The FATBEE Overdrive "Purple Eyes" is a compact overdrive pedal from Beetronics, and the first pedal in the company's Babee Series. Beetronics describes it as a fully original overdrive circuit designed in collaboration with the legendary Howard Davis, and characterizes the sound as "A Jfet drive like no other, breaks up sweet and smooth like a tubee amp." The company says the Fatbee "packs the fattest overdrive tones on the smallest bee yet," and that it "can be used to warm up, sting or buzz any instrument you want!"1
The "Purple Eyes" Custom Series was listed as sold out on the Beetronics product page as of 25 October 2026. Beetronics releases the FATBEE in different custom runs, and other versions such as the FATBEE Overdrive "Classico", FATBEE Overdrive "Greeny" and the standard Fatbee page cover the circuit in its other finishes.
Power and size
The FATBEE runs on a 9VDC power supply with a center-negative plug and draws 36mA. Beetronics notes that a power supply is not included, so plan for a dedicated output on your pedalboard supply rather than a daisy chain with several other pedals.1
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power requirement | 9VDC power supply (center negative)1 |
| Current draw | 36mA1 |
| Power supply included | No1 |
| Pedal size (including knobs and switches) | 5.5" x 3.5" x 2.75"1 |
| Enclosure dimensions | 4 1/2" x 2 1/4" x 2 1/4"1 |
| Pedal weight | 0.5 lbs / 0.25 kilos1 |
| Package size | 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25"1 |
| Package weight | 0.75 lbs / 0.5 kilos1 |
At 5.5" x 3.5" x 2.75" including its knobs and switches, the FATBEE sits in compact-pedal territory, and at 0.5 lbs it is light enough for any board. For more on where this kind of pedal fits on a board, see the site's guide to overdrive pedals1.
Questions
Does the Beetronics FATBEE come with a power supply?
No. Beetronics states on the product page that the pedal does not include a power supply, so you will need to provide your own 9VDC center-negative supply. The pedal draws 36mA, which is within reach of most standard pedalboard power supplies, but it is not a battery-powered pedal.
What voltage does the FATBEE Overdrive use?
The FATBEE requires a 9VDC power supply with a center-negative plug, the same standard used by most compact pedals. Beetronics lists the current draw at 36mA. No power supply is included with the pedal.
Who designed the Beetronics FATBEE?
Beetronics describes the FATBEE as a fully original overdrive circuit designed in collaboration with Howard Davis, whom the company calls legendary. It is the first pedal in Beetronics' Babee Series.
Is the Purple Eyes FATBEE still available?
As of the most recent check of the Beetronics product page in October 2026, the FATBEE Overdrive "Purple Eyes" Custom Series was listed as sold out. Beetronics releases its pedals in different custom series runs, so other versions of the FATBEE exist.
Is the FATBEE based on an existing overdrive circuit?
No. Beetronics describes it as a fully original overdrive circuit, designed in collaboration with Howard Davis, rather than a take on an existing design. The company characterizes the sound as a JFET drive that breaks up sweet and smooth like a tube amp.
Sources (1)
- FATBEE Overdrive "Purple Eyes" Custom Series, Beetronics
