www.peavey.com
Decade
®
Too
Guitar Amplier
and Extension Cab
Operating
Manual
FCC/ICESCompliancyStatement
ThisdevicecomplieswithPart15oftheFCCrulesandIndustryCanadalicense‐exemptRSSStandard(s).Operationis
subjecttothefollowingtwoconditions:(1)thisdevicemaynotcauseharmfulinterference,and(2)thisdevicemust
acceptanyinterferencereceived,thatmaycauseundesiredoperation.
LeprésentappareilestconformeauxCNRd’lndustrieCanadaapplicablesauxappareilsradioexemptsde
licence.L’exploitationestautoriséeauxdeuxconditionssuivantes:(1)I’appareilnedoitpasproduirede
brouillage,et(2)I’utilisateurdeI’appareildoitacceptertoutbrouillageradioélectriquesubi,mêmesile
brouillageestsusceptibled’encompromettrelefonctionnement.
Warning:ChangesormodificationstotheequipmentnotapprovedbyPeaveyElectronicsCorp.canvoidthe
user’sauthoritytousetheequipment.
Note–ThisequipmenthasbeentestedandfoundtocomplywiththelimitsforaClassBdigitaldevice,
pursuanttoPart15oftheFCCRules.Theselimitsaredesignedtoprovidereasonableprotectionagainst
harmfulinterferenceinaresidentialinstallation.Thisequipmentgenerates,uses,andcanradiateradio
frequencyenergyand,ifnotinstalledandusedinaccordancewiththeinstructions,maycauseharmful
interferencetoradiocommunications.However,there
isnoguaranteethatinterferencewillnotoccurina
particularinstallation.Ifthisequipmentdoescauseharmfulinterferencetoradioortelevisionreception,
whichcanbedeterminedbyturningtheequipmentoffandon,theuserisencouragedtotryandcorrectthe
interferencebyoneormoreofthefollowingmeasures.
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Caution
The equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment.
ENGLISH
Decade Too™Guitar Amplifier
e new Joshua Homme Decade Too™ is the deafest Peavey amp presently available and oers
performance and features that utilize the latest in technology and electronic components. Renowned
Peavey scholar, the Honorable Doctor Joshua Homme wanted to include a full compliment of operat-
ing controls to enable this new practice amp to create widely variable harmonic textures as well as a
variety of equalization found in much larger and more powerful units. e Joshua Homme Decade
Too™ presents total exibility at the price level of most manufacturer’s “toy amps”. e original "De-
cade" Amp has been a staple in Dr. Joshua's amp arsenal for years and has been used to track every
instrument imaginable, from guitar to kick drum, and everything in between.
Our special input preamp utilizes new and unique circuitry to yield tremendous gain, dynamic range
and functional versatility. e new SATURATION™ circuit enables tube-like sustain and overload
characteristics to be obtained at relatively low levels as oen required by motel/hotel room and home
practice situations. e Joshua Homme Decade Too™ features a switch to provide either the standard
clean tone, or the SATURATION™ setting may be used, which automatically switches in super high
gain and harmonically rich input circuitry yielding the mellow overload and sustaining characteristics
oen found when operating tube-type amps at maximum gain. A post gain (master volume) control
has been provided to allow total control over the dynamics and overall level of the Joshua Homme
Decade Too™.
In order for a practice amp to be worthy of the name, it must be able to reproduce the tonality and
harmonic content of larger stage equipment, but at a reduced and controllable level. e Joshua
Homme Decade Too™ has a full brace of equalization controls including the vital middle control so
necessary for achieving the rich, full sustain so oen required in contemporary music. In addition to
this EQ, Doctor Joshua Homme has added all new BASS and TOP enhancement switches for further
sonic embellishments.
Rugged ¾” materials are used in the cabinetry, while the electronics are powered by a high eciency
regulated universal power supply that can be used on any AC line in the world to allow maximum
performance from the Decade Too™ rugged 10 watt power amplier. is new power amp is pro-
tected from transients as well as short circuits and is capable of signicantly more acoustic output
than normal 10 watt amps because of the unique and exclusive design of the power supply and output
stage. A specially designed 8” speaker has been tted to project the carefully contoured frequency
response and tremendous dynamic range of this powerful little amp.
To make the Decade Too™ even more versatile, a preamp out jack has been included on the rear panel
to allow driving external power amps, tape decks, etc.. Doctor Joshua also chose to add a buered
eects loop, transformer balanced XLR direct interface, external speaker jacks, and an all new speaker
phase switch to take this little guy to the next level.
e performance, features and overall construction of the Decade Too™ make it unique in its power
category. As with almost any reasonably complex system, experimentation, understanding, and a few
hours use are the keys to achieving full utilization of this unit’s impressive capabilities.
