The EarthQuaker Devices Aurelius Tri-Chorus is a compact stompbox that combines chorus, rotary and vibrato effects in one pedal, with up to six user-programmable presets and expression pedal control1. It was released around NAMM 2023 and is handmade in Akron, Ohio2.
The controls
The Aurelius keeps its front panel small and lets the mode switch and the Balance knob do most of the work. What each control does depends on which of the three modes you are in1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Rate | In all three modes, Rate controls the speed of the LFO1 |
| Balance (Chorus mode) | Adjusts the level of the modulated signal, so turn it up for more extreme effects1 |
| Balance (Vibrato mode) | Dial the Balance all the way back and you get a pitch vibrato; otherwise it works as a wet/dry mix1 |
| Width (Rotary mode) | Controls both the amplitude of the LFO and the width of its pitch modulation; turn clockwise for more trebly frequencies, dial back to accentuate the woofer1 |
The three-way toggle selects Vibrato, Chorus and Rotary Chorus models2. The rotary mode reaches back to the 1940s and the Leslie rotating speaker cabinet for a doppler effect that combines amplitude and frequency modulation1.
A Boss CE-1 circuit with presets
The Aurelius takes its cues from a '70s Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, the vintage chorus pedal that inspired it2. The original CE-1 was a mains powered unit3, so packaging that style of modulation into a compact, pedalboard-power stompbox is part of what the Aurelius is about. It also adds what the CE-1 never had: six preset slots recalled from a rotary dial, and three distinct modulation voices instead of one12.
For another take on EarthQuaker Devices' approach to chorus, see the EarthQuaker Devices Sea Machine V3, or browse the wider field in Chorus Pedals.
Expression pedal and control voltage
A TRS input on the right-hand side of the unit allows you to control Rate, Width or Balance via your expression pedal's rocker, and it also accepts control voltage1. That means a single expression pedal can sweep the speed of the effect, the depth of the rotary simulation or the wet/dry balance while you play.
Power and practicalities
Nine volts from a pedalboard power supply will get it going1. The top-mounted jacks help it sit cleanly on a crowded board12.
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Questions
Does the Aurelius Tri-Chorus have presets?
Yes. Players have six slots to save their presets, and they are recalled via a six-way rotary dial on the pedal. That makes it possible to store different settings for, say, a chorus sound, a vibrato sound and a rotary sound, and switch between them without turning knobs on the fly.
Can you use an expression pedal with the Aurelius?
Yes. There is a TRS input on the right-hand side of the unit that lets you control Rate, Width or Balance with an expression pedal's rocker. The same input also accepts control voltage, so it can be driven from other gear as well.
What power supply does the Aurelius need?
The Aurelius runs on nine volts from a pedalboard power supply. MusicRadar's Jonathan Horsley put it plainly: 'Nine of your best volts from a pedalboard power supply will get it going.'
Where is the Aurelius Tri-Chorus made?
The Aurelius Tri-Chorus is handmade in Akron, Ohio, where EarthQuaker Devices builds its pedals.
How much does the Aurelius cost?
At launch in 2023 the Aurelius Tri-Chorus was priced at $199 in the United States, with a UK price of £225.
Sources (3)
- NAMM 2023: EarthQuaker Devices offers vintage modulation and practical modern features with the Aurelius Tri-Chorus, MusicRadar, 2023-04-07
- The must-have new guitar effects pedals of 2023, MusicRadar, 2023-05-04
- TONEHOME, TONEHOME (www.tonehome.de)
