The Compulsion Drive (tcd) is Brian Wampler’s obsessive reimagining of one of the most legendary distortion circuits in modern guitar pedal lore. Designed to deliver the unmistakable roar, sparkle, and dynamic touch sensitivity that players crave, tcd combines raw power with refined tonal sculpting. Whether you’re chasing articulate crunch, harmonically rich saturation, or soaring lead tones, tcd puts it all at your feet with intuitive control and Wampler’s signature attention to detail.
A three-band EQ allows you to finally get the sound you want out of this circuit. The Mode switch lets you choose between two distinct flavors of clipping - when down it’s a traditional gain structure, when up it changes to a harder hitting and more tube-like sound with cascaded MOSFET gain stages. Inside The Compulsion Drive, you’ll find even more tone-shaping power waiting for you.
A key feature of tcd is its ability to tap into classic flavors of the original circuit it was based on. Two internal DIP switches let you shape the pedal to your taste. The Fat switch adds deep low-end warmth for a thicker foundation, while the Diode switch shifts the gain profile with an extra clipping diode for tighter, more saturated distortion. These hidden options give the tcd boutique-level customization and serious versatility under the hood.
The Spirit of Distortion
At the heart of tcd lies a circuit that has long been celebrated for its harmonic complexity and amp-like response. The Compulsion Drive comes alive under your fingers – cleaning up to shimmering grit when you back off, and exploding into searing distortion when you dig in. It’s the kind of pedal that responds like an amp, and it’s already a staple on the Wampler team’s boards.
Timeless Circuits, Total Control
The Gain control takes you anywhere from edge-of breakup crunch to roaring full-on distortion. Shape your tone with the powerful three-band EQ – Bass, Mids, and Treble – giving you everything from tight, focused drive to wide-open tones brimming with magical clarity and presence. Finally, the Level control delivers all the output you need, whether you want to push your amp harder or sit perfectly balanced in the mix.
Responsive Grit and Power
What sets The Compulsion Drive apart is its ability to feel like part of your amp rather than just a pedal in front of it. It enhances the harmonic content of your signal, allowing chords to shimmer with clarity and single notes to sing with sustain and definition. Pair it with other pedals and it unlocks entirely new shades of tone and harmonic richness.
Crafted with Precision
As with every Wampler pedal, The Compulsion Drive is built in the U.S.A. using only the highest-quality components. Every detail has been designed to ensure superior sound, reliability, and performance. Whether you’re in the studio or on the stage, The Compulsion Drive is ready to deliver night after night.
Technical Details
- Built in the U.S.A.
- High-grade components selected for superior sound and response
- Premium sparkle platinum finish with rugged enclosure
- Independent three band EQ (Bass, Mids, Treble), Level and Gain controls
- Mode switch to dial in Tube-like clipping
- Internal DIP switches allow 4 classic circuit variations
- Includes limited 5-year warranty
- Power Draw 20mA at 9V DC and 25mA at 18V DC, do not exceed 18V DC
- Dimensions: 2.5” x 4.8” x 2.3” (64mm x 125mm x 60mm)
1 – All claims require a purchase receipt. It is the customer's responsibility to present it when making a claim.
2 – Except as stated below, in-store sales are final and items purchased may not be returned. By completing their transaction, the customer acknowledges that they have taken the item(s) in optimal condition.
3 – Guitars, basses, pedals, amplifiers, accessories, and tubes are not returnable. By paying for the item, the customer acknowledges that: (i) they inspected it and found it to be in optimal aesthetic condition without defects; and (ii) they tested it and it was functioning properly.
4 – All claims due to defects are subject to the manufacturer’s terms and conditions.
5 – Guitars, basses, pedals, and amplifiers will have a 30-day warranty. The electronics of guitars and basses will have a 90-day warranty. Guitars Boutique, at its sole discretion, will decide whether to repair, replace parts or components (with identical ones), and/or replace the item with an identical one.
6 – At the store's discretion, defective items may be exchanged for an identical item SUBJECT to the defective item being in the same condition as when it was acquired, including its original packaging with all its accessories. This will be done as store credit only. The credit does not apply to special orders or lay-away.
7 – All merchandise leaving the store will be considered as used in the future.
8 – No refunds will be given, regardless of the person.
9 – Special, clearance, or discounted items are not returnable.
Puerto Rico only.
In case of a return, the shipping cost will be deducted from the refund.
Guitars Boutique ships to PR via federal mail USPS, UVA, and iWide.
Estimated delivery time once the order has been shipped:
- Lightweight items, less than 14 pounds are shipped via USPS.
- Heavier items are shipped via iWide and UVA.
- No shipments are made on Sundays.
Guitars Boutique is not responsible for delays caused by shipping companies.
