The Behringer HELLBABE HB01 is a wah pedal built around an optical control system rather than the conventional pot found in most wah designs. Behringer calls it an "Ultimate Wah-Wah Pedal with Optical Control" and says the optical control does away with noisy pots, the scratchy point of failure in traditional wahs. The company describes its range as covering everything from "old-school" wah to the most up-to-date sounds in one pedal1.
Optical control instead of a pot
In a conventional wah, rocking the pedal turns a potentiometer, and that pot is a well-known wear point. The HB01 replaces it with an optical control. Behringer's product page describes it as an "optical control that does away with noisy pots"1. Julian Schmauch, writing for gearnews.com, puts it the same way: the pedal "sets itself apart with an optical control system, eliminating the need for mechanical pots or switches"2.
Range, Fine, Q and Boost controls
The HB01 gives the player several controls over the filter, which is more adjustment than a basic wah offers:
- Range control: sets the heel-down frequency. Behringer says it can be swept from 440 Hz down to 250 Hz1. Schmauch describes it as letting you set the heel-down frequency anywhere between 440 Hz and 250 Hz, so it works for both guitar and bass ranges2.
- Fine control: adjusts the frequency sweep as high as 2.2 kHz, according to Behringer1. Schmauch calls it a fine-tune control to extend the high-frequency range2.
- Q control: Behringer describes it as highly versatile, provided for precise filter shaping and for achieving vocal-like effects1.
- Boost control: a volume boost of up to +15 dB1.
Together, the Range and Fine controls set where the sweep starts and ends, the Q sets how sharp the filter is, and the Boost pushes the level up for solos12.
Power
Behringer says the HB01 can run on a 9 V battery or on the company's PSU-SB DC power supply, which is not included with the pedal1.
The PSU-SB power supply is not included, so plan to buy one separately if you do not want to run the pedal on a 9 V battery.
Where it sits in Behringer's wah range
Behringer has more than one wah in its catalog, and the HELLBABE HB01 is its "Ultimate Wah-Wah Pedal with Optical Control"1. Behringer describes it as unlike any wah you have ever stepped on, covering everything from "old-school" wah to the most up-to-date sounds in one pedal1. For more on the effect itself, see the site's page on wah-wah pedals.
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Questions
Does the Behringer HELLBABE use an optical sensor instead of a pot?
Yes. Behringer describes the HB01 as having an optical control that does away with noisy pots. Writing for gearnews.com, Julian Schmauch notes that the pedal sets itself apart with an optical control system, eliminating the need for mechanical pots or switches. That matters because the pot in a conventional wah is a common source of scratchy, worn-out sound over time.
Does the HELLBABE HB01 run on a battery?
Yes. Behringer says you can power the HB01 with a 9 V battery, or with the company's PSU-SB DC power supply, which is not included with the pedal.
How much boost does the HELLBABE have?
The HB01 has a Boost control that Behringer says can dial in a powerful volume boost of up to +15 dB, useful for pushing a solo forward without touching the guitar's volume knob.
What power supply does the HELLBABE use?
Behringer lists two options: a 9 V battery or the company's PSU-SB DC power supply. The PSU-SB is not included, so it has to be bought separately if you would rather run the pedal from a supply than a battery.
Sources (2)
- HB01 | Behringer, Behringer
- The Best Wah Wah Pedals for Iconic Guitar Tones: Cry Baby and Beyond, gearnews.com, 2025-08-18
