The CopperSound Pedals Polaris Analog Chorus Vibrato is an analog pedal that covers both chorus and vibrato in one enclosure. It uses BBD (bucket brigade) technology to produce true analog modulation effects, and Pedal of the Day describes its sound as "a luscious, sweeping modulated sound with loads of options and flavor"1. The circuit is based loosely on the classic Electro-Harmonix Small Clone, one of the best-known analog chorus designs1.
Controls
The Polaris keeps its control layout focused on getting two distinct modulation sounds and moving between them quickly1:
- Focus and Focus II: two depth knobs that let you set two completely different levels of intensity and swap back and forth between them instantly1
- Tone: cuts or boosts the lower bass presence to taste1
- Volume: works with the Tone knob to sculpt your initial sound, and gives an extra bit of boost should it be required1
- Mode toggle: switches between the Chorus and Vibrato modes1
The two independent depth levels are the pedal's central idea: one setting can sit under the chorus sound while the other carries a deeper vibrato, and a single move swaps them. Pedal of the Day's reviewer found that the pedal "brings all the aspects of these two types of effects you could want in a pedalboard-friendly enclosure"1.
Chorus and vibrato in one box
Chorus and vibrato come from the same family of modulation: both shift the pitch of your signal in a sweeping motion, with chorus blending the shifted signal against the dry one and vibrato applying the shift more directly. The Polaris puts both behind one Mode toggle, "letting you effortlessly go between the Chorus and Vibrato modes"1, so a player who wants both sounds without giving up two pedalboard spaces gets them from a single true bypass enclosure1.
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Questions
Is the CopperSound Polaris true bypass?
Yes. The Polaris is true bypass, and Pedal of the Day notes it is hand-crafted in the USA. That means when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through it without any electronic buffering, which many players prefer for keeping their core tone untouched on a pedalboard.
Is the Polaris analog?
Yes. The Polaris uses BBD, or bucket brigade, technology to produce true analog modulation effects. Pedal of the Day describes the circuit as based loosely on the classic Electro-Harmonix Small Clone, a well-known analog chorus design.
Where is the CopperSound Polaris made?
The Polaris is hand-crafted in the USA, according to Pedal of the Day's 2021 review of the pedal.
What do the Focus and Focus II knobs do?
Focus and Focus II are two depth knobs that let you set two completely different levels of modulation intensity and swap back and forth between them instantly. They work together with the Tone knob, which cuts or boosts lower bass presence, while Volume gives an extra bit of boost if needed.
Does the Polaris have a vibrato mode?
Yes. A Mode toggle on the pedal lets you switch between Chorus and Vibrato modes, and the pedal gives you two independent depth levels for each, so you can move between the two sounds effortlessly.
Sources (1)
- CopperSound Pedals Polaris Analog Chorus Vibrato, Pedal of the Day, 2021-05-22
