Chorus on vocals: recommendations and experiences?

[Phenol]

As the topic says, I'm interested in learning about your experiences with chorus on vocals. Do you use standalone pedals or rack/multi effectcs, where do you put it in the effects chain etc.?

I've been using the inbuilt effect in my Yamaha mixer so far as the last effect in the chain after reverb and delay and then using the preamp of my 4 track tape recorder to overdrive the signal, but I'm thinking about getting a standalone chorus for live use. I have my eyes a Boss CE-5 as it's supposed to do "extreme" settings quite well and seems like it has enough possibilities for sculpting the sound and is not super expensive either. But are there better alternatives, and just overall, what are your own experiences in recording as well as live situations?

[Vrenndel]

The Yamaha mixer chorus fxs but will never be as precise as a chorus pedal, in my opinion.
The Boss CE-5 looks indeed interesting. The only experience I had with a chorus pedal for vocals was a Digitech, put before reverb and delay to "alienate" the vocals. The fx is lighter than a flanger, hence might be more interesting depending on what you're wishing to achieve with it. Personally, I really liked the "gurgling" effect I got from it, both on recording and in a live set up. Never used on a synth yet though.

[Phenol]

Thanks for the feedback. Putting chorus first in the chain has really worked for me. One thing where the mixer-effect works great is the eq and the possibility to adjust input and output levels - that might be something a pedal doesn't do. I think I'll give the boss pedal a go though and see how it works.

I agree that chorus can be more interesting than flanger, but a lot also has to do with the actual vocals and how they affect the effect pedal.

[Vrenndel]

I agree that chorus can be more interesting than flanger, but a lot also has to do with the actual vocals and how they affect the effect pedal.

I agree. Compared to flanger, one will have to rely on your own vocal approach, even though it might also depend on the correct mix/balance of the fx in the pedal chain. Most EHX pedals offer this option, which is great.