The Beetronics Swarm - Flor D'agua is an analog fuzz harmonizer pedal: it takes your guitar signal, converts it to a square wave, and then multiplies and divides that wave's frequency to produce nine possible harmonies spread over two octaves, with modulation applied to those harmonies. Beetronics describes the result as sounding "like a thousand killer bees coming to get you!"1 It sits in the company's Custom Series of fuzz pedals, alongside relatives like the Swarm Fuzz Harmonizer and the OctaHive.
How it works
Beetronics explains the circuit in plain terms: "It basically turns your input signal into a square wave, than multiplies and divides the frequency of that wave, giving" nine possible harmonies in two different octaves, with modulation applied to the harmonies1. In practice that means the Swarm is not a clean pitch shifter. The harmonies come from a squared-off, fuzzy version of your note, so chords and single notes both come out thick and buzzy, and the modulation adds movement on top.
The maker's product page names the WORKER control, which "sets the level of your input signal, now fuzzy and buzzy"1. Other controls on the pedal are not described on the page.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Pedal size | 5.5" x 4" x 2.75" (including knobs, switches and 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 |
| Power | 9VDC, center negative1 |
| Current draw | 7mA1 |
| Bypass | True Bypass1 |
The Swarm does not include a power supply. It needs a 9VDC center-negative supply and draws 7mA, which is light enough for nearly any pedalboard power supply output, but a battery option is not listed.1
Availability and buying from Beetronics
Beetronics sells the Swarm circuit in many limited and custom runs, including the Swarm Limited Edition Royal Series, the Swarm - Jasmin Custom Series, and the Swarm Asas de Fogo, so the same harmonizer circuit turns up in different enclosures over time.
For returns, Beetronics asks buyers to email within 30 business days of receiving the order for an RMA form. A full refund applies if the item comes back in new condition in its original packaging, with a possible 15% restocking fee or store credit for wear or missing accessories; the item must be back within 7 days and the refund is processed within 5 business days1. The company also offers what it calls its "30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee (shipping not included)"1.
Questions
Is the Beetronics 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. That matters on a pedalboard where the Swarm sits alongside other effects, since the dry signal stays untouched until you engage the harmonizer.
Does the Beetronics Swarm come with a power supply?
No. Beetronics states on the product page that the Swarm does not include a power supply. It needs a 9VDC center-negative supply, the standard type used by most pedalboard power bricks, and draws a light 7mA, so almost any existing supply can run it.
Where is the Beetronics Swarm made?
Beetronics builds the Swarm by hand in California. The company describes the pedal as hand made in California on its product page.
What polarity does the Beetronics Swarm need?
The Swarm requires a 9VDC power supply with center-negative polarity, the same convention as most modern pedals. It has no battery option mentioned, so plan on a dedicated center-negative output from your power supply.
Is the Beetronics Swarm still available?
As of the most recent check of Beetronics' product page, the Swarm - Flor D'agua was listed as sold out. Beetronics also builds the Swarm in other limited and custom editions, so the circuit appears in different runs over time.
Sources (1)
- Swarm - Flor D'agua Custom Series - Beetronics, Beetronics
