Walrus Audio introduces the 385 Overdrive Pedal, inspired by the tube amplifier used on ’50s film projectors.
Related Feature:
Best Overdrive Pedals
This pedal was inspired by guitarists who have been using modified guitar amps, that were taken directly from the tube-driven audio sections of old film projectors. When cranked, these modded amps produce compressed overdrive sound that many appreciate, and this is the same sound that the Walrus 385 Overdrive aims to replicate.
To start with, Walrus Audio designed this pedal to be responsive, much like actual tube amps. But it doesn’t end with just being another tube-amp-in-a-box, the company decided to capture the sound and feel of a specific amplifier, and it is the one found inside vintage Bell and Howell 385 Filmosound projectors.
Walrus Audio expounds, “For decades now, guitarists in search of pure tone have been taking the tube-powered audio sections of vintage film projectors and using it as a guitar amp. After endless hours of research on vintage Bell and Howell 385 Filmosound projector, Walrus has created a new overdrive modeled after the projector’s tone. The Bell and Howell 385 gracefully lends itself to create an amazing guitar amp. Its simple, but effective controls, plus dual 6V6 output section make for a simple and extremely responsive amp that has an amazing compressed overdrive when cranked.“
The Walrus 385 Overdrive mimics all the good features of the amplifier without the fragility and high-maintenance required of old tube amplifiers. The bass and treble knobs are modified in the pedal, in that they are no longer stacked behind the single tone knob, allowing for more tone shaping options, which most guitar players prefer. You can use the tone, bass and treble knobs to make subtle adjustments for pickup compatibility, or to totally shape the sound as you prefer.
The pedal runs on 9V DC (100mA minimum) power, but it is internally running at twice the voltage (18V) to give the pedal more headroom and to better replicate the dynamic feel of a tube amplifier. This results in improved sensitivity when compared to conventional overdrive pedal circuits.
In case you’re pedal board real estate is running low, Walrus Audio provided the actual dimensions of the unit: 4.77” x 2.6” x 1.39”. The pedal features a die-cast enclosure that can handle the usual rigors of gigging and transport. Finally, the Walrus 385 overdrive has a matte black finish with yellow ink that features the artwork seen on a vintage Belle and Howell 385 projector.
The new Walrus Audio 385 is expected to retail for $199, and is now available for pre-order. For further details and other information, you can head over to Walrus Audio
Related Articles:
Friedman BE-OD Overdrive Pedal
Looking for more gain? Check out our Top Distortion Pedals Roundup