Thorn Bad Cash User Manual

Bad Cash
Flexible Overdrive
User Manual
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Thank you for purchasing the Bad Cash Flex Drive.
The Thorn Bad Cash - Flex Drive is a highly flexible overdrive
pedal designed to deliver a wide range of tones, from smooth
bluesy drive to intense rock grit. With a comprehensive set of
controls, including Drive, Damping, Headroom, Volume, Bass,
Mid, Treble, and Presence, this pedal offers precise tonal shaping
to suit various musical styles. Whether you're looking for a classic
overdrive or something more aggressive, the BAD CASH allows
you to dial in your perfect sound.
The Symmetry I/O switch lets you adjust the distortion's character,
while the Class AB/A switch provides further tonal flexibility, giving
you the option to choose between two different circuit types for
distinct tonal responses.
The Thorn Bad Cash - Flex Drive is an essential tool for guitarists
seeking a versatile overdrive pedal that offers a rich array of tonal
options and precise control over their sound.
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Controls
1 – 1/4 " (6.35 mm) mono output: Use an instrument / patch cable
to connect to your next pedal or the input of the amplifier.
2 – 9 - 18 VDC power supply jack: Connect a regular pedal power
supply unit with a 5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel plug, center negative.
Battery operation is not possible. Do not connect more than 18 V!
3 – 1/4 " (6.35 mm) mono input: Use an instrument cable to
connect your guitar or the previous pedal in your effects chain.
4 – DRIVE control: The Drive control adjusts the input gain of the
signal, i.e. the signal level before it is affected by the other
controls. Increasing the gain produces a more pronounced
overdrive/distortion effect.
5 – DAMPING control: The Damping control is a variable filter
that reduces the low frequency content before the signal en-
ters the overdrive circuit. Allowing all of the low frequency
content to be processed can make the bottom end sound
loose and flabby. Reducing (damping) the low frequency
content at the input will keep the bottom end tight and re-
sponsive. In general, higher DRIVE settings sound better with
increased DAMPING (i.e. less low frequency in put into the cir-
cuits). Lower DRIVE settings with less DAMPING give a more
open low end character. There is no damping at the lowest
setting (7 o'clock).
7 o'clock position: „minimum damping = maximum bass"
5 o'clock position: „maximum damping = tight bass"
6 – HEADROOM control: The Headroom control (in conjunction
with the Gain control) contributes to the overall amount of
distortion applied to the signal by setting the clipping thres-
hold of the output stage.
7 o'clock position: „maximum headroom = minimum distortion"
5 o'clock position: „minimum headroom = maximum distortion"
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7 – VOLUME control: The volume control determines the signal
level sent to the output jack.
8 – Tone Stack controls: This is an active tone stack that can
boost or cut BASS, MID and HIGH frequencies. The bands
are interactive, i.e., a boost or cut on the BASS control (for
example) will also have some effect on the behavior of the
MID control. In this sense, it is similar to the tone stack in a
typical guitar amplifier.
7 o'clock position = lowest cut of the respective frequency band
12 o'clock position = flat / neutral response (no cut or boost)
5 o'clock position = highest boost of the respective frequency band
The PRESENCE control can be used to tame the upper extre-
mes of the high frequency range.
9 – SYMMETRY switch: This switch toggles between asymmetri-
cal (O) and symmetrical (I) clipping. This determines the type
of clipping applied to the signal to achieve distortion. Sym-
metrical clipping clips the positive and the negative peaks of
the audio waveform equally. Asymmetrical clipping also clips
both peaks, but in unequal proportions. Symmetrical clipping
is generally perceived to sound smoother than asymmetrical
clipping, which has more of an edgy and ragged „bite".
10 – CLASS switch: The Class AB/A switch changes the out-
put distortion characteristics. You can choose between the
response characteristics of a push-pull (Class AB) or a single-
ended (Class A) power amplifier. In general, Class AB provi-
des a smoother tone, whereas Class A has a more raw and
edgy response.
11 – ON/OFF footswitch & LED: This footswitch activates the pedal
(LED above the switch is lit) or switches it to True Bypass (LED off).