The ChromaChorus Pedal from Quilter Labs is a mono chorus pedal that runs on a 9V battery or a 9 to 12 V DC adapter. It has a single mix knob, a single bypass footswitch, and an internal switch that selects between buffered and unbuffered bypass. Quilter publishes detailed noise and distortion figures for the pedal, which are unusual for a compact chorus and worth a close look if your board is quiet-critical1.
Controls and connections
The pedal keeps its front panel simple: one knob and one footswitch.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Mix knob | Controls the chorus level. Full counter-clockwise is dry (no chorus). Full clockwise is 100% chorus signal, for parallel effects loops. |
| Footswitch | Bypasses the effect. |
The mono input jack accepts input directly from your instrument or from an amplifier effects loop output. The mono output jack provides output to another effects pedal, an amplifier input, or an effects loop input. Quilter describes the output as low-impedance, capable of driving long cables without a change in tone.1
The ChromaChorus is a mono pedal: one input jack, one output jack. There is no stereo input or stereo output.
Power and battery
The power jack accepts a 9V DC center-negative input capable of supplying at least 50 mA, on a 5.5 mm OD x 2.1 mm ID connector. The pedal's listed draw is 30 mA at 9 to 12 V DC.1
The battery compartment accepts a 9V (PP3) battery, and Quilter recommends alkaline or Li-Ion rechargeable types for maximum battery life. Plugging into the power jack disconnects the battery, so an adapter always takes over when connected. Quilter lists typical battery life at 12 to 14 hours with an alkaline cell, and notes that unplugging the input when the pedal is not in use extends battery life.1
To change the battery, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 4 screws that attach the bottom cover. The battery fits best upside-down, with the snap wires toward the inside of the battery compartment.1
Bypass and noise specifications
The type of bypass is selectable via an internal switch as either buffered (B) or unbuffered (UB). Quilter notes that when the effect is engaged, the signal is always buffered. In unbuffered bypass, the manual lists the following measurements:1
| Specification | Value (unbuffered bypass) |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 20Hz to 20kHz, +/-0.1dB |
| Signal to noise ratio | > 120dB (22Hz to 22kHz, unweighted, 2 V RMS reference) |
| THD | < 0.0005% (measured 22Hz to 22kHz, input 1 V RMS, 1 kHz) |
| Gain | 0 +/-0.25 dB, 0% Mix vs. bypass |
| Input impedance | 1.1 MΩ |
| Output impedance | 470 Ω |
The nominal input level is -10 dBV, instrument level, with a maximum input level of 6 V pk-pk.1
Questions
Does the Quilter ChromaChorus take a battery?
Yes. The battery compartment accepts a 9V (PP3) battery, and Quilter recommends an alkaline or Li-Ion rechargeable battery for maximum battery life. Plugging into the power jack disconnects the battery, so the pedal draws from the adapter whenever one is connected. Quilter lists typical battery life at 12 to 14 hours with an alkaline cell.
Is the ChromaChorus true bypass?
The bypass type is selectable with an internal switch as either buffered (B) or unbuffered (UB). In unbuffered bypass the manual lists very low distortion and noise figures, and Quilter notes that when the effect is engaged the signal is always buffered regardless of the switch setting.
Is the ChromaChorus stereo?
No. The ChromaChorus is a mono pedal with a single mono input jack and a single mono output jack. The input accepts a signal directly from your instrument or from an amplifier effects loop output, and the output feeds another pedal, an amplifier input, or an effects loop input.
What power supply does the ChromaChorus need?
The power jack accepts a 9V DC center-negative input capable of supplying at least 50 mA, using a 5.5 mm outer diameter by 2.1 mm inner diameter connector. The pedal's listed power draw is 30 mA at 9 to 12 V DC, center negative. A 9V (PP3) battery can also power the pedal.
How long does a battery last in the ChromaChorus?
Quilter lists typical battery life at 12 to 14 hours with an alkaline battery. Unplugging the input jack when the pedal is not in use extends battery life, and plugging a power adapter into the power jack disconnects the battery entirely.
How do I change the battery in the ChromaChorus?
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 4 screws that attach the bottom cover. The battery fits best upside-down, with the snap wires toward the inside of the pedal's battery compartment. Quilter recommends an alkaline or Li-Ion rechargeable 9V (PP3) battery for maximum battery life.
Sources (1)
- ChromaChorus Pedal (Mono, v1) User Guide, Quilter Labs