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SHOWDOWN: EBS Unichorus versus EHX Clone Theory

JanusZarate

JanusZarate

Low End Avenger
Feb 21, 2006
10,198
671
40
Boise, ID, USA
#1
Yes, that's right - I bought a black label EBS Unichorus to A/B with my trusty reissue EHX Clone Theory!

I'm still in the process of playing with these pedals... I'll be playing with them at high volumes this weekend at a jam session, so based on that, I'll be able to decide which to keep.

But so far, here's what I've compared/contrasted between these two fine chorus pedals!

-------------------------

CONTROLS: Just to recap my previous reviews and discussions, The Clone Theory is simple - one Depth Knob, one Rate knob, a Mode knob (for switching between the Chorus 1, Chorus 2, and Vibrato modes), and stereo outputs. The first chorus mode disables the Depth knob, and is very much like the Small Clone. The second chorus mode is what makes this pedal special. The third mode is vibrato - and while it's weird and cool when combined with other effects, it has terrible low end loss.

The EBS Unichorus is equally simple - a three-position mode switch, a Depth knob, a Rate knob, and stereo outputs.

SOUND: The Chorus mode of the Unichorus is fantastic - it's warm and overall great sounding. It's very different than the Clone Theory, though - this one actually sounds like it's actually detuning a pure duplicate of your signal (it's what a chorus pedal is supposed to do). In that sense, the effect is undeniably authentic and true to what chorus is supposed to be. The Clone Theory, on the other hand, actually alters the tone of the signal it gets, and makes the tone somewhat brighter. In addition, the Clone Theory can get much wilder in terms of depth and rate while keeping definition; the EBS Unichorus can "out-crazy" the Clone Theory, but it gets a bit too bizarre and muddy at max Depth and Rate for my tastes..

The Unichorus' Flanger mode is pretty cool, but not for the flange maniac. It works by changing the delay time of the pedal (normally 3ms, I believe) to 5ms. This allows for a warm flanging effect, but it's also why some people complain it's too mild. Honestly, I think it's great if you're not looking for an extremely pronounced flanger.

The Unichorus' Pitch Modulation mode goes further with a 10ms delay time, allowing for significant vibrato-like pitch warbles that make it more like a Clone Theory on more extreme settings. Once again, however, it's not as bright as the Clone Theory, but the effect is very similar. I think that's what makes the Clone Theory unique - its unusual delay time. I'm surprised that the Unichorus can pull off some similar extreme tones. Once again, it gets bizarre and muddy above 3:00 for depth and rate, so it's best to stay behind that. But there's still plenty of range to play with.

NOISE: The Clone Theory is known to have some noise, which normally is mild and forgivable, but can be bad under certain circumstances (check out my previous Clone Theory threads to see what I'm talking about in depth). The EBS Unichorus, on the other hand, is pretty much dead silent in terms of noise on any mode, which is really impressive, IMO.

-------------------------

I really love both units, but they are indeed very different. In the end, I'm only going to keep one... and by playing with them at loud volumes, I'll be able to determine which pedal I'll end up keeping!

I'm aware of the wet/dry trimpot inside the EBS Unichorus, but I haven't toyed with it yet. I don't think I'll need to; in the end, my choice narrows down to the single factor of tone.

EDIT: Still switching them up! I think I'm leaning towards the Clone Theory again :D

Soundclips in post #17!

duel.gif
 
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#6
I just added some details and corrected some stuff above, but I figured it'd be good to go into further detail in a new post. At higher volumes, I was able to really hear the nuances that separate these two chorus pedals.

The Unichorus really can get crazy, but because it doesn't "brighten" your tone as much as the Clone Theory does, it can get muddy at extreme settings. A little goes a long way with the Unichorus' knobs. The Pitch Modulation mode is like a warmer, more natural version of the Clone Theory's second chorus mode, and the Chorus mode is more like the Clone Theory's first chorus mode.

The one cool thing I didn't notice about the Unichorus is that the LED pulses with the Rate setting, making it easy to follow the rate.

I'm still not sure which I'll keep, though. The Unichorus is indeed virtually noiseless - there is absolutely no change in noise when it is turned on. The Clone Theory is brighter, and has a feel that's different than the Unichorus. The Unichorus has a great flanger, and is smaller than the Clone Theory. But the Clone Theory was cheaper, and has that irresistable EHX mojo.

