Today’s list showcases the Top 13 Chorus Pedals you can use with your bass guitar this year. We’ve compiled a list of some great brands, including Behringer, Boss, Amped, MXR, Ibanez, Zoom, Electro-Harmonix, Mooer, Tech 21, Keely, Aguilar, and Eventide.
In a nutshell, here it is:
1. Behringer Ultra Chorus UC200
7. Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone
10. Keeley Electronics Seafoam Plus Chorus
The market is full right now, in fact, overflowing with effect pedals, all of which are unique in their own way. Some differ from others based on looks, some on features, size, price, or you name it. Picking one out of the lot is the toughest task in the world. Don’t worry, though, because that’s precisely where we come in.
In this article, you’ll find a handful of the very best Chorus pedals out there. By the end of the read, you’ll know all you need to know in order to make an informed decision about which pedal best suits your personal preferences. The size of the pedal, the set of features it possesses, the types of outputs, and the price all play a significant role in deciding what’s best for you.
So many options await. Let’s discover the perfect one for you. Let’s dive into it and figure out what best suits your needs.
What is a chorus pedal good for & does it work for bass?
Chorus pedals make clones of your dry signal, modulating them and then merging them with the original signal. Increasing the intensity of this chorus effect adds layers, delivering more depth and thickness to your sound. You can use chorus for thickening gentle guitar fillers, chords, or even single notes.
Where should a chorus effect go in chain?
Chorus, phaser, and flanger all belong to the same category of modulated effects. In an ideal pedal setup, you can have these effects in the middle of your distortion/overdrive, equalizer pedals, and ambient effects like reverbs and echoes. This way, everything before gets a dose of chorus, and the effects ahead of it stay unhindered.
The 13 Chorus Pedals For Bass 2024
1. Behringer Ultra Chorus UC200
This great chorus pedal is compatible with electric guitar, bass guitar, and keyboards.
Behringer was founded in 1989 in Germany by Uli Behringer, a Swiss Engineer. The company has been gaining popularity ever since and is the preferred brand for many famous musicians worldwide.
The chorus pedal comes packed in a sturdy yellow, and black cardboard box, which also contains Installation notes for the pedal, a user manual, and warranty claim details. The pedal measures 2.13″ x 2.75″ x 4.8″, so it won’t take up much space on your pedal board.
Key Features:
- First Impression
The device is solidly built, with a high-quality plastic exterior. The knobs, sockets, and switch are firmly in place, providing a durable feel. The design is simplistic, and the pedal’s yellow and black color makes it stand out on a pedal board.
The device is lightweight at exactly 1 lb., so it’ll be easy to carry. It won’t add much weight to the pedal board, either. The labels and the model have been mentioned in black and white to ensure readability.
- Knobs and LED indicator
The front panel hosts 4 controls for ‘Level,’ ‘Tone,’ ‘Rate,’ and ‘Depth,’ and an On/ Batt LED indicator for effect and battery. The Level control knob allows you to set the output level. The Tone control knob lets you regulate the overall effects.
This will also allow you to add a more brilliant and defined tone. The timebound Rate knob defines the speed of the chorus effect, and the Depth knob will let you get an effect sound that is fuller and deeper. The LED is located just above the 4 knobs, and it lights up to indicate when you’ve activated the effect as well as the level of the battery.
- Connectivity and Footswitch
The pedal’s right side hosts a quarter-inch TS Input socket, the left hosts 2 quarter-inch TS Output sockets for Output A and Output B, and the lower half of the front hosts a Footswitch. The Input socket allows you to connect an instrument via an instrument cable.
Using just the Output, A socket will let you plug in an Amp for a mono stereo chorus effect, whereas Output B will also allow a stereo effect chorus.
- Power
There’s a hidden battery compartment under the footswitch. This compartment houses a 9V battery. This battery can easily be replaced. The device also hosts a power socket to the right of the Input, so the pedal may also be powered via a 9V power adapter.
Pros:
The pedal performs well and offers great value for its price. The device produces a very clear sound. The knobs are sturdy, and the footswitch is quite firm. The device may also be powered via batteries, and its lightweight, compact form factor ensures portability.
Cons:
When the Tone knob is rotated towards either extreme, the device produces sound and tone, leaving much to be desired. The device also produces noise, but it’s very minimal. Though built solidly, the exterior is mostly made of plastic.
2. Boss CEB-3 Bass Chorus
This Pedal sounds amazing. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for an affordable Bass chorus pedal.
A division of the Roland Corporation, Boss is a world-renowned manufacturer of musical equipment, including guitar pedals. Steve Vai, Marty Friedman, Eric Johnson, and Gus G from Ozzy Osbourne are just some of the artists who use boss equipment.
This offering by Boss weighs exactly 1 lb, encouraging portability. It measures just 2.4″ x 2.9″ x 5.1, allowing you to easily place it on a pedal board. The pedal comes with Boss stickers, an owner manual, warranty information installation details.
Key Features:
- First Impression
Boxy and very similar to Behringer’s Ultra Chorus UC200 in terms of design, this pedal also features some very sturdy knobs, sockets, and a footswitch. The pedal is pale blue and black. The silver text on gloss black and matte black text on the pale blue encourage readability.
