Walrus Audio D1 v1 (with v2.0 Firmware) Review – Why It's Still a Killer Deal in 2025
When Walrus Audio released the original D1 High-Fidelity Stereo Delay, it quickly became a favorite among ambient musicians, worship guitarists, and experimental sound designers. With its lush stereo imaging, five distinct delay modes, and high-quality DSP, the D1 v1 stood out as a powerful yet intuitive pedal in an increasingly crowded space.
But now, with the newer D1 MKII version out in the wild, there’s a question worth asking:
Is the original D1 v1 still worth it in 2025?
Spoiler: Absolutely – especially with the free 2.0 firmware update.
What’s New in the 2.0 Firmware?
Walrus Audio didn’t leave v1 owners behind. The v2.0 firmware update breathed new life into the D1 v1 with several much-requested features:
Tap Divisions per Preset – Now you can store different note divisions (like dotted eighths, quarter notes, etc.) per preset, not just globally.
Preset Naming – Organize your tones by name instead of just slot number. A small change, but a big workflow improvement.
More Preset Slots – You get 128 slots when using MIDI, which is overkill for most but fantastic for live performers.
Improved MIDI Implementation – More control, smoother program changes, and better integration with modern pedalboards.
Additional UI and Parameter Improvements – Some parameters now behave more intuitively, especially when recalling presets.
These changes might sound minor on paper, but in use, they push the D1 into almost MKII territory in terms of performance.
D1 MKII vs D1 v1 (2.0) – The Differences
While the MKII does have some physical improvements – like USB-C for updates, stereo ins and outs more easily accessible, and a slightly updated look – sonically, the core engine remains very similar.
The MKII also has a new lo-fi delay mode and trails bypass options, but unless you really need those, the D1 v1 (with 2.0 firmware) still delivers the lush, spacious stereo delays that made it famous.
Why Now is the Best Time to Buy the D1 v1
With the MKII hitting shelves, many players are offloading their v1 units to upgrade. That means:
You can often find the D1 v1 for 30-40% less than a new MKII.
It still gets firmware support (at least as of the 2.0 release).
It has identical algorithms for the main delay modes.
You’re not sacrificing sound quality—just a few bells and whistles.
For anyone looking to build a killer stereo delay setup on a budget, or for those wanting ambient textures without dropping €300+ on a brand new pedal, the D1 v1 is now a hidden gem.
Final Verdict
If you're chasing pristine digital delays, dreamy ambient textures, and rock-solid stereo imaging, the Walrus Audio D1 v1 with the v2.0 firmware still holds up incredibly well in 2025. And with second-hand prices dipping thanks to the MKII release, it might just be the smartest buy in the delay world right now.
