TEST: Joyo Zombie II

I can vividly imagine how much the development departments of amplifier manufacturers have tried in recent years to shrink the last major component of the signal chain, the loudspeaker, to a minimum for the sake of transportability and have so far always failed. Moving air is a completely different construction site than, for example, the amplifier between the instrument and the speaker. If this were to succeed, tops such as the Joyo Zombie II on test would gain a completely different status than is already the case.

Construction and conception of the Joyo Zombie II

The guitarist of today fights an eternal battle between the priorities of sound and transportability. Without a doubt, the classic all-tube heads have by far the best sound, depending on the manufacturer and model, but they also make you pay for it with corresponding manufacturing, maintenance and transport costs. In addition, there is nothing more annoying than having to heave the massive backline into the band bus after the show, if possible alone, because all the band mates have long since gone over to the after-work beer or the shaker hour.

I also started to use portable and powerful analog amps for the airshows, to make me independent from the locally rented, but partly completely unmaintained amps. What I got on stage in Russia or South America is beyond description. However, in order to preserve the fun of a top and still be able to work with the smallest dimensions, the Chinese company Joyo with its banTamP (no typo!) Series relies on a dwarf army of now 13 different types, which all have the same housing dimensions of just 163 mm x 140 mm x 110 mm and go into the race with only 1.3 kg weight.

The Joyo Zombie II available for testing even has a dual-channel design and can be switched using the included footswitch and a connecting cable or via a mini-switch on the front of the case. The output power is specified as 20 watts at 8 ohms, whereby Joyo explicitly points out not to go below this number of ohms. A look inside the case reveals a lone 12AX7 tube, which quickly puts the "Tube Amp" designation into perspective. As expected, one cannot expect a full tube design at a retail price of only €149, especially since the technical requirements could not be met with this amount of space. So if you drive the Joyo Zombie II through a 16 Ohm speaker, you have to consider that due to the Class D power amplifier the power is reduced by about half again, i.e. the maximum volume decreases by almost 12%.

However, the amp is certainly cute, especially since the massive steel carrying handle could easily manage 20 times the weight. The case is crisscrossed by several air vents to be able to dissipate the waste heat of the preamp tube, whereas the waste heat of a single 12AX7, respectively ECC83 should not be a real challenge. Unpacking the product, a slight "scent" of rail sill and flexed metal emanated from the package, as if the amp had been packaged while it was still cooling down. Manly! :-) Included with the Joyo Zombie II is a speaker cable, foot switch cable, footswitch and external power supply.

The front

The front of the Joyo Zombie II takes advantage of the limited space available without being crowded. The two channels have the same three controls, which are divided into Gain, Tone and Volume. The manufacturer has probably omitted a real three-band tone control for cost reasons. The controls are very pleasantly heavy-handed, so that an accidental adjustment of the other controls is avoided due to the tight space conditions. Below the aforementioned manual channel selector is a Bluetooth On / Off switch, which allows you to wirelessly add your Bluetooth device to the guitar signal as an external sound source if needed. Three LEDs inform about the channel selection and the operating status. The input jack and the power switch, which is also designed as a mini switch, form the final part.

The back

On the outer left is a comparatively large Bluetooth antenna, which probably didn't find room inside the case due to space and shielding reasons. This is a discreet drawback, since it runs the risk of being bent due to its exposed position, but it can be unscrewed for transport. Next to it is the input socket of the included 18V / 2.0 A power supply, whereby the plug sits firmly, but unfortunately a bit wobbly in the socket. Next to the speaker output is the footswitch input, a headphone output which switches off the speaker as expected, and even a serial FX loop is present, a feature rarely found in this performance class. The headphone output is frequency corrected, reducing the sawing highs that would otherwise occur without the inertia of the speaker. The small amp rests on four comparatively large feet, but their rubber compound is a bit hard, so that the light amp quickly starts to slip. If you place the amplifier on top of a speaker, make sure that the cable entry has an appropriate strain relief.

The Joyo Zombie II in practice

I have to admit, the little guy has something, if he would be colored a little bit more yellow, you could build a bridge to the Minions. Put the amp on a 412 cabinet and you have the laughs on your side. But only until you switch on the amp, which is indicated by a blue LED on the right side of the front panel. he power that comes out of the speaker is something you wouldn't expect from the dwarf. The approx. 10 watts, which the amp pushes out of my 16 Ohm 412 Marshall Vintage guitar cabinet, are actually enough to play a club gig, provided you don't have a drummer who plays too dynamically and he still uses a "real" acoustic set.

Although the amp is often regarded as a pure practice amp, in my opinion this sells the amp short. Well, in terms of tone control, you have to make a few concessions in relation to the Tone control, since this is more a pure treble blend and also the bass range is the pipsqueak a little weak on the chest, but for such areas, if necessary, you can gladly place a 7-band EQ before the amp or also in the FX loop. Switching between the two channels is accompanied by a slight crackle, but this is still within limits in practice.

The tonal orientation of the amp is dubbed a "defined high-gain amp" (is there also an undefined high-gain amp ???), which can be recognized by the fact that the amp can only produce crunch sounds with the volume control turned down. Even with minimal gain, the amp already achieves lead sounds, so that you can use overdrive or distortion pedals almost exclusively in the clean channel. In principle, there is nothing negative to say about this, I myself like to create crunch sounds very much with the volume control, but at higher gain settings the amp produces a not insignificant background noise level, which can only be controlled with a noise gate in the FX loop.

