The Beetronics Seabee Harmochorus is a creative (and intensely deep!) take on the chorus effect designed and assembled in LA by those mad geniuses at Bettronics FX.
The Seabee is presented as a multi-chorus delivering analog bucket brigade chorus tones that goes a few steps farther than your regular modulation pedal, including a pitch-shifting based modulation that the manufacturer defines as “never-before-heard.”
The pedal has 3 “regular chorus” modes and 3 Harmonichorus modes, largely based on the function of the momentary Ramp/Rate footswitch, which can be assigned to 3 Ramp shapes (always up, up and down, up then drop).
CHORUS MODES
The chorus modes deliver what’s expected from a chorus pedal (classic lush modulation) but each mode lets you control the effect in different ways through the momentary Ramp/Rate footswitch.
- Roto: simulates the function (but not the sound) of a Rotary speaker with its classic two “rampable” speeds.
- Depth: lets you ramp the depth of the modulation from zero to a setting of choice
- Sting: lets you ramp the delay time of the chorus for some rather unique effects and textures
HARMONICHORUS MODES
This is the less traditional and more unique mode of this effect, consisting in digitally controlling the delay time of the chorus, which causes its pitch to bounce up and down in a very controllable way. The builder describes this effect this way:
…when clean, it sounds like angel bees are accompanying you, and when paired with some buzz, it sounds like a swarm of killer bees producing the most dangerous pitch shifting modulation are after you!
Also…
In these modes, you can choose between two different pitches and speeds, a combination of twelve chords and twelve different arpeggio patterns, or simply choose between thousands of random patterns.
These are the 3 Harmonichorus modes:
- Dual: Lets you ramp up and down between two chorus speeds
- Arp: It creates Arpeggiator-like modulation movements and lets you pick the pattern and chord
- Mad: It generates thousands of random pitch patterns and lets you select the chord they follow
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As if that wasn’t enough, the Harmonichorus also offers 16 Onboard presets, Tap Tempo, MIDI integration, Expression In and also a selectable input level supporting guitar, bass, active pickups, synthesizers and pretty much any instrument with a jack output.
Check out the videos of it!
Beetronics Seabee Harmochorus, Builder’s Notes
The Seabee is a multi-chorus pedal that delivers the finest analog bucket brigade chorus tones, but like any Beetronics, it goes a few steps further. By digitally controlling the chorus delay time, the Bees have created Harmochorus – a never-before-heard pitch shifting modulation that can certainly inspire new genres.
Three Chorus modes provide the classic, lush chorus and vibee sounds we all love, with each mode offering the ability to control the effect in different ways. Vary between two different speeds and/or depths, go from zero to full depth intensity, or even increase the chorus delay time for a whole new spectrum of sounds.
Three Harmochorus modes give you a unique and inspiring new approach to the effect. The easiest way to explain it’s that, when clean, it sounds like angel bees are accompanying you, and when paired with some buzz, it sounds like a swarm of killer bees producing the most dangerous pitch shifting modulation are after you! You can choose between two different pitches and speeds, a combination of twelve chords and twelve different arpeggio patterns, or simply choose between thousands of random patterns.
No matter which mode you choose, the Seabee will navigate you to inspiring and creative places.
Its simple layout with only three knobs hides a multitude of possibilities with alternate controls, three ramp shapes, tap tempo, a 4-way tone filter, feedback control, and a rate that ranges from very slow to ultra-fast waves, even reaching ring modulator ranges.
Did we mention there are two stereo output options, 16 onboard presets, full MIDI control, expression in, external tap and 4 input level options so you can process guitar, bass, all kinds of active pickups or synthesizers and still keep the bucket brigade in its sweetest spot?
We know it’s hard to believe that an analog chorus can be so complete, versatile, unique and intense – all at the same time. But get ready, because Tone Fishing is about to beecome a thing.
Some of the Seabee Harmochorus highlights include:• Analog sound path with the finest bucket brigade chorus tones.
• 3 Chorus modes / 3 Harmochorus modes
• Never before heard pitch shifting chorus with arpeggios and random patterns.
• Truly expressive ramping gives you musical control.
• 16 Onboard presets,Tap Tempo, MIDI, Expression and more.
• Selectable input level (supports guitar, bass, active pickups, synthesizers and more)
• Hand-assembled in Los Angeles, CA.
SPECS
Pedal Size – 5.5″ x 4″ x 2.75″ (including knobs, switches and etc)
Enclosure Dimensions – 5.5“ x 2″ x 3.5”
Pedal Weight – 1.25 lbs / 0.5 kg
Package Weight – 0.2 lbs / 0.1 kg
Package Size – 6″ x 3″ x 5.5″
Current Draw – 250mARequires 9VDC power supply (Center Negative)
*Does not include power supply
