Bassist4Eris
Frat-Pack Sympathizer
Y'know, I said two posts ago I wasn't going to go on a chorus quest, and now you guys have me thinking about that darn Tech 21 pedal. I've noticed that mid-suck.
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Chorus vs. Flanger, and what's good?
- Thread starter SplinteredSkull
- Start date
Y'know, I said two posts ago I wasn't going to go on a chorus quest, and now you guys have me thinking about that darn Tech 21 pedal. I've noticed that mid-suck.
Hmmm.. so if i got a Boss i could get the chorus and probably swing the flanger too. But if i got the Tech 21 i would have a really sweet chorus pedal..
Wow these posts about the tech 21 might sway me towards it. I didn't know about "mid-suck" with chorus. I definitely like my mids (my graphic EQ on my amp has a lot of focus on that). Hmm. I'm only worried about things getting too muddy when playing chords with chorus. One reason I'm interested in the Orbital Modulator is that you can preserve your low frequencies without being modulated (I think), not a feature on the Tech 21.
But if you can play chords or let opens ring out (or hold low notes down) while you do stuff on top of it without chorus overwhelming your sound......maybe the Tech 21 is the way to go (as I'm most interested in chorus right now. Well that and reverb, but one step at a time. I'm new to effects, I can't be GASing *just* yet.)
But if you can play chords or let opens ring out (or hold low notes down) while you do stuff on top of it without chorus overwhelming your sound......maybe the Tech 21 is the way to go (as I'm most interested in chorus right now. Well that and reverb, but one step at a time. I'm new to effects, I can't be GASing *just* yet.)
another option is to get a BOSS PS-6 Harmonist, or the PS-5.
it has a "Detune" mode which sounds very similar to chorus.
I Have chorus and flange pedals but I use the PS-6 instead because I use the octave and harmony effects as well as the detune effect, way more sounds from one box.
it has a "Detune" mode which sounds very similar to chorus.
I Have chorus and flange pedals but I use the PS-6 instead because I use the octave and harmony effects as well as the detune effect, way more sounds from one box.
In a live performance I can't tell the difference between one brand of chorus and another (recording is another matter). In fact, flange and chorus are so subtle they get lost in the mix. To my ear, a phaser gets in your face, a flanger is subtler, and a chorus is subtler still. I use a phaser to cut through when competing with distorted guitars and a chorus for intros and delicate stuff when the bass is the only instrument playing. Chorus and flange are similar enough that I don't need both even though there are several of each in my multi-effects pedal.
This is all strictly my opinion relating to my band's style and mix. YMMV.
This is all strictly my opinion relating to my band's style and mix. YMMV.
I have to chime in on this one, the chorus on the Zoom MS60B is fair from desirable IMO/IME. That was the main reason I had bought it, for chorus. It is, in the end, a multi effects pedal so I cant really fault it for trying. Its a decent chorus. If I were to go with a chorus pedal, and hopefully someday I will get one, I would go with the Tech 21 Boost Chorus. Ive heard it in action and I personally think it blows most other choruses out the water. I have worked with Boss choruses before and they are ok. I like shimmering and pronounced choruses. The Boss just didnt do it for me. BUT, their flanger, the BF3 on the other hand, did to it for me. Its a great pedal and you can even get a trem sort of effect out of the gate on it. I am actually using the BF3 more as a chorus on my board at the moment and I have a TC Vortex for a flanger. These pedals suite my needs for now. Although, as I had said before, I really want a Boost Chorus. I think if chorus is used correctly and at the right times, it can be really awesome. Adds a lot of depth to certain passages. I tend to use flange, chrous, trem and delay a lot together. It is a lot of fun.
A phaser, to me, is sort of like a flanger but with more depth and speed. Sounds more like its moving and a little more tame at the same time than a flanger at higher settings. It seems more animated to me and spacey. I would almost put phaser in the time/delay category than modulation. Im sure some would disagree with me here but thats just this guys opinion. It feels like youre flying when playing through a phaser.
My apologies if it has already been recommended, but the EHX small clone is a GREAT chorus pedal that can be found used for very reasonable prices. I snagged one from the used gear section of Guitar Center online for $40. Works like a dream and sounds amazing.
Might not be the one for you, but with it being an analog chorus, it has a much more fluid vibe to me than other chorus pedals I've used (I own a boss bass chorus and have played a few others). I can't offer much on flanger other than the "wooshing" and "swirly" descriptions are quite correct IME. A slow, analog one might sound more musical to my ears if I found a solid one. EHX may be the big contender for me, given how great the Small Clone was for me.