The pedal hosts 4 knobs, an LED indicator and a footswitch on the front, 3 quarter-inch jacks on the sides, and a power socket at the rear.
- E.Level & Low Filter Controls
The ‘E.Level’ control knob holds the function of setting the effect’s level between the device’s min and max capabilities. Turning this knob right allows the effect level to increase and vice versa. Next, you’ll find a ‘Low Filter’ control knob which increases or decreases the frequency of the effect.
The effect (Chorus) will be applied to a broader range of lower frequencies if the knob is turned rightwards. If the knob is turned towards the left, you’ll experience a cut in lower frequencies, resulting in the chorus effect only being applied to the upper frequencies.
- Rate & Depth Controls
The timebound ‘Rate’ (Modulation rate) control knob regulates the speed of the effect. Rotating the knob to the right will increase the speed of the chorus effect, and turning it left will decrease the effect’s speed. The ‘Depth’ (Modulation depth) knob can be rotated on either side to set the chorus effect’s depth.
- Connectivity
As the labels read on the device’s front, the right side supports an Input jack, and the left hosts 2 Output (A and B) jacks. The Input jack allows you to attach your bass guitar or electric guitar to the pedal. The Output A jack provides mono Output, whereas the Output B jack provides dry signal only. You can use both jacks for stereo output.
- Pedal Switch, Power, and LED Indicator
The pedal serves as an on/ off switch for effects. The base of the pedal switch hosts a thumbscrew which may be loosened, to allow access to the otherwise hidden battery compartment. The device may be powered via battery or an AC PSA adaptor (sold separately).
This adaptor can provide power through the DC in the jack at the rear of the pedal. The LED Check Indicator denotes whether the effect is active or inactive and functions as a battery indicator.
Pros:
As Boss pedals go, you mostly get your money’s worth. The CEB-3 can be a great addition to your pedal as it has all the necessary controls to shape your chorus effect. With the depth knob, you can add exceptional thickness to your guitar tone. In addition, you can power the pedal with a 9V battery.
Cons:
Being solidly built and creatively engineered, the Boss pedal does well. However, other pedals on the list offer similar features for a lot less if you’re willing to compromise on the build quality. A certain yellow-colored chorus pedal comes to mind.
3. Amped Liquifier
This vibrant purple guitar pedal features a robust exterior. The knobs, jacks, and footswitch all feel sturdy.
A part of the Yamaha Corporation, Amped, has been on the global scene for over 60 years. Artists like Sting, Cliff Williams Krist Novaselic, and Robert Trujillo have famously been using their world-renowned Amps and other equipment.
The pedal comes in a glossy purple and black cardboard box containing Important Safety Instructions (Safety and Compliance Manual), Information for the User, and a Quick Start Guide. The pedal measures 2.6″ x 4.5″ x 2.2″ and weighs 0.76 lbs.
Key Features:
- First Impression
Vibrant and Glossy, this purple pedal looks fantastic and, with its size and ease of use, would make a great addition to just about any pedal board. The front panel of the device hosts 3 control knobs for Rate, Depth, and Effect Level, a Footswitch, and 2 LED indicators. The left side comprises a quarter-inch Output jack, and the right side houses a quarter-inch Input jack. The rear of the device holds a power socket.
- Rate, Depth, and Effect Level
The Rate control knob (Timebound) allows you to set the speed of the LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator) from minimum to maximum. The Depth Control Knob can be turned to regulate the Rate’s amplitude from minimum to maximum Intensity. The Effects Level Control knob lets you set the level of the overall effect from dry (no effect) to wet (full effect).
- Footswitch and LEDs
The footswitch will let you activate the true bypass, Liquifier Analog Chorus Pedal, which will pass the signal from Input to Output directly when the signal isn’t engaged. On the left of the 2 LED indicator is an On/ Off LED, which denotes whether the pedal is engaged.
This LED lights up purple. The second LED indicator is for Rate. This indicator flashes green to denote the rate modulation.
- Connectivity and Power
The quarter-inch input jack lets you plug in a passive or active instrument. The quarter-inch output jack can connect the pedal to your speakers or bass amplifier. The device can be powered by a power adaptor or via battery.
You’ll need a DC-1G Power Adaptor, which is not included in the box and can be purchased from any Ampeg distributor or dealer. A 9V battery can also power the pedal.
Pros:
The build quality feels premium as well as durable. The size and color are great, and the pedal will be a welcome addition to just about any pedal board, but its simplicity and ease of use make it especially appealing to the new entrants of the pedal world.
Cons:
The pedal does produce a bit of noise and the occasional hard pop when the pedal is engaged. The rate taper doesn’t seem to be distributed evenly. The pedal is priced around the $100 mark, which may be a deal breaker for some of you out there.
4. MXR Bass Chorus Deluxe M83
This pedal offers controls for Crossover (X-over), Flanger, Bass, Treble and Intensity, Rate, and Width.
Based in New York, MXR is a world-famous effect pedal manufacturer. The company was founded in 1972 and has been the preferred equipment brand for Iron Maiden’s Dave Murray, Steve Wynn from Dream Syndicate, and many other global megastars.
