The Neunaber Stereo Chroma Chorus is a stereo chorus pedal from Neunaber Technology, built in Brian Neunaber's small California workshop and launched in January 2012 alongside the stereo Wet Reverb1. Out of the box it works as a dual pitch transposition effect with regeneration, rather than a conventional sweeping chorus2. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes it as a dual detune effect that achieves thick, liquid tones without modulation, so you hear the subtle, natural beat frequencies between the multiple voices rather than an imposed LFO sweep3.
Controls and Pedal Customizer software
The pedal has three knobs on its face, marked MIX, WIDTH, and a multi-function knob indicated by a triangle2. Bass Musician Magazine describes the 3-knob layout as giving control over effect mix, depth, and regeneration1. MusicRadar's review notes the effect is tweaked by a Tone knob that can either attenuate top or bottom4. The Quilter Labs v1 user guide (Quilter now hosts the manual) identifies the triangle knob on the Chroma as controlling chorus signal regeneration or tone5.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| MIX | Sets the effect mix2 |
| WIDTH | Sets effect width2 |
| Triangle knob (Δ) | Chorus signal regeneration or tone5 |
The pedal is reprogrammable using Neunaber's proprietary Pedal Customizer software and the included USB cable1. The application runs on Mac or Windows and is downloadable from the company's website2. Two mods were available for the Chroma Stereo Chorus through the software2:
- Factory setting: a dual pitch transposition effect with regeneration2
- Modulation mod: a traditional dual chorus modulation effect, with the knobs controlling chorus level, modulation rate, and modulation depth2
MusicRadar also notes you can dial in a standard chorus with the editor4.
There is no battery option, so this pedal is strictly for the board-with-a-power-supply crowd2.
Stereo operation and sound
The Chroma is a true stereo effects pedal, with two 1/4" inputs and a pair of 1/4" outputs2. Bass Musician Magazine's reviewer wired up a 2x12 rig in stereo to test it1. MusicPlayers.com's Bruce Sokolovic found the stereo use the pedal's strength:
"This chorus pedal truly shines in stereo! The sound was wide, vibrant and three-dimensional."2
Bass Musician Magazine's Jake Wolf described the pedal's range as running from lush atmospheric pitchiness to crazy warbled flutter and everything in between1.
On bass
For bass players, the pedal holds up where many chorus units do not. Jake Wolf found that, unlike many non bass-specific chorus pedals, the Chroma Chorus retains bottom end integrity well1. That makes it worth considering alongside dedicated bass pedals.
What reviewers said
"Classy performer. Versatile."4
He also noted very few reasons to avoid it overall4.
Price and later Neunaber chorus pedals
The Chroma Chorus's three knobs give the player control over effect mix, depth, and regeneration1, and its range runs from "lush atmospheric pitchiness" to "crazy warbled flutter"1.
Videos
Neunaber Audio
Neunaber Audio
Tim Calloway
Questions
Is the Neunaber Stereo Chroma Chorus a digital pedal?
It depends who you ask. MusicPlayers.com's 2014 review describes the Chroma Chorus as a digital chorus pedal, while the RockBoard PedalPedia product listing for the pedal lists its circuit type as analog. Both attributions are given on this page so you can weigh them yourself.
Does the Neunaber Stereo Chroma Chorus work with a true stereo rig?
Yes. It is a true stereo effects pedal with two 1/4-inch inputs and a pair of 1/4-inch outputs. MusicPlayers.com's reviewer found it truly shines in stereo, with a wide, vibrant and three-dimensional sound, and Bass Musician Magazine's reviewer tested it wired into a 2x12 rig in stereo.
How do you reprogram the Neunaber Stereo Chroma Chorus?
Using Neunaber's proprietary Pedal Customizer software and the included USB cable. The application runs on Mac or Windows and is downloadable from the company's website. Two mods were available for the pedal: the factory dual pitch transposition setting with regeneration, and a traditional dual chorus modulation mod.
Does the Neunaber Stereo Chroma Chorus work well with bass?
Yes, according to Bass Musician Magazine's review. Jake Wolf found that, unlike many non bass-specific chorus pedals, the Chroma Chorus retains bottom end integrity well, and the pedal covers a range from lush atmospheric pitchiness to crazy warbled flutter.
How much does the Neunaber Stereo Chroma Chorus cost?
Both reviews that give a price agree on $229. Bass Musician Magazine reported in January 2012 that it sold direct for $229, and MusicPlayers.com's June 2014 review listed it at $229.00.
Sources (5)
- Neunaber Stereo Chroma Chorus Pedal, Bass Musician Magazine, 2012-01-01
- Neunaber Technology Chroma Stereo Chorus, MusicPlayers.com, 2014-06-14
- Chroma Stereo Chorus by Neunaber, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Neunaber Chroma Stereo Chorus review, MusicRadar, 2016-02-21
- Stereo Effect Pedal (v1) User Guide, Quilter Labs
