Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive

Walrus Audio 385: amp-in-a-box overdrive based on a vintage Bell and Howell film projector

The Walrus Audio 385 is based on an unexpected source: the Bell and Howell 385 Filmosound projector, whose audio section surprisingly functions well as a guitar amplifier. The 6V6 tubes of this device were known for their warm, gritty, and compressed drive sound at higher volumes, and the Walrus 385 convincingly reproduces that feel in a compact pedal format. Smooth, vintage, and immediate.

The 385 is a no-nonsense amp-in-a-box overdrive that derives its character from the interaction between Gain and Volume, complemented by separate Bass and Treble knobs that provide extensive control over the mid-spectrum. This makes the 385 particularly adaptable: from a transparent boost with subtle coloration to a thick, compressed drive reminiscent of an overdriven tube amplifier. The pedal responds well to your guitar's volume knob and stacks excellently with other drives.

The 385 has 1/4" input and output and is powered via 9V DC. Controlled via Volume, Gain, Bass, and Treble.