The Beetronics OctaHive OH909 is a fuzz pedal with a pronounced high pitch octave. Beetronics describes it as "super high gain fuzz with a well pronounced high pitch octave," and says the circuit was based on the 1970s Tycobrahe Octavia, able to produce both classic and modern sounds1. It belongs to the same family as the OctaHive and Octahive v2 High Octave Buzz, and sits alongside the maker's other octave fuzz, the low-octave WhoctaHell.
The OctaHive OH909 was listed as sold out on Beetronics' product page as of 25 October 20261. Beetronics also sells the OctaHive in other formats, including the Dual FS versions and limited runs such as the OctaHive Musashi.
Controls and sound
The pedal's two main controls are PRE and HONEY. Beetronics says "the balance between PRE and Honey is the key to achieve a variety of sounds"1. The octave toggle switch is the other major shaping control: flipping it off turns the OctaHive, in the maker's words, "into a warmer and thicker fuzz pedal," one that is more versatile and chord friendly1.
Beetronics describes the two modes like this:
- Octave on: "On the octave mode, things can get really nasty, splashy and gated. It's great for high gain leads, specially when played above the 12th fret"1.
- Octave off: a warmer and thicker fuzz tone, more versatile and chord friendly1.
- Low gain settings: the pedal can produce "ring modulator" overtones, which the maker suggests are great for textures1.
- Low HONEY in octave mode: "With a little less HONEY you can get that 'purple haze' tone"1.
For getting the most out of the octave, Beetronics offers a playing tip: "The best way to achieve a well pronounced octave sound is by rolling off on the PRE gain and tone control on your instrument"1. In other words, backing off the guitar's volume and tone, and running less PRE gain, helps the high octave speak clearly.
Size, weight and power
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Pedal size | 5.5" x 4" x 2.75" (including knobs, switches and etc)1 |
| Enclosure size | 5.5" x 3.25" x 2"1 |
| Pedal weight | 1 lbs / 0.5 kilos1 |
| Package size | 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25"1 |
| Package weight | 1 lbs 8 oz / 0.75 kilos1 |
| Power | 9VDC, center negative, supply not included1 |
The 9VDC center negative requirement means the OctaHive OH909 works with standard pedalboard power supplies, but no supply comes in the box1.
Buying and returns
Beetronics lists the OH909 at a regular price of £216.00 GBP on its product page1. The maker backs purchases with a 30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee, with shipping not included1. If a returned product shows signs of wear and tear or is missing its bee-cessories, Beetronics says there may be a restocking fee of 15%, or the option of receiving store credit instead1. Products labeled as "Scratch and Dent" are sold in their current stripy condition and cannot be returned for a refund1.
Sources (1)
- Octahive, Beetronics
