The FATBEE Overdrive "Vitral" is an overdrive pedal from Beetronics, part of the maker's Babee Series of compact pedals. Beetronics describes it as a fully original overdrive circuit designed in collaboration with Howard Davis, and as "A Jfet drive like no other, breaks up sweet and smooth like a tubee amp."1 Like the rest of the Babee Series, it packs the circuit into a small enclosure, with Beetronics calling it the pedal that "packs the fattest overdrive tones on the smallest bee yet."1
The Vitral edition is listed as sold out on Beetronics' product page. Beetronics has issued the FATBEE circuit in a series of other editions and custom finishes over time, so other versions of the same overdrive exist.
The circuit
The FATBEE is not a clone or a tweak of an existing design. Beetronics describes it as "a fully original overdrive circuit designed in collaboration with the legendary" Howard Davis, and characterizes it as a JFET drive that "breaks up sweet and smooth like a tubee amp."1 JFET-based stages are a way of getting amp-like soft clipping in a pedal, which is what the maker's "tubee amp" comparison points at. For a player, that places it among overdrives intended for smooth breakup rather than hard clipping; see Overdrive Pedals for how the type sits next to Distortion Pedals and Fuzz Pedals.
Size, weight and power
The FATBEE is built on the small Babee Series enclosure. Beetronics gives the bare enclosure as 4 1/2" x 2 1/4" x 2 1/4", rising to 5.5" x 3.5" x 2.75" once knobs, switches and other hardware are counted, and a weight of 0.5 lbs (0.25 kilos). The shipping package measures 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25" and weighs 0.75 lbs (0.5 kilos).1
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Pedal dimensions | 4 1/2" x 2 1/4" x 2 1/4"1 |
| Pedal size incl. hardware | 5.5" x 3.5" x 2.75"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 |
Power is 9VDC with a center negative connector, drawing 36mA. Beetronics states plainly that the pedal does not include a power supply.1
At 36mA, the FATBEE draws more current than many simple overdrives, so a daisy chain shared with several low-draw pedals may not be adequate. Use a supply rated to deliver at least 36mA at 9VDC, center negative.1
Buying and returning
The Vitral carries a regular price of £192.00 GBP on Beetronics' product page, where it is currently shown as sold out.1
Beetronics backs the pedal with its 30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee, shipping not included. The process works like this1:
- Email Beetronics within 30 business days of receiving your order to request an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) form1.
- Once you have the RMA form, send the item back within 7 days1.
- For a full refund, the product must be returned in new condition, in its original packaging1.
- Beetronics processes the refund within 5 business days of the return arriving1.
If the pedal comes back worn or missing what Beetronics calls its "bee-cessories," a restocking fee of 15% may apply, or store credit may be offered instead. Products labeled "Scratch and Dent" are a separate case: they are sold as-is in their current condition and are not eligible for a refund.1
Other FATBEE editions
Beetronics has released the FATBEE overdrive in a series of editions and custom finishes alongside the Vitral, including the Fatbee FB941, the FATBEE Overdrive "FB971" Custom Series, the FATBEE Overdrive "Khao San" Custom Series, the FATBEE Overdrive "Classico", the Fatbee Overdrive "Greeny", the Fatbee Overdrive "Escudeiro", the Fatbee Overdrive "Rosa Shock" and the FATBEE Overdrive "Purple Eyes". The same maker's range also includes the Overhive mid-gain overdrive and the Nectar Tone Sweetener overdrive/fuzz.
Questions
Is the FATBEE Vitral sold out?
Yes. On Beetronics' own product page, the FATBEE Overdrive "Vitral" Custom Series is listed as sold out. Beetronics has released the FATBEE circuit in a series of other editions and custom finishes, so other versions of the same overdrive have been offered at different times.
Does the Beetronics FATBEE come with a power supply?
No. Beetronics notes on the product page that the pedal does not include a power supply. It requires a 9VDC supply with a center negative connector, drawing 36mA, so a standard center negative pedal supply that can supply at least that current is needed.
How big is the FATBEE Overdrive?
Beetronics lists the pedal itself at 4 1/2" x 2 1/4" x 2 1/4", or 5.5" x 3.5" x 2.75" including knobs, switches and other hardware. It weighs 0.5 lbs (0.25 kilos), and the shipping package measures 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25" and weighs 0.75 lbs (0.5 kilos).
Can I return a Beetronics pedal?
Beetronics offers a 30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee, shipping not included. Email within 30 business days of receiving your order for an RMA form, then send the item back within 7 days. A full refund requires the pedal in new condition in its original packaging; otherwise a 15% restocking fee or store credit may apply. Scratch and Dent products are sold as-is.
Sources (1)
- FATBEE Overdrive "Vitral" Custom Series, Beetronics