The guitar pedal measures 4.5″ x 5.5″ x 2.5″ and weighs exactly 1 lb. making it easy to carry and a welcome addition to just about any guitarist’s arsenal. Though boxy in design, the pedal’s turquoise paint job and its shiny black knobs make it look unique.
Key Features:
- Appearance
The front of the pedal looks a little complex, with 5 knobs, 2 small switches, a footswitch, and dedicated LED indicators. The sides have been kept simple, with the right hosting an Input jack and the left hosting only a single Output jack. The rear of the device hosts a power socket.
- Bass and Treble
Located on the top left and right corners, the Bass and Treble knob adjust the cutting or boosting of low and high end. The bass control knob sets how much of the low end you want to boost or cut, and the Treble knob regulates how much the high end gets boosted or cut.
- X-Over, Flanger, and dedicated LEDs
Pressing the X-Over switch activates the X-Over mode. This mode reduces the modulation amount to 100 Hz or less. This is indicated by the dedicated yellow LED above. Similarly, the Flanger mode is activated when the Flanger switch is pressed. When this happens, the dedicated red LED lights up.
- Intensity, Rate, and Width
Out of these 3 shiny knobs, the leftmost is for Intensity. In the ‘Chorus’ mode, this knob may be used to adjust the overall modulation, and in the Flanger mode, the knob can set the regeneration. The Rate knob is timebound and can regulate the modulation sweep’s speed. The Rate knob is also linked directly to the modulation sweep as it controls its range.
- Footswitch, LED indicator & Device Connectivity
The footswitch at the base of the device’s front panel activates or deactivates the effect. The footswitch has a dedicated red LED indicator to denote when the effect is on or off. The device hosts 2 quarter-inch jacks for Input and Output, and a power socket is located at the rear of the device.
The device can be powered by a 9V Dunlop AC Adapter or a 9V battery, for which you’ll need to remove the base plate to access.
Pros:
The device brings interesting features to the table, with an exceptional Flanger, wonderful Chorus, and a subtle but solid turquoise exterior. The pedal is also very easy to use and provides great quality overall.
Cons:
In certain situations, the X-Over becomes harsh and intense. Some users have also complained that the X-Over is guilty of eating too much of the effect. The Chorus has also proven to be on the dry side for some.
5. Ibanez CSMINI
This pedal is easy to use and packs quite the punch considering its small form factor.
The company was founded by Hoshino Gaggi in the year 1908. At that time, this company was known for being a sheet music distributor in Nagoya, Japan. From this humble beginning, Ibanez has grown to become one of the world’s best manufacturers of Musical Instruments.
Ibanez equipment is now preferred by Musicians such as Paul Gilbert, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Paul Waggoner, Tom Quayle, Yvette Young, Martin Miller, Paul Stanley, Tim Henson, Lari Basilio, Scott LePage, Jake Bowen, and many more.
Key Features:
- Unboxing and First Impression
The pedal comes in a cardboard box with the same pale purple and black color scheme. Identical to the rest of the pedals (except in color) from Ibanez’s mini-series, this device measures 3.65″ x 2.17″ x 2.0″ and weighs only 0.62 lbs.
This pocket-sized pedal is very easy to carry and takes up the smallest spaces on a pedal board. The unit houses 3 knobs, 2 jacks, a socket, an LED indicator, and a footswitch, all firmly installed and offering zero wiggle room. The pedal looks and feels very sturdy.
- Knobs and Switch
The smaller 2 of the 3 knobs represent Depth and Level control, whereas the much larger knob just below is for adjusting the speed of the effect. The Depth Control Knob can change the speed’s amplitude from minimum to maximum Intensity, and the Level knob allows you to set the output level.
Ibanez added the level knob to ensure versatility. There’s a footswitch at the base of the device’s front.
- Connectivity
The right side of the device supports an Input jack, and the left side is an Output jack. The power socket is located at the device’s rear. The pedal requires 22mA at 9V, which can be provided by a 9V AC power adapter sold separately.
Once the device gets sufficient power, the red DCIN LED Indicator will light up.
Pros:
The tiny form factor makes it an easy fit even on the most congested pedal boards. The device is straightforward and an excellent option for beginners. The range of all three knobs is pretty decent and doesn’t leave much to be desired.
Cons:
The footswitch makes a ‘pop’ sound when activating or deactivating an effect. The pedal isn’t the best option for people who prefer a complex jack-of-all-trades pedal that’ll cramp up and offers a variety of features from several different pedals.
6. Zoom MultiStomp MS-60B
This pedal brings you fantastic value and a wide array of features packed in a strong, fully metal chassis.
Founded in 1983, the Zoom Corporation’s headquarter is located in Tokyo, Japan. Today, the company specializes in a wide array of electronic equipment, including recording devices, digital mixers, samplers, multi-effect processors, and effect pedals.
This strong jack-of-all-trade pedal brings some exceptional effects to the table, such as the Synth sounds. The Compressors perform superbly well. The distortions do well, too, and on top of that, the device also offers some great Amp Sims.
