Behringer Plans Up to 300 Ultra-Cheap Pedals Amid Boutique Pushback
Behringer has teased plans for 200 to 300 analog and digital guitar pedals expected to cost $10 to $15 each. The plan emerged on November 2, 2026, with Behringer describing the pictured products as only the beginning of the proposed range.
Metal pedals and boutique backlash
Behringer says the pedals will use all-metal enclosures and include legacy effects alongside new designs. It also plans open-source pedals that users can modify and reinvent, while bass players will have dedicated options within the range. Pictured models include the Brat analog distortion, a Rat-style circuit, plus the Time Bridge delay and Space Temple reverb. The Whetstone analog phaser and mini-pedals called Slow Motion and Noise also appeared, along with two Zentara overdrives. The wider catalog is expected to cover overdrive, distortion, fuzz, vibrato, octaver and chorus effects. Behringer joked that its plans would probably upset some boutique pedal manufacturers, prompting criticism from London builder Intensive Care Audio. Founded in 2020, the company makes pedals including the Fideleater lo-fi chorus and Vena Cava Filter, which has appeared on IDLES guitarist Lee Kiernan's pedalboard. Intensive Care Audio called Behringer's comments shameful and said independent builders already face higher costs, tariffs and reduced margins. It also accused Behringer of relying on circuits designed elsewhere, reflecting longstanding copying claims. Those disputes include Behringer's history with Klon creator Bill Finnegan and its four recent Klon-inspired pedals. Supporters argue that Behringer makes classic sounds available at lower prices and reproduces effects that are no longer manufactured. It remains unclear how many of the proposed pedals will copy existing circuits and how many will use original designs. Behringer has asked followers which pedals it should make next and invited them to submit schematics, but it has not announced a launch date.
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