The Wampler decibel+ is a buffer and boost pedal: one box that keeps your guitar's signal intact over long cable runs and, when you want it, adds a clean volume lift. Wampler Pedals announced it in November 2012 as the latest addition to their pedal lineup, describing it as "a pedal that offers excellent, stable buffering AND a fantastic clean boost, in one great, durable, easy-to-use package"1.
It belongs to the wider family of buffer pedals, but it is also a boost, and the two jobs share a single control1.
What it does
The decibel+ does two jobs at once:
- As a buffer, it keeps the guitar's signal strong through the pedal chain, which matters on larger boards and long cable runs where high frequencies can fade1.
- As a clean boost, it pushes volume or gain without changing the core tone1.
- Both jobs are set with one knob, the pedal's only control1.
Wampler described the single knob as adding "gain and volume simultaneously at the perfect rate," so turning it up raises both the boost level and the drive into the front of the amp together, rather than asking the player to balance two separate controls1. The company summed up the pedal's role this way:
"Studio or stage, it's a one-knob problem solver toolkit in pedal form"
Design and construction
Wampler highlighted the parts inside the pedal, stating it uses "High grade film capacitors and resistors picked for their superior sound and response"1. The company also addressed the question of where the circuit came from, stating the decibel+ is "NOT a clone or copy of any other product on the market"1.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Buffer and clean boost1 |
| Controls | One knob (gain and volume together)1 |
| Bypass | Completely true bypass1 |
| Power | 9V power jack, barrel plug like Boss pedals1 |
| Battery | Battery connection included1 |
| Current draw | 6mA1 |
| Dimensions | 2.25" x 4.25" (57.15mm x 107.95mm)1 |
| Construction | Hand made in the U.S.A.1 |
Power and switching
The decibel+ runs from a 9V power jack with a barrel plug like Boss pedals, and it also includes a battery connection1. Its power draw is listed at 6mA1, which is low enough that it sits easily on any pedalboard supply.
The pedal is completely true bypass1. When it is switched off, the buffer and boost are out of the signal path entirely.
Size and availability
Wampler listed the pedal's dimensions as 2.25" x 4.25" (57.15mm x 107.95mm)1, a compact footprint that suits a crowded board. The announcement included a video demo by Tom Quayle for Wampler1.
Videos
Wampler Pedals
Wampler Pedals
Tom Quayle
Questions
Is the Wampler decibel+ true bypass?
Yes. Wampler described the decibel+ as completely true bypass, meaning that when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through the mechanical bypass switch without any electronic circuitry in the way. That matters for players who want the buffering only when the pedal is engaged, and who prefer not to have any active stage between guitar and amp when the effect is switched out.
Does the decibel+ take a battery?
Yes. The decibel+ includes a battery connection alongside a 9V power jack that uses the same barrel plug as Boss pedals. That means it can run from a battery for occasional use, or from a standard 9V DC center-negative supply or pedalboard power brick for regular use. Its power draw is low, listed at 6mA, so it is easy on any supply.
What size is the Wampler decibel+?
Wampler listed the decibel+ at 2.25 inches by 4.25 inches, or 57.15mm by 107.95mm. That is a compact footprint by pedal standards, so it fits on a crowded board without taking up much room, though it is larger than some dedicated mini buffers on the market.
Is the decibel+ a clone of another pedal?
No. In the announcement, Wampler stated the decibel+ is not a clone or copy of any other product on the market. The company described it as an original design, with high grade film capacitors and resistors picked for their sound and response, built around the goals Brian Wampler set for its buffering fidelity, boost and ease of use.
Where is the Wampler decibel+ made?
The decibel+ was hand made in the U.S.A., according to the announcement of the pedal. Wampler Pedals built the pedal as part of its lineup of effects, and the hand-built construction was one of the points the company highlighted alongside its component quality and true bypass switching.
Sources (1)
- Wampler Pedals Releases the Decibel+ Buffer/Boost, Premier Guitar, 2012-11-28