Key Features:
- First Impression
Identical in design to the other pedals of the MS series (MS-70CDR and MS-50G), the device most prominently hosts a display on the top of its front panel, with 3 parameter knobs just below, followed by the Device’s MultiStomp Logo and model number, and then cursor keys encircling the footswitch. The chassis is robust, and the paint job is high quality.
The maroon color compliments the black knobs and keys and allows the white text ample readability. The shiny footswitch, along with the buttons, knobs, and sockets, feels very sturdy. The device measures 13.03 cm x 7.75 cm x 5.85 cm and weighs 0.35 kg (without batteries).
- Parameter Knobs
The 3 parameter knobs are located near the center of the pedal and angled toward the display, and that’s where you’ll see their impact on various effects. The leftmost knob allows you to rearrange, remove, or set effects to their liking. This knob also lets you view the version of the current firmware.
The knob in the middle allows you to access the memory screen. You’ll be able to change, save, and select patch memories. The third knob lets you scroll through the various parameter pages.
- Footswitch, Cursor keys, and indicator
The footswitch will allow you to activate or deactivate the effect, and the LED will indicate accordingly. You’ll also be able to access the Tuner or Tap Tempo if you keep the footswitch pressed for 1 second.
4 cursor keys form a disk around the footswitch. Holding down the up and down keys lets you choose the effect category. The left and right keys can be pressed down to add another effect on either side of the effect currently selected.
- Connectivity
The right side of the device features an Input jack for an instrument to be connected, and the pedal’s left side hosts 2 Output jacks for Mono and Stereo connection. The rear of the device houses a power socket and a USB port. The base of the device houses a battery compartment.
The pedal can be powered by a power adapter (sold separately), batteries, or USB Bus connectivity. The USB connectivity will also allow you to upgrade the firmware via computer.
Pros:
The pedal offers a wide range of effects and features at an affordable price, more than justifying its value for money, priced around the $100 mark. The software can be updated. The pedal can be powered via a power adaptor, batteries, or Bus powered via USB.
Cons:
Some tones aren’t as impressive as others. A few even go on to sound plasticky and very unrealistic. An argument could be made for this jack-of-all-trade pedal being a king of none since there is room for improvement.
7. Electro-Harmonix Bass Clone
The chorus circuit of the bass clone is very similar to the Small Clone but with the added feature of Bass.
In 1968, Mike Matthews founded the Electro-Harmonix company in New York City. The company’s initial practice saw them provide affordable effects pedals that were state-of-the-art. Over the years, EHX guitar pedals have become very popular worldwide over the years.
Many artists today use EHX pedals, including Thurston Moore, John Frusciante, Bootsy Collins, Miguel Angel Hidobro Preciado, Jeff Matz, Noel Hogan, Daniel Barros, J. D. Cronise, Philip Jamieson, Seth Avett, Shane Parsons, Simone Ulino, James Frost, and Dann V.
Key Features:
- Unboxing and First Glance
The pedal comes with an instruction manual, warranty papers, and a 9V battery. The pedal looks and feels very solid and durable. The front hosts 4 identical black knobs, a switch in between, a Bass Clone logo with the footswitch and LED indicator just below, followed by the Electro-Harmonix logo.
The sides of the pedal host 2 jacks, and the rear supports a power socket. The overall box design is pretty standard and simple. The pedal measures 2.8″ x 4.5″ x 2.1″ and weighs about 1.5 lbs, making it easy to carry or adjust onto a pedal board.
- 4 Control Knobs and Switch
The 4 control knobs represent Bass, Treble, Rate, and Depth. The Depth control knob is for regulating the modulation amount. The modulation’s speed is determined by the timebound Rate control knob.
The Bass knob will cut or boost the low ends from the effect, whereas the Treble knob will do the same with the high ends from the effect. The X-Over switch reduces the low end from the signal’s modulated half.
- Footswitch and Connectivity
The pedal’s footswitch turns the effect on or off, and the dedicated LED indicator denotes the signal’s status. The right side of the pedal hosts a quarter-inch Input jack. The battery will be consumed when the cable is connected to the jack.
The left side of the panel hosts a quarter-inch output jack for the pedal to get the audio signal across to the Amp. The rear of the device features a 9V power socket which can power the device with a 9V DC Power Adaptor (Electro-Harmonix 9.6DC-200).
The device can also be powered with batteries, for which you’ll need to unscrew 4 screws and remove the base plate of the pedal.
Pros:
The device packs a great chorus range and experiences no noise problems at medium or lower settings. Priced around the $70 mark and jampacked with features, this guitar pedal will more than justify its value for money for many, if not most.
Cons:
The pedal experiences a hissing noise near the treble control knob’s max range. The rate transition can be improved. Changing the battery takes time and effort and could’ve been made much simpler.
8. Mooer Ensemble Queen
This brilliant blue mini-pedal produces a smooth and warm chorus sound and performs exceptionally well.
In 2010, 4 friends, passionate about music and technology, famously put the Mooer brand on the map. Ever since, the brand has grown from its humble beginning in Shenzhen, China, and established itself as one of the industry leaders in music equipment.
