The JOYO TC-2 Tonechain is a multifunction effect pedal from Joyo that gathers several stages of a rig into one box: distortion, overdrive, delay, cabinet simulation, a tuner and an FX loop, all under four footswitches1. The delay module carries Mix, F.back and Time controls, and the overdrive module carries Drive, Tone and Level1.
What it does
Joyo describes the TONE CHAIN as a multifunction effect pedal covering distortion, overdrive, delay, cabinet simulation, a tuner and an FX loop1. The output side is built for playing beyond a guitar amp: the unit supports stereo output and balanced output, together with what Joyo calls high quality cabinet simulation circuitry, and it carries a stereo XLR DI output for feeding a mixer or PA directly1.
Each of the three effect modules has its own set of controls:
| Module | Controls |
|---|---|
| Overdrive (OD) | Drive, Tone, Level |
| Distortion (DS) | High, Mid, Low, Gain, Freq, Level |
| Delay | Mix, F.back, Time |
The distortion module carries the fullest control set, with a three-band EQ (High, Mid, Low) plus Gain, Freq and Level, while the overdrive keeps to the familiar Drive, Tone and Level trio1.
Tap tempo and tuner
The delay module has a TAP TEMPO function: tap the footswitch and the pedal sets the delay time you want1. The same control does double duty, since the Tap Tempo footswitch controls the delay speed and, when held, calls up the tuner, which reads out on the pedal's LED display1.
Inputs, outputs and power
The TC-2's jack field is wider than a standard stompbox's:
- Guitar input: MONO 6.35mm jack, 1M ohm input impedance
- AUX input: 3.5mm, 47K ohm input impedance, for jamming along to a phone or player
- L/R output: stereo 6.35mm jack, 1K ohm output impedance
- DI output: stereo XLR, 4.7K ohm output impedance
- FX loop: yes, for inserting other pedals into the chain1
The TC-2 runs on DC 9V, center negative, and draws 300mA1. That current draw rules out a battery and rules out sharing a standard daisy-chain output with other pedals: it needs its own supply rated for the load.
The stereo and balanced outputs, paired with the cabinet simulation, mean the pedal can go straight to a desk or PA as well as to an amp1.
Where it sits in Joyo's range
The Tone Chain line is Joyo's take on the all-in-one pedalboard, and the TC-2 is its larger expression, measuring 345*83*43mm1. Players who only need the drive side can look at Joyo's single-purpose pedals instead, such as the Joyo JF-21 Splinter distortion or the JOYO R-11 Baatsin. For the full spread of what the maker builds, see Joyo distortion pedals and the wider multi-effects pedals and distortion pedals categories.
Videos
JOYO AUDIO
Joyo Audio Korea
Widowmaker Studios
Questions
Does the JOYO TC-2 have tap tempo?
Yes. The delay module has a TAP TEMPO function: you tap the footswitch to set the delay time you want. The same Tap Tempo control also handles a second job, holding it down calls up the tuner, which is shown on the pedal's LED display.
Does the JOYO TC-2 have a built-in tuner?
Yes. The TC-2 has an LED display used for tuning. You reach it by holding down the Tap Tempo footswitch, which otherwise controls the delay module's speed.
Does the TC-2 have an XLR output?
Yes. The TC-2 has a stereo XLR DI output, with an output impedance of 4.7K ohms. Alongside the stereo 6.35mm output jack, it lets the pedal feed a mixing desk or PA directly, and Joyo says the unit supports stereo and balanced output together with its cabinet simulation circuit.
How much current does the TC-2 draw?
Joyo lists the working current at 300mA at DC 9V, center negative. That is well beyond what a battery or a standard daisy-chain output supplies, so the TC-2 needs its own suitable 9V power supply.
Does the TC-2 have an effects loop?
Yes. The TC-2 includes an FX loop, so you can place other pedals between its drive stages and its delay and output sections.
How much does the TC-2 weigh?
Joyo lists the weight at 1043g, with dimensions of 345 x 83 x 43mm. It is a larger, multi-footswitch unit rather than a single compact stompbox.
Sources (1)
- TC-2 Tonechain_JOYO, JOYO
