The Beetronics Overhive "Transylvania" is a medium-gain overdrive pedal from Beetronics, a maker known for giving the same core circuit a series of themed, limited-edition treatments. Beetronics describes the Overhive as "an extremely versatile medium gain overdrive," and the design brief is to sit on top of your amp's own sound rather than replace it: "It's round and warm tone respects your amp, enhancing it's best qualities while dynamically reacting to your playing."1 For players comparing overdrive options, that puts it in the amp-forward camp rather than the heavier clipping character you might find among distortion pedals; see also Overdrive Pedals for how the type works.
Beetronics releases the Overhive circuit in a series of editions, so other versions of the pedal may be available even when a given edition is not.
Size, weight and power
The Overhive is a compact but not miniature pedal, sized in the familiar Beetronics enclosure. The figures below come from the maker's product page.1
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Enclosure size | 5.5" x 3.25" x 2" |
| Pedal size (including knobs, switches and etc) | 5.5" x 3.5" x 2.75" |
| 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 |
Power is standard pedalboard fare: the Overhive requires a 9VDC power supply with a center negative plug. Beetronics notes that the pedal does not include a power supply, so plan to run it from your board's existing outlets.1
The Body switch
Among the Overhive's controls, the Body switch adds a low end boost. Beetronics suggests it is "great for when you are switching guitars on a set or just feel like adding a low end boost," which makes it a practical tool for players who move between single-coil and humbucker guitars over a night.1
Buying and returns
The Overhive "Transylvania" carries a regular price of £216.00 GBP on the maker's page.1 Beetronics backs the purchase with a 14-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee, and its return policy asks buyers to email within 30 business days of receiving an order to get an RMA form, with a full refund if the pedal comes back in new condition in its original packaging.1
Other Overhive editions
Because Beetronics builds the Overhive circuit into many themed runs, it is worth comparing editions if the Transylvania is unavailable. The standard Beetronics Overhive is the baseline, and other versions covered on this site include the Overhive Icelandic, Overhive Unchained, Overhive "Batman" and Overhive Damask. For a different Beetronics take on drive, the Nectar Tone Sweetener pairs overdrive with a fuzz mode, and the Wannabee Beelateral Buzz is a dual overdrive.
Questions
Does the Beetronics Overhive come with a power supply?
No. Beetronics states on the product page that the Overhive does not include a power supply. It requires a 9VDC supply with a center negative plug, the standard arrangement for most pedalboard power supplies, so you will need to provide one yourself or run it from your existing board power.
Is the Overhive Transylvania still available?
As of 25 October 2026, the Beetronics product page lists the Overhive "Transylvania" as sold out. Beetronics runs its pedals in limited runs and themed editions, so the standard Overhive and other versions of the same circuit may be available when this one is not.
How big is the Beetronics Overhive?
The enclosure itself measures 5.5 by 3.25 by 2 inches. With knobs, switches and jacks included, the pedal measures 5.5 by 3.5 by 2.75 inches and weighs 1 pound, or 0.5 kilos. The shipping package measures 6.75 by 5.25 by 3.25 inches and weighs 1 pound 8 ounces, or 0.75 kilos.
Sources (1)
- Overhive "Transylvania" Custom Series, Beetronics
