The Beetronics OctaHive Warm Gold is a high gain fuzz pedal with a built in high pitch octave, part of the maker's Custom Series of specially finished pedals. 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, a vintage octave fuzz, while being able to produce both classic and modern sounds1. It sits in the same family as the standard OctaHive and other Beetronics octave fuzzes like the WhoctaHell, which works on the low octave side.
The Warm Gold OctaHive is listed as sold out on Beetronics' site. As a Custom Series finish, it appears in limited runs rather than as a standing catalog item.
Sound and controls
The OctaHive has two faces, and a toggle switch chooses between them. With the octave engaged, Beetronics says "things can get really nasty, splashy and gated," which the maker calls great for high gain leads, especially played above the 12th fret. At low gain settings, the maker says it can produce "ring modulator" style overtones that work well for textures1.
Flip the toggle and the octave drops out. Beetronics describes this as "a whole different pedal, producing a warmer and thicker fuzz tone, making it more versatile and chord friendly"1.
The two main controls work together:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| PRE | Gain control. Rolling it back helps achieve a well pronounced octave sound. |
| Honey | Balance control. Its balance with PRE is the key to a variety of sounds; with a little less Honey you can get that "purple haze" tone. |
| Toggle switch | Turns the octave off, turning the pedal into a warmer and thicker fuzz. |
Beetronics also points to the guitar's own controls: "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. For more on how this kind of circuit sits among others, see the site's guide to fuzz pedals and octave and pitch pedals.
Power, size and buying details
The OctaHive requires a 9VDC power supply with a center negative connector, the standard for pedalboard supplies, and Beetronics notes that it does not include a power supply1.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Pedal size | 5.5" x 4" x 2.75" (including knobs, switches and etc) |
| Enclosure size | 5.5" x 3.25" x 2" |
| Pedal weight | 1 lbs / 0.5 kilos |
| Package size | 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25" |
| Package weight | 1 lbs 8 oz / 0.75 kilos |
All figures from the maker's product page1.
Purchases are covered by Beetronics' 30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee, shipping not included. The maker's return policy asks buyers to email within 30 business days of receiving the order for an RMA form, with a full refund if the item is returned in new condition in its original packaging; a worn item or missing accessories can carry a possible 15% restocking fee or store credit, return shipping is at the customer's cost, and the item must be back within 7 days of the RMA, with the refund processed within 5 business days1.
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Questions
What is the Beetronics OctaHive based on?
Beetronics says the OctaHive was based on the 1970s Tycobrahe Octavia, and that it can produce both classic and modern sounds. The Warm Gold version is one of the Custom Series finishes of that circuit, pairing the high gain fuzz with a well pronounced high pitch octave that can be switched off for a warmer, thicker fuzz tone.
Can you turn the octave off on the OctaHive?
Yes. A toggle switch turns the octave off, and Beetronics describes the result as a whole different pedal, producing a warmer and thicker fuzz tone that is more versatile and chord friendly. With the octave engaged, the maker says things can get nasty, splashy and gated, which suits high gain leads played above the 12th fret.
Does the OctaHive Warm Gold 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, which is the standard format for most pedalboard power supplies.
Does the OctaHive take a battery?
The maker's product page lists only a 9VDC center negative power supply requirement and states that a power supply is not included. It makes no mention of battery operation, so plan to run the pedal from a 9VDC supply.
Is the Warm Gold OctaHive a limited edition?
The Warm Gold is part of Beetronics' Custom Series, a line of specially finished versions of its pedals. The Warm Gold OctaHive is currently listed as sold out on the maker's site, so availability depends on whether Beetronics runs further Custom Series batches.
How big is the Beetronics OctaHive?
Beetronics lists the pedal size as 5.5 by 4 by 2.75 inches including knobs and switches, with an enclosure size of 5.5 by 3.25 by 2 inches. The pedal weighs 1 pound (0.5 kilos), and the shipping package measures 6.75 by 5.25 by 3.25 inches and weighs 1 pound 8 ounces (0.75 kilos).
Sources (1)
- Octahive, Beetronics
