Behringer’s CHORUS SYMPHONY: A Modulation Monument Reborn

Behringer opens the curtain on the CHORUS SYMPHONY by positioning it as a direct descendant of the very first chorus pedal—a device that, according to the video, stands as a pillar in the history of modulation. The narrative leans heavily on the pedal’s historical significance, tracing its lineage back to the original chorus ensemble circuit found in the iconic JC120 Jazz Chorus amplifier. This isn’t just a nod to nostalgia; Behringer frames the CHORUS SYMPHONY as a faithful recreation, aiming to capture the essence of a sound that shaped decades of music.

The video underscores how the original chorus pedal format revolutionised access to lush, modulated textures, making them portable and easy to integrate into any rig. By shrinking the circuit from a bulky amplifier into a stompbox, the effect became available to a much wider pool of musicians, sparking experimentation across genres. The CHORUS SYMPHONY, then, is presented not just as a clone, but as a continuation of a legacy that has “touched every corner of music history.”

Moving into the nuts and bolts, Behringer highlights the CHORUS SYMPHONY’s approach to control: a single knob that seamlessly blends speed and depth. While this might seem limiting at first glance, the video assures viewers that this unified control offers all the nuance needed for rich, evolving chorus textures. The demonstration walks through subtle to intense settings, showing how the pedal can move from gentle thickening to the unmistakable warble associated with classic chorus sounds. For those who like their modulation simple yet effective, this design keeps things immediate and tactile.

The CHORUS SYMPHONY isn’t just about chorus—the pedal also features a vibrato mode, engaged via a footswitch. Here, Behringer gives users more granular control, splitting modulation duties between dedicated depth and rate knobs. The video demonstrates how these controls allow for a wide range of vibrato effects, from subtle pitch wobble to more dramatic, seasick undulations. This duality expands the pedal’s palette, making it suitable for both classic ensemble shimmer and more experimental modulation textures.

Beyond modulation, Behringer spotlights the CHORUS SYMPHONY’s preamp section, which can be used independently of the chorus and vibrato effects. The preamp circuit, also derived from the original JC120, is described as iconic in its own right, capable of imparting rich harmonic saturation to any signal. The video explains that, in a nod to user flexibility, Behringer has included an internal dip switch to toggle between true bypass and buffered (preamp) modes. This means players can choose whether the preamp is always active or only engaged with the effect.

Practical demonstrations show how the preamp can be pushed for more headroom or dialled into earlier harmonic distortion, depending on the internal switch setting. The all-analog design encourages users not to shy away from a bit of overdrive, with the peak indicator serving as a friendly reminder that a little clipping can sound glorious. This section makes clear that the CHORUS SYMPHONY isn’t just a modulation box—it’s also a tone-shaping tool in its own right.