The Walrus Audio Polychrome is an analog flanger with a particularly versatile sound spectrum from the creative effects factory in Oklahoma City. Depending on the setting of the clearly structured controls, the Polychrome delivers subtle flanging to discreetly broaden the sound or dramatic walls of sound for expressive guitar playing.
At the heart of Walrus Audio's Polychrome is an analog flanger circuit that provides two characterful voicings. In the lower position of the Voice switch, the pedal delivers a traditional sound with full coverage of the frequency spectrum. The upper position of the switch, on the other hand, represents a modern flanging sound with high complexity due to Notch Filter. Three waveforms for the LFO also promise characterful sound experiences.
In addition to the usual Rate and Depth controls for effect speed and effect depth, the Walrus Audio Polychrome offers extensive options for precisely adjusting the sound. The Sweep knob affects the frequency range that the flanger sweeps through. The Feedback pot determines the amount of signal that is fed back into the effect circuitry, allowing for subtle tonal coloration as well as dramatic effects.
A highlight of the Polychrome analogue Flanger by Walrus Audio is also the D-F-V control, which influences the ratio of effect and dry signal. When turned to the left, only the dry clean signal (Dry, D) is available at the output jack, to which the effect can increasingly be added. Turned all the way up, the clean signal is completely faded out, resulting in a first-class vibrato effect.
The Walrus Audio Polychrome's Smart Momentary Bypass Switch also allows for expressive guitar playing. When pressed briefly, the footswitch turns the effect on or off permanently, as usual. A long press of the switch turns the effect on temporarily until the foot is removed from the switch. Thanks to True Bypass, the Polychrome passes on the guitar signal unaltered when switched off.
Amazing tool, easy to use. This unit sounds like very high quality piece of gear but is it the best one on the market ? I do not know. I have had five diferent flangers and so far WALRUS is the best one.