The Valeton CRL-1 Coral MDR Modulation Delay Reverb is a multi-effects pedal that combines modulation, delay and reverb in one small enclosure. Pedal of the Day described it as small, affordable and boasting a slew of sounds, one that fits into the palm of your hand and costs less than 100 bucks1. It sits in Valeton's Coral family of compact pedals, alongside the Coral Echo and the Coral Echo II Digital Modeling Delay.
Modes and algorithms
The Coral MDR features 16 carefully selected algorithms packed into a heavy duty aluminum die cast casing, built to stand all the stomps and wear and tear you can muster1. The modes available are Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo, Delay, Reverb, Air and Ambient, each with two differing groups, A and B, which are selected by the on-board A/B push button1.
| Mode | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Chorus | Modulation, group A or B |
| Phaser | Modulation, group A or B |
| Flanger | Modulation, group A or B |
| Tremolo | Modulation, group A or B |
| Delay | Time-based, group A or B |
| Reverb | Space, group A or B |
| Air | Space, group A or B |
| Ambient | Space, group A or B |
Controls
Three knobs adjust different parameters depending on which mode you are in, like Volume, Speed, Feedback, Tone, Resonance, Filter, Delay Time, Brightness and much, much more1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Mix | Adjusts parameters depending on the mode, such as Volume1 |
| Depth/FB Time | Adjusts parameters depending on the mode, such as Speed, Feedback or Delay Time1 |
| X/Y | Adjusts parameters depending on the mode, such as Tone, Resonance, Filter or Brightness1 |
| A/B push button | Selects between the A and B groups of each mode1 |
| Bypass switch (held) | Enters Tap Tempo mode hands-free1 |
| Bypass switch (held at power-up) | Turns the delay trail on or off1 |
Tap tempo and delay trail
You can hold down the Bypass switch to enter into Tap Tempo mode seamlessly, enabling you to set the tempo hands-free at a moment's notice1. You can also turn the delay trail on or off by holding the Bypass switch while powering up the pedal, so repeats can either ring out after you switch the effect off or cut off cleanly1.
Digital design and sound
The Coral MDR uses a digital circuit design. Pedal of the Day's reviewer noted that it is not super-cold like some digital pedals can be, giving a bit of warmth and analog flavor to each different sound1.
"The digital circuit design isn’t super-cold like some can be, giving a bit of warmth and analog flavor to each different mode."
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the Coral MDR in June 2019 and came away favorable on both value and sound1.
"Once again, we have an effect unit that proves you don't have to be expensive to sound like you are."
The review framed the pedal as proof that high-quality sounds can be created on an anyone-can-afford-it budget, praising its overall value and sound1. If you want a Coral pedal focused only on echoes, the Coral Echo II covers delay alone, while the Moon Echo and AD-10 sit elsewhere in Valeton's delay range.
Videos
Pedal of the Day and Valeton
Georgianna Marie Wilson
Left Bass Fingers
Questions
What modes does the Valeton Coral MDR have?
The Coral MDR offers eight modes: Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tremolo, Delay, Reverb, Air and Ambient. Each mode carries two differing groups, A and B, selected with the on-board A/B push button, which gives sixteen algorithms in total across the pedal.
Does the Coral MDR have tap tempo?
Yes. Holding down the Bypass switch enters Tap Tempo mode, which lets you set the tempo hands-free at a moment's notice. The same switch, held while powering up the pedal, turns the delay trail on or off.
Is the Coral MDR analog or digital?
The Coral MDR uses a digital circuit design. Pedal of the Day's review found it is not super-cold like some digital pedals can be, giving a bit of warmth and analog flavor to each of its sounds.
What are the A and B groups on the Coral MDR?
Each of the eight modes has two differing groups, A and B, chosen with the on-board A/B push button. The two groups give you two different takes on each mode, doubling the pedal's sixteen algorithms across its eight modes.
Sources (1)
- Valeton CRL-1 Coral MDR Modulation Delay Reverb, Pedal of the Day, 2019-06-03
