Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $167

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Walrus Audio 385". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive, a marvel in the world of guitar pedals that brings the coveted vintage film projector sound right to your fingertips. This is the embodiment of dynamic, responsive, tube-like, and amp-like tones that every guitarist dreams of. This overdrive is inspired by the vintage Bell and Howell 385 Filmosound projector, a piece of equipment widely repurposed by guitarists for its unparalleled tone. The 385 Overdrive captures the essence of this unique sound, delivering a responsive and beautifully compressed overdrive that mirrors the projector's audio prowess. Not just a mirror of the past, the 385 Overdrive enhances its historic inspiration with modern design elements. It boasts a wide array of tonal possibilities, allowing for creative tweaking of bass and treble to achieve your desired mid-frequency scoops and bumps. The pedal operates internally at 18V, replicating the dynamic feel of the original amp in a compact, easy-to-use stomp box. It reacts sensitively to your playing intensity, offering an interactive playing experience that makes your guitar truly sing. Key Features:

  • Overdrive effect modeled after the vintage Bell and Howell 385 Filmosound projector.
  • Simple yet effective tone control with separate bass and treble adjustments.
  • Internally runs at 18V for a dynamic, amp-like response.
  • Sensitive to playing intensity, offering a wide range of sonic possibilities.
  • Compact design for easy integration into any guitar rig.

Product specs

Brand Walrus Audio
Model 385 Overdrive, 385 Overdrive Limited Edition - Black Friday, 385 Overdrive Limited Edition - Floral Series, 385 Overdrive Limited Edition - National Park Series, 385 Overdrive Limited Edition - Projector, 385 Overdrive Limited Edition - Retro Series, 385 Overdrive Limited Edition - Santa Fe Series
Finish Anodized Red / Yellow, Black Floral, Black/Cream, Blackout, Cosmic Blue Projector, Frosted Charcoal Projector, National Park, Retro, Teal Santa Fe
Year 2010 - 2021
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What is the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive based on?

The Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive is inspired by the Bell and Howell Filmosound 385 projector, offering dynamic, tube-like overdrive tones with a simple control layout.

What type of power supply does the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive require?

The Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive requires a 9V DC power supply with a center-negative connection and a minimum current of 100mA.

Is the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive suitable for both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive works well with both guitar and bass, providing responsive and dynamic drive tones for a variety of musical styles.

How does the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive differ from other overdrive pedals?

The Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive is unique due to its inspiration from vintage projectors, delivering a warm, dynamic overdrive that reacts well to playing dynamics, unlike many traditional overdrive pedals.

Can the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive be used for live performances?

Yes, the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive is well-suited for live performances, offering robust construction and versatile tones that cut through in a band setting.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive

Video thumbnail for Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive by ProGuitarShopDemos

Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for The Most Dynamic Overdrive! Walrus Audio 385 Guitar Pedal Demo by Perfecto De Castro

The Most Dynamic Overdrive! Walrus Audio 385 Guitar Pedal Demo

Perfecto De Castro

Perfecto De Castro

Video thumbnail for Overdrive, Distortion, Boost and Fake Fuzz: Walrus Audio 385 - #193 Doctor Guitar by Budda Guedes

Overdrive, Distortion, Boost and Fake Fuzz: Walrus Audio 385 - #193 Doctor Guitar

Budda Guedes

Budda Guedes

Video thumbnail for Walrus Audio 385 overdrive - A pedal inspired by a film projector by We As A Company

Walrus Audio 385 overdrive - A pedal inspired by a film projector

We As A Company

We As A Company

Video thumbnail for One Minute Sound Demo: Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

One Minute Sound Demo: Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique overdrive voicing, unlike any other pedal

  • Versatile tone controls for flexible sound shaping

  • Excels both as a standalone drive and when stacked with other pedals

  • Can emulate an overdriven tube amp sound convincingly

  • Offers a wide range of tones, from slight breakup to fuzz

  • Works well with various guitars, enhancing their sound

  • Ideal for achieving a raw, organic tone reminiscent of classic artists

  • Can function as an "always on" drive or a faux fuzz for solos

CONS

  • Lacks a mid boost feature

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Walrus Audio 385.

Comparisons

  • The Walrus 385 offers a unique, characteristic sound distinct from the Blues Driver, with no shared tonal qualities.

    Source
  • The Blues Driver is perceived as versatile but often criticized for its 'fizzy' distortion, unlike the 385's smooth gain.

    Source
  • The 385 is described as "tweed-like" but distinct from traditional overdrives, offering a different flavor that stands out in a pedal chain.

    Source
  • Users note a significant tonal difference between the MKI and MKII, with the MKII being more distorted and less dynamic.

    Source
  • Some players suggest the 1981 DRV as an alternative for achieving fuzz-like tones, especially when the gain is maxed out.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 385 provides useful bass and treble controls, allowing for a range from clean to fuzzy distortion.

    Source
  • The Walrus 385 offers a mid-rangey, warm sound with a huge gain range, allowing for diverse tonal shaping through its dual tone knobs.

    Source
  • The MKII version includes a '+' switch for higher gain and two switchable channels, offering more versatility compared to the single channel of the original 385.

    Source
  • The MKII's footswitch can produce a loud pop, which might be a concern for live performance settings.

    Source

User experience

  • The pedal is noted for its extraordinary touch sensitivity, enhancing playability and tonal response.

