Fx II XL+.
Their earlier setups included other modeling systems and amplifier combinations.
This is important because Periphery's sound isn't dependent on one specific amplifier.
For Quad Cortex users, there are several high-gain amplifier captures worth exploring when building a similar tonal character.
Best Amplifiers for a Periphery-Inspired Quad Cortex Tone
Here are some of the amplifiers I'd recommend exploring.
1. Omega Ampworks Granophyre
The Omega Granophyre is an excellent starting point for modern progressive metal.
It offers an aggressive high-gain character with the tight response and articulation needed for complex rhythm guitar.
Try it for:
Djent
Progressive metal
Modern metal
Low-tuned rhythm guitar
Aggressive palm-muted riffs
The Granophyre is particularly interesting if you want a modern, aggressive sound without losing note definition.
2. EVH 5150 III
The EVH 5150 III is another excellent option for modern metal.
Its aggressive gain structure, strong midrange, and versatile distortion characteristics make it useful for a wide range of high-gain styles.
Try it for tight rhythm tones, heavy riffs, and aggressive lead sounds.
3. ENGL Savage
The ENGL Savage is worth exploring if you want a more aggressive, focused high-gain character.
It can work particularly well for tight rhythm guitar and complex low-tuned riffs.
4. Fortin Evil Pumpkin
The Fortin Evil Pumpkin is a great option for players who want an aggressive modern metal tone.
Experiment with different gain settings and boosts to find the right balance between saturation and articulation.
5. Omega Obsidian 1.5
The Omega Obsidian offers another modern high-gain character worth comparing against the Granophyre.
Try both amplifiers with the same guitar and cabinet to hear how their responses differ.
How to Get a Periphery-Inspired Tone Using Quad Cortex
Once you've chosen your amplifier capture, the next step is building a signal chain.
Here's how I'd approach it.
1. Start With a High-Gain Amp Capture
Begin with an Omega Granophyre, EVH 5150 III, or another high-gain capture.
Don't immediately add multiple effects or EQ blocks.
Start with the amplifier itself and listen for:
Tight low-end response
Clear palm mutes
Strong midrange
Good note separation
Enough gain for your playing style
The amplifier should already sound aggressive before you start making additional adjustments.
2. Add a Precision Boost or Overdrive
A boost in front of the amplifier can help tighten the low end and make the attack more aggressive.
A Tube Screamer-style overdrive or Precision Drive-style boost is a good starting point.
Try these general settings:
Gain: Low
Level: Moderately high
Tone: Adjust to your pickups
Bass: Avoid excessive low frequencies
The boost should tighten the signal rather than simply add more distortion.
3. Choose the Right Cabinet
The cabinet plays a major role in the final sound.
A 4x12 cabinet loaded with Celestion Vintage 30-style speakers is a useful starting point for modern metal.
You can also experiment with combinations involving Vintage 30 and Creamback speakers.
Try different microphone positions and blends to find the right balance of attack, body, and high-frequency detail.
If you're using a full-rig capture, it may already include cabinet and microphone coloration. Avoid adding another cabinet stage unless you're intentionally changing the sound.
4. Control the Low Frequencies
One of the biggest mistakes when creating a djent tone is adding too much bass.
Low-tuned guitars already produce substantial low-frequency energy.
If your palm mutes sound loose or muddy, try:
Reducing excessive bass before the amplifier
Using a suitable boost
Adjusting your cabinet choice
Reducing unnecessary gain
Applying subtle post-capture EQ
Your bass guitar should provide much of the low-frequency weight in the mix.
The guitars need to remain tight and articulate.
5. Preserve the Midrange
Don't automatically scoop the mids.
A strong midrange helps the guitar cut through a dense progressive metal mix.
If the guitar sounds too harsh, make smaller adjustments to the upper mids rather than removing too much of the entire midrange.
6. Use a Noise Gate
A noise gate is useful for controlling unwanted noise between fast riffs and rhythmic stops.
Start with a moderate threshold and adjust it until the unwanted noise is controlled without cutting off sustained notes.
Too much gating can make the guitar sound unnatural.
Recommended Quad Cortex Signal Chain for Djent
Here's a practical starting point for a Periphery-inspired rhythm guitar preset.
High-Gain Rhythm Chain
Noise Gate
Precision Drive / Overdrive
Omega Granophyre or EVH 5150 III Capture
Cabinet IR or Cab Block
Post-EQ
Output
Lead Guitar Chain
Noise Gate
Overdrive / Boost
High-Gain Amp Capture
Cabinet
Delay
Reverb
Output
You can create separate scenes for rhythm and lead tones, allowing you to switch sounds without having to change presets.
How to Get the Wide Periphery Rhythm Guitar Sound
A major part of Periphery's recorded guitar sound is how the rhythm guitars are recorded and mixed.
Even the best amplifier capture won't automatically create the same width and impact as a finished studio recording.
Here are a few important techniques.
Double-Track Your Rhythm Guitars
Record two separate performances of the same guitar part.
