WHICH: MXR Analog Chorus vs Micro Chorus Battle

Effects pedals are incredibly popular among musicians. These help them create their own unique sound in different ways. For example, chorus pedals are among the favorites because they make the sound thicker and more compelling. It is as if you are playing along with a large band even if you are going at it alone.

The main difference between the MXR Analog Chorus and the MXR Micro Chorus is the amount of control you have over the chorus effect.  The Micro Chorus is very simple to use with only one rate control while the Analog Chorus allows guitar players to control many more chorus aspects.

For soloists facing a big crowd in an arena, this kind of effect is a must. It allows them to fill the space with wonderful music without crowding the stage with many instruments. It also sounds great, especially if you find the right chorus pedal for your kind of musical preferences. You can even add it to your effects loop with other pedals and create a unique output that could become your signature sound.

MXR is one of the renowned brands when it comes to effects pedals. Unlike other music companies which have products in virtually every category, it specializes in these particular accessories. It is based in Rochester, New York and is a subsidiary of Dunlop Manufacturing. MXR began in 1972 when it was founded by Terry Sherwood and Keith Barr.

Jim Dunlop now owns the MXR trademark but continues to make the well-loved models while also coming out with new units to keep pace with current technologies and trends.

In this chorus pedal article, we compare two well-loved models from the brand: MXR Analog Chorus vs Micro Chorus. Let’s go!

MXR Analog Chorus	MXR Micro Chorus
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MXR Chorus Pedal Build

The MXR Analog Chorus, also known as the Dunlop M234, comes in an iconic light blue box. The brand is clearly seen in the middle while the model is at the bottom. The right side has an input port while the left side has two output ports labeled mono and thru. It has generous controls with five knobs that include Low, High, Level, Rate, and Depth. The pedal switch is a small metal protrusion which is a characteristic of MXR pedals. Others such as Boss pedals tend to have a wider platform to step on. Try both to see which one you prefer for your guitar tone. It is all a matter of personal taste.

On the other hand, the MXR Micro Chorus is in a pale yellow box. This one is also known as the Dunlop M148. The size and contours of the box are quite similar with the Analog Chorus. Build quality is arguably the same since they both come from the same factories and are made from similar materials. Aside from the color, you can spot the Micro quickly because of its singular knob which controls the rate control. The ports are also less with only one input and one output port. It’s a simple build but it works quite well so this model has a lot of fans. The actual pedal switch is of the same design as the Analog Chorus. MXR enthusiasts love it, though, so it is hard to complain with something that works.

Wet/Dry Guitar Effect Outputs

As previously stated, the MXR Analog Chorus pedal has two outputs. This makes it possible for users to enjoy stereo mode. The top is labeled Mono. Use this if you want to hear the sound colored by the effects pedal. This is the wet audio that you can tweak using the knobs. The other port simply lets the original signal pass through so that the dry sound can still be heard by the audience. It will be as if there is a soloist and a number of backup guitars adding texture to the music. The MXR Micro Chorus does not have this capability due to the singular output port. Without the stereo mode, you can only listen to the signal with the effects turn on or off. It is among the things you should consider when choosing between the two chorus pedals.

Guitar Sound Quality

The sound quality of the pedals are hard to question because MXR is known for meticulously tuning their products. You should get a good output whichever you choose but some minor differences might cause people to pick one over the other. For example, the limited Micro actually has a lot of happy users because of its nice clean sound. The simplicity is something that people like because they don’t have to think about too many things. They just step on and off the pedal. The rate is easy enough to vary. Sometimes having a single knob is actually a good thing. However, there may be odd volume bumps when using this model. Play with it first in the store before saying yes or no.

The MXR Analog is more for the old school guitarists who miss the classic sound of the 80s. Digital circuits might have their advantages such as reliability and advanced features but analog still rules when it comes to sound. This true bypass model also has the benefits of multiple controls to shape the sound exactly as how you would want it to be. The Level knob is particularly useful in preventing the effect from overpowering the signal. However, there are people who say that this particular model tends to be too noisy. The sound can also come across as blurry, though many are perfectly fine with the output. Try them yourself to hear the difference between the two.

Pedal Price

The cost of the MXR Analog Chorus was a little higher during its launch. It has since come down which makes it a lot more wallet-friendly. That is almost a third of the price slashed down to fit your budget. If you are in the market for something small but powerful, then this is a great deal. The original price is at the upper end of the range in this category along with other highly regarded brands. You will see Boss pedals within the same ballpark. However, the price level is quite manageable. There are many cheaper options but you might want to stick with the tried and tested names in the business. MXR is a specialist in effects pedals schematic. Few companies can claim to have the same longevity while focusing on this niche.

On the other hand, the MXR Micro Chorus pedal is slightly cheaper. If you are on a tight budget, then this is not a bad option. It is definitely more pricey than the low-cost pedals out there like these best chorus pedals under 100 but you do get what you pay for. This also features analog circuitry inside that uses bucket bridge technology, similar to its more advanced sibling. Think of it as a little brother of the other model. You won’t be able to control the sound much but the operation is stress-free and the sound is luscious. That is more than enough for most guitar players and other musicians. Take out the headaches and just play music.

MXR Analog Chorus Summary

The MXR Analog Chorus is classic unit that has its roots in the 1980s. Several notable musicians have used it at some point and this reissue continues to have a dedicated fan base. It allows users to play around with the low frequencies as well as the high frequencies with the top knobs. The level, rate, and depth knobs give so much power over the resulting sound. If these are things that you simply must have, then this model and others with advanced controls are the most suitable for you. Many experienced musicians will taking nothing less as they are very particular with their output. Not everyone likes the pedal, however, since some experience a lot of noise when playing.

MXR M148 Micro Chorus Summary

It looks and feels just like the MXR M234 Analog in terms of the chassis but with a different color for ease of differentiation. Yellow is quite easy to see in a dark and crowded stage so that’s a nice advantage. If you are the type who wants to keep your setup minimal, then this is a good effects pedal to have. The sound is great right out of the box so you don’t have to tweak it that much. That’s fortunate since you really can’t make many modifications with only the rate knob present. This changes the volume of the signal. Users report wild swings that make the unit difficult to rely on. Get rich textures when stepping on the pedal and bypass when de-pressed. It’s a nice tool for frequent travelers with simple needs.

Final Words

MXR is a reliable brand so you should not have major problems whether you go one way or the other. Both are good pedals. They will make your music sound infinitely better with the chorus effect. It will be as if several similar instruments are playing with you in synchrony. Choose the Analog Chorus is you want to have the final say in every aspect of the sound as you will be given control options for five different settings. You also get the classic 80s analog circuit that produces warm and rich signals. Of course, you can also choose the Micro Chorus (pair with a micro flanger for even more fun!) if you would rather get great results out of the box and never have to worry. You will also save a bit of money on the price.  Also look at things like the Neo Clone, Boss CE 2 stereo chorus,  TC Electronc Corona Chorus for comparison.