Walrus Audio announces 385 MKII overdrive pedal with A/B switching

October 1, 2023 · 5 sources

Walrus Audio has issued an updated version of its 385 overdrive pedal, the 385 MKII, adding an A/B switch and a 385+ switch to the circuit first released in 2016¹². Pre-orders opened with the announcement, and pedals ship on 28 October, according to Gearnews².

The original 385 was inspired by the built-in amp of the Bell and Howell 385 Filmosound projector, an unlikely source that Guitar World describes as an incredibly niche bit of vintage kit that became popular among players for its dynamic response and tone¹. Gearnews notes that the projector's audio was powered by dual 6V6 output valves, and that many guitarists have modified them over the years as guitar amps².

The MKII adds an A/B switch to toggle between two sets of volume and gain knobs, and a 385+ switch that, in the maker's description, "slams the front end of the circuit for added high-gain saturation"³⁴. Guitar World reports that A and B-specific Gain and Volume knobs are joined by universal Treble and Bass controls, with a bypass footswitch and the 385+ toggle switch¹. Gearnews lists the controls as Vol A and Vol B plus Treble on the top row, and Gain A and Gain B plus Bass on the bottom row, with two footswitches for bypass and A/B switching². MusicRadar also reports internally increased voltage for more headroom and dynamics⁵, and Guitar World notes top-mounted jacks and soft-touch, relay true bypass¹.

Two finishes are offered: a flat black enclosure with cream design, and a black enclosure with a yellow and red illustration of the original 385 Filmosound drawn by David Hüttner⁵¹². Guitar World reports both are the same price, at $249¹. MusicRadar gives $249 with shipping from the end of October⁵, and Gearnews lists the same US price with shipping on 28 October².