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Walrus Audio’s 385 Gets a Dual-preset Upgrade





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Some of the distinctive sounds in guitar history have emanated from rather unexpected places. So it was with Walrus Audio’s 385 Overdrive, a pedal based on the audio output section of an old tube-powered film projector. Delivering the same unique tone that made the original 385 such a success, the 385 Overdrive MkII elevates the formula with an enhanced control section. The MKII pedal now features a secondary A/B footswitch, A/B Gain knobs, and A/B Volume controls, allowing you to instantly switch between two custom-crafted presets on the fly. Moreover, a new switchable 385 setting slams the input of the pedal with an additional gain stage to cover even wilder and heavier sounds. For the guitarist seeking an utterly idiosyncratic dirt pedal to cut through the sea of overdrive stompboxes, Walrus Audio’s 385 Overdrive MkII raw, raspy bite delivers in spades.





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Dedicated A/B preset controls





When we first got our hands on the original 385 at Sweetwater, we couldn’t help but be impressed by the sheer variety of tones on tap. After all, it’s a pedal that models a full-fledged tube guitar amp (film projector origins notwithstanding), so it makes sense that even the slight tweak of a volume knob or gain control can completely transform your tone. The 385 Overdrive MkII capitalizes on that tonal flexibility with a secondary A/B footswitch and dedicated A/B Volume and Gain knobs. This handy setup allows you to dial in two drastically different tones, granting the 385 Overdrive MkII the ability to instantly swap between edge-of-breakup rhythms and dimed lead tones at the stomp of a switch.





385 switch unlocks an additional gain stage





There’s no denying that the 385 Overdrive MkII’s snarling sound lies firmly within old-school amp overdrive territory, but what if you’re after just a touch more gain? Simple: flip the 385 switch to blast the 385 Overdrive MkII’s input section with an additional gain stage for a seriously aggressive degree of saturation. From bolstering low-output single-coil pickups to searing dirt-laden solos, the 385 switch effectively turns the 385 Overdrive MkII into a dual-voiced monster of a stompbox.





Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive MkII Pedal Features:


Expanded V2 version of Walrus Audio’s 385 Overdrive, with a significantly enhanced control section


Tonally inspired by the tube-powered audio section of a vintage Bell and Howell 385 Filmosound projector unit


18V operation captures the interactive and dynamic feel of a true tube amp


2-band global EQ to shape your sound


A/B Footswitch, along with A/B Volume and Gain knobs, allows you to instantly swap between 2 tonal presets


Red/White LED indicates whether you’re set to the A or B side of the pedal


385 switch slams the pedal’s input section with an additional gain stage for seriously aggressive tube-style saturation


Soft-touch switch with true-bypass switching to keep your dry tone pure


Top-mount jacks for easy integration onto your pedalboard