INSTANT GRATIFICATION
Here below is an “instant gratification” tour of the Badlander’s two channels using the top channel set to
CRUNCH for a heavy rhythm sound and the bottom channel set to CRUSH for a high gain soloing tone. This is
just one of the countless possible configurations you could use to dedicate the channels to different stylistic
roles and tasks. You may also set both channels to the same Mode to make footswitching between different
settings of the same gain range possible.
There are many possibilities for configuration across the entire gain spectrum, from traditional cleans to mod-
ern gain extremes, so set the channels according to your preferences, your instruments, and your needs and
experiment as much as possible. We feel confident that regardless of how you configure the two channels, the
Badlander will impress you with its rewarding Tone and incredible versatility.
HELPFUL HINTS
• We recommend having at least one speaker cabinet on the floor of the stage or room you are playing in.
The sympathetic resonance of the sound coming through the floor and up through your body results in
a more tactile feel that we, and most players, find favorable. There may be times when this is impossible,
impractical, or unadvisable, such as when there are many live mics with high input sensitivity dialed up on
the FOH or monitor console or where there are high stage volumes in place, and the bleed factor will be
too great. However, considering factors such as those, when possible, try having at least one cabinet on
the floor for a great sound and feel on the strings/instrument.
• Gain is only a part of great Tone. While the Badlander is capable of mighty amounts of gain, it is not neces-
sarily wise to apply it in excess. It IS a modern amp, yes, but it is also capable of GREAT Classic and more
traditional sounds that see the GAIN controls used with taste and in their middle ranges in all Modes. Sure,
there are also great sounds at the top of the GAIN controls, especially in CLEAN and CRUNCH Modes, but
we encourage you to explore the less extreme gain ranges in the Modes as well, for that is where some of
the most expressive, dynamic, and character-rich sounds reside.
• Use the MID control set in its middle to upper range to bring forward punch and tightness, or set below
11:00 to scoop the sound for a wider, more 3-D sound and a feel that can create the impression of less
resistance on the strings. The MID is very powerful in determining the character and blend within the Tone
Controls, and it should be experimented with in all three Modes to learn its part in the overall shape of the
sound ...Almost more than any of the other controls except perhaps the GAIN and TREBLE, as its setting
tends to determine much about the overall Tone as well as the feel.
• This circuit, like all those tracing some architecture through Britain and back to LA and the 50s Tweeds de-
signed by the late, great Leo Fender, finds the TREBLE control capable of very bright sizzle and formidable
cut. That can be useful, however, we find some of our favorite, most balanced sounds below 12:00 on the
TREBLE control. Some even turn the TREBLE all the way off for certain things, like liquid single note sounds
that are as fat as possible. Just be open to the possibility that you may find the TREBLE in the lower half of
its range for at least some of your favorite sounds.
120 V~
60 Hz
1.25 A
1.25 A
SLO
BLO
FUSE
POWER
POWER
STANDBY
ON
ON
INPUT
FTSW
MASTER
SEND
RETURN
FUSE
FX LOOP
PRESENCE
BASS
MID
TREBLE
GAIN
CH1
CH2
FT
SW
25W
10W
MESA
Part #497834
Badlander 25 Head INK COLOR: SIL
VER
9/1/2022 12:48PM
REV. 6 MD
WARNING:
Replace fuse with same type/rating only.
Do not expose to rain or moisture.
CAUTION:
Risk of Electric Shock. Do Not Open.
No user serviceable parts inside.
TUBE GUIDE
5 x 12AX7
2 x EL84
EL-84 TUBE POWER
EL84
/
25
C
R
U
N
C
H
CLEAN
CRUSH
C
R
U
N
C
H
CLEAN
CRUSH
ME
SA
BADLANDER
™
WARNING:
Unplug power
before servicing
fuse or chassis
4 OHM
4 OHM
8 OHM
HEADPHONES
LEVEL
USB
DIRECT OUT
SPEAKERS
CABCLONE
™
IR
8
2
1
3
4 5
6
7
8
2
1
3
4 5
6
7
LIFT
CH1
CH2
CAB
SELECT
GND
INTERNAL LOAD ACTIVE WHEN SPEAKER DISCONNECTED
AMPLIFIER
44YV
HAND-WIRED IN
PETALUMA, CA, USA
BADLANDER
™
25
ALL TUBE AMPLIFIER
PAGE 5