Mr Black Analog Chorus/Vibrato Deluxe Review

With a dark as night device, the crew at Mr. Black invites players to investigate what could be hiding in their latest little black box.

The unassuming all-black stompbox may not catch the eye of the average passerby, but to fans of the Oregon-based Mr. Black Pedals, the iconic and sleek design signals that an outstanding effect experience is soon to come. Remaining all business but certainly delivering on an all killer no filler experience, the Mr. Black Analog Chorus/Vibrato Deluxe comes out swinging.

In true Mr. Black fashion, the sleek design and straightforward controls of the Analog Chorus/Vibrato Deluxe immediately put players in command over a wealth of modulated voices. Intuitive controls welcome players into an all-analog experience from the get-go where both sweet shimmering and wild wobbling chorus effects are just around the corner. Common modulation controls such as wet/dry mix and effect rate easily dial in a responsive chorus effect compatible with a range of musical styles. The straightforward interface and easily accessible analog chorus effect lay down a foundation for a trip into deep recesses of modulation.

Mr. Black pushes through the pack with the Chorus/Vibrato Deluxe with the integration of a couple of features. Unique to the Chorus/Vibrato Deluxe, the Shine and Lag dials give players more control over smaller characteristics of the effect. The Shine control acts as a treble roll off to adjust the tone of the modulation to darken or brighten the effect while the Lag control adjusts the time attack of the effect. When turned all the way down, Lag will trail the effect up to twelve milliseconds, creating a pseudo-delay effect. When turned all the way up, Lag will activate the effect very quickly with each strum to create a smooth barrier of modulation, almost sounding like a new clean tone altogether. Utilizing the base controls of the Chorus/Vibrato Deluxe, players can dial in a classic bright chorus glimmer to add some tonal nuance or jump directly into the deep end for wild yet responsive noise.

Along with new controls to fashion a unique chorus effect, a landmark addition to the Analog Chorus/Vibrato Deluxe is the functionality to choose between four waveform shapes. These four forms are easily cycled through by holding the tap tempo switch and are each exceptionally unique. Triangle, Square, Sine, and Random all offer a number of tonal capabilities that can break the mold of a traditional chorus for those looking to escape the beaten path.

The Triangle waveform keeps the effect familiar as players explore. The waveform keeps the effect stable and in control for players to precisely tinker with.

The Square waveform produces an excellent angular modulation that can produce a ping-pong, back and forth beat perfect for creating precise rhythmic waves.

The Sine waveform loosens the grip of the modulation to introduce more wobbling and washed voices for a dizzying stumble across a fluid chorus landscape.

The Random waveform introduces an element of uncertainty to the effect where wacky pitch and vibrated voices collide. This waveform will fit perfectly into any sonic experimenter's noise machine collection.

Mr Black Chorus Vibrato Deluxe Conclusion

With strict professionalism and no corners cut, the distinguished Mr. Black line receives another exceptional entry. Perfect for adjusting a range of chorus characteristics, the Analog Chorus/Vibrato Deluxe gives all the power to players to carefully dial in lush swirls of chorus or go headfirst into clashes of vibrato. Players looking to capture their own chorus tone are sure to find some sweet spots and plenty of room to branch out when diving into the Chorus/Vibrato Deluxe. The dynamic waves of chorus that cascade from the pedal are sure to speak for themselves every time they are let loose. With Mr. Black, chorus has never been so classy.