For this review we tested, photographed, and recorded the TC Electronic Corona pedal. All of it is a first-hand account of the product. To support our site, you can shop via the orange Sweetwater button below at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
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.
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.
Comparisons
In this section we've linked to the Corona and several other chorus pedals. If you'd like to support our site, please consider shopping via these buttons on Sweetwater, at no extra cost to you.
Chorus | Details | Rating | 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:
Our Ratings
For the pedals we test and review, we use the following ratings table with weighted categories to come up with a grade. While this grade is somewhat subjective, the intent is to give you a basic idea of where the pedal's strengths and weaknesses are.
In the Corona Chorus's result, it was fairly consistent across each category, scoring high in tone quality and noise control, while dropping some in versatility.
Features | Point Value (%) | Corona Score | Point Total |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Overall Tone Grade | 25% | 88 | 22 |
2. Versatility | 20% | 83 | 16.6 |
3. EQ Comprehension | 20% | 85 | 17 |
5. Noise Control | 15% | 90 | 13.5 |
6. Additional Filtering | 10% | 80 | 8 |
7. Build Quality | 10% | 95 | 9.5 |
8. Tone Quality Bump | +4 | +3 | 3 |
TOTALS | 100% | 89.6 |
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
Manuals
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).
Other Corona Chorus Articles & Resources
TC Electronic Corona 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.
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