Beetronics Tuna Trem limited edition tremolo effects pedal

General

The Beetronics Tuna Trem limited edition is a fully-fledged tremolo effects pedal with some truly eye-catching packaging: a real tin of tuna! Inside, Beetronics combines an analogue VCA circuit with digital control. This produces an organic tremolo sound, with capabilities that go beyond the familiar volume pulse. You get nine different modes, which the manufacturer aptly calls ‘Species’. These let you switch between smooth waves, sharp interruptions, quirky rhythms and swelling sounds. Are you looking for a subtle movement beneath your playing, or rather a pronounced chopping effect? This addition to the Beetronics ‘tinned tuna’ series has something to offer for both approaches, without burdening you with complicated controls.

Nine Species, from smooth to unconventional

Use the Species control to select the character of the effect. Surfer Bee delivers a classic sinusoidal tremolo, whilst Leafcutter Bee produces a much more abrupt result with a square wave. Bug Bee introduces irregular lo-fi movements and fragmented modulation to your sound. Pecker Bee produces short sequences of repeated tremolo pulses, and Helicop Bee alternates between strong and soft pulsations. For unconventional, syncopated patterns, choose Jatai Bee; Orchid Bee allows its patterns to change gradually. The final two modes, Sweller Bee and Morse Bee, focus on volume swells and temporary sound interruptions respectively. Thus, a single pedal offers both familiar tremolo sounds and plenty of scope for rhythmic experimentation.

Direct control, creative footswitch

Next to the Species selector knob, you’ll find controls for Speed and Depth. Their precise function depends on the selected mode, allowing you to further tailor the effect to your liking. The footswitch, too, does more than you might expect in certain modes. In Sweller Bee mode, you trigger volume swells by holding it down; in Morse Bee mode, you use it as a momentary kill switch. This means your foot movements also become part of the effect. The Tuna Trem is made in California and requires a 9-volt, 50-milliampere power supply. A power adaptor is not included, so bear this in mind when connecting it.