1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the JOYO Badass 50 Watt Bass Mini Amp Head. This hybrid tube power amplifier is designed to deliver powerful and versatile bass tones. Featuring a 12AX7 preamp tube, 3-band EQ, built-in compressor, and Bluetooth connectivity, it offers a comprehensive solution for bassists. Please read this manual thoroughly to understand the product's features and ensure correct operation.
Important Note: The JOYO Badass Amp Head does not produce sound on its own. It requires an external speaker cabinet (not included) with an impedance of 4 ohms or higher to function. Alternatively, headphones can be used for monitoring.
2. Safety Information
- Power Supply: Use only the specified power adapter. Ensure the voltage matches the requirements of the unit.
- Ventilation: Do not block ventilation openings. Ensure adequate airflow around the unit to prevent overheating.
- Moisture: Keep the unit away from water or any liquids. Do not operate in damp environments.
- External Speaker Requirement: As stated, this amp head requires an external speaker cabinet (4 ohms or higher) or headphones for sound output. Connecting without a speaker or headphones will result in no sound.
- Servicing: Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
- Tube Care: The unit contains a vacuum tube. Handle with care and avoid excessive shock.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- JOYO Badass 50 Watt Bass Mini Amp Head
- 12AX7 Preamp Tube (pre-installed)
- Footswitch
- Footswitch Connecting Cable
- Channel Connecting Cable
- Speaker Cable
- Power Adapter (not explicitly listed in 'whats_in_the_box' but implied for 'Corded Electric' power source)
4. Product Overview
4.1 Front Panel Controls
The front panel provides access to input, tone shaping, compression, gain, and volume controls.
Image: Front view of the JOYO Badass Bass Mini Amp Head, showcasing the input jack, control knobs, and switches.
- INPUT: 1/4" jack for connecting your bass guitar.
- NORMAL/COMP Switch: Toggles between normal mode and built-in compressor mode.
- BLUETOOTH Button: Activates Bluetooth pairing mode.
- LOW: Adjusts the low-frequency response.
- MID: Adjusts the mid-frequency response.
- HI: Adjusts the high-frequency response.
- COMP: Controls the compression level when the compressor is active.
- GAIN: Adjusts the input gain, affecting the overall drive and saturation.
- VOL: Controls the master output volume.
- POWER Switch: Turns the unit on or off.
4.2 Rear Panel Connections
The rear panel houses all output and effects loop connections.
Image: Rear view of the JOYO Badass Bass Mini Amp Head, highlighting the speaker output, footswitch, phones, and FX loop jacks.
- SPEAKER OUTPUT: Connects to your external speaker cabinet (minimum 4 ohms impedance).
- FOOTSWITCH: Connects the included footswitch for remote control of the compressor.
- PHONES: 3.5mm jack for connecting headphones for silent practice or monitoring.
- FX LOOP (SEND/RETURN): 1/4" jacks for integrating external effects pedals into the signal chain.
- DC24V 3.0A: Power input for the included power adapter.
4.3 Key Features
- Hybrid tube design with 12AX7 preamp tube for rich bass tones.
- 50 Watt power output, compatible with 4 ohm and higher impedance speaker cabinets.
- Built-in compressor for dynamic control.
- 3-band EQ (Low, Mid, Hi) for comprehensive tone shaping.
- Bluetooth connectivity for audio playback.
- FX LOOP for integrating external effects pedals.
- Headphone output for silent practice.
- Included footswitch for convenient compressor activation.
5. Setup
5.1 Connecting a Speaker Cabinet
To produce sound, connect the amp head to a passive bass speaker cabinet using the provided speaker cable. Ensure the speaker cabinet has an impedance of 4 ohms or higher.
- Connect one end of the speaker cable to the SPEAKER OUTPUT jack on the rear panel of the Badass amp head.
- Connect the other end of the speaker cable to the input jack of your bass speaker cabinet.
Image: A bassist playing with the JOYO Badass amp head connected to an external speaker cabinet, illustrating the necessary setup for sound output.
5.2 Power Connection
- Ensure the POWER switch on the front panel is in the OFF position.
- Connect the included power adapter to the DC24V 3.0A input on the rear panel.
- Plug the power adapter into a suitable electrical outlet.
