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Average Price: $167
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$50
$176+
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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
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What is the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive based on?
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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.
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What type of power supply does the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive require?
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The Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive requires a 9V DC power supply with a center-negative connection and a minimum current of 100mA.
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Is the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive suitable for both guitar and bass?
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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.
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How does the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive differ from other overdrive pedals?
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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.
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Can the Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive be used for live performances?
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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.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive
Reviews
PROS
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Unique overdrive voicing, unlike any other pedal
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Versatile tone controls for flexible sound shaping
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Excels both as a standalone drive and when stacked with other pedals
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Can emulate an overdriven tube amp sound convincingly
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Offers a wide range of tones, from slight breakup to fuzz
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Works well with various guitars, enhancing their sound
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Ideal for achieving a raw, organic tone reminiscent of classic artists
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Can function as an "always on" drive or a faux fuzz for solos
CONS
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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
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The Walrus 385 offers a unique, characteristic sound distinct from the Blues Driver, with no shared tonal qualities.
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The Blues Driver is perceived as versatile but often criticized for its 'fizzy' distortion, unlike the 385's smooth gain.
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The 385 is described as "tweed-like" but distinct from traditional overdrives, offering a different flavor that stands out in a pedal chain.
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Users note a significant tonal difference between the MKI and MKII, with the MKII being more distorted and less dynamic.
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Some players suggest the 1981 DRV as an alternative for achieving fuzz-like tones, especially when the gain is maxed out.
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Features and functionality
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The 385 provides useful bass and treble controls, allowing for a range from clean to fuzzy distortion.
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The Walrus 385 offers a mid-rangey, warm sound with a huge gain range, allowing for diverse tonal shaping through its dual tone knobs.
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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.
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The MKII's footswitch can produce a loud pop, which might be a concern for live performance settings.
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User experience
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The pedal is noted for its extraordinary touch sensitivity, enhancing playability and tonal response.
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Owners note its ability to achieve a cutting, pinched fuzz or a warm, velvety fuzz by adjusting the dual tone knobs.
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Owners report that the 385 MKII has a more distorted and fizzy top end, which can be less dynamic compared to the original version.
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Use cases and applications
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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.
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The 385 excels in providing both clean boosts and pushed fuzzy tones, making it versatile for dynamic playing styles.
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The 385 excels in creating a "blown out" tone, making it suitable for replicating the guitar sound in bands like City and Colour.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 15 Ratings
397
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)
254
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.
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
356
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
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."
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.
In the video "That Pedal Show – Harmonic Tremolo, Joey Landreth & Associated Awesomeness," Joey Landreth discusses his use of the Walrus Audio 385 overdrive pedal.
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.
In an interview with Pedal of the Day, Drew Shirley of Switchfoot discusses his gear setup, which includes the Walrus Audio 385 overdrive pedal.
Shot of David Ryan Harris pedalboard featuring the 385 Overdrive by Walrus Audio. https://www.instagram.com/p/CMc7Errn-R-/
In this live performance, there's a quick glance at Tom's pedalboard and a few items can be made out.
Shot of Eli Maiman of Walk the Moon's board featuring the 385 Overdrive. https://www.instagram.com/p/BuR6TpZFMwL/
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.
Community setups
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