What is the primary function of the Wampler Ratsbane?

The Ratsbane is a full-range distortion pedal designed to provide a wide spectrum of dirt, ranging from smooth, creamy overdrive to heavy, fuzzy distortion.

How does the Gain toggle switch affect the sound?

The Gain switch offers two distinct gain stage configurations. Moving it to the left produces a tighter, firmer response, while moving it to the right results in a smoother, more compressed feel.

What does the Filter control do on the Ratsbane?

The Filter control manages the high-frequency attack. As the control is turned up, the tone becomes sharper and more cutting; at lower settings, the tone is warmer and smoother.

Is the Wampler Ratsbane a large pedal?

No, the Ratsbane is housed in a mini-enclosure, making it significantly smaller than standard guitar pedals and ideal for saving space on a pedalboard.

Can the Ratsbane achieve fuzz tones?

Yes, when the distortion and gain settings are cranked, the pedal transitions into a full-blown fuzzy dirt character.

What is the Voice toggle switch used for?

The Voice switch allows the user to change the clipping and compression characteristics of the pedal, providing more options for shaping the distortion's overall 'voice'.

What is the typical price for a Wampler Ratsbane?

The pedal typically retails for approximately £140.00 in the UK market.

Does the Ratsbane work well as a primary distortion?

Yes, Wampler specifically designed this pedal to be a versatile 'main' distortion unit due to its wide range of available tones and gain levels.

How does the filter response change with the gain level?

The filter control is designed to be more reactive and 'cutting' the further the distortion knob is turned up, allowing the player to maintain clarity at high gain.

Is the Ratsbane suitable for metal genres?

Yes, the tighter gain stage setting and the piercing high-frequency options make it capable of handling high-gain styles, especially when used with a noise gate like the Boss NS-2.

How does it compare to a standard ProCo Rat?

While based on that classic circuit, the Ratsbane offers additional toggles for gain staging and voicing that are not found on standard vintage-style units, plus a smaller form factor.

Can the Ratsbane produce low-gain drive?

Yes, it can be dialled back for a creamy, smooth drive, making it more versatile than a one-dimensional high-gain pedal.

Gear article

Wampler Ratsbane Distortion

The Wampler Ratsbane is a compact guitar distortion pedal based on a classic high-gain circuit, offering a versatile range from creamy overdrive to saturated fuzz. It features an improved filter control and additional toggle switches for tailoring gain stages and voicing, designed to serve as a primary distortion source for modern guitarists.

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Overview

The Wampler Ratsbane Distortion is a full-range dirt pedal designed to capture and expand upon the characteristics of legendary high-gain stompboxes. As its name suggests, it is Wampler's take on the 'Rat' style circuit, though it incorporates several modern refinements to increase its utility in a variety of musical contexts. The pedal is housed in a space-saving mini-enclosure, making it suitable for crowded pedalboards without sacrificing control or tonal depth.

Circuit and Control Features

The Ratsbane features a standard three-knob interface for Volume, Distortion, and Filter, but with significant internal modifications. The Filter control is specifically tuned to be more reactive as the gain increases. When turned clockwise, the tone becomes more cutting and piercing, while lower settings provide a warmer, creamier response.

Unique to the Wampler design are two toggle switches that modify the core circuitry: - Gain Switch (Left): This alters the gain stages of the pedal. The left position provides a firmer, tighter response, while the right position offers a smoother, more fluid saturation. - Voice Switch (Right): This allows for further customisation of the pedal's overall character and clipping style, helping the user move between classic and modern distortion textures.

Sonic Character

The Ratsbane is defined by its rounded, rich tone that maintains clarity even at high gain levels. It is capable of transitioning from a light drive to a thick, fuzzy distortion. The 'cutting' nature of the filter ensures that the pedal can pierce through a dense band mix, while the 'creamy' settings allow for smoother lead playing. Unlike some older distortion designs that lose low-end definition, the Ratsbane is engineered to provide a full-range response.

Comparisons and Suitability

The Ratsbane is aimed at guitarists who require a versatile primary distortion pedal that can adapt to different genres. Compared to traditional distortion pedals like the Boss DS-1 or standard Rat models, the Ratsbane offers more control over the specific texture of the gain via its toggles. For players who enjoy the thick saturation of an Electro-Harmonix Big Muff but require more midrange control and a tighter response, the Ratsbane provides a middle ground. It is often paired with utility pedals like the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor to manage high-gain hiss, or time-based effects like the Boss DD-3T for lead sequences.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Wampler Ratsbane?: The Ratsbane is a full-range distortion pedal designed to provide a wide spectrum of dirt, ranging from smooth, creamy overdrive to heavy, fuzzy distortion.
How does the Gain toggle switch affect the sound?: The Gain switch offers two distinct gain stage configurations. Moving it to the left produces a tighter, firmer response, while moving it to the right results in a smoother, more compressed feel.
What does the Filter control do on the Ratsbane?: The Filter control manages the high-frequency attack. As the control is turned up, the tone becomes sharper and more cutting; at lower settings, the tone is warmer and smoother.
Is the Wampler Ratsbane a large pedal?: No, the Ratsbane is housed in a mini-enclosure, making it significantly smaller than standard guitar pedals and ideal for saving space on a pedalboard.
Can the Ratsbane achieve fuzz tones?: Yes, when the distortion and gain settings are cranked, the pedal transitions into a full-blown fuzzy dirt character.
What is the Voice toggle switch used for?: The Voice switch allows the user to change the clipping and compression characteristics of the pedal, providing more options for shaping the distortion's overall 'voice'.
What is the typical price for a Wampler Ratsbane?: The pedal typically retails for approximately £140.00 in the UK market.
Does the Ratsbane work well as a primary distortion?: Yes, Wampler specifically designed this pedal to be a versatile 'main' distortion unit due to its wide range of available tones and gain levels.
How does the filter response change with the gain level?: The filter control is designed to be more reactive and 'cutting' the further the distortion knob is turned up, allowing the player to maintain clarity at high gain.
Is the Ratsbane suitable for metal genres?: Yes, the tighter gain stage setting and the piercing high-frequency options make it capable of handling high-gain styles, especially when used with a noise gate like the Boss NS-2.
How does it compare to a standard ProCo Rat?: While based on that classic circuit, the Ratsbane offers additional toggles for gain staging and voicing that are not found on standard vintage-style units, plus a smaller form factor.
Can the Ratsbane produce low-gain drive?: Yes, it can be dialled back for a creamy, smooth drive, making it more versatile than a one-dimensional high-gain pedal.