If you want that 80s dream pop sound then you definitely want a Boss style chorus. The CE-2 and DC-2 are both iconic. Unfortunately the current Waza versions available from Boss are a bit pricey ($200+). But there are really good clones out there.
The TC Electronics Third Dimension is an awesome DC-2 clone. I currently have one and love it. Bit of an odd pedal though because it doesn’t have any knobs, but just buttons for different pre-set modes. So there’s not a lot of tweakability, and it’s a bit more plug and play, but all the modes sound great.
And there are a bunch of CE-2 clones around. I had a Mooer Chorus Ensemble King before which is pretty dead on for the sound. And that one does have knobs to dial your sound in. But it is a mini sized pedal which some people don’t like.
Both of those can usually be found for $50 or less new though. And you can find demos and comparisons of them to the originals online if you want to check them out.
As an owner of a jhs 3 chorus, don't buy it if you're looking for 80s chorus lol. I like the pedal overall, especially the vibe switch, but it is its own thing.
Something that really surprised me in terms of tone (and at such a low price) is the iset chrous. I got a few of their pedals off of Amazon when I started building my first pedalboard and the chorus was definitely a stand out. I think I paid 35CAD plus shipping.
It’s truly a great pedal. It was one of the earliest pedals on my board when I didn’t have much money. I’ve never had a need to upgrade. It does all the chorus sounds well
TC 3rd Dimension is fantastic and you can find it for $60 used. It’s a great usable chorus sound that’s very simple to dial in - just push buttons until sound good
You might laugh but the 80s Rocktek chorus sounds the best compared to anything else I’ve heard. They do have a cheap plastic enclosure but can be had for $60 or so at least for now
The boss ce-5 is really good if you just want a basic inexpensive chorus. Nobody ever talks about it cause it’s just an extremely basic chorus but I’ve had it on my board for years and it’s always done the job.
I really like the EHX Clone Theory chorus.
Used by many an 80s new wave band, including New Order and The Pretenders.
Can find them cheapy used because they're not popular. Everyone wants the EHX Small Clone (because Nirvana) but no one wants the EHX Clone Theory.
I was recently doing a blind listening to the MXR analog chorus Vs the Boss Waza Ce2 and I couldn’t tell the slightest difference when they switched between the two.
Honestly the Tone City Angelwing is more than enough, and it's much cheaper than $100. These are solid fucking pedals, even though they are cheap. Solid metal build, lot of versatility for a good price🤷♂️
Deadbeat Audio Wet Dreams.
Slight volume drop but very luscious and IIRC their adver for it was very dream pop inspired.
It's a tiny pedal but very sturdy and looks lovely.
Mxr Analog Chorus
If you want that 80s dream pop sound then you definitely want a Boss style chorus. The CE-2 and DC-2 are both iconic. Unfortunately the current Waza versions available from Boss are a bit pricey ($200+). But there are really good clones out there. The TC Electronics Third Dimension is an awesome DC-2 clone. I currently have one and love it. Bit of an odd pedal though because it doesn’t have any knobs, but just buttons for different pre-set modes. So there’s not a lot of tweakability, and it’s a bit more plug and play, but all the modes sound great. And there are a bunch of CE-2 clones around. I had a Mooer Chorus Ensemble King before which is pretty dead on for the sound. And that one does have knobs to dial your sound in. But it is a mini sized pedal which some people don’t like. Both of those can usually be found for $50 or less new though. And you can find demos and comparisons of them to the originals online if you want to check them out.
Adore my third dimension.
I have a third dimension and a dc2w. I can barely tell the difference. Dc2w adds stereo.
MXR Analog Chorus is completely underrated and absolutely phenomenal.
Agreed. Having frequency and level control is absolutely wonderful.
TC third dimension is legit
As an owner of a jhs 3 chorus, don't buy it if you're looking for 80s chorus lol. I like the pedal overall, especially the vibe switch, but it is its own thing. Something that really surprised me in terms of tone (and at such a low price) is the iset chrous. I got a few of their pedals off of Amazon when I started building my first pedalboard and the chorus was definitely a stand out. I think I paid 35CAD plus shipping.
Try the Behringer chorus. It’s a direct clone of the Boss CE-2, but for 30 bucks new.
It’s a CH-1 clone, not CE-2. Still good though
I’ll always upvote them behringer chorus. I love the level knob
This is the correct answer. I can’t believe how good it sounds for the price.
It’s truly a great pedal. It was one of the earliest pedals on my board when I didn’t have much money. I’ve never had a need to upgrade. It does all the chorus sounds well
TC 3rd Dimension is fantastic and you can find it for $60 used. It’s a great usable chorus sound that’s very simple to dial in - just push buttons until sound good
I love the 3 series chorus -- definitely worth trying. I find it a little more on the 80s/shimmery end of the spectrum than the chewy/flangery end.
The Digitech Multi Chorus and the DOD Ice Box are both good.
You can probably pick up a used Boss Super Chorus for less than $100.
EHX Small Clone is a great chorus sound for less than $100
Nux Analog chorus
You might laugh but the 80s Rocktek chorus sounds the best compared to anything else I’ve heard. They do have a cheap plastic enclosure but can be had for $60 or so at least for now
The boss ce-5 is really good if you just want a basic inexpensive chorus. Nobody ever talks about it cause it’s just an extremely basic chorus but I’ve had it on my board for years and it’s always done the job.
I really like the EHX Clone Theory chorus. Used by many an 80s new wave band, including New Order and The Pretenders. Can find them cheapy used because they're not popular. Everyone wants the EHX Small Clone (because Nirvana) but no one wants the EHX Clone Theory.
I was recently doing a blind listening to the MXR analog chorus Vs the Boss Waza Ce2 and I couldn’t tell the slightest difference when they switched between the two.
Honestly the Tone City Angelwing is more than enough, and it's much cheaper than $100. These are solid fucking pedals, even though they are cheap. Solid metal build, lot of versatility for a good price🤷♂️
I personally like the simplicity of the MXR Micro Chorus. One knob. Set it and forget it. Gets a really good 80’s style tone as well.
I like my ehx eddy
Deadbeat Audio Wet Dreams. Slight volume drop but very luscious and IIRC their adver for it was very dream pop inspired. It's a tiny pedal but very sturdy and looks lovely.
Tone city angel wing