Beetronics Zzombee

The Beetronics Zzombee, sold in full as the Zzombee Filtremulator, is a multi-effect pedal that fuses analog fuzz, a modulated filter, tremolo and a synthy low octave into one box¹². Beetronics calls it a Filtremulator, a made-up name for a pedal whose filter section does most of the character work: it can sweep like a wah, pulse like a synth, or generate random modulation patterns on its own³⁴.

What the Zzombee does

Beetronics describes the Zzombee as a fully analog multi-effect that fuses fuzz, filter, tremolo and a synthy low octave into a wildly expressive tone tool²¹. The maker lists its effect types as Filter, Wah, LFO, Randomized Filter, Tremolo, Swells, Overdrive, Fuzz, Low-Octave and Cross Tremolo⁵.

The filter and amplitude sections each offer three modes⁶⁴:

The random filter mode is where the pedal gets deep: it generates over 65,000 unique modulation sequences, which you can scroll through and save your favorites into any of the five onboard preset slots⁴.

Two signal paths: Bee and Parasite

The Zzombee's core layout is two parallel paths. Guitar World's reviewer explains it plainly: "Bee is your instrument signal in clean, driven or fuzz versions; and Parasite is a monophonic low octave"⁷. The instrument signal gets a four-stage gain buzz selection and runs in parallel to the monophonic low octave, and the filter can be applied to either signal path with the other remaining untouched⁸.

Because the Parasite path is monophonic, it tracks one note at a time, which suits single-note lines rather than chords. MusicRadar notes that dialing the Parasite control fully counterclockwise leaves the Bee side only, offering auto-wah-style filtered sounds on its own⁹.

The controls, modes and footswitches

The front panel carries four three-way toggle switches, three knobs and two multi-function footswitches⁷. MusicRadar lists the controls as Parasite, Depth, Bee, a Mode switch, Buzz Level switch, Filter Router switch, Presets switch and the Ramp/Rate footswitch⁹. Guitar Pedal X's buying guide sets out the full control set¹⁰:

A momentary footswitch lets you ramp, retrigger and perform modulation live, which Beetronics presents as a way of adding dynamic feel to your playing⁴. The Blackbee Edition's page describes it as an innovative way of ramping and controlling modulation movements using a momentary footswitch¹¹.

Externally, the pedal includes tap tempo, external tap, expression out, CV input and preset recall⁴. Guitar World's launch coverage also noted the tap tempo, expression pedal input and CV control connections¹².

Cross Tremolo

Cross Tremolo is the Zzombee's signature effect, and the reason many players find the pedal. Beetronics describes it as a Beetronics-original tremolo effect that alternates between your clean signal and a low octave, creating a rhythmic, synthy pulse⁴. Guitar World's reviewer calls it "a unique effect called Cross Tremolo where the tremolo pulse alternates between root note and low octave"⁷. It sits alongside smooth volume swells and classic tremolo as one of the three amplitude modes⁴.

Presets and memory

The Zzombee has onboard memory for up to five presets, plus a live mode for real-time control³. Guitar World's reviewer found the five onboard presets let you store favorite sounds⁷. Sequences generated by the random filter mode can be scrolled and saved into any of the five preset slots⁴.

Limited editions and Custom Shop units

Beetronics sells the Zzombee in a rotating line of Limited Edition and Custom Shop finishes, each hand painted. The maker notes that every Custom Shop pedal is unique and may have scars and character¹³. At launch, Guitar World reported that Custom Shop finishes were available for an additional $100 over the standard price¹².

Editions documented on Beetronics' own pages include:

All editions share the same circuit and specification: the same power requirement, current draw, dimensions and weight appear across the Custom Shop listings²¹.

What reviewers said

Guitar World's reviewer covered the pedal's control surface, noting the four three-way toggle switches, three knobs and two multi-function footswitches, and the five onboard presets for storing favorite sounds⁷. MusicRadar's review listed the same control set and the USA origin⁹.

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