intellijel/swells
Swells
Multi-model stereo reverb with nine reverb models and a built-in SWELL Generator (multi-mode envelope follower), featuring comprehensive per-model controls, LO-FI modifier, FREEZE/REVERSE/BURST momentary FX, and nine CV inputs with attenuverters.972
Capabilities 2
- Envelope Followerenvelope-follower
- SWELL Generator operates as a multi-mode envelope follower with five modes (Follow, Gated, One Shot, Delayed One Shot, Looped) and outputs 0–5V.972
- Stereo Reverbstereo-reverb
- Nine selectable reverb models with comprehensive controls including PREDELAY, SIZE, DECAY, HI/LO DAMP, EQ, and per-model EBB/FLOW parameters.972
Jacks 16 (13 in / 3 out)
| Name | Signal | Voltage | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inputs (13) | |||
| IN L | audio | — | Left audio input; normalled to right input when right is unpatched.972 |
| IN R | audio | — | Right audio input; receives left input signal when unpatched (normalled).972 |
| LEVEL | cv | -10V to 10V | Shared CV input affecting both INPUT and MIX controls via their respective attenuverters.972 |
| Mod Input 1 | cv | -10V to 10V | 972 |
| Mod Input 2 | cv | -10V to 10V | 972 |
| Mod Input 3 | cv | -10V to 10V | 972 |
| Mod Input 4 | cv | -10V to 10V | 972 |
| Mod Input 5 | cv | -10V to 10V | 972 |
| Mod Input 6 | cv | -10V to 10V | 972 |
| Mod Input 7 | cv | -10V to 10V | 972 |
| Mod Input 8 | cv | -10V to 10V | 972 |
| SC | mixed | -10V to 10V | Sidechain audio or CV input used as trigger source for the SWELL generator.972 |
| TRIG | trigger | ≥1.2V | Assignable trigger input that can be routed to FREEZE, REVERSE, SWELL, or BURST functions.972 Assignable destinations FREEZETriggers FREEZE — captures a moment in sound for infinite sustain through the selected reverb model.972 REVERSETriggers REVERSE — reverses audio playback from the pre-delay.972 SWELLTriggers SWELL — manually fires the SWELL Generator envelope.972 BURSTTriggers BURST — adds noise or feedback alongside the input to add energy to the signal.972 |
| Outputs (3) | |||
| OUT L | audio | — | 972 |
| OUT R | audio | — | 972 |
| SWELL | cv | 0V to 5V | Dedicated output for the SWELL envelope generator signal, patchable to other modules.972 |
Parameters 33
| Name | Type | Range | Behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALT | button | — | Button that accesses ALT functions labelled in grey on the panel. Press to enter the Alt Page (auto-exits after 20s of inactivity); press and hold for momentary access. While the Alt Page is active, parameter LEDs display modulation depth/sign instead of value.972 |
| BURST | button | — | Injects a momentary burst of noise or feedback into the reverb input; hold for momentary activation, can be latched or assigned to TRIG.972 |
| CV Attn 1-8 | knob | — | Attenuverters for the 8 modulation inputs above each main slider, also normalled to SWELL when nothing is patched. Centre position = no modulation; turn off-centre in either direction to assign SWELL or external CV to that parameter.972 |
| DECAY | fader | — | Sets reverb fade time from quick decay to near-infinite sustain; also affected by SIZE and DAMP settings.972 |
| DRIVE | button | — | Toggles saturation/overdrive on the INPUT signal path to the reverb (does not affect dry signal). Access via ALT + REVERSE button.972 |
| EBB | fader | — | Model-specific parameter whose function changes per reverb model; may be unipolar or bipolar depending on the model.972 |
| EF GAIN | knob | 0.5x gain – 2.5x gain | Sets the gain of the trigger source feeding the SWELL envelope follower, independently of the main signal path; accessed via ALT + RISE.972 |
| EQ | fader | — | Tilt EQ on reverb signal only; upper range boosts highs and cuts lows, lower range boosts lows and cuts highs, center position has no effect.972 |
| FALL | knob | 10ms – 5000ms | Sets SWELL envelope release time with an exponential response; level drops quickly at first then shallows.972 |
| FLOW | fader | — | Model-specific parameter whose function changes per reverb model; may be unipolar or bipolar depending on the model.972 Zones buckets fog blur shadow velvet |
| FREEZE | button | — | Freezes input to the reverb for infinite sustain; tap to toggle, hold for momentary. Can be latched or assigned to TRIG input.972 |
| HI-DAMP | fader | — | Reduces high-frequency decay time; slider top applies minimal damping, slider bottom applies maximum damping.972 |
