The Beetronics Whoctahell Khao San is a low octave fuzz, a pedal that combines an overdrive and fuzz circuit with a square wave sub octave to produce a sound the maker compares to an 8-bit bass synthesizer. It is part of Beetronics' Custom Series, the company's line of limited, individually finished pedals, and it is currently listed as sold out on Beetronics' own site1.
What it sounds like and how it works
Beetronics describes the Whoctahell in its own words:
"It's a overdrive/fuzz summed up with a gnarly squared wave low octave, resembling a 8-bit bass synthesizer."
The core idea is that two sounds run at once: a distorted overdrive and fuzz voice, and a synthesized low octave beneath it. The octave is generated as a square wave, which gives it the blocky, video-game character of early 8-bit sound chips rather than a smooth, tracking pitch shifter1.
The two sections are built to be used apart as much as together1:
- The od/fuzz and octave work fully independent and can be used separately1
- The octave section has its own separate bypass switch1
- The octave has a range of one or two low octaves, selectable by a toggle switch1
That independent bypass matters on a board: you can kick the octave in and out while the fuzz keeps running, or use the pedal as a straight fuzz and bring the sub octave in only where a part needs it1.
The Whoctahell family
The Khao San is one of several versions of the same circuit Beetronics has produced. The standard Beetronics WhoctaHell is the core pedal, and the company has also issued it in other formats and finishes, including the compact Babee Whoctahell and the Whoctahell Limited Beeast, a run of 300 units announced in December 2024. Custom Series editions like the Khao San carry the same circuit in a limited, decorated enclosure. For other octave-focused fuzzes from the same maker, see the OctaHive, which works an octave up rather than down, and the Vezzpa Octave Stinger.
Power, size and buying notes
The pedal requires a 9VDC power supply with a center negative connector, the standard for most pedalboard power supplies1. Beetronics does not publish a current draw figure for it.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Pedal size | 5.5" x 4" x 2.75" including knobs and switches1 |
| 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 |
The Khao San is listed as sold out on Beetronics' site as of 25 October 2026. Custom Series pedals are produced in limited runs, so this edition may not return.
If you do buy from Beetronics, the company sells with a 14-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee and states it will process a refund within 5 business days. Returns sent back worn or incomplete may carry a modest restocking fee of 15%, or the possibility of receiving store credit instead, and once an RMA form is issued the item should be back to Beetronics within 7 days. Products labeled as "Scratch and Dent" are sold in their current stripy condition and are not eligible for a refund1.
Questions
What does the Beetronics Whoctahell sound like?
Beetronics describes it as an overdrive and fuzz summed with a gnarly squared wave low octave, resembling an 8-bit bass synthesizer. In practice that means a distorted, chiptune-style low end under your normal signal, with the fuzz and octave sections each having their own controls and bypass switch so you can shape or use them separately.
Can you use the octave without the fuzz on the Whoctahell?
Yes. Beetronics states that the od/fuzz and octave work fully independent and can be used separately, and the octave section has its own separate bypass switch. That lets you run the low octave on its own, the fuzz on its own, or both together.
How many octaves down does the Whoctahell go?
The octave has a range of one or two low octaves, selectable by a toggle switch, so you can choose between a single octave below your note or two octaves below.
What power supply does the Whoctahell need?
It requires a 9VDC power supply with a center negative connector, the standard arrangement for most pedalboard supplies. Beetronics does not list a current draw figure for the pedal.
Is the Beetronics Whoctahell Khao San still available?
No. As of 25 October 2026 the pedal is listed as sold out on Beetronics' own product page. Beetronics has released the Whoctahell circuit in other formats over the years, including the Babee Whoctahell and the Whoctahell Limited Beeast.
Sources (1)
- Whoctahell, Beetronics