This is a tough choice... :(
 
#8
MysticBoo said:
I'm surprised that the Unichorus can pull off some similar extreme tones. Once again, it gets bizarre and muddy above 9:00 for depth and rate, so it's best to stay behind that.
Click to expand...
Really? Above 9:00 (as on a clock dial), or did you mean 9 (as on a 1-10 dial)? I have a UniChorus and can get way beyond 9:00 before it gets out of hand. Hell, with the knobs turned all the way down they are sitting about 7:00, so 9:00 is hardly turned up. I'm sure you must have meant 9 instead of 9:00. Thanks for the comparison.

Edit: One thing I don't like about the UniChorus is the way the stiff battery wires are soldered onto the circuit board inside, which seems like the wires will eventually break from being flexed too much at the solder joint with repeated battery changings. For this reason, I've always just used my UniChorus with an external supply and never even put a battery in it.
 
#10
Well, the verdict is in...

[drum roll]

I'm keeping the EBS Unichorus.

[audience gasps :eek:]

My reasons?

  • Warm, natural chorus sounds
  • Potential for crazier sounds somewhat reminiscent of the Clone Theory
  • I can always boost the treble on my Stingray to get a more Clone-like tone
  • Flanger setting - mild, but useful for me
  • Practically noiseless - it really is a nice thing, even though the noise of the Clone Theory didn't bug me
  • Small form factor - a good thing if I re-arrange my board again, since it'll plug into my MultiComp easily with one of those tiny pedal couplers
As for the Clone Theory... I'm not sure what'll happen with it yet. My brother loves the tone of it on guitar as much as I do, so he might be borrowing it for a while. Or, I might just sell it... I'm not sure yet.
 
#12
Crabby said:
Its a sad day for the Clone Theory as MysticBoo was one of its biggest fans. I do still really like mine though.
Click to expand...

For fans of the Analogman Clone Chorus pedals, the EHX Small Clone, and the EHX Clone Theory, I could not recommend the Unichorus - it's of a different flavor.

But for me... the Unichorus seems to better suit my tastes. You never know if I might change my mind, though :p
 
#14
ChocolateTV said:
So how does the Analogman compare to these two?
Click to expand...

From what I understand, it's based on the Small Clone, and it's supposed to be similar in sound.

http://www.analogman.com/clone.htm

I just listened to the clip on guitar on the Analogman web site, and I'd have to say... yep, it's pretty similar. At least on guitar, anyway.

I've never tried out any of his chorus pedals myself, though... can anyone who's used both a Small Clone and Analogman chorus chime in?
 
#17
Ooooh, I forgot about this clip! It's the only one I did before I handed the Clone Theory to my brother. The next clips will be much better, but this will do for now... it's directly from the two pedals to the sound card, with my Stingray and a pick.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

The first half is the Clone Theory in Chorus 2 mode. The second half is the Unichorus in Chorus mode.

Oh, and one important thing - don't use the "Hi-Fi" sample. It's screwed up. The other two are fine, though. The best one is the MP3 one.

I seriously need to find another host, or find out what's causing the hi-fi sample to end up weird...
 
#18
I have a Unichorus and was looking for something different and got a Clone Theory. They are really such different pedals that I planned, and hoped, that I would keep and use both, but for their different types of chorus.

I love so much about the Clone Theory, but the noise was really too much for me. A fairly bright active bass through fairly scooped cabs with tweeter and the hiss was WAY too much.

I can't bring myself to send it back, but I need to because I can't see how I'll ever use it. Sending it to a nice guitar player would be a good thing. I can imagine it would work well with alot of setups, but sadly, not for mine
 
#19
UPDATE!

I got my hands on my Clone Theory again. You'd think that I'd still prefer the Unichorus, but.... surprise! The Clone Theory is on my board again.

My reasons?

I experimented with my GK 2001RB's EQ settings and have changed them quite a bit from what they were before. I think I've finally nailed the sounds I'm looking for. Unfortunately, the Unichorus isn't liking it so well.

I've made some new observations about these two chorus pedals. The Unichorus seems to prefer "hi-fi" or bright signals for maximum clarity, or else it gets muddy on low notes. The Clone Theory, on the other hand, seems best suited for those deeper or dirtier rock tones, since its brightness comes in handy for definition and clarity. Plus, the noise level drops quite a bit when the high-end isn't so high. In a loud practice session with a guitarist and drummer, the noise is a non-issue, IME. For recording, I don't think it should be an issue, but I'll have to try that out.

When it comes to getting bright sounds out of the Unichorus, cranking the treble on my Stingray just isn't the same as letting the Clone Theory work its magic. The Unichorus is still a different pedal, especially on lower notes!

I've remembered what made this comparison so difficult. Each of these pedals works better in some situations than others!

I think I'm going to keep my Clone Theory on the board for a while longer and continue to switch it up. I may not be hanging onto the Unichorus after all... we'll see how it goes! :bassist:
 

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