Thorn Bad Cash Flexible Overdrive Pedal

Quick guide from the manual

The Thorn Bad Cash is a flexible overdrive pedal designed for a wide range of tones. Before using the pedal, ensure you have a compatible power supply (9-18 VDC, center negative). Battery operation is not supported. Always connect your guitar to the input and the amplifier to the output using standard 1/4 inch instrument cables. Disconnect power before changing signal cables to prevent damage or noise.

Device Overview

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

• Drive: Adjusts input gain. Higher settings increase overdrive/distortion.
• Damping: A variable filter reducing low-frequency content before the overdrive circuit. Higher settings (5 o'clock) result in tighter bass, while lower settings (7 o'clock) provide a more open low end.
• 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: Controls the final output signal level.
• Tone Stack (Bass, Mid, Treble): Active controls to boost or cut specific frequencies. 12 o'clock is the neutral/flat position.
• Presence: Used to tame or enhance the upper extremes of the high-frequency range.

Sound Shaping Switches

The pedal includes two switches to alter the character of the distortion:

• Symmetry Switch: Toggles between asymmetrical (O) and symmetrical (I) clipping. Symmetrical clipping is generally smoother, while asymmetrical clipping offers an edgier, ragged bite.
• Class Switch: Changes output characteristics between Class AB (push-pull, smoother tone) and Class A (single-ended, raw and edgy response).

Power and Connections

The pedal requires a 9-18 VDC power supply with a 5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel plug (center negative). Do not exceed 18V. Using transformer-isolated power supplies is recommended to minimize noise. Always disconnect the power supply and signal cables before moving the pedal.

Maintenance and Safety

To ensure the longevity of your pedal:

• Clean only with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners, alcohol, solvents, or chemical-impregnated cloths.
• Do not use excessive force on control knobs.
• Avoid dropping the pedal or exposing it to extreme temperatures, humidity, or dusty environments.
• Do not modify the pedal without authorization.