How To Choose The Right Boss Chorus Pedal For You

How To Choose The Right Boss Chorus Pedal For You - DC2w, CE2w, CE5 or CH1

Рет қаралды 242,762

Күн бұрын

Boss Chorus Shootout - Exploring the subtle differences between the range of Boss chorus pedals. Which is your favourite compact Boss chorus pedal?
- Boss CE-2w
USA: amzn.to/3EwvsNu
UK: amzn.to/34118hE
- Boss DC-2w
USA: amzn.to/3EyjByG
UK: amzn.to/3HiXWMq
- Boss CH-1
USA: amzn.to/3z3XWNN
UK: www.andertons.co.uk/boss-ch-1...
- Boss CE-5
USA: amzn.to/3eu1CyM
UK: www.andertons.co.uk/boss-ce-5...
Timecodes:
00:00 - Intro
00:09 - CE-2w
03:03 - DC-2w
06:28 - CH-1
09:08 - CE-5
12:46 - Stereo Setup
13:18 - Summary
The CE-2w is a reissue of the original CE-2 that came out in 79’. The main characteristics of the CE-2w for me are the warm mid range focused sound that it has and the natural sounding sweep to the wave form of the modulation. On the standard CE-2 setting the range and depth control are fairly limited, the rate won’t go very fast and the depth doesn't go very deep. In standard mode it’s all about warm, smooth and mellow chorus sounds. The CE-1 setting has a much deeper more throbbing modulation sound but is still limited as to how fast it can go with the rate control. The third mode; the vibrato mode solves that by keeping the deep modulation sound of the CE-1 mode but it can go much faster.
The CE-2w is really versatile but I’d recommend it most for people who want a natural sounding, smooth, mid range focused analogue chorus sound.
The DC-2w is a reissue of the original DC-2 which is a compact version of the Roland SDD-320 rack unit. The DC-2 is all about bright shimmer with lots of presence. It doesn’t get very fast or intense even on setting 4 so no fast wobbly vibrato settings here, but it does have it’s own character and a very good stereo mode. You can also combine any two of the buttons for a multi voiced chorus effect but because each individual mode is quite subtle it doesn’t change the sound that much. The SDD-320 mode increases the presence, which brings out the bright shimmery quality of the pedal even more.
The CH-1 has got a slightly darker more neutral sounding EQ character compared to the other pedals. The wave form of the modulation seems steeper too. The controls are easy to understand and they have a good amount of range. A very versatile and easy to use chorus pedal.
The CE-5 I think gives the most modern sound. There are high and low filters that cut the treble and bass as you turn them to the left. The CE-5 is great at doing more extreme settings. There is loads of range in the controls and the waveform seems very deep and sharp.

Пікірлер: 371

@Quicksilver_Cookie 2 жыл бұрын

I used to think Dimension C is very limited, having only buttons. But listening to the nature of it's modulation it's honestly hard to imagine it would be improved much by having knobs to tweak. Each of the options is just so beautifully crafted. It would be like ordering an exquisite dish from an expert chef, and asking to change ingredients for you. You'd probably just ruin the thing.

@-Pol- Жыл бұрын

As gear becomes more and more feature laden it's refreshing to limit ourselves to just a few pre-optimised options - none, some, more and most. Certainly helps avoid decision fatigue.

@IanBoccio Жыл бұрын

The DC-2 is also a great chorus for analog synths, where the subtle movement and shimmer adds life to the patch. A lot like the chorus on the Juno synths.

@StratsRUs Жыл бұрын

I had the original and it really worked well with those limitations, in stereo it came into its own. The Waza is a lot more feature laden.Beautiful.

@ilanmoore6957 Жыл бұрын

I love my EHX small clone because all its got is an intensity switch and a rate knob, i love just being able to kick the rate knob with my boot and thats all i need to change. Wish i had a boss chorus though, only because of how beautiful the colors are.

@mrbaiser4133 Жыл бұрын

A speed control would make it a lot more versatile. And with pots instead of switches you could get all those nuances in between the presets. And Boss would have sold a lot more copies - used prizes would be much lower today.

