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PERIPHERY - Fractal Tone Tour with Misha Mansoor

I remember hearing all this hype on the forums about this new Axe-Fx unit (...). Once I got it, it was like a revelation.

Misha Mansoor: Shaping the Future of Guitar Tone

Dive into the electrifying world of Misha Mansoor, the mastermind behind Periphery's cutting-edge soundscapes. Known for his meticulous approach to tone and technology, Misha takes us through his journey with Fractal Audio Systems' Axe-Fx III, revealing how this powerhouse processor has become the backbone of his live and studio rigs. In a deep dive, we will explore how Misha sets up his rhythm, lead, and clean tones with exact settings as well as tips and tricks to get your Periphery Sound at home.

Meet Misha Mansoor

Misha Mansoor, also known by his pseudonym "Bulb," has redefined modern metal guitar tones with his passion for crafting unique sounds and his relentless pursuit of perfection. This dedication led to the formation of Periphery in 2005, a band that has become a cornerstone of the progressive metal genre. The band's self-titled debut album in 2010 quickly garnered attention for its complex compositions and groundbreaking use of digital effects, setting them apart in the progressive metal scene. Known for his precision, creativity, and technical prowess, Misha has not only influenced a generation of guitarists but also revolutionized the use of digital modeling in music production.
Misha Mansoor Playthrough - Brutal

Current Lineup

  • Misha "Bulb" Mansoor: Guitars, programming, producer (2005–)
  • Jake Bowen: Guitars, programming (2005–)
  • Mark Holcomb: Guitars (2011–)
  • Spencer Sotelo: Lead vocals (2010–)
  • Matt Halpern: Drums, percussion (2009–)

Fractal Audio Systems: A Game Changer for Periphery's Misha Mansoor

Misha's journey with modeling technology began in the early 2000s when he used various modelers to record at home without disturbing neighbors. Despite the convenience, he found that traditional tube amps felt better to play. The breakthrough came when he discovered the Axe-Fx Ultra, which provided a realistic and flexible solution that combined the best of both worlds. Since then, Misha has remained loyal to Fractal Audio products, transitioning through the Axe-Fx II and now the Axe-Fx III. "The Axe-Fx was a game changer for us both live and in the studio," Misha remarks, highlighting its importance in their sound.
I started around the time, you know, in the early 2000s when modelers were starting to become sort of decent. But I always found that I had to put a lot of work into processing, and it never felt very good. I remember hearing all this hype on the forums about this new Axe-Fx unit (...). Once I got it, it was like a revelation. This is the greatest thing. I was so in love because all the limitations I felt with previous gear were gone.

Time travel - Powering up the Axe-Fx II for the first time


Time travel - Marigold (Guitar Playthrough)


Transition to Axe-Fx III

Misha and Periphery initially used the Axe-Fx II, which served them well for many years. However, the band recently upgraded to the Axe-Fx III, appreciating its enhanced features and user-friendly interface. "We finally just switched actually kind of late in the game to the Axe-Fx III because the Axe-Fx II worked so well," Misha explains. This transition has streamlined their setup, allowing them to switch from managing numerous patches to using one patch per song, making their live performances more efficient and consistent.

The most powerful guitar processor of our time

They are roadworthy units. I shouldn't admit this, but we ran without a backup for like a decade. It's one of the most important things for touring bands to have your gear start up and work every time.
Periphery - Atropos (Official Music Video)

Key Albums

  • Periphery (2010): The groundbreaking debut that introduced their innovative sound.
  • Periphery II: This Time It's Personal (2012): Showcased more complex compositions and diverse influences.
  • Juggernaut: Alpha and Omega (2015): A double concept album that expanded their sonic boundaries.
  • Periphery III: Select Difficulty (2016): Refined their style with intricate arrangements and powerful melodies.
  • Periphery IV: Hail Stan (2019): Explored heavier and more experimental sounds.
  • Periphery V: Djent Is Not a Genre (2023): Their latest, pushing the boundaries of progressive metal.

