Behringer HB01 Hell Babe

The sound of a wah pedal is of course a matter of taste. Every brand has its own characeristics. Most wahs are pretty static with a "take it or leave it" offering of a certain sound. I often missed the possibility of adjusting the Q which is typically set too high on many models and can only be changed by modifying the pedal.
Apart from being attractively priced the Behringer Hellbabe addresses the need for flexibility by offering adjustable Q, boost and tonal range. Also it features automatic switch on (when moving the pedal) and automatic switch off after an adjustable period of inactivity. In other words, total flexibility at half the price. Hard to find any downside. When switching off the transition is not totally silent but it is hardly any problem. Status LEDs for on/off and boost are cleverly places at the heel position of the pedal. In other words: Finally someone offers an upgrade to a traditional component in the guitarists toolbox.

I have to start with saying that I choosed this wha for two reasons; price and the optic technology. I was surprised by the quality of the construction, very robust and heavy enough, no problems here.
The features are almost overwhelming for one who don?t have experience with wha-wha, but you find out how to shape your sound quite easily after some experimenting.
And then... I don?t know wether it?s a common problem or if it only is present on my pedal, but the range of action is set way too short: it goes from no effect to maximum almost at the end of the pedal?s action, wich make it quite difficult, if not impossible, to use. I?ve searched on youtube after ?how to do? vids to see if this issue can be fixed, but found nothing.
So, I keep it because it actually works excellently as a booster, but as a wha-wha... well, at least not mine.