Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $223
High-end/Boutique
$70
$201+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Walrus Audio Badwater Bass Preamp Pedal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Breathe life into your bass tone with the Walrus Audio Badwater Bass Preamp Pedal, a versatile and powerful tone sculpting tool designed to meet the needs of bassists across all styles. This multi-functional preamp and DI, with an internal always-on optical compressor, offers a broad range of shaping capabilities from subtle transient management to smooth sustain. It's all in your control with the Sustain knob.
The Badwater also boasts a Drive section, offering three selectable voicings for the perfect balance between low and high-frequency content. Adjust the Blend knob to seamlessly merge clean and distorted signals, adding depth and nuance to your sound.
Further enhancing its versatility, the Badwater comes with an extensive EQ section. You can boost or cut low, mid, and high frequencies to suit your needs, then dial in your perfect tone with the Low Mid Frequency (LMF) and High Mid Frequency (HMF) knobs.
The Badwater is more than just a preamp, it's your all-in-one solution for achieving that perfect bass sound, whether you're in the studio or on stage.
Key Features:
- Tone-shaping bass pedal functions as preamp and DI
- Optical compression, overdrive, and 4-band EQ
- Sustain knob adds compression for long sustain and smooth transients
- Drive control offers 3 different voicings and a Blend knob
- Level knob boosts or cuts Drive signal
- Boost/Cut EQ sections
- Ground lift eliminates pesky buzzing and humming
- Low mid frequency knob (LMF) and high mid frequency knob (HMF) sweep frequency ranges to dial in your perfect tone
- 1/4-inch and XLR can be used at the same time
- Does not accept phantom power
Product specs
| Brand | Walrus Audio |
| Model | Badwater Bass Preamp / DI, Badwater Bass Preamp / DI Limited Edition - Floral Series |
| Finish | Black / Teal, Navy Floral |
| Year | 2022 - 2025 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Bass Effect Pedals, Preamps |
| Color Family | Blue |
| Pedal Format | Standard |
FAQs
-
What features does the Walrus Audio Badwater Bass Preamp Pedal offer for tone shaping?
-
The Walrus Audio Badwater Bass Preamp Pedal provides a comprehensive EQ section with bass, mid, and treble controls, along with a drive section for adding grit and warmth to your tone, making it versatile for various music styles.
-
Can the Walrus Audio Badwater Bass Preamp Pedal be used as a DI box?
-
Yes, the Walrus Audio Badwater includes a DI (Direct Input) feature, allowing you to send your bass signal directly to a mixing console or audio interface, ideal for live performances and studio recording.
-
Is the Walrus Audio Badwater Bass Preamp Pedal suitable for live performances?
-
Absolutely, the Walrus Audio Badwater is designed with live performance in mind, featuring robust construction and versatile tone-shaping capabilities that make it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.
-
Does the Walrus Audio Badwater Bass Preamp Pedal work with active and passive basses?
-
Yes, the Walrus Audio Badwater is compatible with both active and passive basses, offering flexible tone control and signal boosting for a wide range of bass guitars.
-
What power supply does the Walrus Audio Badwater Bass Preamp Pedal require?
-
The Walrus Audio Badwater Bass Preamp Pedal requires a standard 9V DC power supply, commonly used with most pedalboards, ensuring easy integration into your existing setup.
Videos
walrusaudioeffects
Walrus Audio Pedal Play: Badwater Bass Pre-Amp & D.I.
Reviews
PROS
-
Superior to Tech21 Sansamp Bass Driver clones with a friendlier interface
-
Offers highly versatile overdrive with fantastic sound
-
Includes a high-quality compressor that adds significant sustain
-
Provides a "one tone knob simplicity" for easy EQ adjustments
-
Effortlessly integrates Compression, Overdrive, and EQ in one unit
-
Efficient for both live and home settings
-
Sits well in the mix, suitable for an ampless setup
-
Exceptional in achieving classic tones
CONS
-
Overdrive may sound like wild fuzz at higher settings, lacking tight, fizzy, grindy sound
-
EQ section not optimally voiced for cutting specific lower frequencies (below 500 Hz)
-
Considered a little pricey by some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Walrus Audio Badwater Bass Preamp Pedal.
Features and functionality
-
The onboard optical compressor integrates well with fuzz pedals, enhancing the overall sound without additional noise.
Source -
The Walrus Badwater features a parametric EQ with 4 bands, but some find the range designed more for guitarists than bassists.
Source -
Despite its analog appearance, the Badwater is not a fully analog pedal, which surprised some potential buyers.
Source
User experience
Comparisons
-
The DSM Bass Simplifier offers extensive EQ options and a cabsim, providing more bass-specific features compared to the Badwater.
Source
Value and pricing
-
The Badwater is on sale for $170, down from $300, as it is being discontinued by Walrus Audio.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artistGenre 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 Badwater Bass Preamp Pedal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Walrus Audio Bass Effects Pedals
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Bass Effects Pedals
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
vitormansurGear IQ 341
-