Reviewed by Jan Steiger
A difference of almost €900, plenty of vintage vibe and voodoo. The comparison between the Behringer Chorus Symphony and the iconic Boss CE-1 offers plenty of food for thought.
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The Boss CE-1 undoubtedly made history. As the first pedal effect for guitarists and keyboardists, it housed the Roland JC-120’s effects unit in an external enclosure—making it attractive to users outside the Roland universe as well. Anyone who wanted this broad, almost three-dimensional sound no longer had to buy a jazz chorus, but could buy the effect in an external box. The Boss CE-1 was a hit!
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Behringer has been offering the “Chorus Symphony” pedal for some time now, which is supposed to recreate the sound of the original Boss CE-1 at a much lower price. Is this clone a serious alternative? I’ve taken a look at both pedals and will demonstrate a direct comparison between the Boss CE-1 and the Behringer Chorus Symphony.
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In practice, integrating both devices into an existing setup is virtually identical – even the rather sensitive input is common to both pedals. I connected both devices to the DAW for comparison with the Freqport FreqInOut, and they reacted terribly to excessive input – and absolutely the same. That the Behringer Chorus Symphony effects pedal pays homage to its original is clear and unmistakable at first glance.
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The most noticeable difference is cosmetic. The CE-1, with its desk-shaped, extremely robust cabinet and vintage bonus, clearly has the edge. Now, let’s talk about the sound—I’ve rarely been so excited.
Behringer Chorus Symphony and Boss CE-1 in direct comparison
I’ve already outlined the setup for the comparison above: Both devices get a loop in the FreqInOut, allowing me to switch back and forth between the two devices in the plug-in. Strictly speaking, this is the Freqport device’s prime role, because that’s exactly what it’s all about: making analog treasures usable as plug-ins.
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What awaits me now leaves me astonished: I can’t hear any significant difference between the Behringer Chorus Symphony and the Boss CE-1. At least, none that would justify the almost €900 price difference. The sonic revelation with its vintage flair and voodoo magic simply doesn’t materialize.
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When playing directly with the device, the difference is more noticeable – though more tactile than audible. Here, too, the CE-1 seems somewhat softer, more musical. Whether this is due to age and the circuitry becoming “mellow with age” over the years is the voodoo part.
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The CE-1 sounds significantly more musical, less droning, and richer. I hadn’t expected that.
Conclusion
The result of a comparison of the legendary Boss CE-1 and the Behringer Chorus Symphony may surprise some, horrify others, and make others nod their heads in approval. Vintage flair notwithstanding, the Behringer delivers the legendary CE-1 sound virtually 1:1 to your pedalboard or studio desk and doesn’t cost significantly more than what you’d pay for adequately insured shipping for an original CE-1.
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Plus
Sound (both devices)
Price (Behringer)
Vintage flair (Boss)
Minus
Price (Boss)
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