The Neunaber Inspire Tri-Chorus Plus is a digital chorus pedal that puts eight stereo chorus effects in one compact box, all built around variations of the tri-chorus algorithm1. A tri-chorus is a chorus with three independent voices, and the Inspire's modes range from a classic rack-style tri-chorus to combinations that stack chorus, vibrato, detune and echo in series23. It was designed by Brian Neunaber and announced in November 2017, going on sale on Black Friday, November 24, 2017, for $2491.
The pedal is now listed among Neunaber's discontinued products, described by the maker as a "stereo chorus with three independent voices"4.
What it does: eight tri-chorus effects
Every effect in the Inspire is a variation on the tri-chorus, a chorus built from three independent voices1. The eight modes are selected from a single knob, and each pairs the core tri-chorus with something different2.
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| TRI | The classic tri-chorus effect, which Delicious Audio calls "the classic rack chorus effect"23 |
| HEX | A mode in the eight-effect lineup2 |
| TRI 2 TONE (Cascade Tone) | Two tri-chorus effects in series create a rich, lush effect23 |
| TRI 2 VIBE (Cascade Vibe) | A tri-chorus and a tri-vibrato in series makes for a complex sound23 |
| HI/LO VIBE (Harmonic Vibe) | Low-frequency tri-chorus and high-frequency tri-vibrato; more subtle than Cascade Vibe, works well with overdrive23 |
| HI/LO DETUNE | A mode in the eight-effect lineup2 |
| +DETUNE | Tri-chorus plus detune, which Delicious Audio describes as "that ultimate rack chorus tone"23 |
| +ECHO | Tri-chorus plus stereo echo, "a classic combo"2 |
The HI/LO VIBE mode is worth noting for players who run gain pedals: because its tri-vibrato acts only on the high frequencies and its tri-chorus on the low, the manual describes it as more subtle than the cascaded mode and says it works well with overdrive2.
The Mix control is a unity-gain dry/wet blend that runs from 100% dry to 100% effect, and Neunaber says a numerically-optimized analog mix control keeps the blend at unity gain throughout the range1. The press release also credits the newly-designed circuitry with increased headroom while maintaining low noise1.
Guitar World's Paul Riario demoed the pedal and described it as "a pedal that captures eight stereo chorus effects," reporting it available for $249 at the time5.
Power and connections
The Inspire runs on a standard 9 to 12 V DC center-negative pedal power adapter with a 5.5 mm OD x 2.1 mm ID plug, drawing 95 mA2. There is no battery option, and the adapter is not included2.
The LED monitors the power adapter voltage. If the voltage is too low, the LED blinks twice per second; if it is too high, it blinks five times per second2.
Connections are on 1/4" phone connectors. Input 1 is mono only; Inputs 1 and 2 together accept a stereo signal, with Input 2 accepting a stereo TRS input only. On the output side, Output 1 is summed mono, and Outputs 1 and 2 together give stereo, with Output 2 supplying a stereo TRS output only. Using both outputs creates a stereo signal from a mono input2.
The single footswitch bypasses the effect, and the LED lights when the effect is active2. Bypassing is done with a relay, which the manual equates with true bypass2.
Designed by Brian Neunaber
The Inspire was designed by Brian Neunaber, whose California company Neunaber Technology LLC designs and manufactures its products in Orange, California21. All eight of the pedal's effects are built around variations of the tri-chorus algorithm, and its newly-designed circuitry offers increased headroom while maintaining low noise1.
Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio described the Inspire as "a chorus pedal hosted in a compact case sporting 8 different modes," noting that Neunaber "got us used to uber lush digital effects"3. His demo of the pedal used a Fender Telecaster US into a Fender Deluxe Reverb 65 RI, with an EarthQuaker Devices Avalanche Run and a KMA Audio Machines Minos in the chain3.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Guitar World
Neunaber Audio
Questions
Is the Neunaber Tri-Chorus Plus stereo?
Yes. Using both outputs creates a stereo signal from a mono input. Input 1 is mono only, while Inputs 1 and 2 together accept stereo, with Input 2 taking a stereo TRS connection only. Output 1 is summed mono, and Outputs 1 and 2 together give stereo, with Output 2 supplying a stereo TRS output only.
Can the Neunaber Inspire Tri-Chorus Plus run on a battery?
No. The pedal has no battery option and requires a standard 9 to 12 V DC center-negative power adapter with a 5.5 mm OD x 2.1 mm ID plug, which is not included. It draws 95 mA.
Is the Tri-Chorus Plus true bypass?
Yes. The manual states that the Inspire implements relay bypassing, which is true bypass. The footswitch bypasses the effect, and the LED lights when the effect is active.
Is the Tri-Chorus Plus analog or digital?
It is digital. All eight of its effects are built around variations of the tri-chorus algorithm, and Delicious Audio described Neunaber's effects as lush digital designs. The Mix control is a numerically-optimized analog control for a unity-gain dry/wet blend.
Why is the LED on the Tri-Chorus Plus blinking?
The LED monitors the power adapter voltage. If the voltage is too low, the LED blinks twice per second; if it is too high, it blinks five times per second. A blinking LED means the power supply is out of the pedal's 9 to 12 V DC range.
Sources (5)
- Neunaber Launches Inspire Tri-Chorus Plus Pedal, Premier Guitar, 2017-11-20
- Inspire Tri-Chorus Plus User Guide, Quilter Labs, 2017
- Neunaber Inspire Tri-Chorus Plus, Delicious Audio, 2018-02-27
- Discontinued Products, Quilter Labs
- Video Demo: Neunaber Inspire Tri-Chorus Plus, Guitar World, 2018-03-16
