Looking for good chorus FX unit...

[flattop100]

I'm looking for a really good chorus effect unit for live male a cappella. Can someone suggest some companies and specific units? I'm guessing responses are going to start with Lexicon and Yamaha...

Also, is there any rackmounted effect unit that gives the 'digitized note' sound that's applied to Cher's voice in "Life after Love" or whatever that song's called?

Thanks!

[michaelhoddy]

The Antares Auto-Tune hardware box can do the Cher thing.

For chorus? Look at TC Electronic. They do a great job at it. I also do like the higher-end Lexicon boxes for chorus, like the old PCM-70 and the current PCM-81. I don't like the chorus in the MPX series.

[flattop100]

Thanks, Michael! Any particular TC box or effect?

[michaelhoddy]

This will sound strange, but this thing is great for chorus, better than most standalone boxes:

TC Chorus pedal

I only have experience with the higher-end TC chorus effects, including the old standalone TC chorus box. Check the M3000 though. I don't know about the cheaper units like the M300.

Another good option I forgot about is a used Eventide H3000 or H3500 Ultra-Harmonizer. As much as I do like the newer Eventide processors, I used to have a 3500 that was AMAZING for just the application you are after. Everything you could want in a chorus sound.

A general rule I have found is that, for the same money, I like the sounds of used, slightly older digital gear that was higher end than I like the sounds of new gear. For instance, I'd take a used Lexicon PCM-70 over a new MPX-1 any day of the week. And I'd save a couple hundred in the process.

[xstatic]

I definately second the Eventide vote. The TC Chorus pedal works very well, but the Eventide will offer other bonuses as well. The TC M1 also does some decent chorusing. Also Roland and even Peavey make some older cool choruses, and Eventide even made a really cool chorus based outboard unit.

[EphICanIMite]

Hey flattop,
I second what Michael said about the TC Electronics stomp box. I bought one several years back for my guitar rig and tried it once for my pa setup. Man! Talk about pristine sound. No wonder I like using that chorus pedal alot. Sometimes I turn the levels way down so the chorus effect is barely noticable just cuz I think that silly pedal box cleans up the sound and makes it sparkle.

EPH