Chorus - Digital Vs Analogue

[martinluckhurst]

Hi

I was wandering what peoples opinions were on the differences between digital and analogue chorus pedals.

It is often unclear as to whether a particular pedal is one or the other. For example I have a Boss Chorus Ensamble which I would assume is digital as it was fairly cheap although I may be wrong.

Regards,

ML

 

[thejay]

I am not sure of the difference per say BUT I can tell you that I have used a few different brands as far as Chorus' pedals go and (Boss) in general (IMHO) is quite sterile/thin sounding. I used mostly MXR pedals with an exception of a Boss TU2 (Turner) and DD6 (Digital Delay). I have the M137 Chorus and it is fantastic - a range of sounds and a tweakers dream as you can control treble/bass settings as well as completely cut out the lows (if you want to)

 

[-BOOGIE_MAN-]

Hi

I was wandering what peoples opinions were on the differences between digital and analogue chorus pedals.

It is often unclear as to whether a particular pedal is one or the other. For example I have a Boss Chorus Ensamble which I would assume is digital as it was fairly cheap although I may be wrong.

Regards,

ML

I used to use boss CE-5, which i think the little brother of the infamous CE-1 is quite good. But i end up using ehx small clone now. ehx sounds thicker and sweeter to my ear.

 

[Laskyman]

I recently picked up a DLS Ultra Chorus II after doing an enormous amount of research on chorus pedals- the effects are extremely warm and organic- and believe me- after listening to this pedal, you can *hear* a digital chorus. Now, having said that, I do like some digital chorus effects, but not nearly as much as my DLS. Two other pedals (analog) that I checked out were the retro-sonic and the analogman clone chorus. For what I wanted, the DLS won me over. So, to answer your question, analog chorus is far warmer than digital, and seem to be more usable even with extreme settings. Check out Youtube for demos on many of these pedals....
Laskyman

 

[cradleofflames]

If you play in a band are you the only guitar in your band?

In any two guitar band it's smart to have the understanding of who is filling out the lows and who is filling out the highs and play accordingly. If you don't, one guitar will bury and the other will get lost.

That made a huge difference for the chorus I chose. I love vintage Boss CE-2s (analog) (I have 2 of them) but they don't work in the live context of the two guitar mix I'm part of. I play all the lead so I always have a brighter sound. The CE-2 is a rather dark chorus which causes me to get lost in the mix. I'm using a Boss CH-1 Super Chorus (digital) because it has a eq knob which I can dial in to sit on top of the mix.

 

[plan-x]

I strive for a neutral sound from my effects. I tried an analog chorus or 2 and found (and read on a forum as well) that they have a mid hump. Including the DLS, which is a nice chorus. Actually every chorus I've used except one has some sort of mid hump. Just more pronounced in the analogs. I havn't tried every one out there but the one that didn't have much of a hump is the Johnson. It's a cheap *ss unit that has high and low filter knobs. When turned all the way to the left the signal is fairly neutral. It's not a lush, fantastic sounding chorus, but it adds a little wettness and warmth to my sound and that's good enough for me. I just leave it on all the time set for a mild chorus effect.

 

[jdurso]

when it comes to chorus nothing beats the naturally produced chorus of the Roland JC-120...... still to this day im looking for something in a pedal that comes close and the only pedal ive found is the carl martin xII.... its very natural sounding and pairs well with clean and distorted tones... i dont think that man has ever put out a bad pedal... they just sound so good

 

[dunkonu23]

I like my Boss CE-2... I've never heard one to beat it and that includes the original CE-1. Actually, I think something being digital or analog doesn't really matter as long as you like the sound it produces.

Scott

 

[thinskin57]

i prefer analog simply because there are less parameters to get lost in. i used to use rack gear and always wished there were only controls for rate and depth. if the circuit is of good quality, then those are the only parameters you should need in my opinion.

 

[Laskyman]

when it comes to chorus nothing beats the naturally produced chorus of the Roland JC-120...... still to this day im looking for something in a pedal that comes close and the only pedal ive found is the carl martin xII.... its very natural sounding and pairs well with clean and distorted tones...

The JC120 sounds great because it is stereo. NO chorus is going to really get that 3-D sound mono- just wont happen. As close as it may be, it still isn't quite there. Small sacrifice though for my Roadster. When I ran a GT8 into a Mesa 20/20 with stereo cab- I could reproduce the Jc120 spot on (A/B'ed it with a JC many times). The Carl Martin is a great pedal- he doesnt make crap. My DLS also handle dirty tones well which sets it apart from the rest of the pack.

i prefer analog simply because there are less parameters to get lost in. i used to use rack gear and always wished there were only controls for rate and depth. if the circuit is of good quality, then those are the only parameters you should need in my opinion

I agree, BUT, I also believe a blend or level control is essential. Many modulation effects alter your core tone dramatically when engaged- I prefer an effect to "enhance" the tone, not completely "saturate" it if you know what I mean..

laskyman

 

[thinskin57]

yeah, a Mix knob is never a bad thing either.

 

[secretsoundz]

I like any analog pedal over a digital one. Try Maxons analog Chorus. You'll use the digital pedal for a paperweight after hearing it!