DINO CAZARES / FEAR FACTORY TONE
The original MetalHead Marshall modification by Elan Memran, featuring the custom high-gain modification and built-in noise gate that helped define Dino Cazares’ signature guitar tone.
I’m Elan Memran, founder of MetalHead Electronics. I developed the original Marshall amp mods in North Hollywood, California, including the high-gain modification and custom noise gate installed in Dino Cazares’ Marshall JCM800 2203.
The original MetalHead Electronics Marshall modifications are back. Every modification is personally installed and tested by me. Customers throughout the United States can arrange to ship their amplifiers for modification.
The Original MetalHead High Gain Marshall Modification
This is my original MetalHead high-gain modification from the North Hollywood days, associated with Dino Cazares and the early Fear Factory sound.
I add an extra tube and my original MetalHead high-gain circuit to your compatible Marshall amplifier, along with two additional gain controls.
The modification produces more gain, sustain, and control while keeping the character of your amplifier.
Combined with my original MetalHead noise gate modification, this is the setup I developed for Dino Cazares’ Marshall JCM800. The noise gate is also available as a separate modification.
Learn More About the Original Dino Cazares High Gain Marshall Modification
Original price was: $399.00.$275.00Current price is: $275.00.Add to cart
HEAR THE ORIGINAL METALHEAD MODIFICATION
A real customer’s 1988 Marshall JCM800 2203 modified by Elan Memran at MetalHead Electronics. The player demonstrates Fear Factory riffs without overdrive or boost pedals, just the amplifier. Recorded by the owner using a laptop microphone.
Customer-recorded demonstration. Audio captured with a laptop microphone.
Classic Marshall Amp Mods by MetalHead Electronics
THE ORIGINAL METALHEAD MODIFICATIONS ARE BACK.
These are the classic Marshall modifications I developed and installed at MetalHead Electronics in North Hollywood, California.
Every modification is personally performed and tested by me, Elan Memran.
How to get your Marshall modified: Contact me first with your amplifier model and the modifications you want. I’ll confirm compatibility and help you choose the right options. Then place your order. I’ll provide shipping instructions or arrange a drop-off time. Please do not ship your amplifier before contacting me.
MetalHead Electronics Noise Gate Modification
My original noise gate circuit was developed to control the noise and unwanted feedback that come with extreme high gain and sustain.
This custom noise gate, combined with my high-gain Marshall modification, was part of the original setup I created for Dino Cazares of Fear Factory.
Requires the MetalHead Gain Modification.
Original price was: $475.00.$350.00Current price is: $350.00.Add to cart
Active Tube Effects Loop
This modification adds an extra tube to your amplifier and uses active tube circuitry to drive your effects without sacrificing gain or sound quality.
Original price was: $399.00.$275.00Current price is: $275.00.Add to cart
Bass Boost
Give your Marshall a fatter, richer, and more powerful low end with the original MetalHead Bass Boost modification.
Original price was: $225.00.$150.00Current price is: $150.00.Add to cart
METALHEAD ELECTRONICS EXTERNAL MARSHALL MOD
BETA TESTING PROGRAM
The MetalHead Electronics External Marshall Mod brings my original high-gain circuit to compatible Marshall amplifiers without permanently modifying the amplifier.
The external system connects through the amplifier’s preamp tube sockets and uses a compact control box to give you the original MetalHead Electronics high-gain sound.
No drilling or permanent changes. The system can be removed and the original tubes reinstalled.
Beta Tester Price: $399
Regular Price: $699
The introductory beta testing program is limited to 10 selected participants.
Current Status: Final prototype development and testing. Registrations are open. Units will be offered to selected beta testers after final testing and compatibility checks.
Features: Volume 1, Volume 2, Master Volume, built-in noise gate, and removable installation. Model-specific versions will be offered for compatible Marshall amplifiers.
Learn More About the External Marshall Mod
No payment required to register.
Complete the beta registration form and include your Marshall amplifier model.
