The CNZ Audio VCH-20 is a mini sized chorus pedal from CNZ Audio. The maker describes it as a pure analog chorus effect with a sound it calls clear, gentle and plump, packing what it calls a fully capable, broad range of chorus tones into a small enclosure1.
Like any chorus, the VCH-20 works by taking your signal and combining it with copies of itself that are slightly varied, using a low-frequency oscillation. CNZ Audio says this creates a multiple-voice sound and shimmer, the thickened, doubled character players reach for on clean rhythm parts and lead lines alike1.
Controls
The VCH-20 keeps things simple with a single knob:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Adjusts the presence of the chorus effect in your sound. Increasing the level of effect makes the chorus more noticeable, bringing in thirds, fifths, octaves and so on.1 |
With one control, the pedal is set mostly by ear: turn Level up until the shimmer sits where you want it in the mix, and down for a subtler widening of the tone1.
Power and switching
The VCH-20 runs from a 9VDC input with the center negative and the outside positive, drawing 10 mA1. That low draw means it sits comfortably on a shared supply with other pedals.
CNZ Audio's product page lists a 9VDC input with center negative, outside positive polarity. It does not list battery operation, so a 9VDC supply with the correct polarity is the way to power it.
Switching is true bypass, which CNZ Audio says provides transparent tone in the off setting: with the pedal disengaged, the chorus circuit is out of the signal path1.
Build and size
The pedal is built around a solid aluminum housing on all sides with a firm foot switch1. At 3.75 inches long, 1.77 inches wide and 1.9 inches high, it is a mini sized pedal that takes up little room on a board, and it weighs .53 lbs including the box1.
Videos
Aaron J Livecchi
Questions
Is the CNZ Audio VCH-20 true bypass?
Yes. CNZ Audio describes the VCH-20 as true bypass, meaning that when the pedal is switched off, your guitar's signal passes through without the chorus circuit in the way. The maker describes this as providing transparent tone in the off setting.
Is the CNZ Audio VCH-20 analog?
Yes. CNZ Audio describes the VCH-20 as a pure analog chorus effect. The pedal combines your signal with copies of itself that are slightly varied, using a low-frequency oscillation, to create a multiple-voice sound and shimmer.
Does the VCH-20 take a battery?
The maker's product page lists a 9VDC input with center negative and outside positive polarity, drawing 10 mA. It does not list battery operation, so plan to power the pedal from a 9VDC supply with that polarity.
How big is the CNZ Audio VCH-20?
CNZ Audio lists the VCH-20's dimensions as 3.75 inches long by 1.77 inches wide by 1.9 inches high, in a mini sized pedal format with a solid aluminum housing.
What is the polarity of the VCH-20 power supply?
The VCH-20 takes a 9VDC input with the center negative and the outside positive, drawing 10 mA, according to CNZ Audio's product page.
Sources (1)
- VCH-20 | Chorus Pedal | CNZ Audio, CNZ Audio