@phat_mike8697 4 күн бұрын

Been reading pedal reviews and forums, kicking myself for not finding your channel earlier. Love how you laid this out and transitioned between each to give us a better chance to hear the differences. Much love

@williamferreira4210 2 жыл бұрын

Dimension C, back to 80's !!!

@andrew0_072 6 ай бұрын

The CE-5 is Just complex enough to modulate the waves and that bright vibrato sound... My favourite definetly 👐🏼

@trrzzl 2 ай бұрын

IT IS WONDERFUL!!!!

@mischiefmikeyo 2 жыл бұрын

The ce-2w is heaven through any fender reverb amp. You really can't beat the sound

@sierragold Жыл бұрын

This is a really great channel. I like how you get right to the point with just enough talk to be informative.

@sergiorodrig 3 ай бұрын

excellent video ! love the clarity, the highlights, the closeups, the method ! lots of work here ! am very thankful

@brackencory Жыл бұрын

I cannot thank you enough for so swiftly getting to the point. Other KZfaqrs could learn from you

@butnut3455 2 жыл бұрын

Nice review! Love my CE-2W. Had a CH-1 for years. Lovely playing too, thanks.

@Petrolpelican Жыл бұрын

Excellent explanations and insights, really like the format of your video! Currently in a dilemma on which will be my first chorus, the front runners being the DC-2W and the CE-2W. I really appreciate how much detail you went into with each pedal, the breakrown of all the features as well as the different guitars played through them. Bravo!

@LeksiBauer Жыл бұрын

I truly enjoy your videos Michael. And this particular comparison is just fantastic to understand what one can get out of each. Keep it up! 🤗

@PrivateEyeMusic Жыл бұрын

Great demo. Was shopping for a new chorus stomp. This helped a lot. Thanks for posting.

@peterkiefel4324 2 жыл бұрын

Nice comparison thanks. I still have CE-2 which I got in 1982 and has totally passed the test of time. As a huge fan of early midnight oil I always coveted the CE-1 but was never going to shell out the $'s for a vintage one. I recently got the PastFx chorus ensemble ce-1 clone and that in front of my vox ac4tv is fantastic!

@miklc8537 2 жыл бұрын

nice review! Thank you for your explainations and the well done comparaison and switch between the pedals.

@TomMilleyMusic 2 жыл бұрын

I used to have a CE-5 and there's a kind of hidden sound with it. If I remember correctly, you can turn the rate and depth down, turn up the blend, and then use the EQ to get this kind of thick but metallic and hollow kind of sound. Probably not for everyone or everything, but it was cool in it's own way.

@zerosoma33 Жыл бұрын

I know exactly what you’re talking about. I used to mess with people when I played through that pedal at church or wherever. “What is that kind of sound?”

@jessecovey1778 Жыл бұрын

I want to see the video on this!

@lmg1033 10 ай бұрын

I do that with my DD-3T

@zonkz6947 6 ай бұрын

Yea ive got one myself; it does a bit of a volume boost generally when engaged with the mix all the way up, which can be both a good or bad thing. And ur right, it has this hollow but silky/metallic sound to the boost.

@pdbordelon 8 ай бұрын

This video really helped me. I was looking for a subtle chorus to basically keep on at all times in the effects loop. Was thinking the CE2w was the one I wanted until hearing the Dimension C! Perfect for me!

@samuelxavier2473 2 жыл бұрын

The CH-1 and CE-5 remind me of the Chorus patches on my old GT-5. Long retired but still working, I gigged with it for years, but now I've gone back to stomps... and happy with the CE-2w.

@scooter5005 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for schooling me. Before I thought only the CE-2 was great, with the others only being good pedals. Now I see they are all great pedals, plus how to better use them!

@alihater Жыл бұрын

Great video. Thank you. Answered all the questions I had about each pedal.

@alexc3744 2 жыл бұрын

Concise and very, very informative video as always, Michael. Has helped me make up my mind to get a CH1. That would be most suited for my playing style and needs. Keep up the good work. Great channel. Cheers!

@MichaelBanfieldGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Glad it was useful!

@TylerJohnstonGuitar Жыл бұрын

CE-5 guy myself. Great video, really broke down the differences between the pedals.

