1. Introduction
The Walrus Audio Iron Horse Lm308 Distortion V2 is a high-gain guitar effects pedal designed to deliver a wide spectrum of distortion tones. From thick, warm overdrive to aggressive, saturated high-gain sounds, this pedal offers versatility for various musical styles. The V2 iteration includes updated controls for enhanced usability and tonal shaping.
2. Features
- Classic Distortion Tones: Delivers thick, punchy, and rowdy distortion.
- Updated Level Control: Facilitates easier dialing in of unity gain.
- Enhanced Tone Control: Allows for a broader range of treble adjustment.
- Smoother Distortion Control: Provides a more refined range for dialing in lower gain tones.
- Three Distortion Modes: A toggle switch offers three distinct clipping diode options for varied compression and tonal characteristics.
- Durable Construction: Housed in a robust enclosure with a unique Galaxy Gold finish and custom artwork.
3. Controls and Functions
The Iron Horse V2 features three primary control knobs and a three-way toggle switch to shape your sound.
Figure 1: Front view of the Walrus Audio Iron Horse V2 pedal, showing the Level, Tone, and Distortion knobs, along with the clipping toggle switch and footswitch.
3.1. Level Knob
Controls the overall output volume of the pedal. Adjust this to achieve unity gain (output volume matches bypass volume) or to boost your signal.
3.2. Tone Knob
Adjusts the treble content of the distorted signal. Turning it clockwise increases brightness, while turning it counter-clockwise reduces treble for a warmer sound.
3.3. Distortion Knob
Determines the amount of gain and saturation applied to your signal. Rotate clockwise for more aggressive distortion and counter-clockwise for lighter overdrive or crunch tones.
3.4. Clipping Toggle Switch
This three-position toggle switch selects between different clipping diode configurations, altering the pedal's compression and overall feel:
- Left Position: Provides a moderate amount of compression.
- Middle Position: Offers a wide-open, uncompressed signal, resulting in a more raw and dynamic distortion.
- Right Position: Delivers a higher amount of compression, leading to a more saturated and sustained tone.
3.5. Bypass Footswitch
Engages or disengages the distortion effect. When engaged, the LED indicator will illuminate.
4. Setup
- Power Connection: Connect a standard 9V DC power supply (center-negative) to the power input jack on the pedal. The Iron Horse V2 requires a minimum of 10mA.
- Input Connection: Connect your guitar or other instrument to the INPUT jack on the right side of the pedal.
- Output Connection: Connect the OUTPUT jack on the left side of the pedal to your amplifier or the next pedal in your signal chain.
- Initial Settings: Start with all knobs at noon (12 o'clock) and the toggle switch in the middle position for a balanced starting point.
Figure 2: Angled view of the Iron Horse V2, illustrating the input and output jack locations.
5. Operating Instructions
Once the pedal is properly connected and powered, you can begin to explore its tonal capabilities:
- Engaging the Effect: Press the footswitch to activate the distortion. The LED will light up. Press again to bypass the effect.
- Adjusting Distortion: Experiment with the Distortion knob to find your desired level of gain. Lower settings provide a gritty overdrive, while higher settings deliver full-on saturation.
- Shaping Tone: Use the Tone knob to brighten or darken your sound. This is crucial for matching the pedal to different guitars and amplifiers.
- Volume Control: Adjust the Level knob to ensure your volume is consistent when the pedal is engaged and bypassed, or to provide a volume boost for solos.
- Exploring Clipping Modes: The clipping toggle switch significantly alters the pedal's character.
- For a more compressed, smoother distortion, try the Right position.
- For a raw, dynamic, and less compressed sound, use the Middle position.
- The Left position offers a balanced compression, suitable for many applications.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal's enclosure. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Power Supply: Always use a regulated 9V DC, center-negative power supply. Incorrect power can damage the unit and void the warranty.
- Storage: Store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures when not in use.
- Connections: Ensure all cables are securely connected to prevent signal loss or intermittent operation.
7. Troubleshooting
- No Sound:
- Check all cable connections (guitar to input, output to amp).
- Verify the power supply is correctly connected and functioning.
- Ensure the pedal is engaged (LED illuminated).
- Weak or Intermittent Signal:
- Inspect cables for damage.
- Confirm power supply voltage and current are adequate (9V DC, at least 10mA).
- Clean input/output jacks if corrosion is visible.
- Unwanted Noise/Hum:
- Ensure you are using a high-quality, isolated power supply.
- Check for ground loops in your signal chain.
- Move the pedal away from power transformers or other sources of electromagnetic interference.
8. Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 900-1009V2 |
| Dimensions | 6 x 4 x 3 inches (approximately) |
| Item Weight | 10.6 ounces (approximately 0.3 kg) |
| Power Requirement | 9V DC, Center-Negative, minimum 10mA |
| Hardware Interface | 1/4-inch Audio Input/Output |
| Signal Format | Analog |
| Color | Galaxy Gold |
Figure 3: Rear view of the Iron Horse V2 pedal.
9. Warranty and Support
Walrus Audio products are built with quality components and craftsmanship. For detailed information regarding warranty coverage, product registration, or technical support, please visit the official Walrus Audio website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
For further assistance, please refer to the official Walrus Audio website: www.walrusaudio.com
