Walrus Audio ARP-87

A modern delay designed to cover the classics... and go further

The Walrus Audio ARP-87 is a digital delay pedal designed to provide access, in a compact format, to the main families of echoes used daily: the precision of digital, the warmth inspired by analog delays, the rougher character of Lo-Fi, and the ultra-short slapback typical of rockabilly/rock. The idea is not just to stack modes but to offer immediately musical variations, easy to adjust on a pedalboard, and rich enough to move from simple rhythmic support to more textured atmospheres.

For which guitarists and styles?

The ARP-87 is aimed equally at the beginner guitarist looking for a complete and easy-to-use first delay, and the experienced musician seeking an effective live delay pedal. Thanks to Tap Tempo and subdivisions, it shines in styles where timing is essential: pop, indie, rock, modern blues, worship, and all rhythmic approaches with dotted eighth-note "signature delay" feels.

In the studio, it serves both to thicken a rhythm part (short repeats, low feedback) and to build spatial depth on a lead. On stage, its Momentary and Trails functions allow for clean transitions: a held echo phrase controlled by foot, then a clean exit or, conversely, repeats that continue to live after you turn off the effect.

Controls, modes, and functions: a real toolbox

The pedal offers 4 delay programs: Digital, Analog, Lo-Fi, and Slapback. Tempo adjustment can be done via the Tap Tempo function, with a subdivision program (quarter note, dotted eighth, eighth note, eighth-note triplet) to instantly lock the repeat rate to the song. Delay time goes up to 1000 ms, covering short, medium, and longer repeats for ambient textures.

On the editing side, the ARP-87 focuses on direct and relevant controls: Level manages the effect volume, Dampen adjusts high-frequency attenuation in repeats (perfect for shifting from a bright delay to a softer echo), Repeats sets the number of repeats (feedback), and Ratio controls the ratio/subdivision linked to Tap Tempo. The X control adds an adjustable modulation, ideal for giving a subtle chorus/vibrato character to repeats, thickening a lead, or adding life to an arpeggio.

Two performance-oriented functions complete the package: Momentary to trigger the effect momentarily (for example, at the end of a phrase or an accent), and Trails to let repeats naturally decay when you bypass the pedal. For even more convenience on stage, an input for external Tap switch allows you to relocate the Tap Tempo to a dedicated switch.

Sound

The ARP-87's sonic character is typically "musical": it can stay very clean in Digital mode, with defined repeats that preserve picking attack and precision. The Analog mode offers a rounder feel thanks to less aggressive high-frequency repeats, perfect for preventing the delay from taking up too much space in the mix. Lo-Fi adds grain and a rawer texture, very useful for indie parts, atmospheric intros, or more "cassette" style vibes. Finally, Slapback delivers a short, percussive bounce that highlights rhythms and leads without drowning the signal.

The modulation adjustable via the X control ranges from a subtle movement (to widen the image and smooth the echo) to a more pronounced effect, very expressive on sustained chords and melodic lines. The result: a delay pedal capable of being discreet and utilitarian, or conversely creative and textured, while remaining easy to control with your foot.

Technical specifications

Effects	Delay	Type	sector
Technology	Digital	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Black

Maximum delay time	1000 ms	Weight	0.36 kg
4 delay programs	Digital, Analog, Lo-Fi, Slapback	Required power supply	9V DC
Tap Tempo subdivisions	quarter note, dotted eighth, eighth note, eighth-note triplet	Consumption	100 mA
Dimensions	121 x 66 x 41 mm