@jeddak Жыл бұрын

Great idea for a video, and very instructive - thanks for doing this!

@dt9r 2 жыл бұрын

I think your channel is one of the most informative around, I've been playing around with pedal for 30 and more years, building mine too, and I find your analysis really precise and on spot, my deep compliments

@MichaelBanfieldGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks! Brilliant to hear that you're finding it useful. These videos are a labour of love for me at the moment so it really does help to know that someone finds them useful. Thank you!

@Rustreaver Жыл бұрын

This is a really informative video! 🤘 I got the CE-5 specifically for the hi cut and low cut filters. Really helpful when using it with overdrive or distortion to tame both the high end and low end. It may not be the best sounding pedal of the 4 in clean tone, but I think it's the best one for higher gain sounds.

@dcdockweiler Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the video Michael. Nicely done!!

@kirbyjakescarborough4515 6 ай бұрын

This was extremely helpful, Sir, Thank you!! Best clarity for a proper decision to be made. Cheers and Blessings, Mate.

@claudiosuarez1256 2 жыл бұрын

Great video as always , the vibrato setting on the waza CE2w is a true dream 🤗🤗🤗 . Happy new Year to all ! 😃😃😃

@tomaszklimkiewicz9273 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the comparison and explanations. Very informative and truly useful for any chorus fan (including myself ;)).

@brewtuslionheart5525 Жыл бұрын

Great vid! From some other reviews/demos I’ve heard, the Dimension really stands out when in stereo.

@kylezehtabi5452 10 ай бұрын

They're all great and have a unique range of tones to fiddle with...my personal favourite is the ce2w but i love them all

@chrisd6736 Жыл бұрын

Thanks this was a super helpful video. Very clear and concise.

@flotenn3351 2 жыл бұрын

I have a '91 analog CH-1 but it has lost it's place on the pedal board to a marshall RG-1, because this gem is all I need for modulation, it's versatile as heck and it goes far better with overdrives etc. But for a clean tone, I'd always chose the CH-1 out of the 4. Nice video once again!

@NocturnosRockShow Жыл бұрын

Super chorus would be my chosen one!!! loved it! great video Thanks!

@partirparlesarmoires 9 ай бұрын

I've just been to a concert of Drab Majesty in Paris and was intrigued to see a Boss CE-3 on their pedalboard, since I had never heard this model mentioned.... You can also get beautiful and very special chorus effects with the Boss pitch shifter pedals such as the PS-3. Very gothic sounding.

@tonebuddha Жыл бұрын

Great review, I will have to pull out my neglected CE-5. But I especially love your playing!

@paultaylor2968 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant u answered every question I had. Thankyou

@starshineraiser6729 2 жыл бұрын

I love the CE-2W. I think it’s as good as anything ever made. Beautiful guitar, wow. Always love the CE5, as well.

@MichaelBanfieldGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah there definitely is something great about the simplicity of the two knobs on the CE-2w, yet with the mode switch it's still pretty versatile too.

@dreyn7780 Жыл бұрын

Wrong. They're not going to allow you to use it as a general purpose product. Waza pedals require the Waza amplifier. I'm not listening to your crazy beliefs. Its clearly labelled exclusive to the Waza amplifier.

@pyndapborlangkharpuri3292 Жыл бұрын

Sir plz tell me what is the best from all this

@JoeM1314 Жыл бұрын

@@dreyn7780 thumbs up for good troll

@djc5897 Жыл бұрын

Love my ce2w as well...I ordered the dc2w for my secondary board im excited

@larsdahl6594 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for great run-through of these pedals! To my unsophisticated ears the two cheaper pedals offer more options while sounding every bit as good.

@JupiterTarts 2 жыл бұрын

DC2 isn't the most versatile but I always found it the most tasteful sounding chorus.

@MrGuitarfreak132 6 ай бұрын

Amazing video comparison thank you! Very helpful!

@chojinkid 2 жыл бұрын

Happy with my analog CE5 (an early version from late 90s I think) with all the knobs at noon it gives me a nice shimmering both clean and distorted

@khawajajodat8763 Жыл бұрын

Good experiment. I have used ce5 and its sound beautiful with exclusive feature of high/low tone control which is a big advantage.

