Reviews

MXR Bass Chorus Deluxe: Pedal Review (2026)

Lush Modulation, Low-End Clarity, and Stereo Depth in One Compact Pedal

For many bass players like myself, chorus isn’t just an effect — it’s a necessity! From shimmering ’80s fretless tones to subtle modern width in ambient and worship settings, chorus has long been a way to add motion without sacrificing groove and sound consisteny. The MXR Bass Chorus Deluxe was built specifically to solve a common problem: traditional chorus pedals often thin out the low end. MXR addressed that head-on by designing a bass-focused analog modulation pedal that preserves fundamental frequencies while adding dimension, shimmer, and even flanger textures.

While some modulation pedals feel like guitar units repurposed for bass, the Bass Chorus Deluxe feels purpose-built. It delivers everything from subtle widening to dramatic swirl — all while keeping the bottom end intact. Whether you’re after classic fretless warmth, synth-like movement, or stereo depth for modern rigs, it offers a wide palette in a rugged, pedalboard-friendly format.

TL;DR

The MXR Bass Chorus Deluxe is an analog chorus/flanger pedal designed specifically for bass. It delivers lush, musical modulation without sacrificing low-end punch thanks to its crossover function. It can function as a subtle thickener, a stereo width enhancer, or a dramatic flanger. Players looking for transparent modulation with strong fundamental retention will love it; those wanting hyper-digital shimmer or extreme detune textures may want something more modern and hi-fi.

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Build & Controls

The control layout is intuitive and stage-friendly:

Rate – Speed of modulation
Width – Depth/spread of the modulation sweep
Intensity – Overall effect blend/impact
Bass – Adjusts low-frequency content in the effected signal
Treble – Shapes the high-frequency response

Two additional switches expand functionality:

Flanger – Engages a more metallic, jet-like sweep
X-Over – Limits modulation below ~100 Hz to preserve low-end clarity

The enclosure follows MXR’s standard compact housing — durable, road-ready, and pedalboard efficient.

Performance

Subtle Thickening

With conservative Width and Intensity settings, the pedal acts almost like a dimensional enhancer. Notes feel wider and more present without obvious “swirl.” This works especially well in trio settings where bass must occupy more sonic space.

Passive basses benefit from the organic analog warmth, while active basses retain clarity thanks to the onboard Bass and Treble shaping.

Classic Chorus Character

Increasing Width and Intensity produces the lush, liquid chorus tones associated with fretless bass and ’80s pop/rock. The modulation is smooth and musical — not sterile or overly bright. Unlike many guitar chorus pedals, your low B (if you play five-string) remains tight rather than warbly.

The X-Over function is key here. By reducing modulation on the deepest frequencies, your fundamental stays anchored while upper harmonics shimmer above it.

Flanger

Engaging Flanger introduces a more pronounced, swooping character. It’s tighter and more controlled than many standalone flangers, making it usable for bass riffs without overwhelming the mix. With careful Rate settings, it can add movement without sounding gimmicky.

Stereo Potential

Using the stereo output (via TRS configuration) opens up a surprisingly immersive field. In studio or dual-amp rigs, the modulation spreads beautifully across left and right channels, adding dimension without mud.

EQ Functionality

The Bass control adjusts how much low-frequency content is present in the modulated signal. This is crucial — it prevents the chorus from hollowing out your tone.

The Treble knob allows you to tame brightness or restore clarity depending on your amp and string type. Roundwounds can shimmer; flatwounds can stay warm and controlled.

Together, these controls make the pedal far more adaptable than traditional two-knob chorus units.

The Bass Chorus Deluxe excels as:

A subtle always-on widening tool
A fretless enhancement pedal
An ’80s-style lush chorus machine
A stereo modulation device for ambient rigs
A controlled flanger for riff-based passages

It won’t replace high-end digital modulation units for ultra-modern shimmer or pitch-detune textures. Instead, it shines in analog warmth and musical movement.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Designed specifically for bass frequencies
Analog warmth and smooth modulation
X-Over preserves low-end punch
Chorus and flanger in one unit
Stereo output capability
Road-ready build quality

Cons

Not as extreme or hi-fi as modern digital chorus pedals
Flanger mode may be too subtle for players wanting dramatic jet sweeps
Requires careful dialing for very deep, slow ambient textures

Q&A

Q: Does it thin out the low end like guitar chorus pedals?
A: No — the X-Over switch specifically protects low frequencies from heavy modulation.

Q: Can it handle five-string basses?
A: Yes. The crossover function keeps low B notes defined and tight.

Q: Is it subtle or dramatic?
A: Both. It ranges from gentle widening to pronounced swirl, depending on settings.

Q: Does it work with active basses?
A: Absolutely. The EQ controls help tailor brightness and depth to higher-output instruments.

Q: Is it good for recording?
A: Yes. Especially in stereo — it adds width and movement without cluttering the mix.

Conclusion

The MXR Bass Chorus Deluxe isn’t about flashy, exaggerated modulation — it’s about musical movement that respects the role of the bass. Its analog circuitry delivers warmth and depth, while the crossover and EQ controls ensure your foundation remains solid.

If you’re chasing vintage fretless shimmer, subtle spatial widening, or tasteful flanger motion without sacrificing low-end authority, this pedal delivers in a focused and practical way. It may not be the most experimental chorus on the market, but for bass players who value tone integrity and analog character, it’s a standout choice.