Music / Instruments
Wampler The Compulsion Drive Overdrive Pedal User Guide
Quick reference guide for the Wampler The Compulsion Drive overdrive pedal. Learn about controls, power requirements, internal DIP switch settings, and suggested tone configurations.
Table of contents
Quick guide from the manual
The Wampler The Compulsion Drive is a distortion pedal designed to deliver sparkling harmonics and powerful gain. This guide provides essential information on controls, power requirements, and internal adjustments to help you achieve your desired tone.
Controls and Operation
The pedal features several external controls to shape your sound:
- Level: Controls the overall output volume. Turn clockwise to increase.
- Gain: Adjusts the amount of distortion/gain. Turn clockwise to increase.
- Bass: Adjusts low-end frequencies. Turn clockwise to boost.
- Mids: Adjusts mid-range frequencies. Turn clockwise to boost.
- Treble: Adjusts high-end frequencies. Turn clockwise to boost.
- Mode Switch: Adjusts clipping and gain staging. Down position provides a traditional gain structure; Up position provides a harder-hitting, tube-like sound with cascaded MOSFET gain stages.
Power Requirements
To ensure proper operation and avoid damage, adhere to the following power specifications:
- Voltage: 9-18V DC. Do not exceed 18V DC.
- Current Draw: Approximately 20mA at 9V and 25mA at 18V.
- Polarity: Use standard center-negative power supplies intended for guitar pedals. Do not use center-pin positive adapters or AC power.
Internal DIP Switches
The pedal includes two internal DIP switches for further tone shaping. To access them, carefully unscrew the pedal base.
- Fat Switch: In the 'right' position, it adds extra powerful low-end warmth. Default is OFF (left).
- Diode Switch: In the 'left' position, it changes the gain profile by adding an extra clipping diode into the circuit. Default is OFF (left).
Suggested Settings
Use these starting points to find your perfect tone:
- Classic Light Gain: DIP Switches: Stock.
- Crisp'n'Crunchy: DIP Switches: Stock.
- Chewy Fat Gain: DIP Switches: Fat is right (on), Diode is stock.
- Tube Killer: DIP Switches: Fat is right (on), Diode is stock.
- Tight Gain: DIP Switches: Stock.
- Fuzzy Goodness: DIP Switches: Stock.
Customer Support
For warranty or product questions, contact Wampler support via email at [email protected] or call (765) 352-8626. Register your pedal online at wamplerpedals.com/warranty-registration for quicker service.
Official resources from the manual
Practical help
Common problems
Pedal not powering on
Verify the power supply is 9-18V DC and center-negative. Do not use AC power or center-positive adapters.
Sound lacks low-end warmth
Open the pedal base and set the internal Fat DIP switch to the 'right' position.
Need different gain characteristics
Adjust the external Mode switch or engage the internal Diode DIP switch (left position) to add an extra clipping diode.
Before use
- Ensure power supply is 9-18V DC.
- Verify power supply is center-negative (do not use center-positive).
- Connect instrument to Input.
- Connect amplifier to Output.
- Register your pedal online at wamplerpedals.com/warranty-registration.
Specs in practice
- Diode Switch
- Internal switch; left position adds extra clipping diode.
Images and diagrams
- Controls: Bass, Mids, Treble, Level, Gain knobs.
- Mode Switch: Toggle between traditional and MOSFET gain stages.
- Internal DIP Switches: Located inside the pedal base.
Model compatibility
- Use only power supplies intended for guitar pedals.
- Do not exceed 18V DC.
- Do not use AC power.
Manual page author
Emily Carter
User documentation editor
Prepares concise manual descriptions and highlights the most useful setup, operation, and maintenance information for readers.