Mess around with it "a lot" not just a little. if it has channel volume AND gain plus a MASTER volume, you can crank channel and gain to 10 and use a lower master volume setting to control room volume. that is "old School" distortion, the way we did it many moons ago. You drive the pre-amp as high as it goes and the master volume controls how loud it is. But it will take experimentation and fiddling for a long time to get to know your amp.. Also try to get the best sound you can without ANY other effects. No extra crap to muddy up your signal. When I used a Peavey Bandit 112 and a Fender Strat I got a really nice heavy distortion that was warm and clear with just my guitar. If you play "death core" I'm guessing you need even more distortion, but with humbuckers or a EMG you should get pretty heavy. Distortion or overdrive pedals is what will make you muddy. so play around for a while, no one can tell you what to use because we aren't there and don't know the sound that will please you. Do keep in mind that you will never be able to replicate the sound of your favorite guitarist or band's recordings in your room at home. You can get "close" only
