The GUPtech Trou D'Beigne TB Overdrive is a compact overdrive pedal from GUPtech, the Canadian builder behind the Donut Overdrive and the CocoCast Preamp-Overdrive. The maker describes the Trou d'Beigne as "our mini version of the Donut Overdrive," fitting the same circuit into a small 1590A enclosure1. GUPtech describes its sound as going "from clean boost to solid OD sound," which places it in the territory covered on the Overdrive Pedals type page, from light level pushing to fuller drive1.
The Tone control: a mid-frequency sweep
The pedal's Tone knob is its voicing control, and GUPtech describes it as a midrange sweep rather than a simple treble roll-off. In the maker's words, the "Tone knob adjust the medium frequency response, going from no-mid-boost to solid-'Cut the mix'-tone"1. Turned one way, the pedal leaves the mids alone; turned the other, it pushes them hard enough to cut through a band mix. That kind of mid control matters in an overdrive, where a mid hump or its absence is often the main difference between one circuit and another, a comparison explored in Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer.
Versions and related editions
GUPtech has released the Trou D'Beigne circuit in more than one box:
| Version | What the maker says | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Trou D'Beigne TB Overdrive | Mini version of the Donut Overdrive, same circuit except for the buffer | Re-stocking soon1 |
| Trou D'Beigne Douche Edition | Same circuit as the Donut except for the buffer, true bypass, 5mA | Listed by GUPtech2 |
| Trou D'Beigne Gold Rush Edition | "Exactly the same circuit as the original GUPtech Trou D'Beigne, in a unique Gold box" | Sold out3 |
The Gold Rush Edition is listed as sold out, and the standard Trou D'Beigne is marked re-stocking soon, so availability of any version changes with GUPtech's small-batch production runs.
Power and practicalities
The Trou D'Beigne runs on 9Vdc center negative and draws 5mA, a figure GUPtech also lists for the Douche Edition12. A draw that low is no challenge for any standard pedalboard supply, and the pedal's 1590A footprint, at 93 mm x 39 mm x 31 mm, is built for crowded boards where a full-size overdrive will not fit1. The maker does not list a battery option, so plan on a 9V DC supply.
Videos
Delicious Audio
Questions
Is the GUPtech Trou D'Beigne true bypass?
Yes. GUPtech lists the Trou D'Beigne TB Overdrive as a true bypass design, meaning the pedal takes itself out of the signal path entirely when switched off. The same true bypass design is listed for the Douche Edition version of the pedal.
What is the difference between the Trou D'Beigne and the Donut Overdrive?
GUPtech describes the Trou d'Beigne as its mini version of the Donut Overdrive. According to the maker, it is exactly the same circuit except for the buffer, packaged in a smaller 1590A enclosure rather than the Donut's full-size box.
What colors does the Trou D'Beigne come in?
The maker's product page lists two color options for the Trou D'Beigne TB Overdrive: yellow and pink.
How much current does the Trou D'Beigne draw?
GUPtech lists current consumption at 5mA for the Trou D'Beigne TB Overdrive, with the same 5mA figure given for the Douche Edition. That is a very light draw, well within what any standard 9V pedal power supply provides.
