Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
3.5 (17)
$31.90
Guitar Center
3.5 (9)
$31.90
Amazon
4.0 (93)
$31.90
Reverb
4.0 (13)
$67.79 New
$30.00 Used
Musician's Friend
3.0 (7)
$31.90
B&H
5.0 (1)
$31.90
Thomann
3.9 (62)
$27.00

Average Price: $36

Budget/Beginner

$150

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "TC Electronic Crescendo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The TC Electronic Crescendo is not just another pedal; it’s a ticket to ethereal soundscapes and expressive musical moments. This auto-swell pedal allows you to effortlessly infuse your guitar playing with lush, violin-like swells that add a dynamic layer to your sound. With an intuitive two-knob interface, you can easily control the Sensitivity and Attack settings, tailoring the pedal's responsiveness to your playing style. Whether you're crafting intricate solos or adding depth to chord progressions, the Crescendo makes it simple to create smooth crescendos and decrescendos.

Housed in a robust, all-metal chassis, the Crescendo is built to withstand the rigors of the road. The pedal features True Bypass circuitry, ensuring your signal remains pristine when the effect is disengaged. Designed with versatility in mind, it’s compatible with a variety of instruments, from guitars to keyboards. Plus, its compact design and flexible power options make it a pedalboard-friendly addition for any musician seeking to expand their sonic palette.

This little dynamo is a modern homage to a rare vintage effect, making it accessible at a price that won’t break the bank. Whether on stage or in the studio, the Crescendo Auto Swell pedal brings your music to life with expressive flair.

Key Features:

  • Intuitive Sensitivity and Attack controls
  • True Bypass circuitry for signal integrity
  • Durable all-metal chassis
  • Compatible with 9V battery or power adapter (not included)
  • Versatile for use with guitars, keyboards, and more
  • Engineered in Denmark

Product specs

Type Crescendo/Swell
Input 1 x 1/4"
Output 1 x 1/4"
Controls Sensitivity, Attack
Power Source 9V DC power supply (sold separately) / 1 x 9V battery
Height 2.3"
Width 2.9"
Depth 5.2"
Weight 1.1 lbs.

FAQs

What does the TC Electronic Crescendo Auto Swell Pedal do?

The TC Electronic Crescendo Auto Swell Pedal automatically adjusts the volume of your guitar signal to create a smooth, swelling effect, mimicking the sound of a volume pedal being used to gradually increase volume.

How do I power the TC Electronic Crescendo Auto Swell Pedal?

The Crescendo Auto Swell Pedal can be powered using a 9V DC power supply or a single 9V battery, providing flexibility depending on your setup.

Can I use the TC Electronic Crescendo Auto Swell Pedal with a bass guitar?

Yes, the TC Electronic Crescendo Auto Swell Pedal can be used with a bass guitar to achieve similar swell effects, enhancing your bass lines with dynamic volume changes.

What are the main controls on the TC Electronic Crescendo Auto Swell Pedal?

The Crescendo Auto Swell Pedal features two main controls: Sensitivity, which adjusts the pedal's response to your playing dynamics, and Attack, which sets the speed of the swell effect.

Is the TC Electronic Crescendo Auto Swell Pedal suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Crescendo Auto Swell Pedal is suitable for live performances, offering a reliable and intuitive way to add dynamic swells to your sound without manual volume adjustments.

TC Electronic

TC Electronic

Crescendo Auto Swell - Official Product Video

Video thumbnail for Crescendo Auto Swell - Official Product Video by TC Electronic

Crescendo Auto Swell - Official Product Video

TC Electronic

TC Electronic

Video thumbnail for Crescendo Auto Swell - TC Electronic by 60 Cycle Hum

Crescendo Auto Swell - TC Electronic

60 Cycle Hum

60 Cycle Hum

Video thumbnail for $500 Ambient Guitar Pedalboard Crescendo Auto Swell! (TC Electronic) by Chords Of Orion

$500 Ambient Guitar Pedalboard Crescendo Auto Swell! (TC Electronic)

Chords Of Orion

Chords Of Orion

Video thumbnail for Crescendo Auto Swell / TC Electronic / Pedal Demo / VintageandRare.com by VintageandRare