Registration does not guarantee selection. Selected testers will be contacted when their model-specific unit is ready.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR MARSHALL? CALL ELAN DIRECTLY
Before ordering or shipping your amplifier, speak directly with Elan Memran, the original designer of MetalHead Electronics modifications. I’ll help you choose the right modifications and confirm compatibility.
Phone: 682-888-7848
Phone Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Texas Time)
Email: elanaudiolab@gmail.com
You can email anytime. Please include your amplifier model and the modification you are interested in.
MORE FROM ELAN MEMRAN
Explore more guitar amplifiers and professional audio equipment designed by Elan Memran.
My original MetalHead High Gain Modification adds an extra dual-triode preamp tube, providing two additional gain stages.
But adding gain stages alone doesn’t create the MetalHead sound. The way I designed the circuitry around those stages, including the component values I selected, is what gives the modification its distinctive gain, tone, response, and sustain.
I also install two adjustable gain controls, allowing you to dial in the amount of gain and shape how the amplifier responds to your playing.
I installed my original High Gain Modification in Dino Cazares’ Marshall JCM800 2203, which became part of his early Fear Factory sound.
Dino’s amplifier also used my MetalHead Noise Gate and 6550 power tubes. The noise gate is an optional add-on to the High Gain Modification.
If you have a four-input Marshall, the appropriate JCM800-style circuit preparation is required first. Choose Modification #10 or Pre-Mod Preparation through the Pre-Mod Repair & Setup service. Both have the same listed price. You need only one for this preparation, not both.
For other amplifier models, contact me to confirm compatibility before ordering.
View Full High Gain Modification Page
High Gain Without All the Noise
I developed my original MetalHead Electronics Noise Gate (nicknamed “Pee-Cup”) about 35 years ago, when I started building my high-gain amplifier modifications.
My high-gain circuits produce an enormous amount of gain, but that also creates unwanted noise. I wanted to control that noise without changing the amplifier’s tone, response, or sustain while playing.
That’s why I designed my own noise gate.
How My Noise Gate Works
Unlike conventional gates that place their control circuitry directly in the audio signal path, my noise gate works alongside the amplifier’s normal signal path.
Think of it as an electronic clamp.
The noise gate works together with my original MetalHead High Gain Modification. It sits alongside the signal path, waiting for a command from the high-gain circuitry.
When you start playing, the high-gain circuit provides the signal that tells the noise gate to release its clamp. The amplifier is then free to produce its normal tone, attack, and sustain without the gate interfering with the signal path.
When you stop playing or mute the strings, the gate responds by engaging the clamp and suppressing unwanted noise.
The response is extremely fast. You can play aggressive, tight rhythms, rapidly mute the strings, and hear the noise disappear between notes.
This is especially useful for fast, percussive high-gain playing.
Adjustable Sensitivity
The noise gate has an adjustable sensitivity control so you can set when the circuit engages.
My goal was simple: let the amplifier work freely while you’re playing, and let the noise gate take care of unwanted noise when you’re not.
Designed to Work Together
The MetalHead Noise Gate was designed as an add-on to my original High Gain Modification.
The high-gain circuitry provides the signal conditions the noise gate needs to operate correctly.
For this reason, I offer the Noise Gate as an add-on to the MetalHead High Gain Modification, not as an independent modification.
Designed and installed by Elan Memran, MetalHead Electronics.
My Active Tube Effects Loop takes the signal after the preamp and tone controls, before the master volume. At that point, the amplifier’s gain, distortion, and tonal shaping have already occurred.
The circuit reduces the high-level preamp signal to a level suitable for external effects.
The returned signal passes through an additional vacuum tube, which restores it to its original level.
I designed the circuit for one-to-one transparency, preserving the amplifier’s original sound without adding coloration.
My Bass Boost Modification changes the balance of selected frequencies within the preamp rather than simply increasing all bass frequencies.
Think of the Loudness control on a home stereo. The effect is a fuller, richer sound with more body and bottom end.
The modification is switchable:
- Pull the control out: Bass Boost ON, giving a fuller sound with more bottom end.
- Push the control in: Bass Boost bypassed, returning to the original amplifier sound.