DECADE TOO™:
- A performance-ready version of the 1980 Peavey Decade amp voiced by the man himself; Doctor
Joshua Homme.
- A mighty 10W(rms) linear power amp IC drives either 8 or 4 Ohm loads via dual 1/4" speaker jacks.
- All-new 8", 8 Ohm internal Celestion driver voiced like the best of the Rola speakers used from
1980-83.
- Single input with remote switchable SATURATION switch function.
- PRE GAIN and POST GAIN controls.
- ree-band LOW, MID, and HIGH equalization with all-new BASS and TOP enhancement
switches.
- Remote switchable EFFECTS SEND and RETURN loop.
- Old-school transformer balanced XLR direct interface with LEVEL control and GROUND LIFT
switch.
- Unbalanced 1/4" tip/sleeve line level output.
- Speaker PHASE switch for feedback inversion eects.
- Dual 1/4" speaker outputs for connecting to various cabinets.
- Universal AC Input for convenient use in any location, worldwide.
DECADE TOO™ EXTENSION CABINET:
- 1x8" Extension cab for superior projection and enhancement of the DECADE TOO amplier.
- All-new 8", 8 Ohm Celestion driver voiced like the old Rola speaker, circa 1980.
- Heavy-gauge steel rack and screw handles allow for precise vertical rotation of the cabinet.
- DECADE TOO amplier nests squarely into the top of the rack for superior oor coupling without
aecting the "oating" cabinet.
- Opens up the DECADE TOO amp for extreme feedback experimentation in conjunction with the
PHASE switch.
1) INPUT
This jack accepts all incoming instrument signals.
2) SATURATION™ SWITCH
When depressed, this switch engages the SATURATION™ effect which greatly increases both the
gain and harmonic content even at low output levels. With this switch in the “out” position, the
SATURATION™ effect can be toggled on and off using a remote footswitch (Peavey #03620970,
Multi-purpose 2-button footswitch WITHOUT LEDs) as might be required in the studio or home
recording situation and is another indication of the unique design of the JOSHUA HOMME
DECADE TOO™. NOTE: Using a footswitch with LEDs will not allow for remote switching of the
SATURATION™ effect.
3) PRE GAIN
This control operates to set the gain of the input circuitry. Please note that the “0” and “10” calibra-
tion and any particular setting of this control does not reflect the output power but is an indication
of the gain being developed in the Joshua Homme Decade Too™ preamp. Output power is deter-
mined by the amp’s overall sensitivity and the output from your instrument.
4) POST GAIN
This control is the final gain determining element before the power amplifier and is used to vary the
sensitivity of the power amp input stage. This important control is absolutely necessary in almost
any modern amplifier since it enables separate settings of input versus output gain providing total
control of overall “gain structure” of the amplifier. Often the post (master) gain is used at lower set-
tings while the pre gain is set towards maximum to obtain the sustain and dynamics of a performing
situation, while maintaining a relatively low output level as determined by post gain control settings.
5) EQUALIZATION CIRCUITS
The Decade’s™ equalization circuitry has been designed to provide the musician with an extremely
wide range of tonalities. Because we have included a very effective middle control which interacts
to varying degrees with both the high and low equalization, a virtually infinite number of tonal
contours can be arrived at to precisely tailor the timbre of the instrument/amplifier into almost any
conceivable configuration. Most professional guitar players spend a tremendous amount of time
“fine tuning” and exploring the capabilities of their equipment. Just as the guitar player must learn
his instrument in order to maximize his, and it’s, potential……..so it is with his amplification setup.
In order to fully realize the tremendous potential designed into this amp, you owe it to yourself and
to your art to experiment with and fully explore the dynamics and tonal potentialities available in
this versatile system.
6) LOW EQUALIZATION
The low equalization control determines the amount of bass present in the output signal and is
continuously variable over an extremely wide range. Unlike many competing amplifiers, whose low
POWER
OFF
SATURATION
FSW
BASS TOP
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
MID
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
100
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
LOWPOST
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
PRE
EQUALIZATIONGAININPUT
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
JOSHUA
HOMME
™
HIGH
SEND
MIN MAX
RETURN
CHANNEL/
LOOP
NON-LED
FSW ONLY
SPEAKER OUT
SPEAKER JACKS
PARALLELED
PREAMP OUT
DIRECT INTERFACE
TRANSFORMER
BALANCED
T/S
UNBALANCED
EFFECTS LOOP
REMOTE SWITCH
50/60Hz
10 WATTS
Consumo de energia 10Wh
100-240V
~
AC INPUT
PHASE
LIFT
GRND
GROUND LIFT
Designed and
Engineered
in U.S.A.
