The Zig-Zag Analog Chorus-Vibrato is a pitch modulation pedal from Supercool Pedals, released in March 2024. Pedal of the Day, reviewing it as a brand new release, describes it as "a classic mod circuit with some modern amenities and gorgeous tone for days", built on the Small Clone circuit but in a more compact form factor with added features1. It sits in the chorus family, with a vibrato mode alongside, so it covers ground you would otherwise need two pedals for: see Chorus Pedals and Vibrato Pedals.
What it does and how it sounds
The Zig-Zag is, in Pedal of the Day's words, "a rich and versatile pitch modulation effect". A 2-position toggle switches between the signal-doubled CHORUS mode and the modulated-only VIBRATO mode, so in chorus you hear the dry signal layered with the modulated one, and in vibrato the whole signal is detuned by the modulation1.
The reviewer's description of the range:
"lush slow waves of rich chorus, dissonant and textural pulses, subtle vinyl-like wow-and-flutter, and full-on spiraling modulation madness"
On the analog question: the Zig-Zag uses what the review calls "a rare true analog bucket brigade chip", the delay chip type that classic chorus designs were built around, and a signal path of low-noise surface mount components that the reviewer credits with "a quiet and uncoloured sound"1.
The controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Speed | Controls the rate of modulation1 |
| Depth | Controls the intensity of pitch modulation1 |
| Mode toggle | 2-position switch between CHORUS and VIBRATO1 |
One practical touch: "A bright blue LED allows you to see the rate of modulation regardless of signal bypass", so the flashing LED tracks the modulation speed even when the pedal is switched out of the signal path1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's verdict, from its 19 March 2024 review, was that the Zig-Zag checks all of the boxes the reviewer requires of a modulation unit, with a wide range of sounds from subtle to seasick and swirly, and that "this little unit really gives you a wide range of sounds to test and dial-in, and is perfect for any rig or pedalboard"1.
"a carefully engineered signal path of low-noise surface mount components makes for a quiet and uncoloured sound"
Videos
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Questions
Is the Supercool Zig-Zag truly analog?
Yes. Pedal of the Day's review describes the Zig-Zag as using a rare true analog bucket brigade chip, the kind of delay chip classic chorus circuits were built around. The signal path is made up of low-noise surface mount components, which the reviewer credits with a quiet and uncolored sound.
Does the Zig-Zag have a vibrato mode?
It does. A 2-position toggle switches between CHORUS mode, which doubles the signal so you hear both the dry and modulated voices together, and VIBRATO mode, where only the modulated signal passes through. That gives the pedal two distinct pitch modulation characters from one circuit.
Does the LED keep flashing when the pedal is bypassed?
Yes. The Zig-Zag has a bright blue LED that shows the rate of modulation regardless of signal bypass, so you can keep an eye on the modulation speed even when the effect is switched off.
How does the Zig-Zag differ from a Small Clone?
Pedal of the Day describes the Zig-Zag as based off of the legendary Small Clone circuit, but with new features, settings, and a more compact form factor. The added vibrato mode and the bypass-independent LED indicator are among the modern touches on top of the classic mod circuit.
Sources (2)
- Supercool Pedals Zig-Zag Analog Chorus-Vibrato, Pedal of the Day, 2024-03-19
- Summer School Electronics & Supercool Pedals Smoking In The Boys Room Chorus Distortion, Pedal of the Day, 2026-01-31