From the haptic approach, the Joyo Zombie II clearly strives in the direction of the Nano Heads from Hughes & Kettner, but does not quite reach their sonic quality, but has the Bluetooth connection, a two-channel design and the FX loop in the bag. Nevertheless, one must attest the amp a really good basic sound, which goes far beyond the level of other "dwarf heads". In addition, the amp reacts quite well due to the analog preamp tube to the level of the guitar, so that you can already drive a lot of sound via the volume control.

Depending on the pedalboard size, the amp could theoretically even be mounted on a floorboard, although there could be some problems with the height. From the cable length of the power supply, however, you can place the amp on a 412 cabinet and the power supply on the floor. A fullstack, on the other hand, won't work anymore, but probably won't be the amp's primary use either :-)))

Conclusion

With the Joyo Zombie II, the Chinese manufacturer has a tiny head in its portfolio that has it all. With its tiny dimensions, it fits in any pocket and is suitable for both practice and club show applications due to its two-channel orientation.

If you're looking for an ultra-portable, great-sounding top and can stand the laughs of your bandmates, you should give this amp a try.

Additional informations:

Joyo Amplifier is a renowned company specializing in the design and manufacturing of guitar amplifiers and effects pedals. Established in 2006, Joyo has quickly gained recognition in the music industry for its commitment to producing high-quality products at affordable prices. This comprehensive report will delve into the world of Joyo Amplifier, exploring its history, product range, notable features, and its impact on guitarists worldwide.

History and Vision: Joyo Amplifier was founded with the vision of providing musicians with accessible and reliable amplification solutions without compromising on sound quality. The company's roots can be traced back to China, where it began as a small enterprise. Over the years, Joyo has grown exponentially, expanding its product lineup and establishing a strong presence in the global market.

Product Range: Joyo Amplifier offers a wide range of guitar amplifiers and effects pedals, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of guitarists. Let's explore some of the notable product categories within the Joyo lineup:

Tube Amplifiers: Joyo's tube amplifiers combine vintage-inspired design with modern features. These amplifiers utilize vacuum tube technology to deliver warm and rich tones sought after by many guitarists. They offer various power options, ranging from low-wattage practice amps to high-powered models suitable for live performances.

Solid-State Amplifiers: Joyo's solid-state amplifiers provide a reliable and cost-effective solution for guitarists. These amplifiers use transistors instead of vacuum tubes, offering increased durability and portability. Solid-state amplifiers from Joyo are known for their versatility, delivering a wide range of tones suitable for various music genres.

Modeling Amplifiers: Joyo's modeling amplifiers integrate digital technology to emulate the sound characteristics of different amplifier models and effects pedals. These versatile amps allow guitarists to access a wide range of tones, from classic vintage sounds to modern high-gain tones. Modeling amplifiers often feature built-in effects, multiple channels, and connectivity options for seamless integration with recording and performance setups.

Effects Pedals: Joyo Amplifier is also renowned for its extensive range of effects pedals. From overdrive and distortion to modulation, delay, and reverb, Joyo offers a diverse selection of pedals to enhance the guitarist's sound palette. These pedals are highly regarded for their affordability, durability, and authentic tones, rivaling more expensive options on the market.

Notable Features and Innovations: Joyo Amplifier stands out in the industry due to its commitment to innovation and the incorporation of advanced features. Some noteworthy features and innovations found in Joyo products include:

Compact and Portable Design: Many Joyo amplifiers and effects pedals are designed with portability in mind. They are lightweight, compact, and ideal for both studio use and live performances, making them popular choices for gigging musicians and traveling guitarists.
Versatility: Joyo products are known for their versatility, offering a wide range of tones and effects. Guitarists can easily dial in their desired sound, whether it be classic vintage tones, modern high-gain distortion, or ambient textures. This versatility allows musicians to explore different musical genres and adapt to various playing styles.

Durability and Affordability: Joyo Amplifier prides itself on producing products that are built to last. Despite their affordable price points, Joyo amplifiers and effects pedals are constructed with high-quality components, ensuring reliability and longevity. This combination of durability and affordability has made Joyo a preferred choice for musicians on a budget.

Integration with Digital Technology: Joyo has embraced digital technology, incorporating features such as USB connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone apps for enhanced control and flexibility. These advancements enable musicians to streamline their recording and performance workflows, opening up new creative possibilities.

Impact and Reputation: Joyo Amplifier has gained a solid reputation among guitarists, both amateur and professional, around the world. The company's dedication to producing quality products at affordable prices has made high-quality amplification and effects more accessible to a broader audience. Joyo's products have garnered positive reviews for their reliable performance, authentic tones, and value for money.

Conclusion: Joyo Amplifier has emerged as a prominent player in the guitar amplification market, offering musicians a diverse range of amplifiers and effects pedals that combine quality, versatility, and affordability. With its commitment to innovation, durability, and customer satisfaction, Joyo has earned the trust and admiration of guitarists worldwide, empowering them to shape their sound and creativity without breaking the bank.