Many world-renowned musicians prefer to use Moeer’s equipment, such as Marty Friedman, Felix Martin, Carnina Alfie, Devin Townsend, Funtwo, Richard Shaw, Jason Kui, Anto Addabbo, Karl Sanders, Bill Hudson, Z Maddox, Daniel Firth, and Masoud Homayouni.
Key Features:
- Overall design and Feel
The design is simple and similar to most mini-sized guitar pedals. The device looks almost identical to the Ensemble King pedal by the same brand. The vibrant paint job makes it pop, though. The pedal feels robust.
The knobs, jacks, footswitch, LED, and power socket all feel firm and durable, offering zero give. The device measures 4.15″ x 2.25″ x 1.8″ and weighs only 0.35 lbs.
- 4 Knobs
Of the 4 control knobs, 3 are for Level, Tone, and Depth. These knobs are much smaller and black in color, making them as prominent as the much bigger white control knob for Rate.
The output level is adjusted by the Level control knob, and the overall effects can be regulated by The Tone control knob. The Tone knob will also add more brilliance to your tone. The Depth control knob will allow you to get an effect sound that has more depth and sounds much fuller. The white timebound Rate control knob defines the speed of the chorus effect.
- Footswitch, LED, and Connectivity
You’ll find a shiny and sturdy footswitch near the bottom of the front panel that can be pressed to activate the effect or deactivate it. The LED indicator above indicates the status of the effect. It lights up when the effect is active.
There’s an Input jack on the right of the pedal so you may plug in your bass guitar, and for your Amp or speaker setup, there’s an Output jack on the left of the device. On the rear of the device, you’ll find the device’s power socket for a 9V power adaptor.
Pros:
The pedal has a tiny form factor allowing it to fit in your pocket or on a pedal board. The device is lightweight, and its simplicity makes it very easy to use and a great option for those new to the world of pedals or those looking to become part of it.
Cons:
The pedal is simple but may prove too simple for those who wish to own a meaty all-rounder instead. Though vibrant, the boxy design is very common, and perhaps it is the form factor that didn’t allow Mooer to add the option of powering the device via replaceable batteries.
9. Tech 21 Bass Fly Rig V2
This superb offering from Tech 21 is unique in terms of design and functionality it comes equipped with.
Tech 21 traces its history back to 1989, when it was founded by Andrew Barta. The company headquarters is based in New York City and is known for its high-quality electric and Bass guitar effect pedals, DI boxes, and Amps.
The company’s equipment is used the world over and made even more famous by musicians such as Tony Campos, Liam Wilson, Tom Peterson, Laz Pina, Richie Kotzen, Doug Winbish, Paul Landers, Geddy Lee, Christianolde, Gil Parris, Blasko, Chris Kael, and Chris Beattie.
Key Features:
- First Glance
At first glance, this sleek device, with its unique looks, holds enough features to replace an entire pedal board for some. The device comes in a black tin box, an Instruction manual, a power supply, and some connecting cables.
The Rig measures 12.5″ x 2.5″ x 1.25″, weighs 1.29 lbs. and features an XLR Output, a normal Output, an Input, Send and Return, 5 equally distanced silver buttons, and a whole bunch of knobs and buttons. As the name suggests, this device can easily serve as a rig for someone on the move. You don’t see such portability when it comes to Rigs.
- Sansamp, Octave and Fuzz
There are 3-band active EQ featured in the expanded Sansamp section, which offers tweakability sought after by professionals. This makes the device very versatile. From funky town to Minimoog-style, the Octave offers a new re-invented expression palette with an insane number of possibilities.
The detailed control and near-endless setting options let you tweak to exactly what you want from the device.
- Chorus, Comp & Chromatic Tuner
The Chorus adds the voicings of two instruments and introduces space and thickness. Comp, short for compression, allows you to go old school, allowing for an effect that sounds transparent and much warmer. By holding down the Chromatic Tuner button, you’ll activate the Tuner. This will also cause the signal path to experience muting.
- Bite Switch, Drive and Level controls
The Bite Switch enhances its presence by taking the top end and adding extra crispness and clarity. The Rig also hosts individual overdrive and gain controls. The device also comes equipped with 2 separate controls for level.
Pros:
The device has a unique design and a great layout, comes in a compact form factor, and features a high-quality, rugged build. The effects are fantastic, and the number of effects this Rig packs makes it immensely versatile. Overall, Tech 21 offers a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Cons:
The device is on the costlier side of the spectrum, priced at around $300. There is such a thing as too many features, especially for someone new to the fold. This might not be the right cup of tea for beginners. Even for the rest, it might take some getting used to.
10. Keeley Electronics Seafoam Plus Chorus
The amount of Chorus this pedal offers and the modes it brings, make it a tough pedal to beat.
Founded by Robert Keeley in the year 2001, Keeley started with the goal of providing higher quality effect pedals than the pedals available at the time. The brand believed they could produce better build quality and sound pedals than mass-produced pedals.
Keely is the preferred brand for several truly gifted Musicians, including Abe Ovadia, Arianna Powell, Bad Snacks, Ben Eunson, Charly Bliss, Daniel Donato, David Feily, Gia Margaret, Ian Fowles, Jamie Wyatt, Joel DaSilva, Johnny Hiland, Leah Capelle and many more.
