Behringer launches B-Tron III envelope filter, a Mu-Tron III clone, at $69
February 6, 2025 · 2 sources
Behringer officially launched the B-Tron III Envelope Filter on 6 February 2025, an homage to the Mu-Tron III priced at $691. MusicRadar reported that the pedal had been teased "a couple of years back" before its release, and that it can be pre-ordered from Thomann in the UK and Europe or Sweetwater in the US1.
The pedal is an all-analog optical circuit with a true bypass design, according to MusicRadar1. It has three filter modes, Low Pass, Band Pass and High Pass, selected by a three-way rotary dial1. The Drive switch sets it to wah or to "wow," the Rate switch emphasizes low vocal sounds or high-end overtones, the Peak dial adjusts the intensity of the effect, and the Gain dial is a sensitivity control for matching the pedal to bass, electric guitar, keyboards or a Clavinet1. The original Mu-Tron III required two 9V batteries; the B-Tron III needs one, or 9V from a pedalboard power supply1.
MusicRadar described the Mu-Tron III as designed by Mike Beigel and launched in 1972, and noted Stevie Wonder used one on "Higher Ground," with Bootsy Collins, Chris Squire, Jerry Garcia and Frank Zappa among its other users1. MusicRadar also noted "more than a passing resemblance" between the B-Tron III and the original's metal enclosure1.
"Behringer broke cover with the B-Tron III a couple of years back but it's now officially here"
Gearnews reported on 11 February 2025 that Mu-Tron had shared a statement online accusing Behringer of assimilating its history and branding, and that Behringer had already cloned the Bi-Phase, now renamed Dual-Phase, and the Octave Divider, both Mu-Tron designs2. Gearnews listed the B-Tron III at $51.00 at Thomann, against the $69 price given by MusicRadar21. MusicRadar reported that Behringer had defended itself on social media in December, arguing that "no other company delivers as many innovative and affordable products as we do"1.