Behringer reveals clone of Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble
April 12, 2022 · 2 sources
Behringer has released images and preliminary details of a new stompbox that appears to be a clone of the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, according to Guitar World, which reported the images on April 13, 2022. The images were posted to the Behringer Facebook page with the caption "Time for testing…"1. Gearnews reported the same image on April 12, 2022, and said the company had posted no further details2.
The pedal carries the same Chorus Intensity, Vibrato Depth and Rate, and Level controls as the original, along with the high and low preamp slider, on a new downsized chassis with a "very familiar Chorus Ensemble font," Guitar World reported. Mono and stereo outputs are onboard, and the twin footswitches are swapped relative to the original, with Vibrato/Chorus on the left and Normal/Effect on the right. The unit has a 9V power jack rather than the original's hardwired AC lead. Guitar World reported that comments on the post indicated true bypass switching, and that the design is all-analog1.
Guitar World described the original CE-1 as first launched in 1976 and known for its BBD chorus and stereo effects, and said it has been a mainstay of John Frusciante's pedalboards and appears on both of his current boards. The report also named Alex Lifeson and Andy Summers as users of the unit on classic recordings1. Gearnews described the new pedal as based on the old Boss CE-1 and said it may appeal for its stereo capability2.
"There's no word on a price or release date for Behringer's take on the Chorus Ensemble"
Gearnews also reported no details beyond the single image2. Behringer has previously released a take on the Mu-Tron Octave Divider, which launched in December for $99, Guitar World reported1.