Chorus Pedals – Frequently Asked Questions:
What types of chorus pedals are there?
- Analogue: These are the classic type of chorus pedals that use analogue circuits to create the effect. They tend to have a warm, organic sound and are popular for their simplicity and ease of use.
- Digital: Digital signal processing creates the chorus effect. They can offer a wider range of chorus sounds, from subtle to extreme, and often include additional features like pre-sets and MIDI control.
- Multi-Mode Pedals: Offer a range of different chorus modes, from classic analogue to modern digital, and often include additional effects like vibrato and flanging.
Where does the pedal go in the signal chain?
- Before the amplifier: Placement l before the amplifier will affect the tone and timbre of the guitar, creating a more saturated and distorted sound.
- In the effects loop: Many amplifiers have an effects loop that allows for effects to be inserted between the preamp and power amp sections of the amplifier. Placing the chorus pedal in the effects loop can create a cleaner and more spacious chorus sound, with less interference from the amplifier’s distortion.
- After other modulation effects: If you have other modulation effects such as phasers or flangers, you can place the chorus pedal after them in the signal chain. This can create a more complex and layered modulation sound.
- Before or after delay and reverb: If you use delay or reverb effects, you can experiment with placing the chorus pedal before or after them in the signal chain. Placing it before can create a more modulated and spacious sound, while placing it after can create a more ethereal and ambient sound.
- Ultimately, there is no “correct” placement, as it depends on the
individual player’s preferences and the specific effects they are using.
Do they run on batteries?
- As time goes on, pedals become more complex and draw more current, especially digital circuitry. This makes them increasingly reliant on a supply rather than batteries.
- Also, for many guitarists, they will be one pedal on a board of many, making batteries impractical.
How does a chorus pedal work?
- It splits the guitar signal into two parts, one of which is delayed and modulated, and then recombines the two signals to create the chorus effect.
- The delayed signal is slightly pitch-shifted and modulated to create a “warbling” sound.
What is the difference between chorus and flanger pedals?
- While both chorus and flanger pedals create similar modulated effects, flanger pedals typically have a more intense and pronounced effect.
- Flanger pedals also use shorter delay times and more pronounced feedback, while chorus pedals use longer delay times and less feedback.
