The Swarm Fyre is an analog fuzz harmonizer from Beetronics, a pedal that adds harmonized voices on top of a fuzzed-out signal. Beetronics describes it as "an Analog Fuzz Harmonizer that sounds like a thousand killer bees coming to get you!" The way it works, per the maker: "It basically turns your input signal into a square wave, than multiplies and divides the frequency of that wave, giving you nine possible harmonies in two different octaves."1
What sets the Swarm apart from a straight fuzz or a plain pitch shifter is that modulation is applied to the harmonies. Beetronics says this makes them "go from a nearly perfect tracking harmony, to a wild and uncontrollab[le swarm]," so the pedal can sit anywhere from clean interval tracking to an unstable, moving mass of voices.1
Controls
The Swarm Fyre has five controls, each named after the hive theme that runs through Beetronics' range1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| SPECIES | Selects between 9 different intervals for your harmonies1 |
| FLIGHT | Sets the response of the modulation: counterclockwise the harmonies keep oscillating up and down, clockwise they glide and hold from one note to the next1 |
| STING | Sets how fast or slow the harmonies follow your playing1 |
| WORKER | Sets the level of your input signal, now fuzzy and buzzy1 |
| MASTER | Sets your output volume1 |
In practice, SPECIES picks the interval, WORKER and MASTER set the fuzz level and overall volume, and FLIGHT and STING together shape how the modulation behaves: STING governs the speed at which the harmonies react, while FLIGHT governs the character of that movement, from continuous oscillation to a glide-and-hold between notes.1
Power and setup
The Swarm Fyre runs on a 9VDC center negative supply and draws 7mA. Beetronics notes the pedal does not include a power supply.1
The pedal is currently listed as sold out on Beetronics' site. Beetronics also sells cosmetic seconds labeled "Scratch and Dent," which are sold in their current stripy condition and cannot be returned for a refund.1
Returns and warranty
Beetronics offers a 30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee on regular purchases, with shipping not included. For returns, the maker asks you to email within 30 business days of receiving your order to get an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) form. A full refund applies if the item is returned in new condition in its original packaging; wear or missing items may bring a 15% restocking fee or store credit. Returns are due within 7 days of the RMA, and refunds are processed within 5 business days.1
The Swarm family
The Swarm Fyre is one version of Beetronics' Swarm fuzz harmonizer, a pedal the company has released in many enclosures and limited editions, including the Swarm Analog Fuzz Harmonizer, the Swarm Limited Edition Royal Series and the Swarm Fuzz Harmonizer The Blackbee Edition. It sits in a Beetronics lineup that also includes the OctaHive high octave fuzz, the Royal Jelly OD/fuzz and the WhoctaHell low octave fuzz.1
Questions
What does the Species knob do on the Beetronics Swarm?
The SPECIES control lets you select between 9 different intervals for your harmonies. The pedal works by turning your input signal into a square wave and then multiplying and dividing the frequency of that wave, which gives nine possible harmonies in two different octaves, so Species is where you pick which of those intervals you hear.
What does the Flight control do?
FLIGHT sets the response of the modulation applied to the harmonies. Counterclockwise, the harmonies keep oscillating up and down. Clockwise, they glide and hold from one note to the next. It works alongside STING, which sets how fast or slow the harmonies follow your playing.
What is the Queen knob on the Swarm?
The Swarm's controls are SPECIES, FLIGHT, STING, WORKER and MASTER. The maker's product page describes SPECIES as selecting between 9 harmony intervals, FLIGHT as setting the modulation response, STING as how fast the harmonies follow your playing, WORKER as the input level and MASTER as the output volume. It does not describe a Queen control.
Is the Beetronics Swarm Fyre true bypass?
Yes. Beetronics lists the Swarm Fyre as True Bypass, so when the pedal is off your guitar signal passes through without the fuzz and harmony circuitry in the path.
What power does the Swarm Fyre need?
The Swarm Fyre requires a 9VDC power supply with a center negative plug and draws 7mA. A power supply is not included with the pedal, so you will need to provide your own.
Can a Swarm Fyre marked Scratch and Dent be returned?
No. Beetronics states that products labeled as Scratch and Dent are sold in their current stripy condition and cannot be returned for a refund. Regular purchases are covered by the 30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee, with shipping not included.
Sources (1)
- Swarm - Fyre Custom Series - Beetronics, Beetronics (www.beetronicsfx.com)
