Cherub Chorus

Extremely fun build, subtle effect, improves with easy mods

"It took about 4 hours in total to build, and then to mod. I understand that the Cherub chorus is based on a Little Angel chorus, and is based on a PT2399 IC. I wacked a violet LED on there for Fashion Souls purposes! I also included the "vibe" and "space warble" mod switches. Even though I chose a 50KC resistor for the depth pot, I found it to be an extremely subtle effect - it's not gonna make a bass player sound like Peter Steele! I guess I'm used to digital chorus, and I did also have an EHX Bass Clone. So, I modified it following a comment from someone called "Kei" posted on 23 April 2019, which states "Ver4: C6 10n- 1n C7 100n- 10n C8 100n- 10n". The results are substantially better, but I still find it quite a subtle chorus. If that's what you want in a chorus, it's a fun build and extremely well documented and laid out. But definitely go for that mod. I would also say that PT2399s can be a bit hit and miss so swapping the IC out might give different results if you're having issues. Having built this pedal, it does sound like a lot of the clips on Youtube of Little Angel pedals so I don't think the subtlety is down to my build - it's the circuit. That, and I tend to pretty much dime any effect! Now I've checked out more clips, I'm pretty happy with it now. I have a build video which shows the construction of the pedal, as well as demos of playing it before after modding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BcZsNt9K9s" Gavin Davies - 08 September 2024

Just What I Was Looking For

"I originally bought and built the Glam Chorus which had the problem that the minimum delay between the vibrato and dry signal caused flamming between the two transients. For long chords this is fine but for fast choppy funk playing it's almost unusable. The Cherub solves this with the anti-lock mod. I did find that near maximum depth (500k pot option) there's an audible thumping from the LFO but this setting is too extreme anyway. Rolling back to around 12 o'clock on both pots gives the best chorus to my ears so maybe the 100k pot would have suited better. I built it with the NYE 2nd edition mods 78L05 - 78L06, R16 - 10k, R22&17 - 220k . The higher voltage supposedly makes the PT2399 run at a higher sample rate for more high-end however the anti-aliasing filters are unchanged so I don't know that this makes a big difference. The vibe switch is a fun and easy addition. Due to the low sample rate of the PT2399, the vibe removes all the high frequencies giving a lo-fi effect. It's not a gimmick and has proven useful but if you're looking for a general purpose vibe, a dedicated pedal might be a better option." Logan - 01 September 2023

surprisingly good!

"I have to be honest I wasn't expecting a great chorus from such a small parts count but here it is, I went with the 100k depth pot and the two optional mods and it's great. definitely replacing my "3 series" chorus which I found to be underwhelming.

" Jack - 13 August 2023

Sounds great!

"This pedal sounds awesome, lot of versatile sounds in one compact package! I do wish I'd gone with the 100k depth pot as the 500k is somewhat unresponsive from 6-12 o'clock, but overall the pedal sounds great! I built it with the vibe and space mods, the vibe is a very nifty effect, the space is pretty subtle but definitely gives a different color as well. Highly recommend!" Derek - 21 August 2020

It made a good sound if I changed it a little

"I created a few, but I'm satisfied with the products here as they are all working as I expected. It was this chorus pedal, but when I made it according to the instruction manual, the effect felt light. So, as a result of searching on the Internet, I found Version 4 and NYE 2 versions. So, when I did the following customization, I felt it was good. Ver4: C6 10n- 1n C7 100n- 10n C8 100n- 10n NYE2: REG1 78L05- 78L06 R16 33K- 10K If you do this modification, please at your own risk." Kei - 23 April 2019

Sounds great with bass too!

"Really good kit with clear instructions. The PCB is really nicely laid out so you don t need to cram long wires into the box. I went with the vibe and space Warble switches which allow you to get a huge range of sounds out of the pedal. I ve been using it with my bass and it sounds great! Would recommend" Joe - 21 July 2018

Better...

"Just following up on the review below. Not wanting to give up on it, I ordered a new PT2399 chip. Definite improvements immediately, as in, it now works. However, still finding that the controls have to be way up to get a strong effect, but it is very good when they are! So in summary, not much variability, but lovely sound when you dial it up, and I would now recommend it." Ian - 11 April 2018

Little effect from Little Cherub

"Like the first reviewer, I have built many pedals from Fuzzdog PCBs with no issues (I am currently on my 5th) but also like the first reviewer, I am failing to get anything other than the most subtle effect out of this circuit. Reading around the circuit online reveals many differing experiences, mostly challenging, but unfortunately none that explain the symptoms that I am hearing. I am afraid that I can't recommend this effect however much I recommend Fuzzdog's other products, as it would seem to be very hit and miss as to whether it will be successful or not." Ian - 31 March 2018

Works Great

"Don't listen to the first review this pcb once properly assembled works great. I assembled it with all the options and they all do something different to the effect. You can listen this chorus online. I think it's a good sounding simple chorus for those not looking to break the bank. Thank you Fuzz Dog!" Kevin - 07 July 2017

Not Impressed

"I'm not sure if this chorus effect is supposed to be super subtle and barely there, but after building this and testing it and checking everything several times thats what I got... If I could give this 0 stars I would. It was a complete waste of money in my book. The vibe option leaves your tone dark and muddy. The space option is so barely different than the normal effect it's laughable. The depth control barely does anything before 4 o'clock. I am just completely unsatisfied with this effect. I love Fuzz Dog and it's pedal kits, but not this one. I've built the Filthy Frack and Echo Blue and both have come out better than expected, but I can't recommend this kit for anyone if you're expecting a usable chorus effect." Mike - 05 March 2017