There’s something undeniably magical about the lush modulation of a classic chorus — that swirling, dimensional sound that somehow makes your clean tones shimmer and your overdriven tones bloom. It’s a sound etched into the DNA of so many iconic records, and for guitarists who’ve spent years chasing that elusive tone, the Behringer Chorus Symphony may very well be the holy grail they’ve been waiting for.
The Chorus Symphony isn’t just a nod to the past — it’s a meticulously faithful recreation of the famed Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, which itself was derived from the preamp and chorus section of the legendary Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus amplifier. These circuits are synonymous with spacious, analog chorus and lush vibrato, revered by players across generations. The CE-1 became a staple for artists like Andy Summers of The Police, John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani — and it’s easy to hear why. The sound is warm, deep, and immersive — characteristics that the Chorus Symphony captures with remarkable authenticity.
At the core of the Chorus Symphony is an all-analog signal path built to mirror the original 1970s circuit. But unlike its vintage counterpart, which commands sky-high prices on the used market (often exceeding $1,000), Behringer has made this tone accessible to just about everyone, with a street price under $100. That’s not just good — it’s revolutionary. For players who’ve only dreamed of owning a CE-1 or a JC-120, this is a chance to bring that tone home without emptying your wallet.
Functionally, the Chorus Symphony offers a versatile control layout. Onboard knobs for Level, Intensity, Rate, Depth, and Output Sensitivity allow players to dial in everything from subtle shimmer to full-on psychedelic swirl. A dedicated footswitch toggles between Chorus and Vibrato modes, each with their own distinct sonic character. In Chorus mode, you get that wide stereo spread and modulation depth that defined the golden age of analog chorus. Switch to Vibrato, and you’ll uncover pitch-bending textures that are expressive, otherworldly, and beautifully musical — the kind of effect that inspires riffs, not just accents them.
One of the hidden strengths of this pedal lies in its adaptability. A DIP switch inside the enclosure lets users toggle between true bypass and buffered output, making it easy to tailor the pedal’s integration into various signal chains. Another internal High/Low output switch controls the headroom, which is especially useful for players who want to hit their amp or interface harder for added drive or character. In the High setting, you can edge into that beautiful analog breakup that vintage preamps are known for — giving your tone not just modulation, but weight.
It’s also worth noting the build quality. While Behringer has taken criticism in the past for its plastic pedals, the Chorus Symphony bucks that trend with a durable metal enclosure that feels built for the road. The design even leans into retro stylings, calling back to the pedal’s roots without being overly flashy. It looks the part and, more importantly, feels like a professional tool.
In mono, the pedal offers a solid and expressive voice — but the magic really opens up in stereo. Running the Chorus Symphony through two amps or recording channels creates a spacious, enveloping sound that elevates everything from ambient textures to jangly rhythm parts. Whether you’re playing through headphones, a studio setup, or a stage rig, the stereo spread is impressively wide and musical.
For those who can’t read between the lines, let’s spell it out: this pedal is a straight-up tribute to the Boss CE-1, powered by the same circuit topology that defined a generation of chorus tones. It’s the same modulation engine that made the Roland JC-120 a studio mainstay — and now it’s available on your pedalboard for under a hundred bucks.
Final Thoughts:
The Behringer Chorus Symphony is one of the best examples of classic tone democratized for modern players. It’s not a watered-down emulation, but a lovingly crafted analog recreation of a historic circuit — and it sounds phenomenal. Whether you’re chasing vintage chorus warmth, psychedelic vibrato, or just want a new layer of expression in your tone, the Chorus Symphony is an unbeatable value and a welcome addition to any rig.
If you’ve ever lusted after the sounds of the CE-1 or the JC-120 but couldn’t stomach the price tag, your wait is over. Plug into the Chorus Symphony, and you’ll hear what all the fuss was about — and why this might just become your new favorite pedal.
