The Zzombee Filtremulator The Blackbee Edition is a limited-run finish of Beetronics' Zzombee Filtremulator, an analog multi-effect pedal that fuses fuzz, filter, tremolo and a synthy low octave in one box1. It is one of many special editions and Custom Shop finishes the maker has offered around the same circuit, and like most of them it is now sold out at the maker's store1.
The pedal delivers Filter, Wah, LFO, Randomized Filter, Tremolo, Swells, Overdrive, Fuzz, Low-Octave and Cross Tremolo, a tremolo effect Beetronics describes as never heard "beefore"1. The audio path is analog, but the pedal is what Beetronics calls "digitally parasitized": the digital side handles tap tempo, CV control, external tap, expression out and preset saving1.
What the Zzombee does
Beetronics positions the Zzombee as a one-of-a-kind analog multi effect that fuses fuzz, filter, tremolo and a low octave into one expressive pedal1. The instrument signal passes through a 4-stage gain "buzz" selection and runs in parallel to a monophonic low octave, and the filter can be applied to either signal path with the other left untouched1. Each section works independently or together, and amplitude can be modulated separately3.
The effect types cover ground that would normally take several pedals: a filter section with wah-like effects, a tremolo section, and an octave down. The instrument signal runs through a 4 stage gain buzz selection in parallel with a monophonic low octave, and the filter can be applied to either signal path while the other stays untouched. There are three modes of Modulated Filter, covering wah-like effects, an LFO, and over fifty thousand random patterns, plus three modes of Modulated Amplitude: cross-tremolo, traditional tremolo, and volume swells1.
Modes and the circuit
The pedal splits its modes into two groups of three1:
| Group | Modes | What they do |
|---|---|---|
| Modulated Filter | Wah-like effects, LFO, randomized patterns | Filter movement, including over fifty thousand random patterns1 |
| Modulated Amplitude | Cross Tremolo, traditional tremolo, volume swells | Amplitude shaping and movement1 |
The signature mode is Cross Tremolo. Beetronics describes it as "a very unique kind of tremolo that pulses between the fundamental and a low octave"1, and elsewhere as a Beetronics-original effect that alternates between your clean signal and a low octave, creating a rhythmic, synthy pulse4.
MusicRadar's review lists the full control set: Parasite, Depth, Bee, a Mode switch, a Buzz Level switch, a Filter Router switch, a Presets switch and a Ramp/Rate footswitch2. That routing switch is what lets the filter land on the fuzz path, the sub-octave path, or both.
The Blackbee Edition is sold out at the maker's store1. Other limited editions of the Zzombee Filtremulator, including the Apparittion, Taffy, DARK and Sweet Sting finishes, are also listed as sold out567.
Power and connections
The Blackbee Edition requires a 9V DC power supply with a center-negative plug, draws 100mA, and does not include a power supply1. MusicRadar's review confirms the same figures: 9V DC adaptor, not supplied, 100mA2. Connections are a standard input and a standard output2. There is no battery option in the listed specifications.
The control side extends beyond the enclosure. The pedal includes a tap-tempo function, CV control connections, an external tap input, an expression out, and it can save presets8910. Guitar World likewise noted the Zzombee's tap tempo, expression pedal input and CV control connections at launch10.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's review of the Zzombee lists its origin as USA and its power draw at 100mA2. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson, writing about trem-fuzzes and oscillating fuzzes, was blunt about the learning curve:
"Possibly the most complicated one to use here, and one that really needs the manual to be handy - to get the most out of"11
Videos
Andertons Music Co
Sweetwater
Beetronics FX
Questions
Is the Zzombee analog or digital?
The audio path is analog. Beetronics describes the pedal as an analog multi effect that is "digitally parasitized," meaning the digital side handles control features such as tap tempo, CV control, external tap, expression out and preset saving rather than the tone itself.
Does the Zzombee Blackbee have CV control?
Yes. The Blackbee Edition includes CV control connections alongside tap tempo, an external tap input and an expression out. Guitar World also noted the Zzombee's tap tempo, expression pedal input and CV control connections when the pedal launched in 2022.
What is Cross Tremolo on the Zzombee?
Cross Tremolo is a Beetronics-original tremolo effect that alternates between your clean signal and a low octave, creating a rhythmic, synthy pulse. Beetronics calls it a tremolo that pulses between the fundamental and a low octave.
Can the Zzombee save presets?
Yes. The Blackbee Edition can save presets, and Beetronics lists a Presets switch among the pedal's controls, alongside the Mode, Buzz Level and Filter Router switches.
Is the Zzombee easy to use?
It has a learning curve. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson calls it possibly the most complicated pedal of its kind to use, and one that really needs the manual to be handy to get the most out of it.
Sources (11)
- Zzombee Filtremulator The Blackbee Edition, Beetronics (beetronicsfx.com)
- Beetronics Zzombee Filtremulator Review, MusicRadar, 2023-01-24
- Zzombee Filtremulator • Limited Edition • SWAMP • BEE STOCK, Beetronics
- Zzombee Filtremulator • Limited Edition • Sunbeeam, Beetronics (beetronicsfx.com)
- Zzombee Filtremulator Limited Edition Apparittion, Beetronics
- Zzombee Filtremulator • Limited Edition • DARK, Beetronics
- Zzombee Filtremulator Limited Edition Taffy, Beetronics
- Zzombee Filtremulator Limited Edition Zzomblue, Beetronics (www.beetronicsfx.com)
- Zzombee Filtremulator Custom Shop ZB085 (BeeStock), Beetronics
- Beetronics' Zzombee Filtremulator is a four gain-stage monster with modulated filter, tremolo, wah, fuzz and more, Guitar World, 2022-06-15
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-05-09
