The Beetronics Swarm - Blue Hagen is an analog fuzz harmonizer: a pedal that takes your guitar signal, turns it into a square wave, and then multiplies and divides that wave's frequency to generate harmonies above and below what you play. Beetronics describes the Swarm as sounding "like a thousand killer bees coming to get you!" and says it offers nine possible harmonies across two octaves1. It belongs to the same family as the standard Swarm and other Beetronics fuzzes like the OctaHive and Royal Jelly.
How it works
The Swarm's harmonies come from a fuzz core. Beetronics explains that the pedal "basically turns your input signal into a square wave, than multiplies and divides the frequency of that wave," producing intervals derived from your own notes rather than polyphonic pitch tracking1. Because the process is analog, it behaves like a fuzz first: the WORKER control "sets the level of your input signal, now fuzzy and buzzy," shaping how hard the circuit is driven before the harmonies are generated1.
Power, size and practicalities
The Swarm runs on a 9VDC center-negative supply and draws 7mA, well within reach of any standard pedalboard power supply1. Beetronics notes that the pedal does not include a power supply, so you will need to supply your own1.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Pedal size | 5.5" x 4" x 2.75" (including knobs, switches, etc.)1 |
| Enclosure size | 5.5" x 3.25" x 2"1 |
| Pedal weight | 1 lbs / 0.5 kilos1 |
| Package size | 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25"1 |
| Package weight | 1 lbs 8 oz / 0.75 kilos1 |
| Current draw | 7mA1 |
The Blue Hagen is a Custom Series edition and was listed as sold out on Beetronics' site as of 25 October 2026. Beetronics has released the Swarm circuit in many limited runs, including the Pink Lemonade, Royal Series, Blackbee and Jasmin editions.
Buying direct from Beetronics
Beetronics sells its pedals directly and backs them with what it calls the "30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee (shipping not included)"1. If a pedal needs to go back, the company asks you to email within 30 business days of receiving the order for an RMA form; a full refund applies to items returned in new condition in original packaging, with a possible 15% restocking fee or store credit for wear or missing accessories, the item back within 7 days of the RMA, and the refund processed within 5 business days1.
Questions
Is the Beetronics Swarm analog or digital?
The Swarm is analog. Beetronics describes it as an Analog Fuzz Harmonizer: it converts the input signal into a square wave and then multiplies and divides the frequency of that wave to produce its harmonies, all in the analog domain.
Is the Swarm true bypass?
Yes. Beetronics lists the Swarm as True Bypass, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through without loading or coloring the path to your amp.
Does the Swarm come with a power supply?
No. Beetronics notes that the Swarm does not include a power supply. It requires a 9VDC center-negative supply, which many players already have on their board, but you will need to provide one yourself.
What is the Custom Series Blue Hagen?
The Blue Hagen is a Custom Series edition of the Beetronics Swarm, the company's analog fuzz harmonizer. Custom Series pedals are Beetronics' limited, hand-finished versions of its standard circuits, and this one was hand made in California.
What is the polarity of the Swarm's power input?
The Swarm uses a center-negative 9VDC power input, the same polarity standard as most modern pedalboard supplies.
Is the Blue Hagen still available?
No. Beetronics' product page for the Swarm Blue Hagen Custom Series listed it as sold out as of late October 2026. As a Custom Series run, it is not a standard catalog item.
Sources (1)
- Swarm - Blue Hagen Custom Series - Beetronics, Beetronics (www.beetronicsfx.com)
