The Beetronics Swarm "Great Pumpkin" is a limited edition version of the Swarm, which the maker describes as an analog fuzz harmonizer "that sounds like a thousand killer bees coming to get you!" It takes your guitar signal, turns it into a square wave, then multiplies and divides that wave's frequency to produce nine possible harmonies spread over two octaves. Beetronics says the tracking ranges from nearly perfect harmony to "a wild uncontrollable swarm," so it can sit somewhere between an organized harmonizer and a chaotic fuzz texture depending on how you play it1.
The "Great Pumpkin" is a limited edition and Beetronics lists it as sold out. The Swarm circuit has appeared in many other limited runs and standard versions, so the same harmonizing fuzz has been available in other finishes.
What it does to your sound
The Swarm is a fuzz first and a harmonizer second. Beetronics describes the core effect as turning the input signal into a square wave, the hard-edged, buzzy waveform behind classic octave fuzz sounds, and then multiplying and dividing the frequency of that wave. The result is nine possible harmonies across two octaves above and below what you play1.
The character of those harmonies is deliberately unstable. Beetronics describes the tracking as moving between "nearly perfect harmony" and "a wild uncontrollable swarm," which means clean single notes can produce ordered intervals while chords and sloppy attack push it into the chaotic territory the pedal is named for1.
Controls and power
The maker's product page names the WORKER control: "The WORKER sets the level of your input signal, now fuzzy and buzzy." In other words, it is the input level for the fuzz section, setting how hard the signal hits the square-wave generator1.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| WORKER control | Sets the level of your input signal, now fuzzy and buzzy1 |
| Power | 9VDC center negative supply, not included1 |
| Current draw | 7mA1 |
| Bypass | True Bypass1 |
At 7mA the Swarm is a light load on a pedalboard power supply, but it has no battery option listed and requires a 9VDC center negative supply that does not come in the box1.
Size and weight
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Pedal size (including knobs, switches and etc) | 5.5" x 4" x 2.75"1 |
| Enclosure size | 5.5" x 3.25" x 2"1 |
| Pedal weight | 1lbs / 0.5 kilos1 |
| Package size | 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25"1 |
| Package weight | 1lbs8oz / 0.75 kilos1 |
Buying and returns
The "Great Pumpkin" edition carried a regular price of £192.00 GBP on Beetronics' own listing and is currently shown as sold out1. Beetronics builds its pedals by hand in California1.
New purchases are covered by the company's 30-Day Hive Happiness Guarantee, with shipping not included. The return process works like this1:
- Email Beetronics within 30 business days of receiving your order to request an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) form.
- Send the item back within 7 days of the RMA being issued.
- A full refund is given if the item is returned in new condition in its original packaging.
- A possible 15% restocking fee, or store credit, applies for wear or missing items.
- The refund is processed within 5 business days.
Questions
How much current does the Great Pumpkin draw?
Beetronics lists the current draw at 7mA. The pedal runs on a 9VDC center negative power supply, which is not included with the pedal. Its low current draw means it is easy on most pedalboard power supplies.
Is the Great Pumpkin true bypass?
Yes. Beetronics specifies true bypass, so when the pedal is off your guitar signal passes through without the fuzz circuitry in the path.
What are the dimensions of the Swarm Great Pumpkin?
Beetronics lists the pedal size as 5.5" x 4" x 2.75" including knobs and switches, and the enclosure itself as 5.5" x 3.25" x 2". The shipping package measures 6.75" x 5.25" x 3.25" and weighs 1lbs8oz / 0.75 kilos, with the pedal alone at 1lbs / 0.5 kilos.
What is the Hive Happiness Guarantee?
It is Beetronics' 30-day return promise, with shipping not included. You email the company within 30 business days of receiving your order for an RMA form, send the item back within 7 days of that, and get a full refund if it arrives in new condition in its original packaging. A possible 15% restocking fee or store credit applies for wear or missing items, and the refund is processed within 5 business days.
Sources (1)
- Swarm Limited Edition "Great Pumpkin", Beetronics