| HPF->VERB | knob | 50Hz – 400Hz | Sets highpass filter cutoff on the signal entering the reverb; accessed via ALT + MIX.972 |
| IN/SC/OUT | switch | — | Selects the audio source that feeds the SWELL envelope follower: IN L/R (pre INPUT), SC sidechain input, or reverb output (pre MIX).972 |
| INPUT | knob | — | Sets signal level from IN L/R into the reverb path (post TRIM); also controls drive amount when DRIVE is active.972 |
| LEVEL Attn (INPUT) | knob | — | Attenuverter controlling the amount of LEVEL CV applied to the INPUT parameter. Shares the single LEVEL CV input with MIX.972 |
| LEVEL Attn (MIX) | knob | — | Attenuverter controlling the amount of LEVEL CV applied to the MIX parameter. Shares the single LEVEL CV input with INPUT.972 |
| LO-DAMP | fader | — | Reduces low-frequency decay time; slider top applies minimal damping, slider bottom applies maximum damping.972 |
| LO-FI | switch | — | Applies a model-specific audio degradation or modification effect at three levels: OFF, MIN, and MAX.972 |
| LPF->EF | knob | ≥40Hz | Sets lowpass filter cutoff on the SWELL trigger source signal; CCW is 40Hz, CW disables the filter. Accessed via ALT + FALL.972 |
| MIX | knob | — | Controls the dry/wet balance of the output signal.972 |
| MODE | button | — | Selects the trigger mode of the SWELL Generator (ALT + SWELL). Press ALT to enter the Alt Page, then press MODE (the SWELL button) to toggle between the five modes. The MODE button LED colour identifies the active mode (Blue / Amber / Green / Purple / Red). The five modes are enumerated as parameter_assignments.972 Assignable destinations FollowBlue. Classic envelope follower — the input level determines the output level.972 GatedAmber. When the threshold is reached, the input signal is treated as full scale.972 One ShotGreen. Passing the threshold triggers a full-length envelope.972 Delayed One ShotPurple. Passing the threshold triggers a delayed full-length envelope, fired when the signal drops below the threshold again.972 LoopingRed. Looping envelope — passing the threshold retriggers. (Manual prose also labels this mode 'Looped'.)972 |
| MODEL 1/2/3 | switch | — | Selects reverb model number 1, 2, or 3 within the chosen bank; combined with MODEL X/Y/Z to select one of nine models.972 |
| MODEL X/Y/Z | switch | — | Selects reverb bank X, Y, or Z; combined with MODEL 1/2/3 switch to choose one of nine models.972 |
| PREDLY | fader | 0ms – 250ms | Sets reverb pre-delay time; also controls reverse time for the REVERSE effect.972 |
| REVERSE | button | — | Reverses input signal to the reverb. Reverse time (100ms–2s or clock divisions) is set by holding REVERSE and adjusting PREDLY. Can be synced to TRIG clock.972 |
| RISE | knob | 10ms – 5000ms | Sets SWELL envelope attack time with a logarithmic response; initial rise is faster and slows near the end.972 |
| SIZE | fader | — | Controls perceived reverb size; each model has its own SIZE range from small to massive.972 |
| SWELL button | button | — | Manually triggers the SWELL envelope. Momentary by default; hold SWELL and press ALT to latch. Can be reassigned to the TRIG input via TRIG Assign.972 |
| THRESH | knob | — | Sets signal level at which SWELL activates; CCW gives more frequent swells, CW gives fewer.972 |
| TRIG Assign | button | — | Opens the TRIG Assignment page via ALT + FREEZE; allows toggling which functions (FREEZE, REVERSE, SWELL, BURST) respond to the TRIG input. Button LEDs show AMBER when assigned.972 |
| TRIM | knob | 0.5x gain – 2.5x gain | Adjusts input gain for IN L/R; accessed via ALT + INPUT. Default x1 gain shown by fading LED.972 |
| TYPE | button | — | Selects the BURST noise type: White Noise, Pink Noise, Velvet Noise, High Feedback on PREDLY, or Unburst (v1.1). Accessed via ALT + BURST.972 |
Firmware history 2 versions
| Version | Released | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | 2026-04 | Added Unburst (TYPE option that smoothly kills reverb buffer signal); Alt Page timeout after 20 seconds of inactivity; TRIG Assignment Page timeout; Glitchy Switch Mode toggle (buffers clear by default when switching models); LED behavior updates for TRIM, HPF->VERB, EF GAIN, and LPF->EF.972 |
| 1.0 | 2026-04 | 972 |
References 3
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[973]
Intellijel Swells Quick Startmanual⚠ verified 2026-05-26 · manufacturer changed since last verified
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