@EM-zj1xm 2 жыл бұрын

All pedals sound very good. Ch-1 and ce-5 do their job for their price really well.

@Blue.Lightning4 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent comparo! Very informative.

@al271987 2 жыл бұрын

This is a fantastically helpful video, thank you Michael. Keep up the excellent content.

@karenlamacraft362 11 ай бұрын

Had ch1 before I went all multi effects and still sounds the best to my ears

@MintStiles 4 ай бұрын

What a fantastic breakdown!!! CE-2 and the Dim-C excellent master-of-few sounds, doing exactly what they are supposed to do. Either or is great.

@kahlesjf 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent demo and review.

@frankcography9070 27 күн бұрын

Great video! Thanks for your insights!

@craigwillms61 Жыл бұрын

I have the CE-5 and was never blown away, but since I use it to subtly pretty-up the sound of open chord clean tones it works for me. I think I liked the CE-2w the best.

@theproblemwithkidsthesedays Жыл бұрын

I like to use mine as more of an eq bost with just a very subtle chorus effect for high gain lead parts.

@nurk_barry Жыл бұрын

Excellent video, I just got my CE-2w yesterday and I haven’t read the manual yet, so this is perfect.

@MichaelBanfieldGuitar Жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy it, I think the CE-2w is fantastic, a more versatile take on the original CE-2

@CC-fi3pp Жыл бұрын

Best of the bunch imho

@JohnSmith-in1tt Жыл бұрын

I’ve had my CE-2w for almost 2 years and love it. When I think of a lush, full, unapologetic chorus, it has the sound that comes to mind. Plus in the third mode, with rate at about noon and depth at about 1 o’clock it does a pretty good Leslie sort of sound.

@humanbeing2420 Жыл бұрын

Great demo. Very helpful. I'd have liked to hear the CE-5 with the Telecaster for comparison purposes though.

@oldwulf6629 11 ай бұрын

Top video, lots of detail 👍🏼

@stratplayr6997 6 ай бұрын

I've had the CH-1 Super Chorus on my board for about 25 years. It's a great pedal and I'm always able to dial in exactly what I need.

@hailmaryrecordings8255 6 ай бұрын

It’s my favorite too. I used a Small Clone for years, but it broke before a show and the only chorus-pedal they had at the local shop was a Super Chorus. This was … 2006, and I’ve used it ever since. The Small Clone is repaired, but it never gets used.

@whipit2404 5 ай бұрын

Yeah but that version was analog. The version in this video is digital.

@marz-95 Жыл бұрын

I've used I don't know how many chorus pedals over the years but I always go back to the Boss CE-5.

@kentmcqueen9661 7 ай бұрын

Great shootout demonstration! Consider that the DC-2w, like its predecessors, is intended to expand the stereo field. This is a key factor in determining if it's right for and where to put it in your effects chain. The DC-2w is excellent for recording when you want your instrument signal across the breadth of the stereo panorama. This is where its qualities shine.

@Williamk492 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent comparison 👌🏼

@mcd5778 2 жыл бұрын

Lead pickup on CE-2W and I can get the same tone as the DC-2W. Decided to sell the DC. Great video!

@jessecovey1778 Жыл бұрын

I bought the Pigtronix Constellator because I was very impressed with how it sounded in the shop. I haven’t found it’s place in my sound yet, though. I wanted to use that one and my Dr. J Shadow Echo to creat a modulated reverse delay sound.

@stephenburkett9193 2 жыл бұрын

I think you do the ideal balance of showing and telling and I appreciate that you do direct comparisons between different pedals so often. You've got high quality videos and recordings that let the viewer hear how each pedal sounds, and then also give your opinion on how they feel and work best to help bridge the gap between what it's like to hear it and to have it. A lot of people want all tones and no talk, but I think that misses something. I'll put it this way: if I were to make KZfaq gear videos, I think they would come out very similar to yours. Or at least that would be my goal.

@dreyn7780 Жыл бұрын

Wrong. The pedal is clearly labelled exclusive to Waza amplifier. There is NO mid range problem when you use the Waza amplifier.

