Chorus

Module ID: fx.chorus Category: Effects Header Color: Purple

The Chorus module

Description

The Chorus effect creates a thicker, richer sound by layering slightly detuned and delayed copies of the input signal. It simulates the natural variation when multiple performers play the same part, adding warmth and movement without obvious echoes.

Inputs

Outputs

Parameters

How It Works

1. Input signal is copied to multiple delay lines
2. Each delay line has slightly different base delay
3. An internal LFO modulates each delay time
4. The varying delays create pitch shifts and phase differences
5. Mixed together, this creates the characteristic "ensemble" sound

The Chorus Sound

The effect creates subtle beating and pitch variation:

• Slow rate: Gentle swaying, lush
• Fast rate: Vibrato-like, more intense
• Light depth: Subtle thickening
• Heavy depth: Dramatic wobble, almost out of tune

Usage Tips

Classic Analog Chorus

Warm, vintage sound:

Rate: 0.5 Hz
Depth: 0.4
Delay: 8 ms
Voices: 2
Mix: 0.5

Subtle Thickening

Barely perceptible but adds depth:

Rate: 0.3 Hz
Depth: 0.2
Delay: 5 ms
Mix: 0.3

Good for vocals and solo instruments.

Lush Ensemble

Rich, string-machine style:

Rate: 0.8 Hz
Depth: 0.6
Delay: 15 ms
Voices: 4
Stereo: 1.0
Mix: 0.6

Creates wide, dreamy textures.

Bass Chorus

Keep low end intact:

Rate: 0.4 Hz
Depth: 0.3
Delay: 10 ms
Mix: 0.4

Lighter settings prevent the bass from getting muddy.

Vibrato Mode

Extreme settings for pitch wobble:

Rate: 4 Hz
Depth: 0.8
Mix: 1.0 (100% wet)

At full wet, you hear only the modulated signal—pure vibrato.

Leslie Speaker Simulation

For organ-like rotation:

Rate: Slow: 0.7 Hz / Fast: 6 Hz (modulate via Rate CV)
Depth: 0.7
Voices: 2
Stereo: 1.0

Switch between slow and fast for classic organ effect.

Stereo Width Enhancement

Use chorus to widen a mono source:

[Mono Signal] ──> [Chorus] ──> [Stereo Output]
                  Stereo: 1.0
                  Mix: 0.4

The phase differences create stereo spread.

Clean Guitar Chorus

Classic '80s clean tone:

Rate: 0.6 Hz
Depth: 0.5
Delay: 12 ms
Voices: 2
Mix: 0.5

Synth Pad Enhancement

Make pads more interesting:

[Pad Oscillators] ──> [Chorus] ──> [Reverb] ──> [Output]
                      Rate: 0.4 Hz
                      Depth: 0.5
                      Voices: 4

The chorus adds movement before reverb smears it together.

Modulating Rate

Create evolving chorus textures:

[LFO (very slow)] ──> [Chorus Rate CV]

The chorus speed itself changes over time.

Voice Count Effects

More voices = thicker but potentially muddier sound.

Delay Time Effects

Connection Examples

Basic Insert

[Synth] ──> [Chorus] ──> [Output]

In Effects Chain

[Synth] ──> [Chorus] ──> [Delay] ──> [Reverb] ──> [Output]

Chorus before time-based effects is typical.

Parallel Chorus

[Signal] ──> [Mixer Ch 1 (dry)]
         ──> [Chorus] ──> [Mixer Ch 2 (wet)]
         [Mixer] ──> [Output]

Blend dry and chorused signals independently.

Modulated Ensemble

[LFO 1 (slow)] ──> [Chorus Rate CV]
[LFO 2] ──> [Chorus Depth CV]
[Synth] ──> [Chorus] ──> [Output]

Chorus vs Similar Effects

Tips

1. Less is more: Subtle chorus often works better than heavy
2. Watch the bass: Heavy chorus can muddy low frequencies
3. Use stereo: Chorus really shines in stereo
4. Stack effects: Chorus into reverb is magical
5. Try extreme settings: 100% wet creates interesting vibratos

Related Modules

• Delay - For longer echo effects
• Reverb - Combine for ambient textures
• LFO - For rate modulation
• Oscillator - PWM creates similar thickening