The JOYO AD-2 is a preamp and DI box for acoustic guitars, made by Joyo. It sits between your acoustic-electric guitar and the rest of your rig: it shapes the signal with level controls and a two-band EQ, offers an anti-feedback function you can switch in from the floor, and provides a balanced output for going straight into a PA. JOYO describes it simply: "The AD-2 is a preamp and D.I. Box for acoustic guitars."1
What it does for an acoustic player
Feedback-prone stage situations are where a preamp and DI box earns its place. The AD-2 combines the two jobs in one box: as a preamp it gives you control over level and tone, and as a DI box its balanced output feeds a mixer or PA directly. JOYO says it "has a built-in dual band EQ so you can fine-tune the low and high frequencies," which covers the tone-shaping side with a Bass and a Treble knob.1
The anti-feedback side is handled by both a knob and a footswitch, so a setting can be dialed in beforehand and engaged only when the room starts to ring. A second footswitch gives a treble boost.1
Controls and connections
| Control | What it is |
|---|---|
| Input level | Sets the level of the signal coming from the guitar1 |
| Treble | High-frequency EQ1 |
| Bass | Low-frequency EQ1 |
| Anti-feedback | Anti-feedback control, with its own footswitch1 |
| Output level | Sets the level going out of the pedal1 |
The jack panel carries an Input, an Output, and a Balanced out, and the indicator section includes an Input clip light that works with the Input level knob to keep the signal clean.1
Power
The AD-2 runs on DC 9V at 100mA, or on a 9V layer-built battery, according to JOYO's product page.1
JOYO specifies 100mA at 9V, so check that any power supply you use can supply that current, and note that the battery option means the pedal can be used without a supply at all.1
A note on the name: the Boss AD-2
There is a separately well-known pedal with the same model name: the Boss AD-2 Acoustic Preamp, announced by Boss in 2016 as "an advanced sound processor for performing live with acoustic-electric guitars."2 It is a different product from the JOYO AD-2, made by Boss, and the two should not be confused when reading reviews or buying used. Boss's AD-2 features two independent outputs for performance flexibility, and its notch filter is aimed at low-frequency feedback on stage: "As soon as you hear that familiar rumble, just turn the Notch knob."3 Boss's press coverage at launch also highlighted that "the footswitch can mute the sound for switching guitars and tuning on stage," with MusicRadar reporting that holding the pedal's footswitch for two seconds activates the mute function.2
If you are comparing acoustic preamps more widely, the acoustic pedals and preamp pedals pages cover the broader field, including pedals such as the Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre and the Boss AD-10 Acoustic Preamp.
Videos
JOYO AUDIO
Alexandre Almeida
producto video
Questions
Does the JOYO AD-2 run on a battery?
Yes. JOYO's product page lists the power supply as DC 9V at 100mA, or a 9V layer-built battery, so the pedal can be run either from a DC adapter or from a 9V battery. If you use a power supply, make sure it meets the 9V, 100mA requirement and follows the polarity marked on the pedal.
What does the anti-feedback control on the JOYO AD-2 do?
The AD-2 has an Anti-feedback knob and a dedicated Anti-feedback footswitch, so you can dial in an anti-feedback setting and switch it in and out during a performance. Feedback control is a standard job for an acoustic preamp: on Boss's separately named AD-2 Acoustic Preamp, the equivalent control is a notch filter that the player turns until low-frequency rumble on stage goes away.
Does the JOYO AD-2 have a balanced output?
Yes. JOYO lists three jacks on the AD-2: an Input, an Output, and a Balanced out. The balanced output is what lets the pedal act as a DI box, sending a balanced signal to a mixing desk or PA input while the regular Output can feed an amplifier or backline.
What does the input clip indicator on the JOYO AD-2 show?
The AD-2's indicator panel includes an Input clip light. It works alongside the Input level knob: if the light shows the input signal is clipping, you turn the Input level down until the signal passes cleanly into the preamp.
Is there a manual for the JOYO AD-2?
Yes. JOYO's product page for the AD-2 carries an AD-2 manual as a PDF, dated January 6, 2020, which you can download from the maker's page.
Sources (3)
- AD-2 _JOYO, JOYO, 2020-01-06
- BOSS Unveils CP-1X Compressor & AD-2 Acoustic Preamp, Premier Guitar, 2016-10-28
- BOSS - AD-2 | Acoustic Preamp, boss.info