Key Features:
- Look and Feel
The pedal has a design and form factor similar to those previously seen in the Bubbletron and Simple Chorus Pedal by the same brand. Still, it varies in color and functionality, of course. The wave-like carving around the knobs and mini switch is also unique to this pedal.
Along with the 4 knobs and switch, the mini switch, the front of the device also hosts a footswitch and an LED indicator. Between the 4 knobs, you’ll find the mention of the 3 Modes, ADT, Seafoam, and Dual Chorus.
- Modes and Controls – Rate and Depth/ Time
The mode selection switch between the knobs activates one of the device’s 3 modes, ADT/ Dimension Mode, Seafoam Mode, and Dual Chorus Mode. Each of the 4 control knobs, except for the Mix knob, has distinctive alternate features based on the selected mode.
In ADT/ Dimension Mode, the knob can be used to tune the Double Tracked Voices. In the other 2 modes (Seafoam and Dual Chorus), the control knob can define the speed of the chorus effect. The Depth/ Time control knob sets the time of delay of the doubled voice (max: 21ms) in the ADT Mode.
In the Seafoam mode, the knob simply adjusts depth, giving you a to get a fuller and deeper effect sound. In the Dual Chorus Mode, the control knob defines the High Band Chorus’s Depth.
- Modes and Controls – Space and Mix
Similarly, the Space control knob lets you adjust the Abbey Chamber Verb in the ADT/ Dimension Mode, the tone in the Seafoam Mode, and Low Band Chorus Depth in the Dual Chorus Mode. The Mix control knob regulates the degree of dryness or wetness in each mode.
- Connectivity
The left and right sides of the pedal host parallel Input and Output jacks for instrument and amp/ speaker connectivity. The device’s rear panel hosts a power jack for a 9V DC power supply.
Pros:
This effect pedal is considered one of the best available when it comes to Chorus. The pedal brings fantastic vibe tones from warm to glossy tones. The pedal is exceptional while controlling tones, and it may be the most detailed dedicated Chorus pedals out there.
Cons:
With the sheer number of features and settings this pedal packs, it isn’t easy to remember exactly what each knob does in every mode. People looking for a jack-of-all-trade pedal with features aside from Chorus may want to look elsewhere.
11. Aguilar Chorusaurus
This Analog Pedal uses Bucket-Brigade technology for organic and rich chorusing.
Aguilar was launched by Dave Boonshoft in the year 1995. In order to record Bass, the company designed the very first tube preamp. This later assisted in revolutionizing live amplification. Today, the company is world-renowned for its bass amplification equipment.
Globally known and loved musicians such as Sharlee D’Angelo (Arch Enemy), Rhoda Smith (Jeff Beck), Adam Nitti (Stephen Curtis Chapman), Tully Kennedy (Jason Aldean), Oscar Stagnaro (Paquito D’Rivera), and many more share an inclination for Aguilar equipment.
Key Features:
- Unboxing and First Impression
The pedal comes in a simple white cardboard box that also contains paperwork, including instructions, product information, and warranty information. The pedal comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
With the exception of the difference in color and features, the pedal incorporates the same design and form factor as some of Aguilar’s other offerings, Octamizer, Filter Twin, Fuzzistor, and TLC Compressor.
- Hardware
The button layout is also identical. The device is very solidly built with a super durable steel chassis. All connection sockets are located at the device’s rear, making it very easy to fit on just about any pedal board.
The device measures 6.1″ x 3.1″ x 2.25″ and weighs exactly 1 lb.
- 4 Control Knobs
The 4 control knobs adjust Blend, Width, Rate, and Intensity. Rate sets the tempo at which the wet signal will change. Increasing the Rate (by turning the knob right) makes the effect sound more aggressive, and decreasing the Rate (by turning the knob left) allows for a more subtle effect.
The blend is unique in the way that it can be set for only 10% clean sound and up to 90% delay or vice versa. The Width and Intensity control work together. The width control allows you to set the chorus effect’s sweeping range, whereas the intensity control knob adjusts the vibrato and depth.
- Footswitch and Connectivity
The base of the front panel hosts a shiny silver footswitch which can be pressed to ‘Engage’ or disengage the effect. An LED indicator will let you know if and when the effect is activated or deactivated.
The device supports 2 jacks for input and Output (Mono as well as Stereo) and a power socket in between, so the device may be powered via a 9V power adaptor (Sold separately). The device may also be powered via batteries.
Pros:
The device has a steel exterior. It features Bucket-Brigade technology and can pass a signal even if the battery runs out. The placement of sockets adds to the convenience. The device is very simple and a great option, especially for newbies. It comes with a 3-year warranty (limited).
Cons:
The device may not appeal to those who hold a preference for more complex all-in-one heavier devices. Some users have complained about minor issues regarding the pedal’s sound, like hissing at certain settings.
12. Eventide TriceraChorus
This squarish pedal looks great, feels even better, and performs wonderfully well too.
Eventide was founded in the year 1971 by a trio comprising Stephen Katz (a recording engineer), Orville Greene (businessman/patent attorney), and Richard Factor (inventor). The business traces its humble beginning to Greene’s recording studio in New York City.