5.3 Connecting Your Bass
- Using a standard 1/4" instrument cable, connect your bass guitar to the INPUT jack on the front panel.
5.4 Footswitch Connection
- Connect the footswitch to the FOOTSWITCH jack on the rear panel using the provided cable. This allows you to remotely toggle the compressor.
Image: The JOYO Badass amp head shown with its dedicated footswitch connected, illustrating the footswitch input on the rear panel.
6. Operating Instructions
6.1 Basic Operation
- After connecting your speaker and bass, turn the VOL knob to its minimum position.
- Flip the POWER switch to the ON position. The power indicator will illuminate.
- Slowly increase the VOL knob to your desired listening level.
- Adjust the GAIN knob to control the input sensitivity and drive. Higher gain settings will introduce more saturation.
- Use the LOW, MID, and HI knobs to shape your bass tone.
6.2 Using the Compressor
The Badass amp head features a built-in compressor to even out your bass dynamics.
- To activate the compressor, set the NORMAL/COMP switch to the 'COMP' position. The 'CLIP' indicator may light up when compression is active and signal is strong.
- Adjust the COMP knob to control the amount of compression applied to your signal.
- Alternatively, use the connected footswitch to toggle the compressor on/off.
Image: Close-up of the front panel showing the 'NORMAL/COMP' switch and the 'CLIP' indicator light, which illuminates when the compressor is active and the signal is strong.
6.3 Bluetooth Connectivity
The Bluetooth function allows you to play audio from your mobile device through the amp head, useful for practicing along with tracks.
- Press the BLUETOOTH button on the front panel. The Bluetooth indicator light will start blinking, indicating pairing mode.
- On your mobile device, open Bluetooth settings and search for available devices.
- Select "BADASS" from the list of devices to pair. The indicator light on the amp head will become solid blue once connected.
- Play audio from your device. The audio will be routed through the amp head to your connected speaker or headphones.
Image: A smartphone screen displaying Bluetooth settings, showing "BADASS" as a connected device, with the amp head's Bluetooth button highlighted.
6.4 Using the FX Loop
The FX Loop allows you to connect external effects pedals (e.g., modulation, delay, reverb) into the amplifier's signal path after the preamp section.
- Connect the SEND jack on the amp head's rear panel to the input of your first effects pedal.
- Connect the output of your last effects pedal to the RETURN jack on the amp head's rear panel.
Image: Diagram illustrating how to connect multiple effects pedals to the FX Loop (Send and Return jacks) on the rear panel of the amp head.
6.5 Headphone Use
For silent practice or direct monitoring, connect headphones to the PHONES jack on the rear panel. This will mute the speaker output.
7. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the unit. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: Store the unit in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Tube Replacement: The 12AX7 preamp tube has a finite lifespan. If you notice a degradation in sound quality or unusual noise, the tube may need replacement. This should be performed by a qualified technician or experienced user.
- Ventilation: Regularly check that the ventilation slots are clear of dust and debris.
8. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound from speaker. |
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| No sound from headphones. |
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| Bluetooth not connecting. |
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| Weak or distorted sound. |
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9. Specifications
- Model: Manufacturer-BADASS-0012
- Output Wattage: 50 Watts
- Preamp Tube: 12AX7
- Compatible Speaker Impedance: 4 ohms or higher
- Controls: Input, Normal/Comp Switch, Bluetooth, Low, Mid, Hi, Comp, Gain, Vol, Power
- Connections: 1/4" Input, Speaker Output, Footswitch, 3.5mm Phones, FX Loop (Send/Return), DC24V 3.0A Power Input
- Dimensions: 3.74 x 5.71 x 6.42 inches (9.5 x 14.5 x 16.3 cm)
- Item Weight: 2.44 pounds (1.11 kg)
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: Corded Electric (DC24V 3.0A)
Image: Diagram showing the dimensions of the JOYO Badass Bass Mini Amp Head: 5.51 inches (width), 6.3 inches (height), and 4.33 inches (depth).
10. Warranty and Support
JOYO products are designed for reliability and performance. For warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official JOYO website. If you encounter any issues or require technical assistance, please contact JOYO customer support through their official channels. Prompt service is typically provided within 24 hours for product-related concerns.
Online Resources:
- JOYO Official Store: Visit the JOYO Store on Amazon
