The Joyo JF-312 Pipebomb is a compact compressor pedal whose defining feature is a MIX knob for parallel compression. Instead of only sending a squashed signal onward, it lets you choose how much dry, uncompressed signal is still going to your amp, blended against the compressed signal. JOYO describes the pedal as one that "can fatten your sound, give your leads sustain and get your cleans to stand out."1
Parallel compression and the MIX knob
Most compressor pedals compress the whole signal and send it on. The Pipebomb's approach, as JOYO describes it, is different: "The MIX knob enables access to parallel compression and you chose how much dry signal is still going to your amp."1
In practice, that means the pedal runs a compressed version of your signal alongside a dry one, and the MIX knob sets the balance between them. Turning the mix toward dry keeps more of your natural attack and dynamics; turning it toward the compressed signal brings more of the sustain and evenness the compressor adds. It is the same idea studio engineers use when they blend a heavily compressed channel against an uncompressed one. For more on how compressors work and how they differ, see Compressor Pedals.
Controls and specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Control | MIX knob: sets how much dry signal is still going to your amp1 |
| Input impedance | 1M Ohm1 |
| Output impedance | 10K Ohm1 |
| Power | DC 9V adapter1 |
| Running current | 10 mA1 |
| Dimensions | 73(L) x 43(W) x 50(H) mm1 |
| Weight | 220 g1 |
JOYO lists the power requirement as a DC 9V adapter with a 10 mA running current. At 10 mA the pedal is light on any pedalboard power supply, but the maker's listing names an adapter rather than a battery, so plan your power accordingly.1
Size and placement on a board
The Pipebomb's dimensions of 73(L) x 43(W) x 50(H) mm and weight of 220 g put it among the smallest pedals JOYO makes, so it fits a crowded board or a small fly rig without much planning.1 The 1M Ohm input impedance means it can sit first in the chain without loading down passive pickups, and the 10K Ohm output is in line with typical pedal-level outputs.1
JOYO makes other compressors with different control layouts, including the JOYO Dyna Compressor and the Joyo Dr.J CompDriver, as well as the JOYO R-19 AVALLON in its R series. The Pipebomb's distinction within that range is the MIX knob and the parallel compression it opens up.1
Manual
JOYO's product page links to a sound demo on YouTube, which shows the pedal in use rather than describing it.1
A manual for the JF-312 is available as a PDF from JOYO's product page, dated 2019-12-12.1
Videos
JOYO AUDIO
EytschPi42
Esparoba1
Questions
What is parallel compression?
Parallel compression means the pedal compresses a copy of your signal while a separate dry, uncompressed copy runs alongside it. You then blend the two together. The compressed signal brings up sustain and evenness, while the dry signal keeps attack and dynamics, so the result can sound fuller without feeling squashed. On the Pipebomb, the MIX knob controls that blend.
Does the JOYO Pipebomb take a battery?
JOYO's product page lists the power requirement as a DC 9V adapter, with a running current of 10 mA. No battery option is listed, so plan to use a 9V DC center-negative adapter on your pedalboard power supply.
What is the input impedance of the JOYO JF-312?
JOYO lists the input impedance at 1M Ohm and the output impedance at 10K Ohm. A 1M Ohm input is high enough that the pedal will not load down the pickups of a guitar fitted with passive pickups.
Is there a manual for the JOYO JF-312 Pipebomb?
Yes. JOYO's product page for the JF-312 Pipebomb links to a manual as a PDF file, dated 2019-12-12, which you can download from the maker's site.
Sources (1)
- JF-312 Pipebomb_JOYO, JOYO
