Best Chorus Pedal 2018 | Reviews & Comprehensive Buying Guide
A foreword about chorus pedals before we begin
Before we even get to the Chorus pedals, let’s discuss what the “chorus effect is”. First of all, the “chorus” refers to a subtle modulation of your guitar’s (or bass guitar’s) sound – this effect is “delaying”, or better yet “detuning” a part of the signal, but this shouldn’t be confused with the delay effect which is significantly more pronounced.
Now, a chorus pedal splits the signal of your guitar in two, but only one of the fragments will be de-tuned. Depending on the model and the way you tweak the knobs of your chorus pedal, the change in your sound could be minor or huge.
We’re here to guide you on your way of picking the best chorus pedal for the cash, after which we’ll jump over to some of the most popular pedals, so without any further ado, let’s get straight to it.
Best Overall Chorus Pedal 2018
Model name | Chorus effect quality | Pedal complexity | Price | Extra |
---|---|---|---|---|
Zoom ZMS70CDR | Exceptional | Difficult to use, easy-to-read LCD display | $$$ | |
DIgitech Nautila | Superb chorus quality | Relatively easy to use | $$$$ | |
Source Audio SA242 Gemini | Superb chorus quality | Very easy to use | $$$$ | |
TC electronic Dreamscape | Outstanding chorus quality | Very easy to use | $$$$$ | |
Catalinbread Calisto | Exceptional | Supremely easy to use | $$$$$ |
1. Zoom ZMS70CDR MS-70CDR - Best Chorus Pedal 2018
Best Chorus Pedal
Zoom ZMS70CDR
Extremely versatile with a great price to value ration means you won't be disappointed with this chorus pedal.
First impressions, general overview of key specs and features:
Let’s open up our review of the best chorus pedals with Zoom’s ZMS70CDR – we’ll call it shortly MultiStomp. Basically, this is an incredibly versatile pedal which features numerous chorus, reverb, and delay effects.
The reason why we’ve included in our review even though we’re mainly interested in chorus pedals is simple – it’s just too good for the buck to pass. While there are plenty of things you could like about it, we should warn you in advance – it’s not that cheap. That being said, let’s see what you should expect out of Zoom’s Multistomp.
Versatility and complexity:
Basically, Zone’s Multistomp can be used for virtually all playingstyles and music genres – it comes outfitted with eighty six effect types, including sixteen choruses, twenty six delays, twenty nine reverbs, and fifteen various other effects which include flangers, tremolos, vibratos, phases, and modulators.
What’s really important that Multistomp features numerous sound types – even though you’ll get to play with your chorus effects quite a lot, you’ll also be able to make your sound exquisite with 3 Fender sound presets (Fender’s Twin Reverb, Fender’s Deluxe Reverb, and the Tweed Bassman), Vox’s AC30, as well as Marshall’s Plexi (the latter which is incredibly sought-after).
So, as far as versatility is in question, it’s quite easy to conclude that Zoom’s Multistomp is, by far, one of the most versatile pedals ever made.
Price:
Simply put, Zoom’s Multistomp belongs to the lower bracket of the “expensive” price point category, which basically means it costs quite a lot. So, if you’re looking for a premium-quality, versatile chorus pedal (and more), this is the one you should be getting.
Who’s this chorus pedal ideal for:
Given that Zoom’s Multistomp is a boutique level chorus pedal, we recommend it to professionals and veterans, as most beginners wouldn’t feel too inclined to pay such a hefty sum, regardless of how valuable it is
What we liked about this pedal:
Zoom’s Multistomp is, plainly put, a perfect pedal for any occasion and for every guitarist. It’s as versatile as can be, sports a durable housing, and it offers a very unique way to get your own special sound, completely negating the need for an overburdened rig with dozens of pedals.
What we thought could be improved:
There are just two issues we just couldn’t look past – the Multistomp doesn’t work on regular batteries (it operates on AA batteries which usually don’t last more than 6-7 hours), and the adapter is sold separately. However, once you do get the adapter, the only real issue is the price, as it costs quite a lot.
Pros:
Cons:
2. Digitech NAUTILA Chorus & Flange Pedal
Runner Up (Overall)
Digitech NAUTILA
This combo pedal is great for those that want to experiment with a variety of effects at a low price point.
First impressions, general overview of key specs and features:
Digitech’s Nautila is a combo chorus plus flanger pedal – it’s not a plain pedal per se, but it packs quite a punch for the buck. Apart from sporting a funky, exquisite design, this pedal is decently versatile, doesn’t cost a fortune (although it isn’t cheap), and it can accommodate virtually all music playing styles. Let’s see the details about Nautila.
Versatility and complexity:
The best thing about Nautila is the flexible chorus section – there is a total of 8 chorus effects combined with 4 flanger voices, making it pretty versatile and handy in nearly all situations. There are four control knobs you can use to specify the tone of your flanger (or the definition of your chorus), which might lead you to conclusion that it’s decently easy to use, alas, you’ll definitely need a week or two to get accustomed to its features.