Today, Eventide has grown to global prominence, with Musicians like Alessandro Cortini (Nine Inch Nails), Annie Clark (St. Vincent), Adrian Sherwood, Bootsy Collins (Parliament), Brad Whitford (Aerosmith), Bryan Noll (Lightbath), and Nick Hook supporting their cause.
Key Features:
- Unboxing and Appearance
The device comes in a glossy black and white box which also contains a TriceraChorus Quick Reference Guide, an Eventide sticker, an Eventide pic, a power adapter, a USB cable, multiple plug converters, 4 rubber supports and dedicated front plates for Tricerachorus, Vibrato, Fauxverb, Slow Flange, and Tail Delay.
The device measures 5″ x 8″ x 3″ and weighs 1.7 lbs. The front of the device hosts 6 knobs, 3 LEDs/ buttons, and 2 footswitches. The rear of the device features 4 jacks, 2 small switches, a mini USB port, and a power socket.
- Mix knob, Rate knob, Detune knob, and function button
The Mix control knob regulates the degree of dryness or wetness in each mode. The Rate control knob is timebound, and it regulates the modulation rate. The Detune control knob adjusts the detune amount for the right and left channels. The function button/ LED lets you select one of 5 functions (Tricerachorus, Vibrato, Fauxverb, Slow Flange, and Tail Delay).
- Left, Center, and Right Knobs
As the name of the pedal suggests, the pedal has 3 chorus voices. The 3-phase LFO modulation lets you select the delay times. The Left Control knob sets the left channel voice’s modulation depth. The Center knob enables you to set the center channel voice’s depth modulation, and the right knob, the right channel voice’s depth modulation.
- Footswitches & LED Buttons
The LED/ Active button to the left of the mention of Tricerachorus lights up to denote that the effect is active. The button lets you choose the Active footswitch action between Latching and Momentary.
The footswitch below activates or deactivates the effect. The right LED/ Swirl button can be pressed to save the preset. This light is turned off at the Preset Select mode, lights green when we’re at Swirl mode, and turns green to indicate that Swirl is active. The footswitch underneath is for Swirl. It can be pressed to switch between the Preset selection and Swirl modes.
- Jacks, Switches, USB port, and Power Socket
The leftmost Input jack is for Mono (TR) or Stereo (TRS). There’s a switch just below that can allow you to choose between Mono and Stereo. The second and third jacks are for Output 1 and 2, both of which produce a dry signal in mono.
Just beneath is an I/O switch that can be turned left for the guitar and right for the Effects Loop/ Line. The final jack is for EXP, and it’ll let you connect auxiliary switches, an expression pedal, or TRS MIDI. Next to this is a mini USB port which may be used to connect the pedal to the computer for a software update. The rightmost side of the panel features a 9V DC power socket.
Pros:
The pedal comes equipped with a massive range of modulation sounds. An expression pedal can be attached to the device. The device also offers stereo operation and allows for deep editing via the application. The chassis is durable, and the fun design and color inspire creativity.
Cons:
The huge range of features commands a hefty price tag that lends the pedal to the more expensive side of the spectrum, priced around the $300 mark. The sheer amount of modulation on offer and the size of this pedal simply might not make it everyone’s cup of tea.
13. MXR Stereo Chorus M134
This vibrant classic-sounding chorus pedal offers a lot of flexibility and tremendous tone-changing options.
Considered a part of the holy trinity of guitar pedals, MXR was founded in the year 1972, introducing their very first effect pedal, M-101 MXR Phase 90, a year later. The company was acquired in 1987 by Jim Dunlop and has since provided some of the best guitar pedals ever.
With their first pedal featuring in Van Halen’s first two albums, the brand’s popularity soared and has since seen the likes of Billie Joe Armstrong, Billy Gibbons, John Petrucci, Metallica, Slash, Smashing Pumpkins, Trivium, Tom Morello, and many more use MXR music equipment.
Key Features:
- Unboxing
The pedal comes in a yellow and black cardboard box containing a quick start guide for a brief overview of the device, a user manual that carries details about every component, a vibrant red warranty/ thank you card from the brand, and an 18V ECB004 AC power adaptor.
- Appearance
The device incorporates a bright yellow paint job with a design that separates the 5 control knobs into 2 segments, the first of which contains 2 control knobs for Bass and Treble. The second segment comprises 3 control knobs for Intensity, Width, and Rate. Under these, you’ll find the MXR and Stereo Chorus logos and then a footswitch along with its dedicated LED indicator.
The left of the device hosts Mono and Stereo Output jacks. The right side hosts an Input jack. You’ll find a power socket at the rear of the pedal. At 2.5 x 5.5 x 4.5, the pedal is on the larger side of the spectrum and weighs 1.5 lbs.
- Controls
The Bass Filter decreases chorusing and increases the clarity of the low end. Treble and bass control knobs shape the tone of the Chorus. The bass control cuts or boosts the low end. The treble decides the same for the high end.
The intensity control regulates the amount of overall chorusing. The width knob controls the sweep range, and the timebound rate control knob adjusts the speed of the effect. The footswitch is in charge of activating the effect or allowing bypass. When the effect is activated, the LED indicator lights up red.
