Walrus Audio Mako R1 MKII

A MK II Designed to Go Further Without Losing the Spirit of the R1

This MK II version retains the DNA of the MAKO R1 while orienting it even more towards "pro" use: clearer navigation thanks to the screen, access to secondary controls, and advanced integration via MIDI. The idea is simple: to keep an inspiring reverb for playing, while offering the precision and repeatability essential when working with presets, quick song changes, or stereo setups.

Who Is the MAKO R1 MK II For?

The MAKO R1 MK II is aimed at guitarists (and stereo rig users) who want a versatile reverb pedal capable of shifting from subtle ambiance to massive soundscapes. It suits both intermediate players and demanding musicians thanks to its immediate controls and advanced parameters.

It excels in ambient, post-rock, pop, alternative rock, shoegaze, and film music, while remaining credible for more traditional sounds (Spring/Plate) when simply seeking depth and air around the signal. In the studio, stereo and feedback EQ help place the reverb precisely in the mix; live, the ducking keeps the attack clear even with long tails.

Controls, Presets, Connectivity: A Stereo Reverb Tailored for the Modern Pedalboard

Each program features dedicated controls for shaping the space. The Size control adjusts the "room" feel (perceived size and reverb breadth), while Diffuse lets you tweak the reflection texture: softer and enveloping or sharper and more defined depending on the context. The Feedback EQ sculpts the reverb tone to avoid a "veil" effect and better balance lows, mids, and brightness.

The Ducking/Swelling function is central to the experience: in ducking mode, the reverb becomes discreet during playing then naturally rises, improving clarity for riffs and fast passages; in swelling mode, the effect becomes more expressive, ideal for soundscapes and cinematic swells. The menu screen facilitates access to secondary parameters (like modulation rate and ducking), and the pedal can store up to 128 presets to organize your sounds by setlist or project.

For integration, the MAKO R1 MK II offers MIDI compatibility (external control and preset selection), full stereo input/output connectivity, and a USB-C port for firmware updates.

Sound

The MAKO R1 MK II aims for a hi-fi reverb: the stereo image is wide, definition remains solid, and the pedal responds well to playing nuances. The Spring program emulates the spirit of tube amp springs, with a surf rock-inspired character; Plate provides smooth, musical diffusion, very effective for thickening a sound without pushing it back; Hall opens large immersive spaces for arpeggios and singing leads.

For more pronounced textures, BFR pushes the reverb into a huge, exuberant format with rich harmonics and cavernous decay. Refract offers a more experimental approach, perfect for creating soundscapes and unusual movements. Finally, Air brings shimmering brightness and ideal decay for ambient pads, especially when combining light modulation and an appropriate diffusion setting. Thanks to ducking and feedback EQ, you can maintain that "big screen" feel while preventing the reverb from swallowing the attack.

Technical specifications

Effects	Reverb, Effects	Type	sector
Technology	Digital	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Black
EQ	Yes

6 reverb programs	Spring, Hall, Plate, BFR, Refract, Air	Size control	adjusts room size and reverb for each program
Spring algorithm	tube amp spring reverb emulation, surf rock-inspired	Diffuse control	influences "softness" and "hardness," as well as reverb reflection behavior
Hall algorithm	large immersive spaces	Feedback EQ control	shapes the reverb sound
Plate algorithm	classic analog plate reverb, smooth diffusion	Stereo input	2 x 6.35mm Jack
BFR algorithm	huge and exuberant reverb, cavernous decay, rich harmonics	Stereo output	2 x 6.35mm Jack
Refract algorithm	space dedicated to experimental soundscapes	Dimensions (D x W x H)	12.5 x 6.7 x 6.4 cm
Air algorithm	shimmering reverb, ideal decay for ambient music	Weight	0.36 kg