Thorn Bad Cash Flexible Overdrive Operation Guide

Quick Start Guide

The Thorn Bad Cash is a flexible overdrive pedal designed for a wide range of tones. To begin, connect your guitar to the input jack and your amplifier or next pedal to the output jack using 1/4 inch mono cables. Connect a 9-18V DC power supply (center negative) to the power jack. The pedal is activated using the footswitch; the LED indicates the pedal is active.

Pedal Controls

The Bad Cash features a comprehensive set of controls for precise tonal shaping:

• Drive: Adjusts the input gain. Higher settings increase the overdrive/distortion effect.
• Damping: A variable filter that reduces low-frequency content before the overdrive circuit. Higher settings (5 o'clock) provide a tighter bass response, while lower settings (7 o'clock) are more open.
• Headroom: Sets the clipping threshold of the output stage. 7 o'clock provides maximum headroom (minimum distortion), while 5 o'clock provides minimum headroom (maximum distortion).
• Volume: Determines the final signal level sent to the output.
• Tone Stack (Bass, Mid, Treble): An active tone stack that allows you to boost or cut specific frequencies. 12 o'clock is the neutral position.
• Presence: Used to tame the upper extremes of the high-frequency range.
• Symmetry Switch: Toggles between asymmetrical (O) and symmetrical (I) clipping. Symmetrical clipping is generally smoother, while asymmetrical has more edge.
• Class Switch: Changes output distortion characteristics between Class AB (push-pull, smoother) and Class A (single-ended, raw and edgy).

Power and Connections

The pedal requires a 9-18V DC power supply with a 5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel plug, center negative. Battery operation is not supported. Do not exceed 18V. Always disconnect the power supply and signal cables before moving the pedal or connecting other equipment.

Safety and Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of your pedal, follow these guidelines:

• Do not use excessive force on control knobs.
• Avoid dropping the pedal or exposing it to shock, vibrations, direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or high humidity.
• Do not modify the pedal.
• Clean only with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, alcohol, or solvents.

Technical Specifications

• Input/Output: 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) mono (TS) jacks.
• Input Impedance: 470 kΩ.
• Output Impedance: 2.2 kΩ.
• Power: 9-18V DC, center negative, max 18 mA current draw.
• Dimensions: 3.70 x 4.72 x 1.50 inches (94 x 120 x 38 mm).
• Weight: 0.88 lbs (400 g).