Based on the Attack slider from the POG2, the Electro-Harmonix Pico Swello is a polyphonic attack envelope FX pedal that allows you to produce volume swells for each note played. Combined with a selectable onboard low-pass filter, the Pico Swello can be used to create unique sounds and highly expressive passages, all in a compact Pico-sized enclosure.
The control layout is simple but flexible. Attack controls the length of the swells while Vol affects the total output volume. The Filter button activates the low-pass filter, and the two remaining controls—Freq and Mod—control the filter cutoff frequency and sweep direction respectively. By pushing the Filter button again, you can select between low or high resonance and adjust Q for each setting via the Freq knob. The Pico Swello includes a power adapter.
This polyphonic attack filter is the core of the Pico Swello generating polyphonic and reverse sounds with the addition of a modulated low-pass filter for even more expressive tones. Implemented subtly, the Swello adjusts your guitar’s attack to sound smooth and flowing even while playing fast lines and arpeggios. Laying on the effect more heavily creates dramatic swells perfect for shaping gently shifting ambient soundscapes and synth style pads.
The Filter button engages the LPF with adjustable low and high resonance settings. The Freq control adjusts the cutoff frequency of the LPF. The Mod knob controls the depth and direction of the LPF envelope for upward or downward filter sweeps over a narrow or wide range of frequencies limited by the cutoff frequency. The LPF’s modulation timing is tied directly to the Attack knob setting. Combining the LPF with the Attack Envelope brings added musicality and expressiveness to fan-favorite effect, now in its very own pedal.