Might not be the one for you, but with it being an analog chorus, it has a much more fluid vibe to me than other chorus pedals I've used (I own a boss bass chorus and have played a few others). I can't offer much on flanger other than the "wooshing" and "swirly" descriptions are quite correct IME. A slow, analog one might sound more musical to my ears if I found a solid one. EHX may be the big contender for me, given how great the Small Clone was for me.
This is a classic phaser bass song:
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The phaser is really noticeable starting around 2:24.
I think the Line 6 M-series (M5, M9, M13) multi-effects pedals have great choruses, flangers and phasers. Those are in the category of "modulation effects" and the Line 6 stuff excels in that category.
Thanks for the recommendation: the reviews for it look good and it's on the lower end of the price spectrum. I think i might try this out and also try and get a hold of a Boss Flanger
Ive been thinking of getting rid of my Boss Chorus Pedal. If you decide you want to go that route and dont mind buying used shoot me a PM.
My Bass Synth Wah & DigiDelay have held up for many years, the BSW for at least 8 years.
I tried a couple of Boss choruses and a digitech multi unit. Made me hate chorus on bass. Way to digital and wonky sounding.
I got a MXR M83 and it was stellar. Very clear, beautiful and organic sounding. It had a lo pass filter on it, I think it worked up until maybe a C or Dflat on the A, but it kind of became more/less pronounced around the cut. It also has a flanger mode that sounds pretty groovy.
I swapped it for a Tech 21 Bass Boost Chorus and I love it. It was all for the detune knob. I use it with no speed, very little depth and dropped flat to the mark on near the knob. It gives my bass a choral harmonic character, like 2 basses are playing the same thing with one slightly off. But the space between the two isn't empty. It's how I use pedal 95% of the time. I don't know any other pedal that can cop that tone. The sound is fat all around, and while it doesn't have a low filter, the effect isn't as pronounced on the low end. It is still there, but I usually only use the pedal while in the higher registers.
Couple of gripes is that the Tech21BBC isn't true bypass, has a larger footprint, and could be a bet prettier haha. The tone isn't colored much with the pedal off (I haven't noticed it FWIW) but it's something people like to complain about.
Definitely worth the full price I paid. Hope this helps.
(EDIT: wanted to mention that some cheaper choruses have a pronounced washing/waving sound that you cannot get rid of. Both the MXR and Tech21 avoid this)
I got a MXR M83 and it was stellar. Very clear, beautiful and organic sounding. It had a lo pass filter on it, I think it worked up until maybe a C or Dflat on the A, but it kind of became more/less pronounced around the cut. It also has a flanger mode that sounds pretty groovy.
I swapped it for a Tech 21 Bass Boost Chorus and I love it. It was all for the detune knob. I use it with no speed, very little depth and dropped flat to the mark on near the knob. It gives my bass a choral harmonic character, like 2 basses are playing the same thing with one slightly off. But the space between the two isn't empty. It's how I use pedal 95% of the time. I don't know any other pedal that can cop that tone. The sound is fat all around, and while it doesn't have a low filter, the effect isn't as pronounced on the low end. It is still there, but I usually only use the pedal while in the higher registers.
Couple of gripes is that the Tech21BBC isn't true bypass, has a larger footprint, and could be a bet prettier haha. The tone isn't colored much with the pedal off (I haven't noticed it FWIW) but it's something people like to complain about.
Definitely worth the full price I paid. Hope this helps.
(EDIT: wanted to mention that some cheaper choruses have a pronounced washing/waving sound that you cannot get rid of. Both the MXR and Tech21 avoid this)
One more vote for the Tech21 BBC here, especially for the detune function.
I never liked flanger really, but use chorus and phaser on a couple of songs. The Electro-Harmonix Small Stone Nano is a great value for money phaser if you want to try that without breaking the bank.
I never liked flanger really, but use chorus and phaser on a couple of songs. The Electro-Harmonix Small Stone Nano is a great value for money phaser if you want to try that without breaking the bank.
Between chorus and flanger, I use chorus way more. I like my chorus subtle; you don't really know it's on till you turn it off. For me, a flanger is way harder to control. It tends to take over the whole sound.
But, given my choice, I'd take a phaser over either. IMO, a phaser is like an active chorus. You can still use it in a subtle way or you can have it take over your sound.
But, given my choice, I'd take a phaser over either. IMO, a phaser is like an active chorus. You can still use it in a subtle way or you can have it take over your sound.