@lalolanda3996 Жыл бұрын

@@dreyn7780 wtf dude

@-Pol- Жыл бұрын

In these times of Option Overload the DC-2 is the perfect pedal for a compulsive knob tweaker like myself. My Behringer clone of it is the first thing I grab whenever I just need "some chorus"; I like that it's "fire and forget" and just sounds great! Such a simple choice: subtle chorus; some chorus; Chorus; More Chorus! Now just leave it alone and forget about it - it's surprisingly liberating! While I value the versatility of the CH-1 I think the CE-2w would be my next chorus purchase. I'm too easily diverted by all the extra controls of the others.

@sorinbanoiu7259 Жыл бұрын

Dimension C is by far my favorite ; it is not a pure chorus , more like mix flanger+chorus+Leslie first speed ; so discret but in the same time so analog feel,so 3D hi-fi feel ,so good taste ,works perfect also on overdriven sounds

@-Pol- Жыл бұрын

I have the Behringer clone which sounds very close to the original Boss and allowed you to engage multiple buttons before the DC-2 waza (the original DC-2 wouldn't let you do this). My favourite setting is the one most overlooked - with the pedal on and no buttons engaged at all. The modulation is present but very subtle indeed; sounds great in stereo and adds lovely depth without being an in-yer-face chorus effect.

@StratsRUs Жыл бұрын

Yes, not really a chorus.

@alexmurphy5289 Жыл бұрын

I have the dc2w and I really like it but all of these sound fantastic. Cannot go wrong with any

@ryanmurphyart Жыл бұрын

Best comparison of those four Chorus pedals that I've seen! I have the CE-2W and love it, but I've always wanted to try the Dimension DC-2W. It's just so expensive in Canada at $369.99 plus tax, but it's sounds magical.

@MichaelBanfieldGuitar Жыл бұрын

Hey thanks. Yeah the DC-2w is cool. I didn't find it the most versatile but I think it bridges the gap nicely between chorus and phaser and has a particularly nice sound when running in stereo. Thanks for commenting!

@jacobbrown1690 Жыл бұрын

Dc2w has the best stereo separation of any pedal i ever had. Thats also what its known for. Hook up two amps to it and you will finally get. If you are in canada just keep asking your sales person at long and mcquade to look for a used dc2w on the computer system

@lugentaubner6853 27 күн бұрын

Insanely useful comparison!

@StratsRUs 5 ай бұрын

I had a Dimension C way back in the 80's and I just ordered the Waza. Thank you.

@hailmaryrecordings8255 6 ай бұрын

Happy Boss Super Chorus owner/user since 2006. 🤘🏻

@chilidogcowboy Жыл бұрын

Super useful. Thank you.

@Maggai Жыл бұрын

The Dimension C is an instant time machine to the 80's!! When you combine the modes, it gets a slight flanger effect to my ears. The Super chorus was my first chorus pedal. I traded it in for the Chorus ensemble, because I wasn't happy with the Super chorus, but I think it was just me not knowing anything back then lol. Imo these all sound fantastic! Great video! ❤

@bzhyoyo Жыл бұрын

I've got a Ce-2 clone by Joyo. Just bought it because it makes me channel my inner Johnny Marr. I used to hate chorus until I realised you could use it with subtle settings to add a bit of chime and warmth as well to single coils pickups. That's how I used it with my Jag. Watching your vid, the dimension could have fitted the bill also, even if the mid focus of the Ce-2 probably fits better with an already trebbly guitar. Great vid, very informative and to the point!

@dpbahar Жыл бұрын

Great comparison - thanks

@JustJoshing4L 6 ай бұрын

Thought I wanted the DC-2w pedal until this video, now I want the CE-5

@robb4340 4 ай бұрын

Take them both and put and DC-2w after the CE-5

@SouthAmBlues 2 жыл бұрын

Great job!

@heavenlyguitar5913 Жыл бұрын

Great video. I see you are also using one of the best amps and guitar ever. Thanks for the video. 👍🎸

@The13Guevara 2 жыл бұрын

The Boss Ch-1 sounds amazing 🎸 🔥

@karelkalaf1 2 жыл бұрын

Very good video. Very interesting!

