TC Electronic Corona Review
Verdict and Review Summary
Simple and rhythm-friendly, the Corona is a useful chorus pedal that handles really well over slow chord progressions and swells. It's a great option for layering with a set-and-forget control scheme.
BEST FOR: Simple modulation, clean chord progressions, and rhythm.
TONE
88
CONTROL
83
VERSATILITY
83
TONE
88
- Sounds great with all knobs at 12 o'clock. Easy plug and play.
- Analog
- Good for slower moving chord progressions.
- Decent price.
- Simplified controls are fine, but it's definitely more of a vintage chorus without modern digital features (although TonePrint gives you a lot more to work with).
As I've also mentioned about the Boss CE-5, the TC Electronic Corona excels as a subtle layering tool. This is something every good chorus pedal needs to do. It sounds great over chords and slow-moving progressions, even without much tinkering. It's a fantastic out-of-the-box effect and modulation pedal solution, producing a watery-sounding layer of modulation with all the knobs set at 12 o'clock.
For this review, we've tested the Corona first-hand. This article is a record of our experience with the TC Electronic Corona specifically, but if you're looking for more recommendations, checkout Guitar Chalk's main guitar pedal roundup.
Compare to Similar Chorus Pedals
Chorus | Name | RatE | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
 | TC Electronic Corona Chorus | 89.6 | |
 | Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble | 86.6 | |
 | MXR M234 Analog Chorus | 92.4 | |
 | Boss DC-2w Dimension C | n/a |
Testing Setup
When testing the Corona, I played through it with my PRS CE 24 electric guitar and ran the signal through a simple Fender-style Garageband amp model. All the controls were tested and worked through along with the "Tri-Cho" mode switch. The only feature I didn't test out was TonePrint, which is TC Electronic's digital modeling application that works with most of their pedals. Here's an audio demo I did that showcases each setting:
Tone of the TC Electronic Corona
The tone profile of the Corona is more warm than bright, almost like the clean tone from a Fender tube amp. And while it's not intrusively thick, it does a good job of mixing in with your clean tone and creating a smooth, shimmering layer.
The TC Electronic Corona chorus pedal on my dining room table.
The Tri-Cho mode is considerably thicker and sounds like several more layers of modulation that's a little more off-pitch. Depth and Speed control are par for most modulation pedals, along with an FX Level and the tone knob I mentioned. I found myself leaving the tone knob near 12 o'clock in most cases, since it didn't seem to have a tremendously significant impact on the sound.
That knob can balance out some of the pedal's natural warmth, if you want a little more treble or "bite" in the wet signal. Overall, the tone quality of the Corona is solid, if not as broad (versatile) as pedals like the Earthquaker Sea Machine.
Best Fit and Context
The Corona is one of the best overall chorus pedals we've tested, primarily because it manages to be highly useful and sounds great in a wide range of situations, despite also being incredibly simple. It's most suited for rhythm players who play a lot of clean chord progressions. Perhaps even acoustic pedalboards could benefit from the Corona's services.
How do I power the Corona?
The TC Electronic Corona chorus pedal can be powered by a single 9V DC power adapter, either standalone, from a power supply, or a single 9V battery. We used a Voodoo Lab ISO-5 for the review.
Does it include a power supply?
The Corona does not ship with a power supply, unless otherwise noted by the seller and/or manufacturer.
Is the Corona true bypass?
Yes, the TC Electronic Corona is wired for a true bypass connection.
The Corona uses a true bypass connection that preserves you natural tone and signal when the pedal is off.
Is the Corona a good fit for bass guitar rigs?
Since the tone profile of the Corona is so good for rhythm players, I would also recommend it as a great chorus pedal for bass players. Lower notes and bass lines can sound really nice with subtle modulation, which the Corona delivers almost perfectly. In fact, bassist Jermaine Morgan uses one on his pedalboard:
Bassist Jermaine Morgan uses the Corona chorus pedal. Image via TC Electronic
What are some good alternatives to the Corona?
Though the Corona isn't tremendously expensive, there are some cheaper alternatives that can do a similar job. In particular, there's a "mini" version of the Corona that knocks about $20 off the price of admission.
Is the TC Electronic Corona compatible with an expression pedal?
No. The Corona does not have an expression pedal jack.
Large Pictures of the TC Electronic Corona
Here are a few pictures we took of the TC Electronic Corona during our testing and review process. Feel free to use these images, but please credit Guitar Chalk and link back to our home page (https://www.guitarchalk.com).
Review Conclusion
While I've used more versatile chorus pedals, I've scored the Corona in the mid-80s for that category because it doesn't make you feel like you need to tweak settings. Straight out of the box, it has a great sound, even if the control scheme has its limitations. If you're looking for a simple and effective chorus pedal solution, the Corona is one of my top recommendations.
Your Questions and Comments
If you have questions about the Corona chorus, my review process, or perhaps something else, feel free to leave it in the comments section below and I'll do my best to assist.
More Chorus Pedal Pages
Written by Bobby on Pedals and Roundups
Written by GC Editorial on Pedals and Comparisons
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Our disclosure↬
I experience a volume loss when I switch on my Boss CH-3. Does the FX level control change the volume?
The CH-3? This one? https://reverb.com/p/boss-ce-3-chorus-ensemble-1980s-blue
I don’t see an FX Level control on it.
I’ve never heard of it bumping up volume though.