Walrus Audio DFX-1

The DFX-1 is a multi-effect processing unit designed in collaboration with Aaron Sterling to add musical character and punch to any acoustic drum or percussion source. Craft everything from subtle to in-your-face drum sounds with studio-grade VCA & FET compression, two flavors each of Delay and Reverb, plus Saturation, Gating, an FX loop with customizable routing, and a flexible EQ. Use the DFX-1 anywhere on your kit with any microphone, whether it’s a squashed, spacious room mic, a tight, gated snare, or even routed outboard for processing in post. With a high-performance microphone preamp with phantom power, an effects loop to connect external outboard equipment, MIDI connectivity, and presets, a whole new world of sonic creativity becomes available right at your drum set.

The DFX-1 is built around three main effect engines - Compression, Delay, and Reverb, each with two distinctive flavors so you can move smoothly between vintage character and modern clarity. Use the Saturation and Tilt-style EQ controls for further tone shaping. Additionally, the FX loop can incorporate pedals or outboard gear, and route effects in different orders for radically different results.
 

Features:

• Multi-effect percussion processor designed in collaboration with Aaron Sterling.
• Adds musical character and punch to any acoustic drum or percussion source.
• Gives drummers direct control of the classic “fun mic” sound in one fast, intuitive unit.
• Opens a new world of sonic creativity and hands-on studio power at your drum set.
• Compression, Delay, Reverb, Saturation, Gating, and EQ with OLED display and intuitive controls.
• Use anywhere on your kit with any mic — or route outboard for processing in post.
• High-performance mic preamp with +48 V Phantom Power for condenser microphones.
• Versatile input section handles mic, line, or instrument signals for e.g. E-drums or studio use.
• Built-in FX loop, MIDI connectivity, and presets for flexible integration.
• Three main effect engines: Compression, Delay, and Reverb, each with two distinctive flavors.
• Two types of Compression: FET and VCA.
• FET Comp – Classic 1176-style compression with fast attack for punchy, gritty dynamics.
• VCA Comp – API 2500-style compression delivering smooth glue and added punch.
• Two types of Delay: Modern and Vintage.
• Modern – Clear, precise digital repeats with defined attack and clarity.
• Vintage – Warm, analog-style echoes with natural degradation and tape character.
• Two types of Reverb: Spring and Plate.
• Spring – Splashy reflections with vintage spring-tank tone.
• Plate – Smooth, wide diffusion for polished studio ambience.
• Saturation adds tube-like clipping with rich harmonic depth; Noise Gate removes background noise.
• Tilt EQ and parametric bands provide precise, musical tone shaping.
• Switchable effect order changes interaction between compression, delay, and reverb.
• FX Loop lets you insert pedals or outboard gear with editable position.
• Three trigger pads (drumstick or finger) for Bypass, Preset Cycle, and Tap Tempo control.
• Store up to 128 presets, adjust Tap Tempo divisions, and manage via MIDI or USB-C.
• Balanced XLR & ¼″ outputs ensure clean connections to mixers or interfaces.
• Powered by 9 V DC (500 mA min)
• Size 26.2 × 23.2 × 9.7 cm
• Weight 1.7 kg (unit only)
• Developed on the Walrus MDSP platform for premium DSP performance with analog feel.