The Sonuus Wahoo is a dual analog wah and filter stomp box for guitar and bass, made by Sonuus Limited and released in 2012 following its launch at The NAMM Show 20121. Instead of a single filter swept by a rocker pedal, it carries two filters, each configurable as low-pass or band-pass, and each able to operate independently in wah pedal, envelope, LFO, and pitch-tracking modes1. Sonuus describes the signal path as fully analog but digitally controlled, for what the company calls precision, configurability and adaptability1. It sits in the wider family of filter pedals and can cover ground normally split between wah-wah pedals, envelope-style filter pedals and phaser pedals.
What the two filters do
The Wahoo's two filters can each be set as low-pass or band-pass and run independently in four modes: wah pedal, envelope, LFO, and pitch tracking1. The filters have a frequency range of 10Hz to 4kHz, which is wide enough to reach down to bass fundamentals1. Sonuus pitches the pedal as able to recreate the character of vintage wah and filter pedals or, in the company's words, break new sonic barriers1.
Because the filters are independent, one can be doing the work of a conventional wah while the other is swept by an envelope or an LFO, which is where the Wahoo departs from a standard rocker-pedal design. The mode selector on the pedal selects LFO, envelope filter, pitch shift, or customized modes, according to Premier Guitar's reviewer3.
Power and connections
The Wahoo is powered by DC, battery or USB1. Performer Magazine's review, by Chris Devine, lists the options as 9V DC, four AA batteries, or USB with a 500mA maximum draw, and notes that no power supply is included in the box2. The computer connection is a standard Type B USB socket4, the same connector used on many printers and audio interfaces, and it serves for software editing and MIDI automation as well as power1.
No power supply comes with the Wahoo2. If you plan to run it from a daisy-chain or pedalboard supply, budget a dedicated 9V DC output, or use the USB port, which can power the pedal from a computer or USB power bank.
Connections and physical details, as listed by Performer Magazine2:
- Inputs: 1 x Instrument
- Outputs: 1 x 1/4"; USB Type B
- Dimensions: Height 7.559", Depth 2.874", Width 6.732"
- Weight: 2.866 lbs. without batteries
The chassis is described by Sonuus as sturdy, lightweight aluminum1, and Vintage Guitar notes that the firmware is upgradeable5.
Presets, editing and MIDI
Up to 100 settings can be stored as presets, according to Premier Guitar's review3. Editing and preset management happen over the USB connection, which Sonuus says also carries MIDI automation1. There is no MIDI DIN socket on the pedal; players who want to automate it from a MIDI setup do so through the USB port and the companion software.
Pricing and history
Sonuus opened presale orders in August 2012 at £200 in Europe and $299 in the US through Sonuus distributor Peterson Tuners, with regular pricing expected to be around £250 in Europe and $349 in the US4. The pedal was formally announced as released in September 201216. By the time of Premier Guitar's 2021 review, the street price was listed at $3493.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's reviewer tested the Wahoo with a Fender Stratocaster and a silverface Fender Bassman, setting it side by side with a Crybaby Classic, and found that a Les Paul gave preset F61 better tracking than single-coils3. The review's verdict:
"Wide range of high-quality wah, filter, and modulation effects. Easy to use and save presets. Top-notch build quality."
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Questions
Is the Sonuus Wahoo fully analog?
Yes. Sonuus describes the Wahoo as having a warm-sounding fully analog signal path that is digitally controlled for precision, configurability and adaptability1. The bypass is Transparent-True-Bypass, which the company says gives all the benefits of true bypass without the switching noise1.
Does the Sonuus Wahoo work with bass?
Yes. Sonuus announced the Wahoo as a wah/filter pedal for guitar and bass1, and its filters reach down to 10Hz1. Premier Guitar's reviewer used it with a bass amp, a silverface Fender Bassman, alongside a Stratocaster3.
Does the Sonuus Wahoo come with a power supply?
No. Performer Magazine lists "Power Supply Included: No" in its review2. The pedal runs on 9V DC, four AA batteries, or USB2.
Can the Sonuus Wahoo run on batteries?
Yes. Performer Magazine lists 9V DC, 4x AA batteries, and USB (500mA max) as the power options2. The listed weight of 2.866 lbs is without batteries fitted2.
Does the Sonuus Wahoo have MIDI?
Not a MIDI socket, but Sonuus says the Wahoo's USB connection supports software editing and MIDI automation1. The port is a standard Type B USB socket4 and doubles as a power source2.
Sources (6)
- Sonuus Releases the Wahoo Filter Pedal, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2012-09-25
- Sonuus Wahoo Analog Wah/Filter Pedal, Performer Magazine, 2013-03-25
- Sonuus Wahoo Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2013-03-11
- Sonuus Set to Ship Wahoo Dual Analog Filter Pedal, No Treble, 2012-08-22
- Sonuus Offers Wahoo Analog Wah/Filter, Vintage Guitar magazine, 2012-09-25
- Sonuus Introduces the Wahoo Filter Pedal, Premier Guitar, 2012-09-23