A chorus effect is a time-based audio effect which works by combining a dry input signal with a slightly delayed sound which may also include a subtle pitch shift.
The main reason why most chorus effects may introduce a subtle pitch shift is to replicate minimal pitch variations. This is quite similar to a scenario were you have multiple vocalists singing together.
Parameters of the Chorus Effect
The common parameters found on most chorus effects are as follows:
- Dry/Wet = Controls the mix between the dry input signal and the effected wet input signal.
- Delay = Controls the delay time in millieseconds between the chorus voices in relation to the dry input signal.
- Depth = Controls the amount of the LFO depth which modulates the delay time of chorus voices resulting in pitch warbles.
- Rate = Controls the LFO modulation frequency which varies the delay times of the chorus voices.
- Feedback = Controls the amount of the wet signal which is sent back to the input of the chorus effect and that may result to a ringing sound.
Uses of the Chorus Effect
The chorus effect is usually used to add thickness and an extra layer of dimension to an otherwise uninteresting dry sound.
For example, the chorus effect is commonly used on bass, guitars and synthesizer sounds thus adding thickness and warmth to the sound.
