The Beetronics Octahive v2 High Octave Buzz is a fuzz pedal with a built-in upper octave, part of the same family as the original Beetronics OctaHive. Beetronics describes it as "a raging high-octave fuzz inspired by '70s classics, reimagined with modern switching and expanded playability"1. The circuit draws on the vintage octave pedals of that decade, but the v2 wraps it in footswitch behavior that lets a player move between its two voices without stopping to play.
The pedal runs in two modes. BUZZZ mode is the fuzz voice on its own, and OCTAVE mode layers octave harmonics over the fuzz. Between them, the Octahive v2 covers everything from thick low-end riffing to the screaming upper-octave leads the '70s circuits were known for234.
BUZZZ and OCTAVE: a high-gain fuzz with an upper octave
The two modes are the heart of the pedal. In BUZZZ mode, Beetronics promises "a ferocious high-gain fuzz that's perfect for low riffage and powerful chords"7. This is the straight fuzz voice: high gain, thick, and suited to chords and low-register playing rather than the octave trick.
OCTAVE mode is where the pedal earns its name. Beetronics describes it as a "mind-bending psychedelic wonderland" of octave sound2, and the effect is the classic upper-octave trick descended from '70s octave pedals3. Pedal of the Day's writeup covers the same two-mode structure, describing Buzzz Mode as the high-gain fuzz voice and the octave mode as the second personality4.
Getting the octave to speak clearly takes a bit of setup. Beetronics' own instruction is direct:
"Roll down the PRE control, switch to your neck pickup, and watch those beeautiful octave harmonics take center stage."3
The PRE control sets how hard the pedal's input is driven, and rolling it back cleans up the fuzz enough for the octave harmonics to dominate. The neck pickup matters because octave circuits of this type track best off the stronger, rounder signal a neck pickup delivers. With the PRE up and the bridge pickup engaged, the pedal leans back toward its high-gain fuzz character37.
Footswitch tricks: hold, double tap and switching profiles
The v2's main upgrade over the original Octahive is in the switching. Three behaviors are built into the footswitch23:
| Action | What it does |
|---|---|
| Hold the footswitch | Instantly switches from BUZZZ to OCTAVE3 |
| Quick double tap | Shifts between modes2 |
| Three footswitch profiles | Customize the speed of momentary switching3 |
The hold function is the performance trick. While you are playing in BUZZZ mode, holding the footswitch jumps you straight into OCTAVE mode, and the three footswitch profiles let you tune how fast the momentary switching responds3. That makes it possible to duck into the octave voice for a phrase and back out without a mode dial or a second stompbox.
For players comparing this against the earlier Beetronics OctaHive Dual FS, which solved the same problem with a second footswitch, the v2 instead packs the mode changes into a single switch with hold and double-tap gestures23.
Versions and limited editions
The Octahive v2 has appeared in a number of finishes beyond the standard pedal. Beetronics' own catalog lists the range under the Octahive High Octave Buzz collection6:
The Babee Series is the smaller-format version of the pedal, following the compact housing Beetronics also used for the Beetronics Babee Whoctahell, the shrunken take on its low-octave Beetronics Whoctahell6.
Beetronics lists the Octahive v2 High Octave Buzz as sold out, at a regular price of £154.00 GBP6. Limited editions sell in small runs, so availability of any given finish changes as batches come and go.
Power, size and buying details
The Octahive v2 requires a 9VDC power supply with a center-negative plug3. No power supply is included in the box3, so a separate adapter is needed before the pedal can run.
Physical details from the maker:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Pedal size | 4.5" x 2.5" x 2.25" (including knobs, switches and etc)3 |
| Pedal weight | 0.80 lbs / 0.3 kilos3 |
| Package size | 4.85" x 2.55" x 3.50"3 |
| Package weight | 0.90 lbs / 0.4 kilos3 |
Beetronics backs the pedal with what it calls a 30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee, with shipping not included3. Returns must be made within 48 hours of receiving the item, in original, new condition with original packaging; shipping costs are non-refundable, and a 15% restocking fee may apply under the guarantee3.
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Questions
How do you get the octave sound on the Beetronics Octahive?
Switch into OCTAVE mode, then roll down the PRE control and use your neck pickup. Beetronics says this combination brings the octave harmonics forward so they take center stage. The octave effect is strongest in this configuration, while higher PRE settings push the pedal toward its high-gain fuzz character.
What is the difference between Octahive v1 and v2?
The v2 keeps the same high-octave fuzz concept as the original Octahive but adds modern switching: holding the footswitch instantly jumps from BUZZZ to OCTAVE mode, a quick double tap shifts between modes, and three footswitch profiles let you customize the speed of momentary switching.
Does the Octahive v2 come with a power supply?
No. Beetronics states that a power supply is not included with the Octahive v2, so you need to supply your own 9VDC center-negative adapter before you can use the pedal.
What power does the Beetronics Octahive v2 need?
The pedal requires a 9VDC power supply with a center-negative plug. Because the maker lists no battery option and no supply in the box, plan on a dedicated 9VDC source rather than a battery.
What limited editions of the Octahive v2 exist?
Beetronics has issued the Octahive v2 in several limited editions, including OSIRIS, MAJESTY (Bee Stock), and Red Reign finishes, plus a Babee Series version and Custom Shop runs such as the Ouija and the Custom Shop 420.
Sources (7)
- Octahive v2 High Octave Buzz • Limited Edition • OSIRIS, Beetronics
- Octahive v2 High Octave Buzz Limited Edition Babee Blue, Beetronics
- Octahive v2 High Octave Buzz • Limited Edition • MAJESTY (BEE STOCK), Beetronics
- Beetronics Octahive V2 High Octave Buzz, Pedal of the Day, 2023-06-27
- Octahive v2 High Octave Buzz • Babee Series, Beetronics
- • OCTAHIVE HIGH OCTAVE BUZZ •, Beetronics
- Octahive v2 High Octave Buzz • Limited Edition • Red Reign, Beetronics
