The Boss CE-5 Chorus Pedal is a staple of the pedal world. The chorus pedals have been around for decades. They add depth and dimension to your sound by creating multiple, slightly detuned copies of your original signal and blending them together.
If you’re in the market for a chorus pedal, the Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble is a great choice. This pedal offers a range of chorus effects, from subtle to intense, and can be used with guitar, bass, or keyboard. The CE-5 also features stereo outputs, which can be useful for creating a wider soundstage or running your signal to two different amps.
While not true bypass, the CE-5 offers a great value for its price range, making it accessible to musicians of all skill levels. We will examine the features of the pedal, including its compatibility with different types of guitars and basses, and evaluate its overall value.
Key Product Points
- The Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble Pedal is a popular and affordable option for guitar and bass players looking for a customizable chorus effect for their sound.
- The pedal is compatible with various types of guitars and basses, and offers four reasons for compatibility: subtle chorus effects, filter control, deep and smooth chorus for bass guitar rigs, and suitability for a wide range of musical styles and skill levels.
- The pedal has a rating of just under 90 out of 100, making it a worthwhile investment for musicians of varying skill levels and musical styles.
- The Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble Pedal offers comparable features to more expensive pedals like the MXR M234 Analog Chorus and Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus, making it a versatile and affordable addition to any pedalboard.
Boss CE-5 Stereo Chorus Ensemble Pedal
Pros
- The pedal offers complete control over the effect level, rate, depth, and filter knobs, allowing you to produce a range of chorusing effects from subtle to extreme.
- With mono input and stereo outputs, you can connect the pedal to dual amps or use it in the studio.
- The high- and low-cut filters cover a wide frequency range, so you can create any kind of chorus effect you want.
Cons
- The pedal requires 9 volts of power, so you’ll need to use a corded electric source or purchase a separate power supply.
- The pedal is relatively heavy, weighing in at 410 grams.
- The battery life isn’t great, so you’ll need to replace the 2 AA batteries frequently if you don’t use a power supply.
The Boss CE-5 Stereo Chorus Ensemble Pedall is well-built and sturdy, and it’s easy to use. It is a top-quality pedal that offers a range of features for guitarists looking for a subtle and less intrusive chorus effect. The pedal offers a smooth and deep tone, along with a filter control for cutting highs or lows, making it a versatile and affordable choice for acoustic and rhythm electric guitar players, as well as bass guitar rigs.
Additionally, the pedal can be powered by a 9V DC power adapter or battery, providing flexibility for musicians on the go.
Value and Recommendation
In terms of value, the Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble Pedal is a great option if you are looking for an affordable yet high-quality chorus pedal. Its rating of just under 90 out of 100 makes it a worthwhile investment for musicians of varying skill levels and musical styles.
To better understand the CE-5’s value, we can examine a breakdown of its features and how they compare to other chorus pedals in its price range. The following table compares the Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble Pedal with two other popular chorus pedals, the MXR M234 Analog Chorus and the Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus. As we can see, the CE-5 offers a comparable range of features at a more affordable price point, making it a great option for musicians who want to add a chorus effect to their sound without breaking the bank.
| Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble Pedal | MXR M234 Analog Chorus | Electro-Harmonix Small Clone Chorus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 | $119.99 | $118.00 |
| Controls | Rate, Depth, Filter | Rate, Depth, Level | Rate, Depth |
| Power | 9V DC power adapter or battery | 9V DC power adapter | 9V DC power adapter |
| Bypass | Buffered | True bypass | True bypass |
| Sound | Smooth with deep tone | Warm and analog | Bright and clear |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Boss CE-5 an analog or digital chorus pedal?
The Boss CE-5 is a digital chorus pedal that uses a digital signal processing chip to create its chorus effect.
What are the best settings for the Boss CE-5 chorus pedal?
The best settings for the Boss CE-5 chorus pedal depend on your personal preference and the type of music you play. Experiment with the rate and depth controls to find the right amount of chorus effect for your sound.
What is the difference between the Boss CE-5 and CE-3 chorus pedals?
The Boss CE-5 and CE-3 chorus pedals are both digital chorus pedals, but the CE-5 offers more control over the chorus effect with its stereo output and additional filter control.
Where can I find the Boss CE-5 manual?
The Boss CE-5 manual can be found on the Boss website, right here.
Can the filter control be used to create unique sound effects?
The Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble pedal’s filter control can be used to create unique sound effects, according to user reviews. It offers a subtle chorus effect with smooth tones and deep sound, making it a good value for its price range.
Is the Boss CE-5 Chorus suitable for live performances?
The Boss CE-5 Chorus pedal is 100% suitable for live performances due to its subtle yet deep sound
Does the pedal produce any unwanted noise or interference?
The Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble Pedal may produce some unwanted noise or interference, particularly when used in conjunction with other pedals or high-gain amplifiers. This issue can be mitigated through careful pedal placement and signal chain management. And as you add pedals to your chain, a noise gate is usually a good investment.
Can the Boss CE-5 Chorus be used with other effects pedals?
Without a doubt, the Boss CE-5 Chorus can be used together with other effects pedals, making it a versatile addition to any guitar player’s toolkit. Its ability to blend seamlessly with different effects is a testament to its quality and design, which has made it a popular choice in the market. Its common for guitar players to use chorus pedals in the effects loop if you are using an amp with an effects loop.
