Feature update for the keyboard vintage chorus
We are thrilled to announce the release of Chorus60 Version 1.2.0, the vintage keyboard chorus plugin that brings back the iconic 80s sound in a modern format. This update marks another step in our ongoing mission to provide users with highly detailed emulations of classic audio equipment, combining the best of vintage sound with the flexibility and convenience of contemporary digital technology.
Chorus60 is an emulation of a famous vintage chorus effect found in a beloved 80s keyboard, widely recognized for its rich and lush modulation. The original keyboard, when it first hit the market, was designed with only one oscillator per voice. While this simplicity allowed for a clear and direct sound, the manufacturer decided to add a chorus effect to thicken the sound and give it more depth. This chorus became one of the defining elements of that keyboard and was responsible for its unmistakable character, which quickly made its way into many hit songs from the era. One of the most notable examples of this sound is found in the classic hit “Sweet Dreams” by the Eurythmics, which showcased the lush, stereo-wide effects that were created by the chorus unit.
As we developed Chorus60, we took great care to study the original hardware closely. We analyzed its schematic, reversed engineered the effect, and simulated it in a software environment to recreate its distinctive sound. This careful attention to detail ensured that we captured not only the sound but also the subtle characteristics that gave this chorus its unique identity. The result is a plugin that offers an authentic vintage sound with a host of additional modern features and controls that allow you to shape the effect to your needs.
A key part of Chorus60’s allure is the accurate reproduction of the original hardware’s analog characteristics. The chorus effect was built using a Bucket Brigade Device (BBD), a core technology that was commonly used in vintage chorus and delay pedals of the 1980s. BBDs produce a warm and slightly unpredictable modulation, which is part of the charm and magic of the sound. The unique behavior of the BBD, with its inherent delay circuitry, was a large part of what made the chorus so special, and we have painstakingly modeled this behavior to give you an authentic experience.
The Chorus60 plugin features several parameters that allow you to control the internal workings of the chorus. One of the most important of these is the LFO Rate, which controls the speed of the modulation. The speed of the modulation determines how quickly the pitch of the sound oscillates, with slower rates providing subtle movement and faster rates creating a more pronounced, warbling effect. You can also control the Dry/Wet balance, which adjusts the mix of the unprocessed signal and the chorused signal, letting you tailor the effect’s depth and intensity to suit your track.
We also added an additional Chorus Wideness control, which lets you adjust the stereo width of the effect. This feature is perfect for creating rich, wide stereo sounds that are characteristic of 80s music production. It is especially useful for making individual tracks sit comfortably in the mix while still retaining the spatial dimension that gives the sound its lush quality.
One of the standout features of Chorus60 is the ability to toggle the analog characteristics on and off. The plugin includes optional features like saturation and hiss, which are inherent to the analog design of the original hardware. These elements add warmth and a sense of vintage authenticity to the sound, but they can be bypassed if you prefer a cleaner, more modern-sounding effect. The ability to control these analog elements independently gives you greater flexibility in shaping your sound.
For users who want the best possible sound quality, we have included 2x oversampling. This helps to eliminate aliasing artifacts that can sometimes occur when processing audio, especially when dealing with high frequencies. The additional oversampling ensures that Chorus60 sounds pristine and transparent, even when pushed to its limits.
Chorus60 is not just for keyboards. While the original effect was designed with keyboard sounds in mind, it sounds fantastic on a variety of instruments, including vocals, guitars, and even drum loops. The lush, wide modulation works wonders on electric pianos, vintage synths, and acoustic instruments, as well as on vocals when you want to add depth and warmth. It’s a versatile tool that can fit into many different production styles, whether you’re working on retro 80s tracks or contemporary music that benefits from the extra space and movement that a chorus can provide.
When you open Chorus60, it defaults to the settings of the original hardware. This is a great starting point, as it gives you the classic sound right out of the box. From there, you can tweak the controls to suit your specific needs, whether you want to dial in subtle modulation or create more extreme, experimental effects.
This release comes with several important updates, including improved performance and compatibility. One of the major additions in this version is Apple Silicon M1 support, ensuring that Chorus60 runs seamlessly on the latest Mac computers with M1 chips. This update makes sure that users with the newest Apple hardware can take full advantage of the plugin’s capabilities without any compatibility issues.
Another important fix in this release is the correction of the GUI scaling issue on Windows with high-DPI monitors. Some users reported that the plugin’s graphical interface was too small to use comfortably on high-resolution screens, and this update resolves that problem, ensuring that the plugin scales properly for all display settings.
Additionally, Chorus60 Version 1.2.0 removes 32-bit support. As the industry moves toward 64-bit systems, this decision helps streamline the plugin and ensure it performs optimally on modern DAWs.
This update is free for all existing owners of Chorus60. To download the latest version, simply log into your user area on the HoRNet website. You can also use HoRNet DoIn, our downloader and installer, to easily update your plugin.
Whether you are a fan of the 80s sound or simply looking for a high-quality chorus effect to add to your collection, Chorus60 Version 1.2.0 offers a versatile and authentic tool for your mixing and production needs. Try it out today and take your sound to the next level with this beautiful vintage-inspired plugin.