Price:
Compared to Zoom’s Multistomp, Nautila appears to be somewhat cheaper – it’s just a bit less expensive than our previous pick, but it’s essentially in the same price point category. Just like the Multistomp, Nautila boasts a huge value for the cash, though.
Who’s this chorus pedal ideal for:
People who don’t mind experimenting with their sound and want to get the most from their chorus pedal should definitely consider Nautila – since it’s not as easy to use as most plain chorus pedals, we recommend it to intermediate-level and professional guitarists.
What we liked about this pedal:
First of all, we liked the funky design Nautila sports – it looks unique and warm, but the same can be said about its sound quality. The only thing that’s capable of overshadowing the difficulty of using this pedal is its sound customization potential.
What we thought could be improved:
Being a relatively expensive chorus pedal, it’s not the price that we thought that could be improved in regard to Digitech’s Nautila. Basically, there are plenty of things you could do with it, but all of which would require time to get accustomed to, so, in a nutshell – the expensiveness and complexity of Nautila are the only “bad” things about it.
Pros:
Cons:
3. TC Electronic Dreamscape John Petrucci Signature Multi-Effects
Honorable Mention (Overall)
TC Electronic Dreamscape
Tailored to John Petrucci's distinctive chorus, flanger, and vibrato effects this is a great pedal if you want to play around with that style.
First impressions, general overview of key specs and features:
TC Electronic is one of the biggest names in guitar tech industry, and to top it all, they’re the ones “responsible” for Dream Theater’s John Petrucci Signature multi-effect pedal. In essence, this is a combo pedal which features a combination of John’s distinctive chorus, flanger, and vibrato effects, two of each, so if you’re a DT fan, make sure to at least consider this pedal.
Versatility and complexity:
Surprisingly enough, the “Dreamscape” isn’t too hard to use – it does have four control knobs, but each is pretty self-explanatory and plain. As for the versatility, you’ll get two choruses, two flangers, and two vibratos to play around – if that’s not enough, the control knobs (FX level, Speed, and Depth) will allow you to further define the intensity of the used effects.
Price:
We’ve seen expensive, but John Petrucci’s “Dreamscape” made us redefine the term - the “Dreamscape” belongs to the medium bracket of the “expensive” price point category, and it’s the most expensive chorus pedal we’ve reviewed so far.
Who’s this chorus pedal ideal for:
Ideally, Dream Theater and John Petrucci’s fans who want to nail his exquisite sound down require the Dreamscape to do so. Other than that, guitarists who want a clearly defined sound packed with plenty of flexibility should consider the Dreamscape.
What we liked about this pedal:
It’s plain to use, there’s a ton of customization potential to benefit from, and you’ll get a total of 6 signature John Petrucci tones to play around with (two for each effect). Apart from that, the Dreamscape boasts an unparalleled value for the cash and sports a highly durable casing.
What we thought could be improved:
Frankly, the only “bad” thing about John Petrucci’s signature Dreamscape multi-effect pedal is the price – it’s just too expensive, even for certain professionals, let alone intermediate and beginner guitarists.
Pros:
Cons:
4. Source Audio SA242
Honorable Mention
Source Audio SA242
First impressions, general overview of key specs and features:
Deep, mesmerizing chorus is something most professional guitarists are searching for, and luckily enough, Source Audio SA242 Gemini is more than capable of delivering it. This is a flexible, versatile boutique level chorus pedal that offers you the opportunity to customize your sound on a completely different level.
Versatility and complexity:
At first sight, the Source Audio SA242 Gemini looks like a moderately complex effect pedal – it features only four control knobs (depth, speed, mix, and tone), and it’s casing is somewhat bulkier than that of most effect pedals. However, it comes outfitted with three chorus types, it features universal bypasses, tap tempo, and expression control, so there’s plenty of sound customization potential to go about.
Price:
Just like John Petrucci’s signature chorus pedal, the Source Audio SA242 Gemini belongs to the medium bracket of the “expensive” price point category. Although it does cost quite a lot, this pedal is well worth the cash if you’re really looking to spice your sound up with some of the most exquisite chorus effects ever.
Who’s this chorus pedal ideal for:
This pedal is MIDI compatible if you couple it with Neuro Hub, allowing you to save some 128 presets, and that’s completely apart from its original superb versatility. Knowing this, there’s no end to things you could do with it, although people who are frequently recording and performing live would benefit the most from it.
What we liked about this pedal:
The sheer plainness combined with impeccable versatility of Source Audio SA242 Gemini got us – this is one of the best easy-to-use boutique level guitar pedals, and even though it does cost quite a lot, you won’t find a better model in the price range.
What we thought could be improved:
Apart from the high price, Source Audio SA242 Gemini requires a hub in order to utilize the sound presets. That’s the only thing we thought could be improved, although it wouldn’t hurt if the price was just a bit below than the actual.
Pros: