Authentically recreating one of the most celebrated analog chorus pedals of all time in a more pedalboard-friendly manner, the Warm Audio WA-C1 Mod is a chorus/vibrato pedal featuring authentic all-analog tone based around an MN3007 BBD chip. The WA-C1 Mod features a warm analog preamp circuit, which is bypassable for meticulous, modern-style gain staging.
Unlike the original Boss CE-1, the WA-C1 Mod features separate Depth and Rate controls for the chorus instead of a simple intensity control, providing a wider palette of modulation tones. You can flip between High and Low Input Sensitivity modes, and a rear panel switch allows you to select between a line-level input for keyboards and synths or a Hi-Z setting for passive instruments like electric guitars. A flashing LED on the front face lets you monitor your effect intensity and rate. Top-mounted jacks make it easier to fit the pedal onto crowded pedalboards. Like the original, the WA-C1 Mod features a single mono input and a wet/dry stereo output for lush stereo modulation.
No Emulation, Pure Analog Preamp
The WA-C1 Mod has a 100% analog preamp, matched to the renowned original, with level control that adds bite, depth, and even some natural compression to guitar tones. The WA-C1 Mod pedal preserves this preamp and also allows for quick bypassing by engaging modern mode over vintage to manage complex gain-staging in signal chains. The entire pedal circuit is supported internally with a dual DC to DC voltage converter to deliver robust power even when using an external 9V power supply.
Deep, Lush Chorus
The WA-C1 Mod delivers lush midrange depth and detail associated with proper bucket-brigade device analog chorus pedals. Leveraging a modern MN3007 BBD chip recreation with other premium components and boutique build quality, WA-C1 Mod is carefully clocked to match the depth and rate of the original pedal to reproduce the detail expected from the most sought-after vintage pieces. The circuitry also includes:
Five integrated circuits, including three Texas Instruments op-amps
11 discrete transistors
Three FETs
19 diodes
Two MOSFETs
Rich, Three-Dimensional Vibrato
When it's really time to wobble, engage the vibrato setting for added speed and bounce to your tone. Experimenting with the vibrato side yields rotary-like modulation tones perfect for funk, fusion, blues, jazz, and more. WA-C1 Mod adds a flashing LED for effect monitoring on the face showing which setting is engaged along with the rate of the modulation.
Separate Depth and Rate Controls for Chorus
The WA-C1 Mod has separate depth and rate controls, unlike the vintage intensity control. On vintage units, intensity increased only the rate as the depth was fixed. With the WA-C1 Mod, you can go beyond the limitations of vintage pedals by dialing in more subtle depth and variable rates for a larger palette of chorus tones.
Selectable Impedance for Multiple Sources
The WA-C1 Mod has selectable impedance on the back panel to select between the vintage input impedance of 50 kilohm setting and a 1.1 megohm Hi-Z setting, better suited for passive string instruments to bring out clarity. This switch works in bypass mode to maintain clarity while the pedal is not in use.
Hand Tested in Austin, TX
Like all Warm Audio gear, the WA-C1 Mod is meticulously hand tested and inspected by trained technicians in Austin, TX, USA.
