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starr36
Platinum Member
Canada
1172 Posts |
 Posted - 02/20/2006 : 22:57:19
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I finally had chance to A/B CH-1 vs DC-3.
The CH-1 has exactly the same controls layout and same stereo hookup as the DC-3, but, of course, the CH-1 is made in Taiwan, and DC-3 is Japan. The CH-1 was introduced in the early 90's to add more funcion to the chorus pedals, the DC-3 pedal was introduced in late 80's to update the original analogue DC-2 and incorporate "dimension" keyboard effects into guitar land. The DC-3 was over $300 new.
The objective of this was to compare the two pedals to see if the CH-1 was a suitable replacement to the DC-3, but, my test was limited to a MONO setup.
The CH-1 is by far more useable as its classic chorus effect has more shimmer, and the rate and depth controls have a more useful range than the DC-3.
The CH-1 does not have the DC-3 Sweet spot. Although it approximates the DC-3 sweet spot, it simply does not have the same smooth shimmer that the DC-3 produces. You need to get over your "hearing hangover" to hear the difference.
Also, the CH-1 does NOT have the mojo of an early CE-2 or CE-3. IT DOES FUNCTION as a GREAT CHORUS PEDAL - THANKS TO THE EFFECT LEVEL AND EQ CONTROLS THAT ALLOW YOU TO DIAL IN SOME INTENSITY AND SHARPNESS. AS FAR AS UTILITY goes, my ears tell me that it has more useful sounds thand the DC-3, but, it lacks the smoothness that the DC-3 produces.
Both pedals do not have a useful "extreme" chorus sound with rate and depth cranked.
So in the final analysis, the CH-1 will likely be around for a long time as versatile chorus pedal; the DC-3 will retain its ubiquitous status as a collector digital pedal for its brilliant fattening like a chorus but not a chorus sound.
Good day all, and don't forget to imbibe just a wee bit  |
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starr36
Platinum Member
Canada
1172 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2006 : 04:00:41
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Couldn't resist breaking the case of the CH-1 and to my surprise  , its what I think a first issue CH-1 with the big discreet components and no SMT. (Z0 Serial number CAN SOMEONE DATE THAT??)
Saw a MN3007 in there, 2 little 8 leg DIP ICs, and maybe 4 SIP 8 leg ICs. All the rest are big old tech resistors, capacitors and diodes.
Anybody got a vibe on if this one is "better" than the POST 2001 SMT technology CH-1s??? |
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phostenix
Gold Member
USA
754 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2006 : 06:17:28
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The serial number decoder is here:
http://www.bossarea.com/serial/snform.asp
We've had some discussions in the past about the analog vs. digital CH-1 & CE-5. In my experience, the digital ones are very close & are quieter, but they don't lend themselves to mods.
Search for CH-1 & CE-5 for more info on this.
Grace and peace,
Steve
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starr36
Platinum Member
Canada
1172 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2006 : 06:53:30
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Thanks for the link to the date decoder... an April 2001 unit...
Will be interesting to see what others have to say about the DC-3 vs CH-1 or even the C-5 ... |
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Goran
Double Platinum Member
Sweden
2203 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2006 : 07:36:23
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For myself I like DC-3 a lot more than CH-1, they are very different in my ears, especially in stereo. CH-1 sounds boring to me while DC-3 sounds very uplifting (it�s hard finding words to describe sounds�). I have never heard CE-5 but both CE-2 and CE-3 sounds better to me than CH-1. Not to say that CH-1 is a bad chorus, it isn�t, but compared to the others it�s the least good sounding.
I have the analog version of CH-1 I suppose thet matters... |
Edited by - Goran on 02/21/2006 07:42:18 |
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ammonite
Copper Member
New Zealand
30 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2006 : 18:47:40
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Spooky that you should be discussing the difference between the CH1 & DC pedals as I was wondering about that ( I've just bought a CH1).
I've got a pink label analogue one and I think, for what it's worth :-), that it sounds great.I don't have a CE2,3,5 to A/B with it but it's Not a conventional chorus. I think it sounds best when used to 'open out' ( if you know what I mean) other pedals and your general sound.
Considering how cheap they often are I reckon the CH1 is a must-have.
Now where can I find a DC3 for next to nuthin...
Cheers!
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stahlhart
Platinum Member
1318 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2006 : 21:22:29
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How does one go about acquiring an analog one "blindly"...? Serial number? Label color?
C.K. (not thinking one would get very far asking sellers to open the case and look for an analog BBD) |
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arcanon1313
Silver Member
USA
414 Posts |
Posted - 02/21/2006 : 23:59:49
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| I was recently talking to some of the guys at various shops around town and 99% of them said that the CH-1 is still an analog chorus, I'm not sure that they are 100% correct but I do know that the one I used to own (MIT blue label) was an analog chorus. I haven't checked any gray label CH-1's, but if they are digital than I guess i'd better find a Pink or blue label CH-1. |
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bossarea
Forum Admin
United Kingdom
3652 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2006 : 00:48:28
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| To be sure, find one with a serial number earlier than P1. The design changed October 2001 so you want one made earlier than that. |
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phostenix
Gold Member
USA
754 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2006 : 02:36:36
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Both the CH-1 & the CE-5 were analog originally & then changed to digital with surface mount components. So, as the debate rages on over whether they are analog or digital choruses, the truth is they are both.  And that's why you've come here to get the facts.  (Shameless bossarea plug, sorry)
Here's a past thread that has the info you're looking for:
http://www.bossarea.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=609
Grace and peace,
Steve
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starr36
Platinum Member
Canada
1172 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2006 : 04:03:37
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Here is the "anaologue" circuit board ... .http://www3.telus.net/ymz/eBay/CH-1Analogue.jpg
This is a DARK GREY LABEL ZO Serial number for those trying to locate. CHECK THE MARVELOUS PEDAL DATER link on the BOSSAREA site to make sure if you find one. OFTEN eBAYERS will tell you serial number and lable colour if you ask...
The CH-1 and the DC-3 are designed to provide a completely different sound experience; the DC-3 really should never be called a chorus pedal, but, for simplicity, thats what it approximates to.
I also, was looking to find a "cheap" alternative to the DC-3; and, the fact that the CH-1 has the LEVEL and EQ control, it DOES lend itself very nicely to adding a sUBTLE NON-CHORUSSY thickening of the sound, it just DOES NOT have the MOJO in the DC-3 when the DC-3 is dialed in right for your guitar. No other boss chorus pedals have the level control, which, makes it very useful.
Besides, let's not forget, if you want the sound of a 1978 CE-2, you'll just have to find one  ! |
Edited by - starr36 on 02/22/2006 04:37:10 |
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phostenix
Gold Member
USA
754 Posts |
Posted - 02/22/2006 : 04:41:35
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And don't forget the red-headed stepchild CE-5 which is essentially the same pedal as the CH-1, but with both a high & low EQ. The newer digital versions of these 2 pedals have identical circuits with the exception of the added low EQ to the CE-5. It seems like the CE-5 gets treated as a completely different pedal, but it really isn't. And the added low EQ is a nice benefit sometimes.
Grace and peace,
Steve
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starr36
Platinum Member
Canada
1172 Posts |
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Topic |
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Boss CH-1 vs DC-3
