Walrus Audio 385 Overdrive MKII Black

A Vintage Character Inspired by a Legendary Projector Amp

The 385 MK2 draws inspiration from the very distinctive tone of a tube amplifier integrated into a "Bell and Howell 385 Filmosound" projector. This type of circuit, originally designed for projection, has become iconic among guitarists for its organic overdrive, natural bite, and its way of "pushing" the mids without crushing dynamics. In this MK2 version, the spirit of the original model is preserved, with a second channel that transforms the pedal into a true stage tool: two ready-to-use sounds, footswitchable.

Who Is the 385 MK2 For?

This overdrive is aimed at guitarists who want a lively drive, capable of going from clean that dirties up with playing to a thicker saturation without losing chord definition. It naturally fits into blues, rock, indie, garage, and alt genres, but it also works very well as a characterful boost in front of an already crunchy amp. In the studio, it's ideal for layering takes thanks to its clarity; live, the A/B switch allows managing verse/chorus or rhythm/lead without touching knobs. Pedalboard-friendly format, top-mounted jacks: practical when space is limited.

Features and Controls: Two Channels, True Tone Control

The pedal offers two independent channels, each with its own Volume and Gain : Volume A, Gain A, Volume B, Gain B. The idea is simple and effective: set one channel for an edge-of-breakup or precise crunch, and the other for a higher gain level (or solo volume). The active Bass and Treble EQ (cut/boost) provides rare flexibility on an overdrive of this type: you can brighten a dark humbucker, thicken a single coil, scoop an intrusive low midrange, or add just the right amount of attack to cut through the mix.

The A/B switch allows footswitching between the two channels, while the 385+ mode adds an extra gain stage for a thicker, richer sound with more sustain-ideal for leads or denser riffs. All is controlled by soft-click relay switches and a True Bypass to preserve the signal when the pedal is off.

The Sound

The 385 MK2 delivers an overdrive that is both meaty and articulate, with a very pronounced "amp-like" feel: the sound opens up when attacked, cleans up easily by rolling back the guitar volume, and maintains great chord definition. The internal 18 V operation brings breadth and dynamic reserve that avoids excessive compression: perfect if you like to feel the response under your fingers. On channel A, you get a tight and precise drive; on channel B (or with 385+ ), the tone becomes thicker, more saturated, with more present sustain while remaining musical and mix-friendly.

Technical specifications

Effects	Overdrive	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Black
EQ	2 channels

Controls	Volume A, Gain A, Treble, Bass, Volume B, Gain B	Input impedance	1 MOhm
Active EQ	Cut/Boost of lows and highs	Output impedance	10 kOhm
Footswitches	Bypass, A/B	Power supply	9 V DC
385+ switch	adds a gain stage for a thicker, richer sound with additional sustain	Consumption	minimum 100 mA
Input	6.35mm mono jack	Internal operation	18 V
Output	6.35mm mono jack	Dimensions	12.1 x 6.6 x 3.5 cm