The Jacques Pedals Bête Noire is a distortion pedal with a built-in phaser. Published reviewers have noted one practical drawback: Guitar World's reviewer wrote, "I have to say that I find the control layout a little confusing and there is no real information on their site on how to" dial it in1.
What it does
The Bête Noire combines two effects that are often associated with the same era of rock playing: the natural overdrive of a cranked Plexi-style amp and the sweeping character of a vintage analog phaser. Jacques Pedals describes it as combining "natural distortion and analogue phasing modulation into one pedal"1. The phasing side can be mixed in with the distortion or used separately, so the pedal can work as a drive alone, a phaser alone, or both together1.
The controls
The pedal carries a lot of panel for a single enclosure, split between the distortion side and the modulation side.
| Control | Side | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Brown switch | Distortion | Emulates the sag of a Plexi amp run from a Variac power supply1 |
| Variac | Distortion | Control knob paired with the Brown switch's sag concept1 |
| Chomp | Distortion | Controls the bass attack, according to the specifications listed on the maker's site1 |
| Sweep | Modulation | Part of the phaser controls1 |
| Speed | Modulation | Part of the phaser controls1 |
| Level | Modulation | Part of the phaser controls1 |
| High | Modulation | Part of the phaser controls1 |
| Mix | Modulation | Blends the modulation effect1 |
| Scan | Modulation | A switch on the modulation side of the pedal1 |
The Brown switch and Variac knob take their names from a trick players used on real Plexi heads: powering the amp through a Variac, a variable transformer that lowers the mains voltage, which changes how the amp sags and responds. The pedal's Brown switch emulates that sag1.
What reviewers said
Writing at the pedal's announcement, Jef at gearnews.com found the panel busy: "I have to say that I find the control layout a little confusing and there is no real information on their site on how to" dial it in1.
The Bête Noire was reported as new in 20181. If you are looking at one now, it is worth knowing that the phaser side can run on its own, which changes how you might place it on a board alongside a dedicated phaser pedal or other distortion pedals.
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Questions
Where is the Jacques Pedals Bête Noire made?
The Bête Noire is part of Jacques Pedals' professional effect pedals range, which the company makes by hand in France. The pedal was reported as new in 2018, when it was announced as a combination of distortion and analog phasing modulation in a single enclosure.
How much does the Bête Noire cost?
At the time of its 2018 announcement, gearnews.com listed the Bête Noire at an RRP of EUR 250. Guitar World reported a $250 street price at the pedal's launch in July 2018.
Can the phaser on the Bête Noire be used on its own?
Yes. The modulation effect can either be mixed in with the distortion or used separately, so the phasing side works as a standalone effect if you want it without the drive.
What does the Brown switch do on the Bête Noire?
The Brown switch emulates the sag of a Plexi-style valve amp being run from a Variac power supply, the trick associated with players who dropped the mains voltage into their amps to soften and loosen the response.
What does the Variac knob do?
The Variac control knob is named after the variable transformer used to lower the mains voltage feeding a valve amp. The pedal pairs it with the Brown switch to evoke that sagging, browned-out Plexi character.
Sources (1)
- Jacques Pedals Bête Noire, gearnews.com, 2018-08-08
