The Carl Martin Chorus XII is a dual stereo chorus pedal with two completely independent chorus circuits in one enclosure. Each circuit has its own dedicated Speed and Depth controls, so the pedal holds two distinct chorus settings at once: a subtle thickening on one and a deeper sweep on the other, switched between on the fly. Carl Martin describes the effect as unbelievably rich and dimensional, yet never muddy or artificial, and says the pedal maintains your fundamental tone rather than altering it1.
Two chorus circuits, one pedal
The core idea is simple: two identical but completely independent chorus effects side by side. Each circuit is equipped with dedicated Speed and Depth controls, and each has LED indicators that light when active and flash in sync with the speed setting, giving a visual read of the rate each engine is running at1.
The footswitches split the jobs:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Speed (per circuit) | Sets the modulation rate for that chorus circuit1 |
| Depth (per circuit) | Sets the modulation intensity for that chorus circuit1 |
| Select switch | Toggles between the two chorus presets without bending down to adjust knobs1 |
| On/Bypass switch | Engages or bypasses the effect entirely1 |
For a player, the practical benefit is carrying two chorus sounds at once without a second pedal or a preset machine. Set one circuit where you want it, set the other differently, and use the Select switch to move between them mid-song1.
Stereo outputs and power
The Chorus XII has dual quarter-inch jack outputs that deliver genuine stereo chorus effects. Carl Martin describes the stereo output configuration as opening up expansive sonic possibilities, such as feeding two amplifiers, and notes the pedal can also run mono for traditional applications1.
Units made after January 2016 include DC/DC circuitry delivering internally regulated ±12V, according to Carl Martin. Earlier units differ, so the power arrangement depends on when the pedal was built1.
Analog design and noise
Carl Martin describes the Chorus XII as representing the pinnacle of analog chorus design. The company cites exceptionally low-noise construction, with a 90 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.01% THD distortion, housed in a durable die-cast chassis1.
Chorus XII and the Bass Chorus
Carl Martin's Bass Chorus page describes the Chorus XII as the older predecessor of that pedal, "although similar in function to the older Chorus XII"2. The Chorus XII itself, Carl Martin says, produces a chorus effect that is "unbelievably rich and dimensional, yet never muddy or artificial," and the pedal is built for low noise, with a 90 dB S/N ratio and 0.01% THD distortion, housed in a durable die-cast chassis1. For other chorus options, see the Carl Martin Atlantic Chorus or the wider field of chorus pedals.
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Questions
Is the Carl Martin Chorus XII stereo?
Yes. The Chorus XII has dual quarter-inch jack outputs that deliver genuine stereo chorus effects. Carl Martin describes the stereo output configuration as opening up expansive sonic possibilities, such as feeding two amplifiers. The pedal can also be run in mono for traditional applications, so a single amp setup works fine.
Can the Chorus XII be used with bass?
Yes. Carl Martin states the Chorus XII delivers professional-grade modulation whether you are playing electric guitar, bass, or keyboards. The pedal is described as the older predecessor of the company's dedicated Bass Chorus, although similar in function, so bass players have used it as their chorus of choice.
Is the Carl Martin Chorus XII analog?
Yes. Carl Martin describes the Chorus XII as representing the pinnacle of analog chorus design. The company also cites an exceptionally low-noise construction, with a 90 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.01% THD distortion.
What does the Select switch do on the Chorus XII?
The Select switch lets you seamlessly toggle between your two chorus presets without bending down to adjust knobs. Each of the pedal's two independent chorus circuits holds its own Speed and Depth settings, and the Select switch moves between them. A separate On/Bypass switch engages or bypasses the effect entirely.
Where is the Carl Martin Chorus XII made?
The Chorus XII is handmade in Denmark to exacting standards, according to Carl Martin. The company adds that it was designed in collaboration with Canadian electronics designer Daniel Van Kranendonk.
Sources (2)
- Chorus xII, Carl Martin, 2026
- Bass Chorus, Carl Martin, 2026
