The Joyo Molo-Trem (JF-325) is a compact tremolo pedal from Joyo. A tremolo repeatedly raises and lowers the volume of your signal, and the Molo-Trem does this with a photoelectric circuit, the same general approach found in many vintage amplifiers. Joyo says of its character that "it sounds just like one of the tremolos you could find in vintage tube amps"1.
Controls and how they shape the sound
The Molo-Trem has three knobs, which Joyo describes as a simple control set for Rate (Speed), Depth (how much the volume fluctuates) and Wave1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Rate | Sets the speed of the tremolo |
| Depth | Sets how much the volume fluctuates |
| Wave | Changes the shape of the volume wave |
The Wave knob is the one that sets this pedal apart from a basic two-knob tremolo. Joyo says "The Wave knob is very cool because you can change it from a subtle triangle wave to a drastic square wave"1. In practice, a triangle wave gives a smooth, rounded swell, while a square wave switches the volume abruptly between levels. Pushed toward the square end, the pedal can produce what Joyo calls the more modern "stutter" sounds, useful for rhythmic pads, especially combined with a delay sound1.
Power
The pedal runs on a DC 9V adapter and draws 20 mA1.
Joyo lists no battery option for the Molo-Trem, so plan on a 9V power supply or a pedalboard power brick1.
Videos
JOYO AUDIO
intheblues
Old7StringGuy
Questions
Does the Joyo Molo-Trem take a battery?
No. Joyo lists the Molo-Trem's power requirement as a DC 9V adapter only, with no battery option mentioned. You will need a 9V power supply or a pedalboard power brick to run it.
How much current does the Joyo Molo-Trem draw?
Joyo specifies a running current of 20 mA at DC 9V. That is a light draw, so it is easy to power alongside other pedals on a typical multi-output supply.
Can the Joyo Molo-Trem do a stutter effect?
Yes. Joyo says the Wave knob can be set to a drastic square wave, and that this lets the pedal produce modern stutter sounds for rhythmic pads, especially when combined with a delay pedal.
Is the Joyo Molo-Trem an optical tremolo?
Yes. Joyo describes the Molo-Trem as a tremolo that utilizes a photoelectric circuit, which is the same general approach used by many vintage tube amp tremolos.
Sources (1)
- JF-325 Molo-trem_JOYO, JOYO