@anthonyhislop3006 Жыл бұрын

Thanks man, good vid.

@synthinator375 11 ай бұрын

Great video !

@jelnet 9 ай бұрын

Great video, just wish you'd used the same guitar for the CE-5 for a more accurate comparison with the other pedals. Thanks anyway, very helpful.

@alexanderisaac6520 Жыл бұрын

I actually think 10:33 that the Ce-5 is my favorite! and the CE-2W is the closest to the boutique roland jazz chorus sound from the 90s which I love !

@dmac3316 2 жыл бұрын

Great comparison, thanks!!

@MichaelBanfieldGuitar 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@brandonproctor3639 2 жыл бұрын

Love the dimension c as i like a more subtle chorus effect

@-Pol- Жыл бұрын

My favourite setting is often overlooked by reviewers. This is with the pedal on but with no buttons pressed - super subtle!

@listairgin Жыл бұрын

Nice demo indeed! Thank you. 🌌🌅🌠👌🏻

@MichaelBanfieldGuitar Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

@DuckDuckGo512 5 ай бұрын

great video. Subscribed

@brozio77 7 ай бұрын

since a lot of years i use the ch-1 with good results :)

@valvenator Жыл бұрын

My favorite Chorus is the MXR M117R. Yeah, it's a Flanger, but with the right settings it can do chorus, doubling, flange and a few off the wall sounds as well if you're into that.

@MattW4319 Жыл бұрын

I just discovered this myself. A chorus and rotary without the warble.

@adambishop5739 2 жыл бұрын

Great video pal, very informative as I have never seen all these Boss Chorus pedals demo'd at the same time. Really nice job man! Which is best....uhhhhhhhhh??...I dunno...lol.. I own a CE-5, so maybe that one?..lol... : )

@tokenofdevotion 2 жыл бұрын

Michael "the claw" Banfield Thanks for the video!

@laurencemiltonbell6951 2 жыл бұрын

While I currently use the CE-5 for as you stated, distorted humbucker sounds. Having said that, I do miss the CH-1 for clean sounds and if I find one at a reasonable price I’ll get it.

@ChrisJones-ht9zn Жыл бұрын

CE-2W is absolutely superb. If I had the money I would own the entire waza line. The quality, sound and additional features are worth paying those prices imo.

@adhaskym.a9536 9 ай бұрын

My plan exactly. Got me the tuner & ds-1w & the sd-1w on the way from Japan.

@DanGower Жыл бұрын

Love the CE-2, but gotta say the CH-1 is so good too! Great video, thanks for sharing!

@MichaelBanfieldGuitar Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@davidhoffmann6040 5 ай бұрын

Great video 😊 thank you 😊 I own a Roland JC and that‘s my favorite chorus, I bought a Julianna, it sound great, but defintively I prefer the integrated chorus of my amp. I also use an electric mistress clone (from the French ALH) because I make darkwave music and this make a good complement to the amp chorus.

@stephenmooibroek 18 күн бұрын

As a chorus user in a subtle way, i prefer the CE-5 with e.level between 10 - 12 o'clock. Great pedal!

@almostliterally593 4 күн бұрын

I put together a stereo rig for my band's guitarist. I picked up a Boss Waza Dimension C for the sake of simplicity. Less things to dial in. Honestly I'd recommend that for gigging musicians.

@RJW14 2 жыл бұрын

I'm currently using an Aria ACH-1 chorus, a ce2 clone from the 80's. I'd love it to have a bit less bass end suck since I mostly use it to play ambient or dream-theater esque stuff. That's literally the only thing I dislike about it (also it's 40 years old so the connectors aren't the best anymore). Thinking of getting a DC2 though, since yeah, if I want a vibrato style I'll use a phaser or flanger and I like my modulation subtle. As long as it's not vibrato which I like on a latch mode for the big bends.

@HumbertoMoura Жыл бұрын

Lovely pedals, no doubt! I prefer dimension C because I was born in the 80s, so this sound is very nostalgic for me. I'm pretty sure any of those are great pedals though.