    Source
  • Owners note its ability to achieve a cutting, pinched fuzz or a warm, velvety fuzz by adjusting the dual tone knobs.

    Source
  • Owners report that the 385 MKII has a more distorted and fizzy top end, which can be less dynamic compared to the original version.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Recommended settings: gain at 9 o'clock, volume at 1 o'clock, bass at 12, treble at 1-2, especially effective for clean treble boosts on neck pickups.

    Source
  • The 385 excels in providing both clean boosts and pushed fuzzy tones, making it versatile for dynamic playing styles.

    Source
  • The 385 excels in creating a "blown out" tone, making it suitable for replicating the guitar sound in bands like City and Colour.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Beware of used pedals; internal trimmers can affect tone if misadjusted. They should be set to factory calibration for optimal performance.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 15 Ratings

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satoriforsale

unique raw overdrive

I have never played over a real converted movie projector amp so I won't try and compare it to that sound. What it does for me is give me a unique, raw, overdrive tone that reminds me of Neil Young. It is organic and authentic and works well with other gain pedals (I use an ODR1 as a boost into it and can run both with my Brown Acid fuzz)

From Gear Setup
johnnymello

O melhor drive de segundo estágio que já tive

Clipagem top que não soa como um clichê Tube scream e é bem versátil e bem dinâmico e o controle de grave e agudo é bem responsivo

Eu amo o som desse pedal.

From Gear Setup
lucas_mayflower

Very responsive and textured drive!

Love using as an always on drive and sometimes a faux fuzz for solos!!

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Normal settings < Gain - 9 O'clock Bass - 2 O'clock Treble - 12 O'clock (Or slightly lower) Faux fuzz settings < Gain - 3 O'clock Bass - 2 O'clock Treble - 10 O'clock

sergey_fridburg

Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive

after a long search for overdrive, I stopped at this pedal, probably for me this is the best option

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Misha Mansoor uses Walrus Audio 385

Misha Mansoor

Guitarist, Drummer

Periphery

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Misha Mansoor, he showcases his pedalboard, featuring the Walrus Audio 385 overdrive pedal, as part of his "work in progress pedalboard/inspiration station."

See how Tyler Larson uses Walrus Audio 385

Tyler Larson

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

...
Verified via YouTube

Visible in this video at 1:36.

See how Dustin Kensrue uses Walrus Audio 385

Dustin Kensrue

Singer, Guitarist

Thrice

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Songs at the Shop: Episode 11 - Thrice" by Walrus Audio, Dustin Kensrue is seen using the Walrus Audio 385 overdrive pedal.

See how Joey Landreth uses Walrus Audio 385

Joey Landreth

Singer, Guitarist

The Bros. Landreth

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "That Pedal Show – Harmonic Tremolo, Joey Landreth & Associated Awesomeness," Joey Landreth discusses his use of the Walrus Audio 385 overdrive pedal.

See how Teppei Teranishi uses Walrus Audio 385

Teppei Teranishi

Guitarist

Thrice

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Songs at the Shop: Episode 11 - Thrice" by Walrus Audio, Teppei Teranishi is seen using the Walrus Audio 385 overdrive pedal.

See how Drew Shirley uses Walrus Audio 385

Drew Shirley

Guitarist

Switchfoot

...
Verified via Pedal-of-the-day

In an interview with Pedal of the Day, Drew Shirley of Switchfoot discusses his gear setup, which includes the Walrus Audio 385 overdrive pedal.

See how David Ryan Harris uses Walrus Audio 385

David Ryan Harris

Guitarist

Brand New Immortals

...
Verified via Photo

Shot of David Ryan Harris pedalboard featuring the 385 Overdrive by Walrus Audio. https://www.instagram.com/p/CMc7Errn-R-/

See how Jacob Tilley uses Walrus Audio 385

Jacob Tilley

Guitarist

Young the Giant

...
Verified via Premierguitar

This is what Tilley has on his rack in the second drawer

See how Tom Renaud uses Walrus Audio 385

Tom Renaud

Guitarist

Lord Huron

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live performance, there's a quick glance at Tom's pedalboard and a few items can be made out.

See how Eli Maiman uses Walrus Audio 385

Eli Maiman

Guitarist

Walk the Moon

...
Verified via Photo

Shot of Eli Maiman of Walk the Moon's board featuring the 385 Overdrive. https://www.instagram.com/p/BuR6TpZFMwL/

See how Eirik Stordrange uses Walrus Audio 385

Eirik Stordrange

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Demoed in this video.

See how Lights And Motion uses Walrus Audio 385

Lights And Motion

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this October 12, 2021 Instagram story, Lights and Motions’ pedalboard features the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive and the Walrus Audio Warhorn Overdrive.

Album Usage

The Walrus Audio 385 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Walrus Audio 385, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
johnnymello

johnnymello

Gear IQ 254

satoriforsale

satoriforsale

Gear IQ 397

johnnymello

johnnymello

Gear IQ 254

johnnymello

johnnymello

Gear IQ 254

tony_mascolo

tony_mascolo

Gear IQ 144

johnnymello

johnnymello

Gear IQ 254

johnnymello

johnnymello

Gear IQ 254

eugene_blac

eugene_blac

Gear IQ 117

satoriforsale

satoriforsale

Gear IQ 397

hubert_vigilla

hubert_vigilla

Gear IQ 193

1 alternative for Walrus Audio 385, curated by the Equipboard community.

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Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    luxiu
    luxiu

    Gear IQ 44626