MXR bass chorus deluxe: phaser tones?

[deepestend]

I like my current phaser, but feel like the low end is not what it could be. I have been reading that the bass chorus deluxe has a crossover function that maintains the low end. I'm thinking of giving it a shot... for those who have it, how close to more subtle phasing can I get with this pedal? I just need some liquid feel, air, and movement... I don't need a deep phase.

 

[Atshen]

I've had this pedal for just a few weeks so I'm not very familiar with it yet, but I must say I'm not a fan of the crossover, simply because without it, the effect is barely noticeable in the lows. And yes, you can get very a subtle effect from this pedal (as well as pretty extreme ones).

 

[deepestend]

I've had this pedal for just a few weeks so I'm not very familiar with it yet, but I must say I'm not a fan of the crossover, simply because without it, the effect is barely noticeable in the lows. And yes, you can get very a subtle effect from this pedal (as well as pretty extreme ones).

Thank you for the reply! I was under the impression that the crossover was supposed to keep the effect out of the lows. Is that not right?

 

[Michael Vee]

Thank you for the reply! I was under the impression that the crossover was supposed to keep the effect out of the lows. Is that not right?

I own the MXR Bass Chorus Deluxe. The Crossover switch has a definite impact on the sound. From the product manual (which everyone should check first for any product before posting questions on Talkbass):

"X-OVER Control +7.5 dB, 20 Hz/+3 dB, 100 Hz (Dry Signal ) -18 dB, 20 Hz/-3 dB, 160 Hz (Delay Signa)"

Admittedly not the best written manual information.

I do love the BCD and have used it often over the years.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

Thank you for the reply! I was under the impression that the crossover was supposed to keep the effect out of the lows. Is that not right?

You're right, as far as I remember the x-over freq is set to somewhere between160Hz-180Hz meaning anything below will be clean.

I don't own the pedal but tried it and found the chorus a little too subtle with the x-over engaged. I remember I liking it better without the x-over.

I didn't play with the flanger side much, but IME flanging can get you closer to phasing effect compared to choruses.

 

[hieronymous]

I bought one recently - still experimenting, I can't really answer your question but I can post a video!



I need to experiment more - this video has the X-over switch engaged, and I dialed back the intensity. I'm wondering if the chorus is getting in the way of the E & A string notes - plan to re-record without the chorus - or if I just need to put on new strings?

 

[TheArchitect]

I like my current phaser, but feel like the low end is not what it could be. I have been reading that the bass chorus deluxe has a crossover function that maintains the low end. I'm thinking of giving it a shot... for those who have it, how close to more subtle phasing can I get with this pedal? I just need some liquid feel, air, and movement... I don't need a deep phase.

Phasing not so much. That's a different thing. If it's the pedal I think you mean I have one on my board and it does a nice flange

 

[Wretched Banana]

The x-over implementation already isn't great. It looks good on paper spec wise, but imho the pedal always sounds much better without it. In some milder settings, I can't even distinguish on vs off. I play with in-ears 100% of the time, for the record.

And then I wouldn't buy this pedal as a flanger. It's okay at best.

I would honestly swap the BCD out with a more traditional Boss or MXR chorus/flanger/phaser if I had any real use for either of those.

 

[deepestend]

The x-over implementation already isn't great. It looks good on paper spec wise, but imho the pedal always sounds much better without it. In some milder settings, I can't even distinguish on vs off. I play with in-ears 100% of the time, for the record.

And then I wouldn't buy this pedal as a flanger. It's okay at best.

I would honestly swap the BCD out with a more traditional Boss or MXR chorus/flanger/phaser if I had any real use for either of those.

thank you! It really does look good on paper.

 

[Tosh]

Flanger is what I use this pedal for, and it does a fine job for me. I prefer a light flange, and I have it on just about all the time. I always have the crossover engaged.

I have a Strymon Zelzah phaser. I highly recommend it, if a phaser is what you seek.

 

[hieronymous]

So I played a bit more with the MXR M83 BCD - I think the Xover setting might be messing things up - without just sounds more natural? Need to experiment more but those are my thoughts - for now!

OP - what kind of sound are you looking for? What's your setup like? Pick? Fingers? SLAP?!!

EDIT: Ok, upon listening further to a take recorded WITHOUT the Xover switch engaged, I think - the Xover sounds artificial, without sounds more natural. Can't explain - will keep working on it - here's a sample without to compare to my earlier take WITH Xover engaged

 

[TheArchitect]

It's good in real life too. I could not disagree more with that previous assesment. Without it sounds thin, thin, thin...

 

[Michael Vee]

I've owned the MXR Bass Chorus Deluxe for years. It is an excellent pedal. It's like any other pedal, if the player takes the time to understand it, it may very well suit what he or she expects it do.