Tone Breakdown

One of the most praised features of the Axe-Fx III is its exceptional flexibility in sound engineering. Misha highlights how the ability to fine-tune every parameter, including scene volumes, offers significant benefits: "Being able to adjust the scene volume separately is a godsend because you set your whole thing up and then you're like, oh man, this one patch is louder or this one scene's louder and I don't want to like have my linked amp adjusted." This flexibility ensures that each part of a song is balanced correctly, enhancing the live sound experience.
We have a lot of automation going for like different CC lanes. You can automate anything, you just draw it into an automation lane in your DAW. This has been indispensable for us, enabling complex effects like whammy automation and noise gate adjustments to be handled effortlessly.
Everything Is Fine: The Making Of Periphery V: Djent Is Not A Genre

1. High and Low-Pass Filters for Live Sound

Misha makes effective use of high and low-pass filters in his patches to fine tune his tones for live performances. He describes his tone (demonstrated in the video) as ‘dull’; here’s his explanation as to why.

If the guitar tone sounded a little bit dull, it's because it is. I run both high pass and low pass filters, but the low pass is really important. I'm cutting about 7500 Hz, which is pretty low, but the idea is that if you are hearing these guitar tones at 100 dB live, a lot of that is just kind of noise.

We're doing that little friendly dip around 4K, which again, is like kind of tough on the ears at loud volumes. So just cutting that top end right off so it doesn't sound particularly flattering on its own, but in the context of a mix, it's taking up less space and it's friendlier on the ears.

Misha Mansoor
Periphery - Blood Eagle (Guitar Playthrough)

2. Rhythm Tone

Generally, I like to set the drive kind of at this point where it's crunchy. If you set it too low, you get this really stringy sound. If you go too crazy with the gain, it becomes a bit much.

Misha Mansoor

The following is setup with the Axe-Fx II. Make sure to check out Jake Bowen's Tone Tour for the current Amp Models and more. A guide for dialing in the tone for the Axe-Fx III will be out soon, so stay tuned. 

Misha Mansoor's rhythm tone is renowned for its clarity, punch, and tightness. Achieving this sound involves a combination of amp modeling, cabinet selection, and precise EQ settings. Here’s a detailed look into how Misha crafts his iconic rhythm tone using the Axe-Fx II:

Amp Model and Cab Selection Misha prefers the PVH 6160 Block model on the Axe-Fx II, which is based on the Peavey 5150. This model is favored for its tight and aggressive sound, perfect for modern metal.

Amp Settings:

  • Drive: Slightly past noon to add saturation without losing clarity.
  • Bright Switch: Engaged to enhance attack and presence.
  • Depth and Bass: Adjusted to add girth and compensate for low frequencies, especially important for lower tunings.

    Cabinet:

    Misha uses a cab from the Fractal Zilla pack, favoring the balanced sound profile. This cab model provides a tight low end and smooth highs, ensuring the rhythm tone cuts through the mix.

    Compression:

    A compressor is used to even out the dynamics, set with a faster attack to let the initial note transients through before compressing.

    Overdrive:

    • A Tube Screamer-style overdrive pedal is often placed in front of the amp model.
    • Settings: Drive all the way down, Level all the way up. This configuration boosts the signal into the amp, tightening the low end and adding mid-range punch.
    Rhythm Amp Settings
    • Drive: 6.5
    • Bass: 5
    • Mid: 5
    • Treble: 6
    • Presence: 5
    • Depth: 5.5
    • Bright Switch: On
    • Master: 4

    Misha Mansoor Rhythm Tone Tutorial


    3. Lead Tone

    You want something that's gonna be very versatile. The effects running in parallel allow for a clear and dynamic lead tone that doesn’t get lost in the mix.

    Misha Mansoor

    For his lead tones, Misha aims for a smooth, sustaining sound that works well with both bridge and neck pickups. This involves using a high-gain amp model, compression, and a combination of delay and reverb effects.

    Amp Model and Cab Selection: Misha's go-to lead tone amp model is the Shiver Lead on the Axe-Fx II, known for its creamy and sustaining characteristics.

    Amp Settings:

    • Drive: High to ensure enough gain for sustain and fluidity.
    • Bright Switch: On to add clarity and articulation.
    • Depth and Bass: Rolled off slightly to prevent muddiness.

    Compression:

    • A pedal compressor with added sustain is placed before the amp model to smooth out the dynamics and enhance sustain.
    • Look-Ahead Feature: Enabled to allow the compressor to react more naturally to the incoming signal.

    Parallel Effects:

    Misha sets up delay and reverb in parallel to avoid muddiness and ensure clarity. Make sure to use "Mute FX In" when using effects in parallel and set the mix to 100%. Adjust the level to mix with the dry signal.

