Walrus Audio - Mako Series MKII: M1 High-Fidelity Modulation Machine

The M1 MKII is a stereo, all-in-one modulation pedal featuring six studio-grade programs based on fan-favorite modulation tones: Chorus, Phaser, Tremolo, Vibrato, Rotary, and Filter. A sound explorers delight, the M1 features a dedicated lo-fi knob allowing you to mix various lo-fi parameters to every program. From the swirling, lush sounds of the 80’s to more subtle applications that give your tone a distinct flair, this is a hallmark for all kinds of modulation fans, offering limitless creative potential.

New Features:

• The M1 features six fine-tuned modulation algorithms: Chorus, Phaser, Tremolo, Vibrato, Rotary, and Filter
• Total BPM control, allowing users to select their specific tempo and read it out on the menu screen for Chorus, Phaser, Tremolo, and Vibrato programs
• Internal wet/dry mix
• All new flanger sound added to the Chorus algorithm
• 128 on Board presets
• Navigation Menu for adjusting secondary controls and Lofi parameters
• Revamped Rotary and Filter programs

Program Controls

Each program can be fully customized to your taste and playing style with the left encoder knob for features like effect type, BPM, wave shape, and more. Refer to the manual for program specific features.

Programs

The M1 features three different program types for each program, as well as several other program specific controls for each of the six programs.

Chorus

From subtle chorus to vibrant and lush tri-chorus that will instantly teleport you to the 80s. Type I is a traditional chorus great for tight smooth chorus tones. Type II finds its roots in the classic tri-chorus effect running three chorus units in parallel for a lush multi-dimensional chorus. Type III  transforms into a sweeping, vintage-style flanger, a welcome addition for modulation fans.

Phaser 

Classic 70s phaser sounds we all know and love, with added features that you wouldn’t expect. Similar to the Lillian, Type I is a 2-stage Phaser that produces a single notch to the classic mild phaser. Type II is a 4-stage model producing 2 notches for a stronger effect. Type III is a phaser modeled after the unique tuning and LFO shape found in a Uni-Vibe.

Tremolo

This program emulates a tremolo with three algorithms containing all the bells, whistles, and stereo spread options. Type I is excellent for traditional sounds similar to optical and bias tremolos that raise and lower the entire frequency range – similar to the Monument in standard mode. Type II is a warm and cozy harmonic tremolo – similar to the Monument in harmonic mode. This unique sound is formed by raising and lowering your high and low frequencies opposite each other. Type III offers several predefined patterns for rhythmic sequenced pulsing tremolo.

Vibrato

Make good parts great with detuned, warbly, and vintage sounds that harken back to the 60s. Type I “Traditional” focuses on standard vibrato sounds. Old record players inspire type II “Vinyl” with classic RPMs on the rate knob and some noise character you’d find in your dad’s old dusty Foreigner LPs. The rate knob can select 33rpm, 45rpm, and 78rpm speeds in this mode. Type III “Tape” is our take on the wow and flutter pitch characters found in old tape players. Warm and charming with a hint of nostalgia.

Rotary

Because you can’t fit a Leslie speaker on your pedalboard, type I aims for that traditional watery sound of a well-oiled Leslie speaker. Type II only spins the horn but still plays the sound out of the drum. Type III only spins the drum but still plays sound from the horn. Further fine-tune the drum sounds by experimenting with mic distance in the program controls 

Filter

Add tone-shaping movement to your signal with different modulated filters. Type I is a lowpass filter good for modulated darker tones. Type II is a highpass filter used to creatively modulate your low frequencies. Type III is a bandpass filter forming a sliding “window” of frequencies. 

Resonance, envelope speed, and release can all be adjusted on Filter mode, the result being dynamic sweeping sounds and an expressive touch, commonly heard in blues or funk. This program can be easily run as an Envelope Follower type filter.

Lo-Fi Controls

The M1 Features 6 Lof-Fi-type global controls to make your High-Fidelity modulation machine sound…not so High-Fidelity. Using the Right encoder knob, take your signal back in time and degrade it to sound like tech of yesteryear then use the Lo-Fi knob to adjust in the overall mix.

Env: Envelope allows you to dynamically open the tone based on how hard you play. 

Drive: Drive offers a crunchy analog-style drive to be added to your signal simulating the warm sound of overdriven analog circuitry. 

Space: Space allows you to add some reverb to your modulation chain. Turn to minimum to disengage and turn up to increase mix and decay. 

Age: Age engages a complex set of filters used to simulate the limited bandwidth of vintage audio players and recording equipment. From modern, full-frequency at minimum to subtle low-fidelity tones in lower positions and old, thin AM radio sounds in higher positions. 

Noise: Noise adds lo-fi analog inspired noise to your signal. 

Warble: Warble manipulates the main LFO wave shape causing it to deform making interesting and less predictable modulation.

Presets

The M1 can save up to 128 onboard presets, which can be held in a preset bank made accessible by tapping down on the bottom left and bottom middle knobs simultaneously. Presets 0-9 are divided into Banks A, B, and C. Select a bank while in the preset menu. Bank A will cycle through presets 0-2, Bank B will cycle through presets 3-5, and Bank C will cycle through presets 6-9. Presets 10-128 can be accessed through manual selection or MIDI. 

Specs

• The M1 MKII comes in a dark blue finish with red, orange, cream, gold, green, purple and blue ink.
• The 2in OLED screen measures 128x32 pixels.
• The enclosure’s exact size with knobs is 4.9” x 2.52” x 2.64”. Power requirements are 9VDC (300mA minimum).
• The use of an isolated power supply is recommended for powering all Walrus Audio Pedals. Daisy chain power supplies are not recommended. Power supply not included.
• USB firmware updates can be done via www.walrusaudio.io

Download the manual here

WATCH THE DEMO HERE