The Visual Sound V3 Series H2O Liquid Chorus & Echo is a dual effects pedal that combines two full effects units in one enclosure: an analog chorus section and a hybrid analog/digital echo section. The two circuits are entirely independent, each with its own footswitch, controls and jacks, so it can stand in for a chorus pedal and a delay pedal side by side. Guitar World reviewed it in July 2014 and listed its street price at $1791.
What it does
The Liquid Chorus section, according to Guitar World's review, provides "a wide variety of lush chorus and vibrato effects" including classic analog and flanger-like chorus, Uni-Vibe-style chorus and vibrato, Leslie-esque rotating speaker simulations and a seasick pitch-bending vibrato wobble1. The echo section is a hybrid analog/digital design with controls for delay, repeats and level1.
Controls and connections
Each effect is switched by its own footswitch, and the two sections have separate jacks1:
| Section | Controls | Jacks |
|---|---|---|
| Echo | delay, repeats, level | mono input, mono output1 |
| Chorus | (chorus controls) | mono input, two outputs for mono or stereo signals1 |
A pair of custom-designed clickless Forever Footswitches switch the chorus and echo effects on and off separately1. Internal switches let you choose a buffer or true-bypass operation for each footswitch individually1.
Routing the two effects
The two circuits can be ordered two ways. The echo and chorus signals can be combined internally with the echo first in order, or you can plug into the echo input and run a cable from the chorus output to place the chorus before the echo1.
On the board
The V3 Series H2O is approximately the same size as two small MXR Bud Box-style pedals placed side by side, and it takes up less space on a pedalboard thanks to front-mounted input, output and power jacks1. It operates with a nine-volt battery or an optional center-negative adapter1.
What reviewers said
Guitar World's reviewer judged the combination generously:
"The H2O's chorus and echo effects are more versatile than many competing standalone chorus and hybrid delay pedals that sell for about the same street price."
Videos
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Guitar World
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Questions
Can the chorus and echo run in either order?
Yes. The echo and chorus signals can be combined internally with the echo first in order. If you would rather have the chorus before the echo, you can plug into the echo input and run a cable from the chorus output to place the chorus first in the chain.
Does the H2O run on a battery?
It operates with a nine-volt battery or an optional center-negative adapter, so it can be powered either way. The input, output and power jacks are mounted on the front of the pedal, which Visual Sound says takes up less space on a pedalboard.
Sources (1)
- Review: Visual Sound V3 Series H2O Liquid Chorus & Echo Pedal -Video, Guitar World, 2014-07-15
