Wampler TCD: The Compulsion Drive with 4 Circuits
Are you OCD about your drive tones?
3,0 / 5,0 | 
Wampler has just announced the TCD, their take on a classic overdrive circuit with some modifications to the original design.
Brief Overview
- The TCD is Brian Wampler’s take on the Fulltone OCD
- It contains 4 Classic Circuits in one pedal
Contents – Wampler TCD
TCD
The Wampler TCD, or ‘The Compulsion Drive,’ is a modded version of another American boutique pedal builder’s circuit, so it’s not an original design. However, it does stray from the original, as I mentioned, having been modified to be far more versatile.
4 Classic Circuits
This modification comes in the form of some internal DIP switches that allow 4 classic circuit variations in one pedal. I’m not a huge fan of internal switches, as they make pedals a PITA to adjust when you are playing live or in the studio, if you want to access more than one circuit easily.
I’d much rather have the DIP switches on the outside of a pedal, for easy access. Chase Bliss does this, and they put them on the back of the pedal, so it isn’t hard to do.
Fat & Diode Switches
The Fat switch instantly adds deep low-end warmth, providing a thicker, more robust foundation for your tone. The Diode switch introduces an extra clipping diode, shifting the gain profile for a tighter, more saturated distortion.
The Fat and Diode DIP switches would have been more useful outside, I feel. When I’m in the studio, I like to tweak, and so ‘set and forget’ internal DIP switches aren’t something I enjoy having to deal with.
Controls
The overdrive/distortion features a typical three-band EQ (Bass, Mids, Treble), Level, and Gain controls, along with a Mode switch on the front that lets users switch the clipping mode.
In the down position, it has the traditional gain structure; in the up position, you have cascaded MOSFET gain stages. Wampler states that this gives a “harder-hitting and more tube-like sound”.
FAQ – TCD
What is The Compulsion Drive (TCD)?
The TCD is Brian Wampler’s modern reimagining of one of the most legendary distortion circuits in modern guitar pedal history. It’s designed to deliver the circuit’s signature roar, sparkle, and dynamic touch sensitivity while adding refined tonal sculpting features.
What kind of tones can I expect from the TCD?
You can achieve a wide range of tones, from articulate crunch and harmonically rich saturation to soaring lead tones. Its primary characteristics are its unmistakable roar, sparkle, and dynamic touch sensitivity.
What are the internal DIP switches?
Inside the pedal, two internal DIP switches offer boutique-level customisation and tone shaping:
- Fat Switch: Adds deep low-end warmth for a thicker foundation.
- Diode Switch: Shifts the gain profile by adding an extra clipping diode for a tighter, more saturated distortion.
Why are the internal DIP switches hidden inside the pedal?
They are hidden options designed for boutique-level customisation and versatility. These “set-and-forget” switches let you shape the pedal’s core character to your taste without accidental adjustment during performance.
What does the Mode switch do?
The Mode switch lets you choose between two distinct clipping flavors:
- Down Position (Traditional): Provides the pedal’s traditional gain structure.
- Up Position (Harder Hitting): Changes to a harder-hitting, more tube-like sound by engaging cascaded MOSFET gain stages.
Conclusion
If you are obsessive-compulsive about your drive tones, you may like what Wampler has created. On paper, it offers a wide range of drive variations with one pedal. I just wish that they had put the DIP switches on the outside and made the design more user-friendly.
The price point is very reasonable for the amount of variation it offers from one pedal. Generally, I like Wampler pedals, as their original Velvet Fuzz is something I’ve abused for years and keep coming back to.
Their build quality is good, and these days they use top-mounted jacks. Plus, this pedal runs on 9-18 volts, which will suit most pedalboard setups nicely.
Price & Availability
The Wampler TCD is available at Thomann for $213 / £195 / €219.
More Information
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