- Power
This chorus effect pedal has a power socket at its rear and may be powered by an 18V AC power supply such as Dunlop ECB004E/ECB004 adaptor or via DC Power Supply Brick. The pedal may also be powered by 9V batteries, which can be placed in the battery compartment at the base of the device.
Pros:
The device is robust in terms of features and builds quality. The device produces a warm, premium sound. The effects make this pedal hugely versatile. Another great thing about the pedal is that it may be powered via Dunlop Adaptor, a power supply brick, or 9V batteries.
Cons:
The pedal is larger than most pedals from competitors. This also makes it more difficult to carry or fit onto a pedalboard. The pedal has a wide range of effects and settings, so it may not be the best fit for beginners or for those seeking simplicity.
Bonus:
Zoom B1X Four
This multi-effects pedal really impresses with its wide variety of quality features as well.
Founded in 1983, Zoom has truly come a long way. The brand has established itself on a global scale and is especially known for its innovative state-of-the-art recording devices, digital mixers, multi-effect processors, samplers, and effect pedals, trusted all over the world.
Today, Zoom is the preferred choice for Musicians like Keita (Snarky Puppy – Percussions), Ross Lara (Music composer and producer), Jordan Rudess (Keyboardist of Dream Theatre and Liquid Tension Experiment), Steve Gadd (Influential Drummer), and many more.
Key Features:
- Look and Feel
The dark red and black combination looks absolutely stunning, and when those seven Square LED buttons light up, the pedal looks absolutely stunning. The front of the pedal hosts a Display panel, 2 switches, 4 knobs, 7 LED buttons, 2 regular buttons, 2 footswitches, and a large expression pedal.
The rear of the device hosts a pedal switch, 3 jacks, a USB port, and a power socket for the Zoom AD-16 AC Power adaptor. The base of the device hosts a battery compartment. The pedal measures 15.6 cm x 21.6 cm x 5.2 cm and weighs 0.61 kg.
- Display, Mode, Setting, and Parameter Knobs
The display is very useful. It allows you to view the patch selected, its effects as well as the parameters in place. The Mode switch allows you to scroll between the ‘Stomp, Memory’ and ‘Edit’ modes.
The setting button opens the device’s settings menu. Just below the screen, you’ll see 4 control knobs numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4. The knobs represent ‘Lo,’ ‘Mid,’ ‘Hi,’ and ‘Vol.’ These knobs can be set according to your preference, adding a lot of versatility to the pedal.
- Rhythm, Bank/ Effect, Looper
When pressed, the button for rhythm activates rhythm effects. The pedal hosts 5 multi-function Bank/ Effect buttons. In memory mode, these buttons can be used to access different storage memories (called banks).
These buttons also activate or deactivate effects in the Stomp mode. In the Edit mode, the buttons can be used to choose effects or turn them off or on. The button to the right of the multi-function knobs activates or deactivates the Looper effect.
- Up/Down buttons, Footswitches and Pedal
In the Edit mode, the up and down buttons can be used to change effects. The footswitches perform the same function when the device is in Edit mode. In the Memory mode, however, the footswitches can switch between patches, and in Stomp mode, they can select an effect.
The pedal to the right of the device can be used to adjust the amount of an effect when an effect is selected in the Pedal category.
Pros:
The pedal looks unique and feels really great. Priced around the $120 mark and considering the insane features it packs, this Zoom offers excellent value for money. The versatile multi-effect pedal can replace several pedals, freeing up space on most pedalboards.
Cons:
The pedal is relatively larger in size. The screen is tiny and not very legible in brightly lit environments. The pedal’s complexity takes some time to get used to, and the sheer number of features may deter those who wish for a simplistic plug-and-play pedal.
Conclusion
Chorus pedals are the most enjoyable, and if you haven’t had the chance to check them out, you absolutely must. You are in for a very entertaining experience. As you know by now, all the pedals mentioned above are fantastic in their own ways. Some of them are purely for Chorus, while others pack many more functions.
Two pedals by MXR, the Bass Chorus Deluxe M83, and the Stereo Chorus M134, pack the most exciting and unique sets of features. Eventide’s TriceraChorus comes with 5 modes, all of which have dedicated front plates.
The Seafoam Plus Vibrato/ Chorus is similar in terms of the modes it brings to the table, and if you’re looking for the most versatile device, which may just be the most feature-packed as well, look no further than the impressive Tech 21 Bass Fly Rig V2.
Budget options include Behringer’s Ultra Chorus UC200, Boss CEB-3 Bass Chorus, Zoom MultiStomp MS-60B, and Zoom B1 X Four. These pedals by Zoom pack the best value for money but with features comes complexity.
Some would instead prefer a simple and dedicated chorus pedal. Perhaps the pedals that best fit that description include the Ibanez CSMINI and Mooer’s Ensemble Queen.
Sultan Zafar is a guitar player from Islamabad, Pakistan. He has been playing music with various mainstream musicians for over 20 years. He is a song writer and music producer. These days he spends his time exploring different music genres and collaborating with fellow musicians on various projects. Read more..