4 of a Kind - 2-Knob Analog BBD Choruses
We’re back onto the fully similar pedals again - with 4 contemporary examples of a vintage 2-knob chorus. All of these sport the exact same chip set - consisting of the 3207 + 3102 Boss CE-3 style chipset - but using the CoolAudio V3207 and V3102 variants - versus the original Matsushita / Panasonic MN3207 and MN3102 variants. In fact there’s just one tiny difference here in that the Way Huge Blue Hippo has a different Chinese BL3102 variant of that chip type - but with identical values. Which means these are all equivalents of each other - obviously with some supporting component differences, and one or two auxiliary switch differences.
The Boss CE-2W allows you to flip to a brighter CE-1 Mode, the JAM Pedals Waterfall has a ± Intensity switch, and Chorus / Vibrato switch, where the Way Huge Hippo also has a Vibe / Chorus option. The only one here that doesn’t have any additional switching options is the Flattley Valkyrie - which has some very unique appointments / aesthetic details to its makeup and a complex multi-stage dipped paint-job which contributes towards its cost - it’s the priciest option here - coming in twice as dear as the most affordable option - and once more it’s up to you to make your choice here - people obviously apply a number of different criteria to their selection choices - and I would assume that like me - every one goes through a process of evaluation!
The 4 of a Kind for this listing are :
- Boss CE-2W Waza Craft Chorus - $219
- Flattley Pedals Valkyrie Vintage Chorus - $349
- JAM Pedals Waterfall Analog Chorus - $269
- Way Huge Blue Hippo Analogue Chorus MKIII Smalls - $169
These are all of the Analog BBD variety, and on this occasion all contain identical BBD chipsets near enough. Some of the earlier varieties of these featured original Matsushita MN BBD variants - while now they’re pretty much exclusively CoolAudio V variants.
All have a lovely degree of warm, deep and richly flavoured chorusing modulation - while there are slightly variances in output profile owing to different supporting component selections - all sound excellent!
Here below follow the usual individual details! :
Boss CE-2W Waza Craft Chorus - $219
Controls - Rate, Depth, Mode : Stock / CE-1.
The Boss CE-1 Chorus from 1976 is the Mac Daddy of chorus pedals, deploying a Matsushita / Panasonic MN3002 BBD chip, the compact 1979 CE-2 then used an MN3007 + MN3101 chipset, and the 1982 CE-3 used MN3207 + MN3102 chipset - from which the CoolAudio V3207 + V3102 varieties used in this selection are derived. So for all the pedals listed in this selection - they are using essentially the equivalent to the CE-3 chipset. Funnily the actually Boss CE-3 has a slightly brighter profile than the what is considered THE CLASSIC Vintage Chorus CE-2 - so that these contemporary vintage variants use the CE-3 type chipset, while their output profiles are more based on the warmer, deeper and slightly richer sound of the CE-2 variety! This Boss CE-2W has the usual Waza Craft 'Custom' switch - which here deliver the slightly brighter CE-1 profile also! The CE-2 is still the most typical benchmark output profile that most vintage-inspired contemporary choruses are trying to replicate.
Flattley Pedals Valkyrie Vintage Chorus - $349
Controls - Rate, Depth.
The simplest one on offer here from a functional perspective, but with the most complex finishing details - including water-dip metal-flake multi-stage paint-job, engraved knobs, Footswitch Halo surround LED, and Metallic Footswitch Topper. This one obviously has a very distinct design look-and-feel and complex finishing process which contributes enormously toward the cost of the pedal. You will need to decide how important the visual aspect is to your final decision-making rationale. This one also has an exceptionally well-balanced output profile, where it's also the dearest one on offer here.
JAM Pedals Waterfall Analog Chorus - $269
Controls - Depth, Speed, Intensity : +/-, Mode / Mix : Chorus / Vibrato.
JAM Pedals always excel at delivering a full-fat flavour - their pedals are consistently the most typically flavoursome - which of course I love. This Waterfall Chorus has 2 really smart controls here - so in terms of functionality - it has the most on offer here. Also earlier variants of this model featured original MN variants of those core chips - while those have long since run out! This one is still widely considered one of the very best simple, vintage-inspired choruses out there.
Way Huge Blue Hippo Analogue Chorus MKIII Smalls - $169
Controls - Speed, Mode / Mix : Vibe / Chorus, Depth.
This latest MKIII version of the Way Huge Blue Hippo has the tiniest variance in its BBD selection - here utilising a different Chinese-made BL3102 (Shanghai Belling Co. Ltd.) variant chip - versus the Cool Audio V3102 that the other 3 deploy. It has identical specs, and both are based on the original, but now largely extinct MN3102 variant. Like the JAM Pedals Waterfall - this allows you to switch up the 'Mix' aspect of the circuit - for Vibe as well as Chorus mode. Otherwise the Speed and Depth controls are synonymous with Rate and Depth. This one is a little under-the-radar at times, but has a loyal following. Like the JAM Pedals Waterfall - earlier versions of the Blue Hippo sported Matsushita MN type chips originally!
As usual you need to apply your own preferences and criteria and Take your Pick! I own the first two listed here, but certainly would not mind owning the other two also! I will probably add those to that capsule collection eventually!
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