Pan one performance left and the other right.
This creates natural stereo width and helps the guitars sound much larger.
Avoid simply duplicating one recorded performance.
Use Consistent Picking Technique
A tight guitar tone requires consistent picking.
Pay attention to:
Palm muting
Pick attack
Timing
String muting
Consistent dynamics
The amplifier can help shape the response, but your playing technique is just as important.
Don't Use Excessive Gain
Too much gain can reduce note separation and make complex riffs sound less precise.
Try lowering the gain until individual notes and rhythmic details become easier to hear.
Check Your Guitar Tuning and String Gauge
Extended-range guitars and lower tunings are common in progressive metal.
Use strings appropriate for your tuning and playing style.
If the low strings feel too loose, consider experimenting with a heavier gauge or adjusting your guitar setup.
Best Quad Cortex Packs for Periphery-Inspired Tones
If you're looking for high-gain captures for djent and progressive metal, these Strange Angles Music packs are worth checking out.
1. Metal Essential – Quad Cortex Pack
The Metal Essential Quad Cortex Pack is a great starting point for players looking for classic and modern high-gain amplifier tones.
It includes:
15 D.I. amp captures
6 amp and cabinet captures
Approximately 12 D.I. overdrive captures
Featured amplifiers include:
EVH 5150 III
ENGL Savage
ENGL Powerball
Marshall JVM
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
The pack also includes overdrive captures from Horizon Devices, Maxon, and Fortin.
Best for: Modern metal, djent, progressive metal, metalcore, and aggressive rhythm guitar.
Explore Metal Essential – Quad Cortex Pack →
2. Grannyphyre – Quad Cortex Pack
The Grannyphyre Quad Cortex Pack features captures of the Omega Ampworks Granophyre.
It includes:
15 D.I. and full-rig studio captures
The Granophyre is a particularly interesting choice for players looking for aggressive modern metal tones with tight response and strong articulation.
Best for: Djent, progressive metal, modern metal, and low-tuned rhythm guitar.
Explore Grannyphyre – Quad Cortex Pack →
3. Quad Cortex – Everything Pack
If you want a much larger selection of amplifiers, the Quad Cortex Everything Pack includes over 150 D.I. and studio captures.
Featured amplifiers include:
Fortin Evil Pumpkin
Fortin Meshuggah 2.0
Omega Ampworks Granophyre
Omega Ampworks Obsidian 1.5
RedSeven Duality
RedSeven Leviathan
Dover DA 50
Driftwood Purple Nightmare
Randall Satan
Science Hellhawk
Science Mother
Fryette Deliverance
EVH 5150 III
ENGL Savage
ENGL Powerball
Marshall JVM
Dimebag Darrell Warhead Mini
It also includes preamp captures, overdrives, and additional amplifier tones.
Best for: Guitarists who want a wide selection of modern and classic high-gain amplifiers in one collection.
Explore Quad Cortex Everything Pack →
Frequently Asked Questions
What amplifier does Misha Mansoor use?
Misha Mansoor has used different amplifier and modeling setups throughout his career. His documented setups include Fractal Audio Axe-Fx processors and Peavey Invective amplifiers.
Can I get a Periphery guitar tone with Quad Cortex?
Yes. You can use high-gain Neural Captures such as the Omega Granophyre and EVH 5150 III as starting points for building your own Periphery-inspired guitar tone.
What tuning does Periphery use?
Periphery uses a variety of tunings depending on the song and guitarist. Their music features standard, drop, and extended-range tunings across six-, seven-, and eight-string guitars.
Do I need a 7-string guitar?
A 7-string guitar is a great starting point for many Periphery-inspired riffs, although some songs and parts use six- or eight-string guitars.
Should I use an overdrive with the Omega Granophyre?
An overdrive or boost can help tighten the low end and change the amplifier's response. Start with the capture by itself, then experiment with a boost if you want a tighter attack.
Do I need a cabinet IR with a Quad Cortex capture?
D.I. amp captures generally need a cabinet stage to complete the guitar tone. You can use a cabinet IR or a suitable cabinet block.
Full-rig captures may already include cabinet and microphone coloration.
Can I use these captures for other styles of metal?
Absolutely. These amplifiers can also be useful for metalcore, modern metal, djent, progressive metal, and other aggressive guitar styles.
Final Thoughts
Periphery's guitar sound is built around precision, aggression, and clarity.
Getting a similar tonal character with the Quad Cortex isn't simply about using more gain. It's about finding the right amplifier response, controlling the low end, choosing a suitable cabinet, and maintaining enough midrange for the guitars to cut through a mix.
Start with the Omega Granophyre or EVH 5150 III, experiment with different boosts and cabinet choices, and focus on tight, consistent playing.
With the right captures and signal chain, you can build a powerful modern progressive metal setup with your Quad Cortex.
Find Your Next Quad Cortex Guitar Tone
Explore the Strange Angles Music Quad Cortex collection and discover professionally captured amplifiers for modern metal, djent, progressive metal, and more.