The SONICAKE Cloud Chorus is a compact analog chorus effects pedal aimed at guitarists and keyboardists. Sonicake describes it as a 100% analog design built on BBD (bucket-brigade device) technology, the circuit approach behind classic chorus sounds, and says it delivers the effect with minimum tonal coloration thanks to its true-bypass design1. It sits in the maker's mini stompbox line under the model code QSS-04(NEW)2.
The controls
The Cloud Chorus keeps things simple: three knobs cover the whole effect1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| LEVEL | Sets the output level of the effect |
| SPEED | Sets the rate of the chorus modulation |
| DEPTH | Sets the intensity of the modulation |
Sonicake describes the pedal as a "100% Analog Natural Warm Chorus with LEVEL, SPEED, and DEPTH control"1. A single footswitch with true bypass switches the effect, and an LED tells you when it is on1.
Sound and circuit
The maker says BBD technology brings a "Crystal Bucket-Brigade Style Chorus Sound," and positions the pedal as offering guitarists and keyboardists an ultra-high quality BBD-style chorus effect1. Bucket-brigade chips are the analog delay-line components used in vintage chorus designs, and they remain a byword for a warm, organic modulation character. If you want to hear how Sonicake applies the same technology elsewhere, the Sonicake BBD Wonder is an analog bucket-brigade delay from the same maker, and the Sonicake 5th Dimension and Sonicake Warped Dimension cover its other modulation takes. For the wider field, see Chorus Pedals.
"I play acoustic guitars in a duo with my husband, who plays electric."
That player comment, from the maker's page, shows the pedal in a two-guitar context, with the acoustic player running the chorus1.
Size, weight and power
The mini enclosure is built for crowded boards1.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 93.5mm (D) x 42mm (W) x 52mm (H) |
| Weight | 228.7g |
| Power | DC 9V center negative (adapter not included) |
| Current consumption | 12mA |
The pedal does not include a power adapter. It needs a 9V DC center-negative supply, the standard for compact pedals, so it will run from most pedalboard power supplies or a dedicated adapter you supply yourself3.
At 12mA the current draw is light enough that it should not strain a shared supply1.
Price and availability
Sonicake lists the Cloud Chorus at $39.99 USD43.
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Questions
Is the Sonicake Cloud Chorus analog or digital?
It is analog. Sonicake describes it as a 100% analog chorus with a natural, warm character, built on BBD (bucket-brigade device) technology, the same circuit approach used in classic chorus designs. That matters if you want an analog signal path on your board rather than a digital processor.
Is the Sonicake Cloud Chorus true bypass?
Yes. Sonicake says the true bypass footswitch keeps a clean signal path, so when the pedal is off your guitar signal passes through without the chorus circuit loading it. The maker also says this design gives minimum tonal coloration.
How much current does the Sonicake Cloud Chorus draw?
Sonicake lists current consumption at 12mA, which is modest by pedal standards. It runs on a 9V DC center-negative supply and does not include one, so you will need your own adapter or a spare output on your pedalboard power supply.
Does the Sonicake Cloud Chorus include a power adapter?
No. Sonicake's product page states the pedal takes DC 9V center negative and marks the adapter as not included. Factor a 9V supply into the cost if you do not already have one.
What do the Level, Speed and Depth knobs do on the Cloud Chorus?
The three knobs cover the whole effect. Level sets the output volume of the chorused signal, Speed sets how fast the modulation sweeps, and Depth sets how strong that sweep is. Together they shape everything from a subtle widening of your tone to a pronounced wobble.
