The JOYO WAH-II is a compact multi-function pedal from Joyo that combines wah-wah and volume functions in one enclosure. JOYO describes the Multimode WAH as a pedal "With both WAH-WAH and VOLUME functions," so one rocker pedal can cover two jobs on a board1. It runs on 9V DC center negative and draws 18mA1.
Controls and modes
The pedal is operated with a WAH-WAH / VOLUME toggle switch and a WAH-WAH / BYPASS toggle switch, plus a minimum volume control knob. JOYO calls this arrangement easy to operate1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| WAH-WAH / VOLUME switch | Selects between wah-wah and volume functions1 |
| WAH-WAH / BYPASS switch | Switches the wah in and out of bypass1 |
| Minimum volume knob | In volume control mode, sets the volume obtained while the pedal is toed down completely1 |
| Q value knob | Adjusts the wah sound from compact, sharp to mellow, wide style1 |
| Range knob | Adjusts the width of the sweep and frequency range2 |
The minimum volume knob is one of the pedal's distinguishing features. MusicRadar's report on the launch described it as adjusting the heel-down level, so you can set how quiet the pedal goes at the bottom of its travel2.
The wah side
For the wah function, JOYO says the pedal's RM shielded inductance is specially designed for wah-wah sound and guarantees outstanding tone1. The pedal offers 6 WAH-WAH frequency ranges, so you can choose different center frequencies to get diverse tones1. The Q value knob, labeled "quality" on the pedal according to MusicRadar, and the range knob together shape how pronounced and how wide the sweep is12.
Power and specifications
The WAH-II runs on a DC9V center-minus supply and draws 18mA. Its input is a 6.35mm single channel jack, with an input impedance of 2.2MΩ and an output impedance of 100Ω. JOYO lists the size as L160xW(63+12)xH55mm including knobs1.
The bypass specification is TrueBypass for WAH-WAH mode only1. If you plan to run the pedal purely as a volume pedal, that mode distinction matters for how it sits in your signal chain.
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Questions
Is the JOYO WAH-II true bypass?
Yes, but only in wah-wah mode. JOYO's product page lists the bypass type as TrueBypass for WAH-WAH mode only, and the pedal has a WAH-WAH / BYPASS toggle switch alongside its WAH-WAH / VOLUME switch. When you are using the pedal as a volume pedal, that true bypass arrangement does not apply.
Does the JOYO WAH-II take a battery?
The available information does not cover battery operation. JOYO's product page gives the power voltage as DC9V (center minus) with a supply current of 18mA, which describes a standard 9V DC pedal power supply with a center-negative plug. No battery compartment or battery option is mentioned on the page.
How many frequency ranges does the JOYO WAH-II have?
Six. JOYO says 6 WAH-WAH frequency ranges are available, so you can choose different center frequencies to get diverse tones. The range knob adjusts the frequency range and the width of the sweep, working alongside the Q value knob.
Can the JOYO WAH-II be used as a volume pedal?
Yes. JOYO describes the Multimode WAH as a multifunctional wah-wah pedal featuring both wah-wah and volume functions. A WAH-WAH / VOLUME toggle switch selects the mode, and in volume control mode the minimum volume knob sets the level you get with the pedal fully toed down.
What does the Q knob do on a wah pedal?
The Q knob sets the intensity of the wah's filter peak. On the JOYO WAH-II, the Q value knob adjusts the sound from compact and sharp to mellow and wide. MusicRadar notes the knob is labelled 'quality' on the pedal. Higher Q settings give a sharper, more pronounced wah effect, while lower settings sound smoother and broader.
Sources (2)
- WAH-II MULTIMODE WAH_JOYO, JOYO, 2019-11-29
- Joyo launches compact multi-function wah/volume pedals, MusicRadar, 2019-03-20
