1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the JOYO Badass Bass Mini Amp Head. This 50-watt hybrid tube amplifier head is designed specifically for bass guitar, offering a compact yet powerful solution for practice and performance. It features a 12AX7 preamp tube, built-in compressor, 3-band EQ, and Bluetooth connectivity. Please read this manual thoroughly to understand the product's features and ensure correct operation.
Image 1.1: The JOYO Badass Bass Mini Amp Head with its included footswitch.
2. Safety Instructions
- Do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
- Do not open the casing. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
- Ensure the amplifier is connected to a speaker cabinet with an impedance of 4 ohms or higher. Connecting to a speaker with lower impedance can damage the unit.
- Use only the provided power adapter.
- Avoid placing the unit near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
- Keep out of reach of children.
3. Package Contents
- JOYO Badass Bass Mini Amp Head
- Power Adapter (DC24V 3.0A)
- Footswitch
- Footswitch Cable
- User Manual (this document)
Image 3.1: The JOYO Badass Bass Mini Amp Head connected to a bass guitar and speaker cabinet.
4. Product Overview
4.1 Front Panel Controls
Image 4.1: Detailed view of the front panel controls.
- INPUT: 1/4-inch jack for connecting your bass guitar.
- BADASS / NORMAL Switch: Toggles between two distinct tonal characteristics.
- COMP Switch: Activates or deactivates the built-in compressor.
- CLIP Indicator: Lights up when the input signal is clipping. Adjust GAIN to prevent clipping.
- BLUETOOTH Switch: Activates Bluetooth for audio playback.
- LOW: Adjusts the bass frequencies.
- MID: Adjusts the midrange frequencies.
- HI: Adjusts the treble frequencies.
- COMP Knob: Adjusts the compression level when the COMP switch is engaged.
- GAIN: Controls the input sensitivity and preamp drive.
- VOL: Controls the overall output volume.
- POWER Switch: Turns the amplifier on or off.
4.2 Rear Panel Connections
Image 4.2: Rear panel connections including speaker outputs, footswitch, headphones, and FX Loop.
- DC24V 3.0A: Power input for the included adapter.
- SPEAKER OUTPUTS (4Ω): Two 1/4-inch jacks for connecting to a speaker cabinet. Ensure the cabinet impedance is 4 ohms or higher.
- FOOTSWITCH: 1/4-inch jack for connecting the external footswitch to control the compressor.
- PHONES: 6.35mm (1/4-inch) stereo headphone output for silent practice.
- FX LOOP (RETURN/SEND): 1/4-inch jacks for connecting external effects pedals. Connect the output of your effects to RETURN and the input of your effects to SEND.
5. Setup
5.1 Initial Connection
- Connect your bass guitar to the INPUT jack on the front panel.
- Connect the amplifier's SPEAKER OUTPUTS to a speaker cabinet using a speaker cable. Ensure the speaker cabinet has an impedance of 4 ohms or higher.
- Connect the footswitch to the FOOTSWITCH jack on the rear panel using the provided cable.
- Connect the power adapter to the DC24V 3.0A input on the rear panel, then plug it into a power outlet.
- Turn on the amplifier using the POWER switch.
Image 5.1: Connection diagram for the rear panel.
5.2 Bluetooth Connection
- Press the BLUETOOTH switch on the front panel to activate Bluetooth mode. The indicator light will flash.
- On your mobile device (phone, tablet, etc.), open the Bluetooth settings and search for available devices.
- Select "BADASS" from the list of devices to pair. The indicator light on the amp will become solid when connected.
- You can now play audio from your device through the amplifier for backing tracks or music playback.
Image 5.2: Bluetooth pairing process.
6. Operation
6.1 Tone Shaping
- GAIN: Adjust this knob to control the input level and the amount of preamp drive. Higher settings will introduce more saturation. Monitor the CLIP indicator to avoid excessive clipping.
- EQ (LOW, MID, HI): Use these three knobs to sculpt your bass tone. Adjust LOW for bass frequencies, MID for midrange presence, and HI for treble clarity.
- BADASS / NORMAL Switch: Experiment with this switch to find your preferred fundamental tone. The "BADASS" mode offers a more aggressive and punchy sound, while "NORMAL" provides a cleaner, more traditional bass tone.
6.2 Compression
- Engage the built-in compressor by pressing the COMP switch. The indicator light will illuminate.
- Adjust the COMP knob to control the amount of compression applied to your signal. Higher settings will result in more dynamic range reduction and sustain.
- The external footswitch can also be used to toggle the compressor on/off during live performance or practice.
Image 6.1: The footswitch allows for convenient control of the compressor.
6.3 Headphone Use
For silent practice, connect your headphones to the PHONES jack on the rear panel. The speaker output will be muted automatically when headphones are connected.
Image 6.2: Using the headphone output for private practice.
6.4 FX Loop
The FX LOOP allows you to integrate external effects pedals into your signal chain after the preamp section. Connect the SEND jack to the input of your effects pedal(s) and the output of your effects pedal(s) to the RETURN jack.
7. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the amplifier. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: Store the amplifier in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Tube Replacement: The 12AX7 preamp tube is designed for long life. If you experience a significant change in tone or performance, consult a qualified technician for tube inspection or replacement.
8. Troubleshooting
- No Sound:
- Ensure the power adapter is securely connected and the unit is powered on.
- Check all cable connections (bass, speaker, power).
- Verify the speaker cabinet is connected to the correct output and has an impedance of 4 ohms or higher.
- Adjust the VOL knob.
- If headphones are connected, disconnect them to enable speaker output.
- Distorted Sound:
- Reduce the GAIN knob if the CLIP indicator is frequently lighting up.
- Check your bass guitar's output level.
- Ensure speaker impedance is correct (4 ohms or higher).
- Bluetooth Not Connecting:
- Ensure the BLUETOOTH switch is engaged and flashing.
- Make sure the amplifier is not already paired with another device.
- Try restarting the amplifier and your mobile device.
9. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Output Wattage | 50 Watts |
| Preamp Tube | 1 x 12AX7 |
| Speaker Output Impedance | 4Ω or higher |
| Controls | BADASS/NORMAL Switch, COMP Switch, LOW, MID, HI, COMP, GAIN, VOL |
| Connectivity | Input (1/4"), Speaker Outputs (1/4"), Footswitch (1/4"), Phones (6.35mm), FX Loop (Send/Return 1/4"), Bluetooth |
| Power Input | DC24V 3.0A |
| Dimensions | 6.42 x 5.51 x 4.33 inches (16.3 x 14 x 11 cm) |
| Weight | 5.06 pounds (2.3 kg) |
| Material | Metal |
Image 9.1: Product dimensions.
10. Official Product Video
Video 10.1: An official product video demonstrating the features and sound of the JOYO Badass 50 Watt Mini Bass Guitar Tube Amplifier Head.
11. Warranty and Support
JOYO products are designed for reliability and performance. For warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official JOYO website. If you encounter any issues or require technical assistance, please contact JOYO customer support through your purchase platform or the official JOYO website. When contacting support, please provide your product model number (Manufacturer-JOYO-BTP-BADAS) and a detailed description of the issue.
