Combining multiple effects in one box is a good way to maximize pedalboard space and can result in better interaction between effects than chaining two or more single-effect pedals together. The new
Combining multiple effects in one box is a good way to maximize pedalboard space and can result in better interaction between effects than chaining two or more single-effect pedals together. The new Bête Noire ($300 street) pairs distortion and analog phasing in a convenient package that features a Variac (gain) control, a switchable brown mode, Chomp (bass) and high controls, a scan switch for activating the modulation, sweep and speed knobs, and mix and level controls. The metal enclosure has a silent true-bypass footswitch, an external-power jack, and a board-mounted receptacle for a 9-volt battery that is accessed by removing the bottom plate. There’s an LED for bypass status and another LED that illuminates when the phasing is activated and blinks in time with the speed setting.
Although the term bête noire (literally translated as “black beast”) has come to mean something that is detested, the pedal itself is very much the opposite. Auditioned with a Tele and a pair of new Teye Gypsy Queen guitars (one with dual humbuckers and other with a trio of P-90s), the distortion sounds were meaty and savage, in a good way, of course. Activating the brown switch adds tube-like richness and girth that is super satisfying, but if you prefer more upper-midrange emphasis and less compression, just leave brown off.
Gain adjusting is done via the Variac knob, and this circuit — which simulates the effect of lowering an amp’s operating voltage to increase distortion — provides a ton of sustain when turned up. EQ-wise, the passive high control is nicely complemented by the Chomp knob, an active “bass attack control” that delivers low-end mass to the point that I never needed to turn it more than halfway up.
The Bête Noire is great for players who like that juicy combination of phase