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Maxon CS-550 Stereo Chorus Effect Pedal  From Maxon

Stereo Chorus

Maxon Effects Pedals

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Manufacturer's Description from Maxon

The CS-550 Stereo Chorus was originally commissioned by legendary Japanese Rock guitarist Hisato "Char" Takenaka. After 25 years of playing Char still hadn't found a chorus unit that satisfied his critical tastes, so he approached Maxon to build him one. Char had requested three specific points be addressed when designing this unit first that it should have less noise than a standard chorus; second that it should be extremely versatile; and lastly, that it had to be analog. The results of this experiment were so overwhelmingly positive that Maxon decided to market the unit, and thus the CS-550 Stereo Chorus was born.

The CS-550 offers an entire range of classic and unique new chorusing effects. Based around the Panasonic MN3207 (low voltage BBD IC, now out of production), the CS-550's Rate and Depth control can conjure every chorus texture from subtle to severe. The custom-tuned oscillator circuit can provide enough speed to authentically imitate rotary speaker cabinets and just the right amount of modulation for a lush vibrato that won't leave you feeling seasick.

The real secret behind the CS-550's amazing tone lies in the Delay Time control. The Delay Time control exhibits an inverse relation between the delay time and the frequency shift of the chorus - as the delay time increases, the frequency that is shifted decreases. This inverse relation creates "double level" and "cancellation" peaks and notches at particular frequency points to create an amazingly realistic, three-dimensional chorus effect. In addition, the Delay Time control is interactive with the Rate and Depth controls, so that if you increase the Depth, the Delay Time range increases, and if you increase the Speed, the Delay Time changes faster.

For even more versatility, the CS-550 features stereo outputs for mono, stereo, or inverted mono signal routing. A rear-mounted Mix Level control determines the level of effected signal vs. dry signal, making the CS-550 perfect for use with bass guitar as well. All the CS-550's features are kept dead quiet by a Signetics #NE571 compander in the circuit that eliminates unwanted noise.

Discontinued in 2003 due to shortages of the Panasonic BBD's that power it, the CS-550 was re-issued in 2005 in answer to overwhelming demand for the pedal. The reissue unit has an identical circuit to the original with the addition of a 4PDT switch for true bypass switching of both outputs.

Maxon Effects Pedals

About Manufacturer

Since their beginning in the late 1960s, Maxon has built their reputation on a single concept quality. Early on our engineers realized that anything could be built faster and cheaper, but to build something better was the true mark of a master. Our relentless pursuit of perfection met many obstacles over the years, but like anyone committed to a cause, Maxon kept their sights focused on the ultimate goal to build the highest quality audio products possible. Our quest led us to many firsts in the industry the first realistic tube-amp overdrive; the first compact analog delay; the first multi-effect unit; the first programmable effect the list goes on. And while many companies have "borrowed" these groundbreaking design concepts over the years, few have been able to match Maxon's ingenuity, determination and longevity on their own. Today, after nearly 25 years as an OEM supplier to some of the music industry's largest companies, Maxon is once again offering our own brand of products to the US marketplace. We've made available detailed information on Maxon's line of analog effect units including technical specs, audio demos, user comments, and design secrets that have until now remained classified. We hope you gain as much enjoyment from studying this information as we did in compiling it! Thirty years in, Maxon has their sight set on the same goal to build the finest quality audio products possible, always. Maxon still effecting generations.