Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $160

High-end/Boutique

$60

$151+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Elevate your sound without the clutter—meet the Walrus Audio Plainsman, a dual-stage clean boost pedal that's as straightforward as it is versatile. With the ability to switch between an 8 and 15dB boost, this pedal offers precise control over your signal's intensity. Whether you're looking to subtly enhance your tone or push your amp to its sweet spot, the Plainsman stands ready without coloring your sound. Its high-grade components ensure a clean boost that's both reliable and musically inspiring. Perfect for musicians seeking a pure signal boost with the added flexibility of tone shaping, this pedal is a minimalist's dream with maximum impact.

Key Features:

  • Dual-stage boost allows for an 8 or 15dB increase in signal strength
  • Tone boost toggle offers optional enhancement of signal's tone
  • High-grade components for a clean, reliable boost
  • Simple, intuitive design for easy operation
  • Ideal for achieving a pure signal boost or driving an amp harder

Product specs

Brand Walrus Audio
Model Plainsman Clean Boost
Finish Black / Gold
Year 2014 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of boost does the Walrus Audio Plainsman provide?

The Walrus Audio Plainsman is a clean boost pedal designed to enhance your guitar signal without altering its tone, offering up to 15 dB of clean gain.

Can the Walrus Audio Plainsman be used with both electric and acoustic guitars?

Yes, the Walrus Audio Plainsman can be used with both electric and acoustic guitars, providing a clean boost to enhance your instrument's natural sound.

Does the Walrus Audio Plainsman require a specific power supply?

The Walrus Audio Plainsman requires a 9V DC power supply with a minimum of 100mA. It's recommended to use an isolated power supply for optimal performance.

How does the Walrus Audio Plainsman differ from a typical overdrive pedal?

Unlike overdrive pedals that add distortion, the Walrus Audio Plainsman is a clean boost pedal, which increases the volume of your signal while maintaining its original tone.

walrusaudioeffects

walrusaudioeffects

Walrus Audio Plainsman Dual Stage Clean Boost Technical Demo

Video thumbnail for Walrus Audio Plainsman Dual Stage Clean Boost Technical Demo by walrusaudioeffects

Walrus Audio Plainsman Dual Stage Clean Boost Technical Demo

walrusaudioeffects

walrusaudioeffects

Video thumbnail for Walrus Audio Plainsman Dual Stage Clean Boost | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Walrus Audio Plainsman Dual Stage Clean Boost | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Walrus Audio Plainsman (demo) by Living Room GD

Walrus Audio Plainsman (demo)

Living Room GD

Living Room GD

Video thumbnail for Walrus Audio Plainsman demo by Lance Seymour by Lance Seymour

Walrus Audio Plainsman demo by Lance Seymour

Lance Seymour

Lance Seymour

Video thumbnail for Vox AC15 with Walrus Audio Plainsman by The Tone Lounge

Vox AC15 with Walrus Audio Plainsman

The Tone Lounge

The Tone Lounge

Video thumbnail for Walrus Audio 이펙터 Plainsman Clean Boost by BUZZBEE TV

Walrus Audio 이펙터 Plainsman Clean Boost

BUZZBEE TV

BUZZBEE TV

Reviews

PROS

  • Transparent boost, maintains clean signal integrity

  • Effective for pushing pedals and amps

  • Dual boost settings offer versatility

  • Tone knob allows for signal shaping

  • Purple LED and soft touch switch enhance usability

CONS

  • Introduces noise at +15db setting

  • Tone control can make signal darker/muddier

  • Volume loss when tone control is engaged

  • Some users find the tone knob ineffective

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The knobs are finely ribbed and slimmer than typical, allowing easy adjustment even with sneakers.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The dB switch offers a significant audible difference between 8 and 15 dB.

    Source
  • The tone switch brightens as it's turned from 12 to 5 o'clock, offering a dynamic range.

    Source
  • The 15 dB setting can slightly drive the tone when maxed out, adding versatility beyond a simple volume boost.

    Source
  • The 8dB setting is preferred for bedroom playing, offering a manageable boost without overwhelming volume levels.

    Source
  • The tone circuit can be disabled, significantly quieting the pedal and altering its sonic character.

    Source

User experience

  • The pedal's soft touch switch is responsive and noiseless, differing from traditional click switches.

    Source
  • Input/Output jacks are positioned toward the bottom of the pedal, preferred for easier cable management.

    Source
  • The switch placement near the pedal's bottom minimizes accidental knob adjustments during use.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the pedal's aesthetic appeal, with several noting its visual beauty.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners find the $150 price steep for a boost pedal, suggesting buying used as a cost-effective alternative without compromising quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Plainsman's switch reliability is highlighted compared to the Joyo Roll Boost, which is criticized for notorious switch failures.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Engaging the tone circuit provides a "squishy fat" tone for solos or a "clear and bright" sound at lower volumes.

    Source
  • When placed before drive pedals, the Plainsman enhances the signal pre-gain, altering the drive characteristics effectively.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Walrus Audio Plainsman review on pedal-of-the-day.com

pedal-of-the-day.com

The Walrus Audio Plainsman offers a compact yet potent solution for clean boost needs, impressing with its dual-stage options of +8dB and +15dB boosts. It provides versatile control with switches to toggle EQ and tone functions, standing out among standard boost pedals. While it's not revolutionary, the pedal's flexibility and solid performance make it a valuable addition to any pedalboard. Its sleek design, complete with a bright LED indicator and click-less footswitch, adds to its appeal, making it a sonically effective and aesthetically pleasing option for guitarists.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
derrick_j_lugo

Simple and very useful

Great simple boost that I used during a pretty huge gig at Baltimore Soundstage. Does exactly what you want it to do. I didn't get any added noise personally and it pushed my amp to where it needed to be for the parts I needed it to scream. It's pretty small considering most Walrus Audio pedals tend to be on the Chonkier side. Highly recommend if you want a pedal that can kick the teeth of a sterile amp.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ángel Parra uses Walrus Audio Plainsman

Ángel Parra

Guitarist, Composer

Los Tres

...
Verified via YouTube

Ángel Parra showcased his pedalboard at the Pulsar International Music Fair 2014, as seen in the video by Fuse Electronics. The video confirms that he uses the Walrus Audio Plainsman pedal.

See how Tom Blankenship uses Walrus Audio Plainsman

Tom Blankenship

Bassist

My Morning Jacket

...
Verified via The Latest Noise

In this interview Tom Blankenship of My Morning Jacket says he used the Walrus Audio Plainsman on his Live pedalboard set up. https://thelatestnoise.com/tom-blankenship-my-morning-jacket-part2

See how Eirik Stordrange uses Walrus Audio Plainsman

Eirik Stordrange

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Reviewed in this video.

See how Emmett Miller uses Walrus Audio Plainsman

Emmett Miller

Singer, Guitarist

Diarrhea Planet

...
Verified via Photo

Emmett Miller's pedalboard, featured on Diarrhea Planet's Instagram, includes the Walrus Audio Plainsman boost effects pedal.

Used With

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

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1
Wampler The Low Blow
Wampler The Low Blow Bass Effects Pedals
1

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

TC Electronic Spark Mini Booster

$39.00 - $69.99

similar sound cheaper alternative

Does the same job but with a more minimalist control scheme.

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Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    armoftyr
    armoftyr

    Gear IQ 357