What is the primary function of the Wampler Ratsbane?

The Ratsbane is a distortion pedal that provides a range of tones from smooth overdrive to heavy, fuzzy distortion. It is designed to be a versatile primary gain source for guitarists.

What does the Gain toggle switch do?

The Gain toggle allows the user to choose between different gain stage responses. The left position offers a tighter, firmer feel, while the right position provides a smoother, creamier saturation.

How does the Filter control affect the tone?

The Filter control manages the high-frequency content. Increasing the control makes the sound sharper and more piercing, while decreasing it results in a warmer, more mellow tone.

Is the Wampler Ratsbane a fuzz pedal or a distortion pedal?

It is technically a distortion pedal, but it is described as a 'full-blown fuzzy dirt' machine when the gain is cranked. It covers the sonic territory between traditional distortion and fuzz.

What is the size of the Ratsbane enclosure?

The Ratsbane is a mini-format pedal. This makes it ideal for crowded pedalboards where space is at a premium.

What power supply does the Ratsbane require?

Like most Wampler pedals, it typically requires a standard 9V DC power supply. Because it is a mini pedal, it does not have space for an internal battery.

How does the Voice switch work?

The Voice switch alters the clipping and compression of the signal. It allows the player to further customise how the pedal reacts to their playing dynamics.

Can the Ratsbane be used for low-gain drive?

Yes, the pedal is designed to be full-range and can produce creamy, smooth drive sounds at lower settings before reaching full saturation.

How does the Ratsbane compare to the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff?

While both can reach fuzzy levels of gain, the Ratsbane offers more modern features like the Gain and Voice toggles. It is also significantly smaller than a standard Big Muff.

What kind of music is the Ratsbane best suited for?

Due to its versatility, it suits anything from classic rock to modern metal. The ability to switch between 'tight' and 'creamy' responses makes it highly adaptable.

Is the Wampler Ratsbane true bypass?

Wampler pedals generally feature high-quality true bypass switching to ensure signal integrity when the pedal is disengaged. This prevents 'tone suck' in the signal chain.

What is the typical price for a Wampler Ratsbane in the UK?

The typical retail price for the Wampler Ratsbane in the United Kingdom is approximately £170.

Gear article

Wampler Ratsbane Distortion

The Wampler Ratsbane is a compact, full-range distortion pedal designed to deliver a spectrum of gain from smooth overdrive to aggressive fuzz. Built upon a classic circuit architecture, it features enhanced tone-shaping controls and a miniaturised footprint for pedalboard efficiency.

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Overview

The Wampler Ratsbane is a versatile gain machine developed by Brian Wampler to serve as a primary distortion source on a guitarists pedalboard. Despite its small form factor, it offers a high degree of control over the harmonic structure and frequency response of the signal. It is noted for its ability to transition between a creamy, vintage-style drive and a heavy, saturated dirt that borders on fuzz, making it suitable for a wide variety of musical genres.

Circuitry and Key Features

Wampler has updated the traditional distortion circuit with modern enhancements. The pedal includes two primary toggle switches to adjust the core behavior of the effect:

Gain Switch: This left-hand toggle alters the gain stages. Setting it to the left provides a firmer, tighter response, while setting it to the right results in a creamier, smoother distortion character.
Voice Switch: This right-hand toggle adjusts the compression and clipping characteristics, allowing for more headroom or a more 'squashed' feel.
Filter Control: This control governs the high-frequency response. As the knob is turned up, the tone becomes more cutting and piercing; lower settings provide a warmer, more rounded response.

Sound Character

The Ratsbane is characterised by its rich, rounded tone and expansive gain range. At lower gain settings, it functions as a smooth overdrive. As the gain is increased, the pedal produces a thick, fuzzy texture. The improved filter control is central to its sound, allowing users to dial in a specific frequency attack that can either blend into a mix or provide the high-end clarity needed for lead playing.

Comparisons and Suitability

The Ratsbane is designed for players who require a high-gain pedal that does not occupy significant space on a pedalboard. Compared to larger classics like the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff or the Boss DS-1, the Ratsbane offers more granular control over the gain stages via its external toggles. It is particularly well-suited for rock and metal players who need both tight rhythm tones and saturated lead sounds in a single unit.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Wampler Ratsbane?: The Ratsbane is a distortion pedal that provides a range of tones from smooth overdrive to heavy, fuzzy distortion. It is designed to be a versatile primary gain source for guitarists.
What does the Gain toggle switch do?: The Gain toggle allows the user to choose between different gain stage responses. The left position offers a tighter, firmer feel, while the right position provides a smoother, creamier saturation.
How does the Filter control affect the tone?: The Filter control manages the high-frequency content. Increasing the control makes the sound sharper and more piercing, while decreasing it results in a warmer, more mellow tone.
Is the Wampler Ratsbane a fuzz pedal or a distortion pedal?: It is technically a distortion pedal, but it is described as a 'full-blown fuzzy dirt' machine when the gain is cranked. It covers the sonic territory between traditional distortion and fuzz.
What is the size of the Ratsbane enclosure?: The Ratsbane is a mini-format pedal. This makes it ideal for crowded pedalboards where space is at a premium.
What power supply does the Ratsbane require?: Like most Wampler pedals, it typically requires a standard 9V DC power supply. Because it is a mini pedal, it does not have space for an internal battery.
How does the Voice switch work?: The Voice switch alters the clipping and compression of the signal. It allows the player to further customise how the pedal reacts to their playing dynamics.
Can the Ratsbane be used for low-gain drive?: Yes, the pedal is designed to be full-range and can produce creamy, smooth drive sounds at lower settings before reaching full saturation.
How does the Ratsbane compare to the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff?: While both can reach fuzzy levels of gain, the Ratsbane offers more modern features like the Gain and Voice toggles. It is also significantly smaller than a standard Big Muff.
What kind of music is the Ratsbane best suited for?: Due to its versatility, it suits anything from classic rock to modern metal. The ability to switch between 'tight' and 'creamy' responses makes it highly adaptable.
Is the Wampler Ratsbane true bypass?: Wampler pedals generally feature high-quality true bypass switching to ensure signal integrity when the pedal is disengaged. This prevents 'tone suck' in the signal chain.
What is the typical price for a Wampler Ratsbane in the UK?: The typical retail price for the Wampler Ratsbane in the United Kingdom is approximately £170.