The MXR WA44 Wylde Audio Overdrive is a guitar effects pedal in the overdrive category, made by MXR as part of its collaboration with Zakk Wylde. Jim Dunlop's manual describes it as a "muscular stomp box" that "will transform your amp into a heavy, chunky crunch machine"1. The pedal marked the 20th anniversary of the collaboration between Dunlop and Zakk Wylde1.
Controls and connections
The WA44 keeps its front panel simple: one knob, one footswitch and the standard input and output jacks1.
| Control or jack | What it does |
|---|---|
| OUTPUT knob | Adjusts overall effect volume1 |
| FOOTSWITCH | Toggles effect on or bypass; a red LED indicates when it is on1 |
| INPUT jack | Connect a cable from your guitar1 |
| OUTPUT jack | Run a cable to your amplifier1 |
Power and battery
The pedal runs on 9 volts DC and draws 2.2 mA1. Jim Dunlop specifies a 9-volt AC adapter such as the Dunlop ECB003, or an MXR Brick Series power supply1. It can also run from a single 9-volt battery, fitted by removing the pedal's bottom plate1.
The WA44's bypass is listed as Hardwire, not true bypass1. With the effect off, the signal still passes through the pedal's circuitry, which some players factor into pedalboard placement.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Effect type | Overdrive2 |
| Power requirements | 9 volts DC1 |
| Current draw | 2.2 mA1 |
| Input impedance | 1 MΩ1 |
| Output impedance | 7.5 kΩ1 |
| Nominal input | -22 dBV1 |
| Noise floor | -88 dBV, A-weighted1 |
| Bypass | Hardwire1 |
Related MXR overdrives
MXR's overdrive line includes several other signature and standard drives, among them the MXR Wylde Audio Zakk Sabbath Overdrive, a limited edition version of this pedal, as well as the MXR Sugar Drive, MXR Timmy and MXR EVH5150 Overdrive.
Videos
ChoptonesOfficial
Euge Valovirta
Questions
Does the MXR WA44 take a battery?
Yes. According to Jim Dunlop's manual, the WA44 is powered by a single 9-volt battery. To install or replace it, you remove the pedal's bottom plate. The pedal can also run from a 9-volt DC adapter such as the Dunlop ECB003 or an MXR Brick Series power supply.
Is the MXR WA44 true bypass?
The manual lists the WA44's bypass as Hardwire rather than true bypass. In Hardwire bypass the signal still passes through the pedal's circuitry when the effect is off, which is a buffered-style arrangement rather than a straight mechanical connection.
What power adapter works with the MXR Wylde Audio Overdrive?
Jim Dunlop specifies a 9-volt DC adapter such as the Dunlop ECB003, or an MXR Brick Series power supply. The pedal draws only 2.2 mA, so it sits lightly on almost any pedalboard power supply.
How do I change the battery in the WA44?
Remove the pedal's bottom plate to reach the battery compartment, as described in the Jim Dunlop manual. The pedal runs from a single 9-volt battery.
What is the input impedance of the MXR WA44?
The manual gives an input impedance of 1 MΩ, with an output impedance of 7.5 kΩ and a nominal input level of -22 dBV.
Sources (2)
- WA44.pdf, Jim Dunlop, 2023
- Artists - Zakk Wylde - Dunlop, Dunlop (jimdunlop.com)
