A four Chorus Shoot out! Deltalabs SC1, Hardwire CR-7, Boss CE-5, Boss PS-3

Chronicle · #1 05-13-2009, 10:46 AM

Some of you may say this is not a fair fight. It's not really going to be a fight. It's just to give people some clips and knowledge about these easy to get choruses. (Okay, maybe the PS-3 isn't that easy.)

But the choruses all have something you may like.

The Deltalabs SC1 is an analog chorus capable of some flanger-like sounds. Especially with a distortion in front of it. It's a very warm chorus and at 60$, it's a bargain.

The Hardwire CR-7 is one of the best choruses on the market right now that won't cost you an arm and a leg. I still think it has more value than those 200-400$ choruses. It has 7 types of chorus and all of them have a nice sound to them. Some settings have a superb lush sound to them.

The Boss CE-5 is a digital chorus and sounds decent. It can get some nice sounds out of it but they are pretty cold sounding. Very lush though.

The BOSS PS-3 is mainly for detuning and pitch shifting. It has a chours like sound to it and maybe that's your thing and you don't even know it yet. I hope this thread helps you in that decision then!

All of these clips will be DI'd for the most pure recording. Something needed for modulation efx like Chorus.

I'll also be using my Fender Jazz 70's reissue with Dimarzio Model J's equipped. All choruses will have their depth and levels cranked.

Deltalabs SC1
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7597966

Boss PS-3
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7597968

Hardwire CR-7
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7597977

BOSS CE-5
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7597981

Proton Lenny · #2 05-13-2009, 12:27 PM

That Hardwire pedal is tempting me. It is between that and an Analogman for me right now. Have to go play the Hardwire again, and see what I think on a second listen. It seems that you like it a lot Chronicle. I've seen many of your posts raving about it.

FreaqyFrequency · #3 05-13-2009, 12:28 PM

CR-7 is definitely the winner for me. Most versatile and lush of all four.

Chronicle · #4 05-13-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Proton Lenny

That Hardwire pedal is tempting me. It is between that and an Analogman for me right now. Have to go play the Hardwire again, and see what I think on a second listen. It seems that you like it a lot Chronicle. I've seen many of your posts raving about it.

I wanted an Analogman as well but it's a one trick pony...An expensive one trick pony might I add. It sounds awesome though.

Proton Lenny · #5 05-13-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

I wanted an Analogman as well but it's a one trick pony...An expensive one trick pony might I add. It sounds awesome though.

Yeah, this is a constant debate I have on this forum. I'm kind of the opposite of so many people here. I would prefer a one-trick-pony, if it can do exactly what I want it to do. The problem for me with a pedal like the hardwire, is that it can have so many great chorus sounds, but I only can have one sound on at a time. So I've been looking at the Analogman Bi-Chorus, so then I could have two different sounds selectable live, with my feet. However, the price difference, and the very good sound of the Hardwire, is making it a nail-biter for me (I could by two Hardwires for almost the same price as a Bi-Chorus). Although, I don't use chorus a lot anyway, so I have a while to make my decision. Maybe wait for a used one. Thanks for the reviews and clips by the way.

Proton

Chronicle · #6 05-13-2009, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Proton Lenny

Yeah, this is a constant debate I have on this forum. I'm kind of the opposite of so many people here. I would prefer a one-trick-pony, if it can do exactly what I want it to do. The problem for me with a pedal like the hardwire, is that it can have so many great chorus sounds, but I only can have one sound on at a time. So I've been looking at the Analogman Bi-Chorus, so then I could have two different sounds selectable live, with my feet. However, the price difference, and the very good sound of the Hardwire, is making it a nail-biter for me (I could by two Hardwires for almost the same price as a Bi-Chorus). Although, I don't use chorus a lot anyway, so I have a while to make my decision. Maybe wait for a used one. Thanks for the reviews and clips by the way.

Proton

That makes sense. I'm pretty much loving the Multi setting on the Hardwire but I like having the option to have a different sound. It definitely is a touch choice

lopxtc · #7 05-23-2009, 04:03 PM

I just picked up the CR-7 myself today from GC ... used the 15% off coupon, and the $15 gift card they sent me in the mail

...

So far liking the sound of it.

Aaron

Chronicle · #8 05-23-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lopxtc

I just picked up the CR-7 myself today from GC ... used the 15% off coupon, and the $15 gift card they sent me in the mail

...

So far liking the sound of it.

Aaron

Total win. The CR-7 is definitely the only chorus I recommend for 100$+.

Mr. Pickles · #9 05-24-2009, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chronicle

The BOSS PS-3 is mainly for detuning and pitch shifting. It has a chours like sound to it and maybe that's your thing and you don't even know it yet. I hope this thread helps you in that decision then!

Exactly. This thing often gets chorus/flange duty instead of the Analogman, Polychorus, or DEM!

It can be set to a subtle pitch shift that makes for a nice shimmer to excite OD/fuzz/disto.

*edit* this is only the case for live work. In the studio, the opposite is true.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chronicle

I wanted an Analogman as well but it's a one trick pony...An expensive one trick pony might I add. It sounds awesome though.

But for warmth, you can't beat the Analogman. I run mine at 18v (with Mike's blessing) and the headroom is incredible. If you ever get a chance, you should check out the Cosmichorus as well. It cops the Analogman sound, but is a bit brighter and much more flexible.

lopxtc · #10 05-24-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chronicle

Total win. The CR-7 is definitely the only chorus I recommend for 100$+.

Man just playing it last night, I mostly play blues/blues rock/classic rock and this is damn near going to be an always on pedal. Really makes the bass stand out without over powering anything.

Aaron

RickenBoogie · #11 05-24-2009, 11:38 AM

Chorus has always been a tricky issue with me. There's alot of them I like, but few I really love, and that's been the problem. Would've stuck with the Clone Theory if not for all the hiss, and the clip of the PS-3 just makes me want one of those for it's "other" capabilities. I've been using a Maxon CS9Pro for about 18 months, and I'm quite happy with it, but it's not ideal either. Haven't tried the Analogman, but then, the clips I've heard didn't really do it for me anyway. Guess I'll stick with my Maxon for now, but always searching. Thanks for the clips Chron, nice job, as always.