    • Delay: Stereo Bucket Brigade model, balanced in level to add subtle depth.
    • Reverb: Rich Hall preset with adjustments to high cut and low cut to keep the reverb warm and focused.
    Lead Amp Settings
    • Drive: 7.8
    • Bass: 4.5
    • Mid: 6.5
    • Treble: 5.5
    • Presence: 5
    • Depth: 3
    • Bright Switch: On
    • Master: 7
    Misha Mansoor Lead Tone Tutorial

    4. Clean Tone

    Compression is a really essential part of a good clean tone. It helps in maintaining the consistency and warmth across all pickup positions.

    Misha Mansoor

    Misha’s clean tone is designed to be warm, full, and versatile across different pickup positions. This tone is created using a lower-gain amp model with strategic use of compression and ambient effects.

    Amp Model and Cab Selection For his clean tones, Misha often uses the Suhr Badger 30 model on the Axe-Fx II, known for its warm and slightly driven clean sound.

    Amp Settings:

    • Drive: Set lower to keep the tone clean but warm.
    • Master Volume: Higher to fatten up the sound.
    • Depth and Bass: Adjusted to ensure the tone remains full without getting muddy.

    Compression:

    • Essential for clean tones to maintain even dynamics.
    • Settings: Moderate sustain with a bit of look-ahead to smooth out the sound without chopping off transients.

    Parallel Effects:

    • Delay: Stereo Bucket Brigade model, subtly modulated for a chorusing effect.
    • Reverb: Rich Hall preset, set to a higher level for a spacious and ambient tone.
    Clean Amp Settings
    • Drive: 4
    • Bass: 4.5
    • Mid: 6.5
    • Treble: 5.5
    • High Cut: 4
    • Depth: 4.5
    • Bright Switch: On
    • Master: 7.5
    Misha Mansoor Clean Tone Tutorial

    5. Tunings and Creative Tones

    Misha Mansoor's use of unique tunings is a cornerstone of Periphery's innovative sound. Let's dive into the specific tunings he employs to create his signature tones:

    Drop G Tuning

    One of the most notable tunings Periphery uses is Drop G. This extremely low tuning provides a thunderous foundation for Periphery's heavy riffs. The tuning involves dropping the entire guitar down a full step from standard tuning, with the lowest string dropped further to G. This results in a tuning of G-G-C-F-A-D. This setup is prominently used in tracks like "Reptile," adding a massive, resonant depth to the band's sound.

    Drop A Flat

    Another common tuning for Misha is Drop A Flat. This tuning involves tuning the guitar down a half step from standard tuning and then dropping the lowest string an additional step to A Flat. The resulting tuning is Ab-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb. This tuning is featured in several Periphery tracks, providing a balanced yet heavy tone that complements their intricate compositions.

    Standard Drop C

    For a mix of heaviness and versatility, Misha often uses Standard Drop C. This tuning involves dropping the entire guitar down a full step and then dropping the lowest string to C, resulting in C-G-C-F-A-D. This tuning is commonly used in metal and hard rock and allows for powerful, low-end riffs while maintaining the ability to play standard chord shapes.

    Custom String Gauges

    To accommodate these varied and often lower tunings, Misha uses custom string gauges. For example, his Horizon Devices Progressive Tension set includes gauges such as 10-58 for six-string guitars and 10-65 for seven-string guitars. For his eight-string guitar, he uses the Horizon Devices Progressive Tension set, which includes gauges ranging from 9.5 to 74. These gauges help maintain string tension and playability, ensuring clarity and precision even in the lowest tunings.

    Examples of Tunings on Specific Guitars

    Jackson USA Signature Juggernaut HT6:

    • Tuned to Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
    • Features the Horizon Devices Progressive Tension 10-58 set

    Jackson USA Signature Juggernaut HT7:

    • Tuned to Drop A Flat (Ab-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)
    • Features the Horizon Devices Heavy 7 set (10-65)

    Custom Shop Eight-String:

    • Tuned to F# Standard (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
    • Equipped with an EverTune bridge for stability

    Periphery Rig Rundown with Misha Mansoor, Mark Holcomb & Jake Bowen [2023]

    Guitars and Their Role in Crafting Misha Mansoor's Sound

    Misha Mansoor’s guitar setup is as integral to his signature tone as his use of advanced effects and unique tunings. His choice of guitars, pickups, and custom modifications play a crucial role in shaping the sound that defines Periphery. Let’s delve into the specifics of Misha’s guitars and how they contribute to his sonic landscape.

    Signature Guitars and Custom Builds

    Misha's primary guitars are his signature models from Jackson, specifically designed to meet his exacting standards. These instruments are not only visually striking but also feature specifications tailored to support his playing style and tonal preferences.

    Jackson Juggernaut HT6 and HT7:

    • HT6 (6-string) and HT7 (7-string): Misha's main guitars for both studio and live use. They feature a basswood body with a thick flame maple cap, providing a balanced tonal foundation with a touch of brightness and sustain from the maple top.
    • Scale Length: The HT6 has a 25.5-inch scale length, standard for superstrat-style guitars, while the HT7 features a 26.5-inch scale, allowing for better tension and clarity in lower tunings.
    • Pickups: Equipped with Bare Knuckle Juggernaut pickups, these guitars offer a clear, articulate sound with enough output to drive high-gain amps without losing definition.
    • Roasted Maple Necks: The roasted maple necks and fretboards are highly stable and resistant to changes in humidity and temperature, ensuring consistent performance on the road.

    Custom Shop 8-String:

    • HT8: Misha also uses custom shop 8-string guitars for certain tracks, providing an extended range that adds depth and complexity to Periphery's sound.
    • Evertune Bridge: Some of his 8-string models feature Evertune bridges, which keep the guitar perfectly in tune, an essential feature for maintaining stability during aggressive playing styles.

    These Master Builders in the custom shop do such a great job. Look at this roasted flame Maple neck here because of course we got to have that. (Custom Shop 8-String)

    Misha Mansoor

    Other Notable Guitars:

    • Pro Series Models: Misha also utilizes Jackson Pro Series models, which offer many of the same features as his USA-made signature models but at a more accessible price point. These guitars are often used as backups or for specific songs during live performances.
    • Custom Shop Variants: Occasionally, Misha incorporates unique custom shop variants with special finishes and modifications tailored for specific needs, such as different pickup configurations or body woods.

    Pro Series models live all the time... they're phenomenal guitars, they're like kind of great value for money.

    Misha Mansoor

    Misha Mansoor's Guitars


    The Role of Pickups

    The choice of pickups is critical in shaping Misha’s tone. His signature Bare Knuckle Juggernaut pickups are designed to deliver a wide dynamic range and exceptional clarity, even under high gain.

    Juggernaut Pickups:

    • Neck and Bridge: These pickups are tailored to provide a balanced tone with tight low end, rich mids, and clear highs, making them versatile for both rhythm and lead playing.
    • Uncovered Variants: Some of Misha’s guitars feature uncovered Juggernaut pickups, which can offer a slightly different tonal response and aesthetic.

    Custom Features and Adjustments

    Misha's guitars often feature custom adjustments to enhance playability and tonal flexibility:

    • Truss Rod Adjustment: Located at the base of the neck for easy access, allowing for quick adjustments on the fly.
    • Lumenlay Side Dots: Glow-in-the-dark side dots provide better visibility on dark stages, ensuring Misha can see his fretboard clearly during live performances.
    • Hipshot Bridges and Locking Tuners: Ensure stability and precise intonation, essential for maintaining tuning and pitch accuracy throughout a performance.

    The Juggernaut pickups are a big part of my sound. They handle high gain exceptionally well while maintaining clarity and articulation.

    Misha Mansoor

    Periphery Tone Tour

    Misha Mansoor Tone Tour

    Misha Mansoor - Periphery

    Misha Mansoor of Periphery takes us through his all-new Axe-Fx III tones for their 2024 tour!

    Mark Holcomb Tone Tour

    Marc Holcomb - Periphery

    Mark Holcomb of Periphery takes us through his all-new Axe-Fx III tones for their 2024 tour!
    Jake Bowen Tone Tour

    Jake Bowen - Periphery

    Jake Bowen of Periphery takes us through his all-new Axe-Fx III tones for their 2024 tour!


    Periphery Guitar Workshop

    For more on Periphery, check out the Guitar Workshop with Misha Mansoor, Mark Holcomb and Jake Bowen. Also make sure to follow Periphery online.

    Periphery Guitar Workshop with Misha Mansoor, Mark Holcomb and Jake Bowen

    Follow Periphery online

    For more insights on using the Axe-Fx III and other Fractal Audio Systems products, visit the Product Page, Fractal Audio Wiki, or Forum. To purchase your unit, head to our shop and for in-depth learning, check out Cooper Carter’s Complete Fractal Audio Master Class Series.