H9 / Micro Chorus

Well, I don’t own a Micro Chorus.  I did listen to a quick demo of it.  But I thought it’d be fun to try, by using the published specifications alone.  First, I thought about using the various Chorus algorithm TYPEs (probably ORGANIC), Mod Delay, SpaceTime … all doable.  But why not the latest ‘n’ greatest TriceraChorus algo?

Expression pedal mapping simulates the single RATE control:

• RATE – 0.25 Hz. to 7.5 Hz.
• DEPTH Center – I dropped the extreme 90 depth to 50 for fast RATEs.
• DELAY – Best guess with reversing 6.8 mS to 4.2 mS at faster RATEs.

TONE – Also best guess at HI CUT 65 being close to the 20 Hz. – 4.5 kHz. frequency response [delay signal].

OUT LEVEL – a little boost with +3 dB.  6 dB sounded a bit too much.

I left the effect pretty strong [CHORUS MIX 75; DEPTH C] to preserve that pitch wobble.  Adjust to taste.  TEMPO, DETUNE MIX, DETUNE, and ENV MIX aren’t used in these presets.

The other expression pedal extreme (at full Toe) below:

The easiest way to get huge is to drop out DEPTH C, and bring up DEPTH L & DEPTH R; sweeping 240 degrees apart.  Again, I tied those two parameters to the expression pedal, so they weren’t as deep at faster RATEs.

Brock you are truly a legend. How do you find the time?

Quick followup (maybe not).  Since I was winging the original emulation, I’m curious as to how the MXR Rate knob matches up to the H9 RATE control in these preset(s)?  Not necessarily how accurate the entire preset is.  Specifically, how fast the cycling is with equivalent knob positions in each.

It struck me later on that the DEPTH and DELAY controls followed a linear path: Halfway through the expression pedal throw (at 50) was very close to halfway through the programmed range of values.

The RATE control indicates being halfway through, but the actual RATE value has traveled very little [0.25 Hz. to 1.40 Hz.].  And at 75% travel (below), the other mapped parameters are about 75% through their ranges.  But the RATE is 3 Hz. & change, out of a total range to 7.5 Hz.

So, relative to the expression pedal throw, and other mapped controls, the RATE values are non-linear, exponential.  Slow RATE changes to start.  Rapid burst in RATE changes at the finish line.

So my point to all this?  I think this makes for some musical, nuanced effects.  For most of the expression pedal [HotKnob] travel, you’ve hovering at the lower RATEs.  Arguably more useful territory, but still with a lot of interactive movement.  Pump it (slowly) like a wah pedal.

DEPTH is increasing; DELAY is decreasing …  And in the final 1/4 – 1/8 of pedal travel, you can punch in more rapid, vibrato-like FX.  On individual notes; not unlike polyphonic aftertouch in synthesizers.  “Magical” stuff.

My other point being … How did you find this to compare to the MXR Rate control?  Nothing too specific: maybe fully CCW; fully CW; 12:00, and maybe some ‘clockface’ points in-between?  For curiosity’s sake.

Neglected to add the 25% expression pedal image.  And that gives me the chance to drop in a small option.  The HotSwitch (along with EXP PED mapping) allows for snapping in a HUGER MXR Micro Stereo mutation.

The tweaks:

• CHORUS MIX – Dropped down to 50:50 dry/wet.
• DETUNE MIX – Starts at 0.  Tripping the HotSwitch sends it to 35.
• DETUNE – ‘Hidden’ with HotSwitch OFF.  Lopsided spread to shift the stereo image.
• TONE – FLAT  Had to brighten this one up.

So, it’s already an animated, swirling stereo preset with the HotSwitch OFF.  By contrast, more open and clear.  HotSwitch ON brings in a denser version:  Hollow, murky, somehow darker (but not), with subtle cancellations [thru-zero-ish], little entrances, and side-to-side movements,  … One of those things you don’t really notice that they’re ON, until they’re OFF.