Made in China
10W RMS/ 6.32V RMS
4 MINIMUM
JOSHUA HOMME
™
LEVELXLR OUT
1
23
4
5
6 7
8 9 10 11
Front Panel
EQ has virtually no effect, our equalization circuitry provides a drastic change in tonality. To achieve
an even greater range, the low frequency EQ has been designed to slightly overlap the action of the
middle control to facilitate these two controls “interfacing” to produce the subtle tonal variation so
often needed in modern music. Experimentation, again, is the key. It is generally desirable to have
less than full bass boost when playing extremely heavy “rock n’ roll” since most of the amplifiers
famous for this type of sound tend to have limited low end capabilities. The action of this low EQ
control is conventional in that increasing amounts of low frequencies are available as the control is
rotated clockwise. Therefore, no operational difficulties should be encountered.
7) BASS ENHANCEMENT SWITCH
This all new switch enhances the low frequency response of the amp by extending the low end and
shifting the center frequency of the mid control upward, whilst leaving the high frequency response
intact. Doctor Joshua added this to further aid in tracking options for experimenting.
8) MIDDLE CONTROL
Many manufacturers tend to overlook the vital midrange frequencies since it’s possible to “preset” the
middle by use of internal components and achieve a decent sounding unit. Because our amplifiers
are used by musicians from all over the world playing all different kinds of music, we felt that it was
necessary to include a workable and effective middle control. Our middle control, unlike those of
most competitors, has a pronounced and readily apparent effect over the vital midrange frequencies.
Our experience has indicated that in the majority of cases, the real difference in the sound of various
amplifiers is made in the middle frequency range and not in the low and high end. Recognizing this
fact, our middle control has been designed in a special way that allows the middle control to actually
extend, to some degree, into the low and high ranges, this allowing some degree of interaction with
those controls. Through arranging our mid EQ circuit in this manner, we have created the ability
to incrementally adjust the low, mid and high EQ controls together in such a way a to produce a
virtual rainbow of tonal coloration. Experimentation, again, is the key to uncovering the potential
of this unique EQ circuitry. Clockwise rotation will result in increasing amounts of midrange, while
counterclockwise rotation will produce a cutting action in the midband. For clean types of playing,
it is generally desirable to have some degree of cut in the midrange, while “hard rock” material will
generally require full clockwise (“10”) settings of the middle EQ.
9) TOP ENHANCEMENT SWITCH
This new switch enhances the high frequency response of the amp by providing an extreme boost
within a particular range of frequencies. The effect is akin to the timbre a small AM radio with a bad
speaker. Its effect is meant to be extreme and shocking, per Doctor Joshua.
10) HIGH EQUALIZATION
Our high equalization control determines the amount of high frequency content of the output signal
and produces an extremely wide range of tonal effect. The action of this control is conventional and
should present no operational problems since clockwise operation produces increasing amounts of
high end response. The amount of high end boost will vary with different playing styles, brands of
instruments, types of strings and, of course, the kind of music being played. Generally speaking,
extended high end response is not necessarily good when using full harmonic or distortion effects.
11) POWER SWITCH and LED
Press the switch to the “ON” position to apply power to the unit. The POWER LED will illuminate to
indicate power has been supplied to the unit.
12) AC POWER CORD
is line cord provides the AC power to the unit. Connect the line cord to a properly
grounded AC supply. Damage to the equipment may occur if improper line voltage is used.
(See voltage marking on unit.) Never remove or cut the ground pin of the line cord plug.
NOTE: FOR UK ONLY
As the colors of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the col-
ored markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: (1) e wire which is
colored green and yellow must be connected to the terminal which is marked by the letter E, or
by the earth symbol, or colored green or green and yellow. (2) e wire which is colored blue
must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N, or the color black. (3)
e wire which is colored brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the
letter L or color red.
13) REMOTE SWITCH JACK
This new ¼” TRS jack allows for remote switching of both the SATURATION™ and effects loop de-
feat functions. Use Peavey #03620970, Multi-purpose 2-button footswitch WITHOUT LEDs. NOTE:
Using a footswitch with LEDs will not allow for remote switching of the SATURATION™ effect.
14) EFFECTS LOOP
The effects loop provides a buffered signal from the preamp via the SEND jack that can be used to
drive external effects devices. The output of said devices can then be fed back into the RETURN
jack so that the effected signal can proceed to the power amplifier section. The performance of time
based effects such as reverbs and digital delays that might sound odd in the main input of the ampli-
fier can be greatly improved by placing them in this EFFECTS LOOP, instead.