Crescendo Auto Swell / TC Electronic / Pedal Demo / VintageandRare.com

VintageandRare

VintageandRare

Video thumbnail for 0% Talk 100% Tones - Crescendo Auto Swell by TC Electronic

0% Talk 100% Tones - Crescendo Auto Swell

TC Electronic

TC Electronic

Video thumbnail for TC Electronic Crescendo Auto Swell Effects Pedal by Musician's Friend

TC Electronic Crescendo Auto Swell Effects Pedal

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Boss Slow Gear SG-1 VS TC Electronic Crescendo Auto Swell by Today's Remedy

Boss Slow Gear SG-1 VS TC Electronic Crescendo Auto Swell

Today's Remedy

Today's Remedy

Reviews

PROS

  • Emulates Hank Marvin's effect on Cavatina with ease

  • More straightforward and quieter than EHX Attack/Decay, with natural tone

  • Affordable "Slow Gear" clone, performs well with stock and modded settings

  • Enhances play dynamics; playing harder or softer triggers the effect

  • Offers rich, ambient swells with correct settings

  • Functions as a noise gate, adding to its versatility

  • Solid build quality, rugged yet not overly heavy

  • Compatible with delay for enhanced effects

  • Quiet operation, adheres to demonstrations

  • Can replace more expensive pedals like Boss Slow Gear

CONS

  • Lacks versatility without modifications

  • Finding the 'right' settings can be tricky, with a noticeable learning curve

  • Controls may be difficult to adjust for desired effect

  • Significant volume drop when engaged, problematic for live performances

  • Effect less noticeable after drive pedals or with hotter pickups

  • Attack time limitations, with some users desiring longer, more gradual swells

  • Constant tweaking required to maintain desired effects

  • Some users find it redundant or lacking in features, leading to limited use

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about TC Electronic Crescendo.

Features and functionality

  • The Sensitivity knob is ineffective past the 7 o'clock position; the Attack knob muffles the signal beyond 12 o'clock.

    Source
  • Sensitivity at 10 o'clock initiates the effect, Attack at max for slow volume rise; optimal for ambient soundscapes.

    Source
  • The Crescendo's auto-swell can be glitchy with notes fizzling out if left to ring, limiting its effectiveness in continuous play scenarios.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Optimal for atmospheric/ambient soundscapes similar to My Bloody Valentine or Mogwai, but not ideal for live performances due to volume issues.

    Source
  • Crescendo excels in producing reversed tones with single notes; less effective with power chords.

    Source
  • Crescendo can function as a noise gate, affecting softer playing while allowing harder picking to pass through unaffected.

    Source
  • The Crescendo is less effective for polyphonic swells compared to pedals like the EHX POG2 and HOG2, which handle multiple notes better.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Not a straightforward Slowgear clone; complex settings are necessary for desired swells, unlike simpler volume pedals.

    Source
  • The Zoom MS70's auto-swell differs by starting at the current volume level, contrasting with the Crescendo's response to silence.

    Source

User experience

  • Volume degradation occurs with the Attack set around 2 o'clock, and swells peak at 10-12, limiting live application.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Placing Crescendo first in the pedal chain can alter fuzz pedal behavior; adjustments to fuzz settings may be necessary.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Introducing a compressor after Crescendo may help even out volume spikes; potential impact on Crescendo's effect noted.

    Source
  • A simple mod involving changing the C12 capacitor value can extend the auto-swell length for more ambient effects.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Reviewed: TC Electronic Crescendo Autoswell, Tube Pilot Overdrive, and Iron Curtain Noise Gate - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

TC Electronic's Crescendo, Tube Pilot, and Iron Curtain pedals bring unique twists to classic effects. The Crescendo Autoswell offers volume swells without pots or pedals, though it shines best with delay or reverb. The Tube Pilot delivers a searing overdrive with a 12AX7 tube, offering substantial off-axis artifacts. The Iron Curtain noise gate impresses by cleaning up high-gain signals without stifling the sound. While not groundbreaking, these pedals stand out with their distinct takes on traditional sounds, maintaining TC Electronic's innovative reputation.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

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tonylemieux

Swell pedal (pun intended ;)

I like this pedal, works better than the cheaper one I was using, I use it for an auto swell instead of a volume pedal, works really good👍

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

1 alternative for TC Electronic Crescendo, curated by the Equipboard community.

Boss SG-1 Slow Gear

$540.00

Vintage or Discontinued high-end alternative limited edition

The Crescendo is a violining pedal, modeled off the now discontinued and very difficult to find Boss Slow Gear.

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