Universal Audio
Universal Audio Brigade Chorus and Vibrato Pedal
Best choice for guitarists seeking authentic vintage analog modulation tones.
Experience vintage analog modulation with the Universal Audio Brigade Chorus & Vibrato pedal. This compact stompbox perfectly emulates the iconic 1976 Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, delivering warm, thick chorus and authentic vibrato effects. It also captures the coveted analog preamp of the CE-1, adding desirable volume and punch to your overall tone. Whether you seek subtle detuning or lush, seasick modulation, the Brigade pedal offers classic sound shaping. Built for reliable performance, it features true/buffered bypass and preamp on/off switches, bringing legendary analog magic to your pedalboard.
$199.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
26
/ 204
#26 in Effects Processors
Price vs Category Average
-56%
Below average
Form Factor
Stompbox Pedal
/ Stompbox Pedal
Who it's for
- Touring musicians requiring durable gear for crowded pedalboards
- Vintage tone seekers wanting authentic CE-1 preamp character
- Guitarists needing versatile chorus and vibrato in one unit
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious players looking for affordable modulation options
- Ambient soundscapers requiring wide stereo imaging capabilities
- Tweak-heavy sound designers wanting deep parameter editing
Performance breakdown
Vintage Tone Accuracy
Captures the iconic 1976 CE-1 character with startling sonic precision.
Preamp Character
Adds the signature analog grit and punch of the original unit.
Modulation Versatility
Ranges from subtle, shimmering detune to deep, seasick bucket-brigade swirls.
Build Durability
Rugged construction designed to survive years of heavy touring abuse.
Pedalboard Integration
Compact footprint saves valuable space compared to the bulky original unit.
Bypass Flexibility
Switchable true or buffered bypass accommodates any complex signal chain.
Key Specs
Form Factor
Stompbox Pedal
Effect Types
Chorus, Vibrato
Bypass Mode
True/Buffered Bypass
Signal Path Type
Digital
Processing Type
Analog
Model Number
GPS-BRGD
Part Number
GPS-BRGD
Build Material
Built for years of hassle-free performance
Features
- Authentic 1976 Boss CE-1 Chorus emulation
- Thick bucket-brigade chorus and vibrato
- Iconic CE-1 preamp emulation included
- Adds volume and punch to tone
- True or buffered bypass switching
- Compact and durable stompbox design
- Versatile modulation for subtle to lush effects
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Universal Audio Brigade Chorus and Vibrato Pedal for its exceptional sonic authenticity, establishing it as a benchmark for CE-1 emulation. The chorus effect is consistently described as lush, deep, and possessing the signature swirl of the classic sound. The Vibrato mode also receives high marks for its musicality. A key strength noted by many users is the preamp section modeling; even when bypassed, the subtle coloration enhances the overall tone, making it an always on component for some. Despite a premium price and size, the unparalleled sound quality and robust build justify the investment. Reviewers consider the Brigade an essential tool for achieving iconic modulation tones, leading to extremely high satisfaction.
Know before you buy
Yes, it includes a faithful emulation of the original CE-1 analog preamp. This adds a distinct warmth, volume boost, and punch to your signal, even when the modulation effect is set to a subtle level.
Yes, the pedal allows you to toggle between true and buffered bypass modes. This gives you the flexibility to maintain signal integrity in longer cable runs or keep your signal path completely transparent when the effect is disengaged.
While the Brigade pedal is designed to emulate the classic bucket-brigade analog sound, it utilizes digital processing to achieve its effects. This allows it to capture the complex character of the original unit in a much more compact and reliable form factor.
The chorus mode creates a lush, thick modulation by mixing your dry signal with a pitch-shifted version, while the vibrato mode modulates the pitch of your signal alone. The vibrato setting is ideal for achieving those classic, seasick, or warbling vintage textures.
The Brigade is designed as a compact, pedalboard-friendly stompbox. It is significantly smaller and more portable than the original 1976 hardware it emulates, making it much easier to integrate into modern pedalboard setups.
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Ready to buy?
$199