What is the primary purpose of the Walrus Audio Lore?

The Lore is designed as a soundscape generator that uses reverse delay and reverb engines to create expansive, atmospheric textures. It is intended for experimentation beyond the capabilities of standard reverb pedals.

How many different modes does the Lore have?

The pedal features five distinct programmes. Each programme uses a different combination of reverse and pitch-shifted delay and reverb algorithms.

Does the Walrus Audio Lore include tap tempo?

Yes, it has a built-in tap tempo switch. This allows the user to manually set the timing of the delays and rhythmic elements of the soundscape.

What does the 'X' knob do on the Lore?

The 'X' control is a multi-function knob. Its specific parameter changes depending on which of the five modes is selected, typically controlling things like grain size or specific shift amounts.

Can the Lore produce standard 'room' or 'hall' reverbs?

While it can be dialed back for lighter echoes, it is primarily designed for 'all-out reverb walls' and glitchy soundscapes. It is not intended to be a traditional room simulator.

What is the typical price for the Walrus Audio Lore in the UK?

The pedal typically retails for approximately £299. Prices may vary slightly between different musical instrument retailers.

Is the Walrus Audio Lore a mono or stereo pedal?

Based on the standard specifications for this model, it is a mono effect pedal. It features single input and output jacks.

Does the pedal feature modulation?

Yes, the Lore includes a 'Mod' control. This allows users to add a chorus-like movement to the effect trails for additional depth and texture.

What kind of power supply does the Lore require?

Like most Walrus Audio pedals, it requires a standard 9V DC centre-negative power supply. It does not typically support battery operation due to the high power draw of the dual DSP engines.

Can I use an expression pedal with the Lore?

The Lore supports external control, which can often be used to manipulate parameters hands-free. A high-quality pedal like the Yamaha FC7 may be compatible depending on the specific TRS requirements.

How does the Lore handle feedback?

The pedal includes a feedback control that can be used to create self-oscillating textures. Depending on the mode, this can result in evolving, infinite soundscapes or glitchy repeats.

Is the Lore suitable for genres other than ambient music?

While designed for giant soundscapes, its ability to create light echoes and pitch-shifted textures makes it useful for post-rock, shoegaze, and experimental film scoring.

Gear article

Walrus Audio Lore Reverb / Reverse Soundscape Generator

The Walrus Audio Lore is a multi-mode soundscape generator and reverb pedal designed to create complex, atmospheric textures. It features five distinct programmes that combine reverse delays and reverbs with advanced modulation and feedback routing.

See live prices

Overview

The Walrus Audio Lore Reverb / Reverse Soundscape Generator is a digital effects pedal built for atmospheric experimentation. Unlike standard reverb units that aim for natural room simulations, the Lore is designed to generate vast 'soundscapes'. It achieves this through a series of five selectable modes that utilise dual DSP engines to run reverse delays and reverbs in various sequences. The pedal is priced at approximately £299, placing it in the premium boutique effects category.

Modes and Operation

The Lore offers five unique programmes that define the signal path and character of the effect:

Mode 1: Reverse Delay into Reverse Reverb.
Mode 2: Reverse Delay into Octave Up Reverb.
Mode 3: Reverse Delay into Octave Down Reverb.
Mode 4: Reverse Reverb into Forward Reverb.
Mode 5: Pitch Shipped Delay into Pitch Shifted Reverb.

Control over these modes is facilitated through Feedback, Regen, Mod, Mix, X, and Time knobs. Notably, the 'X' and 'Feedback' controls change their specific function depending on which of the five programmes is currently active, allowing for deep sonic tailoring.

Key Features and Control

A central feature of the Lore is its integrated tap tempo, allowing users to synchronise the rhythmic elements of the reverse delays to the tempo of a performance. The 'Mod' control adds chorus-style movement to the trails, while the 'Regen' and 'Feedback' controls allow the user to push the pedal from subtle echoes into self-oscillating walls of sound. The pedal is housed in a standard Walrus Audio enclosure with top-mounted jacks to save space on a pedalboard.

Sonic Character

The Lore is characterised by its ability to create 'giant soundscapes'. Its output ranges from glitchy, rhythmic textures to smooth, ethereal washes. Because it focuses on reverse effects, it naturally excels at ambient music and shoegaze styles where the attack of the guitar note is often masked by evolving trails. The addition of octave and pitch-shifting modes allows for 'shimmer' style effects and haunting low-end drones.

Comparison and Suitability

The Lore is best suited for experimental musicians and ambient guitarists who find traditional reverbs, such as the Boss DD-3T or Fender Hammertone Flanger, too restrictive. While it shares some atmospheric qualities with the Electro Harmonix Big Muff for creating 'walls of sound', it does so through time-based processing rather than distortion. For players requiring specific pitch-shifting control, it functions differently than a dedicated unit like the Digitech Whammy Ricochet, as the Lore integrates pitch changes directly into its reverb trails.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Walrus Audio Lore?: The Lore is designed as a soundscape generator that uses reverse delay and reverb engines to create expansive, atmospheric textures. It is intended for experimentation beyond the capabilities of standard reverb pedals.
How many different modes does the Lore have?: The pedal features five distinct programmes. Each programme uses a different combination of reverse and pitch-shifted delay and reverb algorithms.
Does the Walrus Audio Lore include tap tempo?: Yes, it has a built-in tap tempo switch. This allows the user to manually set the timing of the delays and rhythmic elements of the soundscape.
What does the 'X' knob do on the Lore?: The 'X' control is a multi-function knob. Its specific parameter changes depending on which of the five modes is selected, typically controlling things like grain size or specific shift amounts.
Can the Lore produce standard 'room' or 'hall' reverbs?: While it can be dialed back for lighter echoes, it is primarily designed for 'all-out reverb walls' and glitchy soundscapes. It is not intended to be a traditional room simulator.
What is the typical price for the Walrus Audio Lore in the UK?: The pedal typically retails for approximately £299. Prices may vary slightly between different musical instrument retailers.
Is the Walrus Audio Lore a mono or stereo pedal?: Based on the standard specifications for this model, it is a mono effect pedal. It features single input and output jacks.
Does the pedal feature modulation?: Yes, the Lore includes a 'Mod' control. This allows users to add a chorus-like movement to the effect trails for additional depth and texture.
What kind of power supply does the Lore require?: Like most Walrus Audio pedals, it requires a standard 9V DC centre-negative power supply. It does not typically support battery operation due to the high power draw of the dual DSP engines.
Can I use an expression pedal with the Lore?: The Lore supports external control, which can often be used to manipulate parameters hands-free. A high-quality pedal like the Yamaha FC7 may be compatible depending on the specific TRS requirements.
How does the Lore handle feedback?: The pedal includes a feedback control that can be used to create self-oscillating textures. Depending on the mode, this can result in evolving, infinite soundscapes or glitchy repeats.
Is the Lore suitable for genres other than ambient music?: While designed for giant soundscapes, its ability to create light echoes and pitch-shifted textures makes it useful for post-rock, shoegaze, and experimental film scoring.