Walrus Audio harnesses the sound of vintage film projectors for 385 Overdrive pedal

Well, here's a point of inspiration that doesn't get cited much in the guitar world: the Bell and Howell 385 Filmosound vintage film projector. It sounds crazy, but it's this sound that's emulated by Walrus Audio's new 385 Overdrive pedal.

You see, tone-hungry guitarists have been playing through the valve-powered audio sections of these projectors and using them as guitar amps - Bell and Howell's version packs a dual 6V6 output section, and it's this tone that Walrus Audio sought to capture.

The pedal promises amp-like dynamic response, with the ability to cut and boost bass and treble via separate controls, while its internal circuitry ups a 9V input to 18V for more headroom.

The 385 is available to preorder from Walrus Audio for $199. We project good things.

Michael Astley-Brown

Mike has been Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com since 2019, and an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict for far longer. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and 15 years' experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. His writing also appears in the The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock as Maebe.