15) TRANSFORMER BALANCED XLR DIRECT INTERFACE
To meet the demands of performance and recording situations, we have included a real transformer
balanced XLR direct out with a dedicated level control that is inset to the chassis so that it is not ac-
cidentally changed when the user reaches behind the amp. A ground lift switch is also included for
the purpose of breaking “hum” loops that may be created when the amp is connected to external AC
line powered equipment with earth ground connections.
16) PREAMP OUT JACK
To provide even greater versatility, we have provided a preamp output jack which is capable of deliv-
ering more than 1 volt into 10K ohms or greater. This preamp output signal has been provided for
driving external equipment such as power amplifiers, tape recorders, effects units, as well as any other
device with a load impedance that is greater that 10K ohms.
17) PHASE SWITCH
This heavy-duty metal toggle switch is connected to the speaker outputs and is capable of reversing
POWER
OFF
SATURATION
FSW
BASS TOP
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
MID
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
100
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
LOWPOST
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
PRE
EQUALIZATIONGAININPUT
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
JOSHUA
HOMME
™
HIGH
SEND
MIN MAX
RETURN
CHANNEL/
LOOP
NON-LED
FSW ONLY
SPEAKER OUT
SPEAKER JACKS
PARALLELED
PREAMP OUT
DIRECT INTERFACE
TRANSFORMER
BALANCED
T/S
UNBALANCED
EFFECTS LOOP
REMOTE SWITCH
50/60Hz
10 WATTS
Consumo de energia 10Wh
100-240V
~
AC INPUT
PHASE
LIFT
GRND
GROUND LIFT
Designed and
Engineered
in U.S.A.
Made in China
10W RMS/ 6.32V RMS
4 MINIMUM
JOSHUA HOMME
™
LEVELXLR OUT
12
18 1617
15 14 13
Rear Panel
the phase of the signal to the speakers, which in turn, reverses the phase relationship between guitar
and speaker. When the amplifier is way up loud and being driven to the point of acoustic feedback,
the harmonics present can be toggled between the fundamental frequency and octave(s) up. The
guitar used is the most critical part of how well this switch functions. In general, this switch will
be much more responsive to hollow bodied guitars than to solid bodied guitars, as is approved by
Doctor Joshua.
18) SPEAKER OUTPUTS
These paralleled ¼” speaker outputs are used to drive the internal speaker of the Decade Too™ in
addition to another 8 Ohm cabinet, if desired. Minimum total impedance is 4 Ohms.
Specifications
POWER AMPLIFIER SECTION:
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
+0, -3 dB, 60 Hz to 10 KHz@ 1W into 4 ohms
RATED POWER & LOAD:
10W AMS into 4 ohms
POWER@ CLIPPING:
4 ohms, 1 KHz, 120 VAC line
Typically:
12W RMS@5% THD
14W RMS@10% THD
POWER@ CLIPPING:
4 ohms. 1 KHz, 14 d.c. line
Typically:
4W RMS @ 5% THD
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION:
Less than 1%, 100 mW to SW RMS, 60 Hz to 10 KHz,
4 ohms. Typically below 0.5%
PREAMP SECTION:
THE FOLLOWING SPECS ARE MEASURED@ 1 KHz WITH THE CONTROLS PRESET AS FOL-
LOWS: POST GAIN, LOW & HIGH
EO, FULL CLOCKWISE; MID EQ, FULL COUNTER CLOCKWISE; NOMINAL LEVELS ARE
WITH PRE GAIN@ 12:00;
MINIMUM LEVELS ARE WITH PRE GAIN@ FULL CLOCKWISE
PREAMP INPUT CHARACTERISTICS:
Normal Input Impedance: High Impedance, 220K ohms
Nominal Input Level: -28 dBV. 40 mV RMS
Minimum Input Level: -46 dBV. 5 mV RMS Maximum Input Level: 0 dBV, 1 V RMS
SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO & NOMINAL INPUT LEVEL:
68 dB, 20 Hz to 20 KHz unweighted
EQUALIZATION:
Special Low, Mid & High passive type EO circuitry
POWER REQUIREMENTS: (DOMESTIC)
50W. 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Dimensions (H x W x D): 13.5” x 12.5” x 7.0”
Weight: 11.4 lbs. 5.17 kg
Specications subject to change without notice.
Logo referenced in Directive 2002/96/EC Annex IV
(OJ(L)37/38,13.02.03 and defined in EN 50419: 2005
The bar is the symbol for marking of new waste and
is applied only to equipment manufactured after
13 August 2005
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Warranty registration and information for U.S. customers available online at
www.peavey.com/warranty
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Features and specications subject to change without notice.
Peavey Electronics Corporation 5022 Hartley Peavey Drive Meridian, MS 39305 (601) 483-5365 FAX (601) 486-1278
