The Walrus Audio Badwater Bass Pre-Amp & D.I. is an all-in-one bass preamp and DI pedal combining optical compression, overdrive, and a four-band EQ in one box1. Premier Guitar called it "a bass tone magnification device" when it launched in May 2022, at a retail price of $2992. Walrus Audio describes it as a tool to dial in everything from warm cleans, gritty chords, punchy drive, or bright and crisp slap sounds3.
What it does for a bass rig
The Badwater is built to sit at the front of a bass rig and cover the jobs that would otherwise take several pedals. The signal path starts with an internal optical compressor that is always on, then feeds into the overdrive and the EQ, and finishes at the outputs. Both a 1/4 inch instrument signal and an XLR line-level output are available, and they can run simultaneously, so the pedal can drive an amp on stage while feeding a mixing desk a balanced line3. Premier Guitar described the design as "optical compression that your signal hits first, then feeds into an adjustable" overdrive and EQ2.
A ground lift switch isolates the GND pin on the XLR to help reduce hum if it is present3.
Compression and overdrive
The compressor is internal and optical. It is first in the signal path and always on, though its strength is adjustable from the Sustain control3. Premier Guitar characterized it as "Optical comppression for smooth, added sustain"2. Optical compressors use a light-dependent element to control gain reduction, which players often associate with a smoother, less abrupt action than VCA designs; the Badwater gives no control over attack or release, only the single Sustain knob.
The overdrive section is adjustable, sitting after the compressor and before the EQ2. Walrus Audio positions the pedal's range as covering warm cleans through punchy drive, so the drive can be backed off for a clean preamp tone or pushed for grit3.
The four-band EQ
The EQ is a boost/cut design with four bands: low, high, and two sweepable mid bands. The low and high controls offer up to 12dB of boost or cut, while the Mid, LMF, and HMF controls offer up to 10dB1.
| Control | What it does | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Bass shelving boost/cut | +/- 12dB1 |
| Mid | Fixed mid boost/cut | +/- 10dB1 |
| LMF | Sweepable low-mid boost/cut | 500 Hz to 2.4 kHz, +/- 10dB1 |
| HMF | Sweepable high-mid boost/cut | 3.5 kHz to 7.5 kHz, +/- 10dB1 |
| High | Treble shelving boost/cut | +/- 12dB1 |
The two sweepable mid bands are the working center of the EQ. The LMF knob covers 500 Hz to 2.4 kHz, the range where bass body and lower fingerboard growl live, while the HMF knob covers 3.5 kHz to 7.5 kHz, where string definition and slap brightness sit1. Being able to cut as well as boost in both ranges means the pedal can pull out mud or tame harshness rather than only adding frequencies.
Power and connections
The Badwater does not accept power from phantom power. Phantom power sent to the XLR output is blocked out and will not damage the unit, so it is safe on a stage with phantom-powered mixer channels, but the pedal still needs its own supply3.
Power requirements are 9V DC, center negative, with a 300mA minimum, and Walrus Audio recommends an isolated power supply for powering all of its pedals3. The 300mA draw is well above what a typical 9V battery or a low-current daisy chain position is meant to deliver, so an isolated output rated for it is the practical choice.
Where it came from
Walrus Audio launched the Badwater Bass Pre-Amp & D.I. in May 2022, announcing it as available at walrusaudio.com and through authorized dealers worldwide at a retail price of $2992. The pedal comes in a matte black die-cast enclosure with dark green and light blue ink, with art inspired by the Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, illustrated by Josh Yosurack3. The enclosure measures 3.62" x 4.79" x 2.25" including knobs3.
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Questions
Is the Walrus Audio Badwater discontinued?
Yes. Walrus Audio lists the Badwater Bass Pre-amp and D.I. among its discontinued pedals, and the blemished units the maker still had on its site are sold out. It was launched in May 2022 at a retail price of $299.
Does the Walrus Audio Badwater come with a power supply?
The Badwater runs on 9V DC, center negative, with a minimum of 300mA, and Walrus Audio recommends an isolated power supply for all of its pedals. It does not accept phantom power over the XLR output; phantom power is blocked and will not damage the unit.
What frequencies do the LMF and HMF knobs sweep on the Badwater?
The Low Mid Frequency (LMF) knob sweeps from 500 Hz to 2.4 kHz, and the High Mid Frequency (HMF) knob sweeps from 3.5 kHz to 7.5 kHz. Both mid bands, plus the Mid control, offer up to 10dB of boost or cut, while the low and high controls offer up to 12dB.
What kind of compression does the Badwater use?
It uses an internal optical compressor that sits first in the signal path and is always on, with its strength adjustable from the Sustain control. Premier Guitar described it as optical compression for smooth, added sustain that the signal hits before the overdrive and EQ.
How much did the Walrus Audio Badwater cost?
When Walrus Audio launched it in May 2022, the Badwater Bass Pre-Amp and D.I. carried a retail price of $299. It is now discontinued, and the blemished units on the maker's site have sold out.
Does the Badwater Bass Pre-amp and D.I. accept phantom power?
No. Walrus Audio states that the Badwater does not accept power from phantom power. Phantom power sent down the XLR cable is blocked out and will not damage the unit, so it is safe to use with mixers that supply phantom power.
Sources (4)
- Badwater Bass Pre-amp and D.I., Walrus Audio
- Walrus Audio Unveils the Badwater Bass Preamp and D.I., Premier Guitar, 2022-05-19
- Badwater Bass Pre-amp and D.I., Walrus Audio
- Xero Polylooper, Walrus Audio
