The Beetronics Fatbee FB941 is a compact overdrive pedal built around a Jfet drive circuit. Beetronics describes it as "A Jfet drive like no other, breaks up sweet and smooth like a tubee amp," and says the Fatbee "can be used to warm up, sting or buzz" any instrument1. It is a fully original circuit, and it holds a particular place in the company's lineup: it was the first pedal in the Babee Series, Beetronics' smaller-format pedal line1.
The first Babee Series pedal
The Babee Series is Beetronics' smaller-format pedal line, and the Fatbee was its first offering. Beetronics' own description of the series puts it plainly: "The first pedal on our Babee Series is a fully original overdrive circuit," designed in collaboration with "the legendary pedal designer Howard Davis"234. The company has summed up the concept behind the line as "huge tone in a small enclosure"5.
The circuit is a Jfet drive. Jfet-based overdrives are a design approach aimed at amp-like breakup, and Beetronics' own wording for the Fatbee leans the same way: it "breaks up sweet and smooth like a tubee amp"1. Where a player might place it: it is an overdrive rather than a distortion or fuzz, sitting among the broader family of overdrive pedals, and Beetronics has since built on the Babee Series idea with later compact drives such as the Beetronics Nectar Tone Sweetener.
Power and practicalities
The Fatbee requires a 9VDC power supply with a center-negative connector and draws 36mA1. One thing to know before it goes on a board:
The Fatbee does not include a power supply. It needs a 9VDC center-negative supply and draws 36mA, so check your pedalboard power supply has a spare output rated for at least that draw1.
Size and weight
Beetronics lists the Fatbee's dimensions on its product page1:
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Pedal size (including knobs, switches and etc) | 5.5" x 3.5" x 2.75" |
| Pedal weight | 0.5 lbs / 0.25 kilos |
| Package size | 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25" |
| Package weight | 0.75 lbs / 0.5 kilos |
The pedal itself is small enough for a crowded board, which is the point of the Babee Series format5.
Buying direct from Beetronics
Beetronics sells the Fatbee through its own webstore, where it was listed at a regular price of £192.00 GBP as of October 20261. The company backs direct orders with a "30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee (shipping not included)"1. The terms, as Beetronics states them1:
- Email within 30 business days of receiving the order to get an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) form
- Once you have the RMA form, the pedal should be back to Beetronics within 7 days
- Refunds are processed within 5 business days of the return arriving
- A modest restocking fee of 15%, or store credit instead, may apply if the product shows wear and tear or is missing accessories
- Products labeled as "Scratch and Dent" are sold in their current stripy condition and are not eligible for a refund
Availability and versions
As of October 2026, the Fatbee FB941 was listed as sold out on Beetronics' product page1. The Fatbee circuit has also appeared in a series of limited and custom editions from the company, so players looking for one may find the design surfacing in new runs under different names rather than as a single standing product1.
Questions
Does the Beetronics Fatbee come with a power supply?
No. Beetronics states on the Fatbee FB941 product page that the pedal does not include a power supply. It requires a 9VDC supply with a center-negative connector, the standard type used by most pedalboard power supplies, so most players can power it from what they already own.
Is the Beetronics Fatbee still in production?
The Fatbee FB941 was listed as sold out on Beetronics' own product page as of October 2026. Beetronics has released the Fatbee circuit in a series of limited and custom editions, so the design continues to appear in new runs rather than as a single standing product.
Who designed the Beetronics Fatbee?
Beetronics describes the Fatbee as a fully original overdrive circuit designed in collaboration with the pedal designer Howard Davis, whom the company calls legendary.
How big is the Beetronics Fatbee?
Beetronics lists the Fatbee's pedal size as 5.5 x 3.5 x 2.75 inches including knobs and switches, with a pedal weight of 0.5 lbs (0.25 kilos). The shipping package measures 6.75 x 5.25 x 3.25 inches and weighs 0.75 lbs (0.5 kilos).
Sources (5)
- FATBEE Overdrive "FB941" Custom Series, Beetronics (www.beetronicsfx.com)
- FATBEE Overdrive "Vitral" Custom Series, Beetronics
- FATBEE - Overdrive Limited Edition "Donatello" - Beetronics, Beetronics
- FATBEE Overdrive, Beetronics (www.beetronicsfx.com)
- FATBEE Overdrive • Beezarre Bazaar • FB2536, Beetronics (beetronicsfx.com)
