Gamechanger Audio Auto Series Delay and Chorus Effects Pedals Review
Dynamic Modulation Meets Creative Control
As a music producer and guitarist always on the hunt for innovative tools to expand my sonic palette, I was excited to dive into the Gamechanger Audio Auto Series Delay and Chorus effects pedals. Launched at NAMM 2024, these pedals promise to blend classic effects with groundbreaking parameter automation, drawing inspiration from modular synths. After testing both in my studio, I’m ready to share my thoughts on their design, performance, and overall value for guitarists, synth players, and experimental producers.
What Are the Auto Series Delay and Chorus Pedals?
The Auto Series by Gamechanger Audio consists of three pedals—Delay, Chorus, and Reverb—designed to fuse traditional pedal functionality with dynamic automation. For this review, I focused on the Auto Delay and Auto Chorus pedals. Each pedal features a dual-engine signal analysis system that tracks dynamics and pitch, allowing your playing to modulate effect parameters in real time. They offer stereo signal paths, three distinct algorithms per pedal, and a patchbay for advanced control-voltage (CV) automation. Priced at around £250 each, these pedals are aimed at musicians who want to push the boundaries of sound design while retaining the familiarity of classic effects.
Design and Build
Both the Auto Delay and Auto Chorus share a sleek, utilitarian design with a recessed central patchbay and control knobs on either side. The enclosure is sturdy, with a mix of 24-bit/44.1kHz conversion and 32-bit internal processing, ensuring high-quality audio. On the rear, you’ll find two power options (standard 9V DC center-negative or USB-C), stereo I/O via quarter-inch jacks, and a three-way input level switch (Instrument, Line, Eurorack) to accommodate various sources. The patchbay, which comes with six patch cables and a signal splitter, allows you to route CV signals for parameter automation, making these pedals feel like a hybrid between a guitar effect and a modular synth module.
The control layout includes a Level knob (configurable as Input, Wet, or Mix), three effect-specific knobs, and four smaller attenuator knobs to dial in automation depth and direction. For the Delay, the main knobs are Time (40ms to 2 seconds), Repeat, and Tone, while the Chorus offers Rate (0 to 819.16 Hz), Depth, and Feedback. A Modulation Shape switch (Saw, Sine, Ramp) adds further customization, and a Track Tempo feature lets you set the rate by strumming. My only gripe is the lack of a rubberized base, as the pedals can slip on smooth surfaces during live use.
Sound Quality and Performance
Auto Delay
The Auto Delay offers three algorithms: Tape, Digital, and Analog, each delivering distinct textures. The Tape mode captures the warm, slightly degraded repeats of vintage tape delays, while the Digital mode provides pristine, clear echoes, and the Analog mode emulates the darker, bucket-brigade style of classic delays. I tested it with my Fender Stratocaster, and the Tape mode instantly added a retro vibe to my clean arpeggios, with subtle pitch modulation that mimicked the “wow and flutter” of aging tape machines.
The automation features are where the Auto Delay shines. By engaging the Auto footswitch, I set the Dynamics engine to increase the Repeat parameter with harder picking, creating a swelling echo effect that responded to my playing intensity. The Pitch engine allowed me to modulate the Tone knob based on note choices, adding a subtle shimmer to higher notes. With a delay time range of 40ms to 2 seconds, I could go from tight slapback echoes to expansive, phrase-looping repeats, making it versatile for both rhythmic and ambient applications.
Auto Chorus
The Auto Chorus also offers three algorithms: Chorus, Ensemble, and Flanger. The Chorus mode delivers a classic, shimmering effect, while Ensemble creates a lusher, multi-voice texture, and Flanger shortens the delay time for a jet-engine sweep. I started with the Chorus mode on my Telecaster, and the warm, analog-like modulation added a dreamy quality to my clean chords, reminiscent of 80s new wave tones. The Rate knob’s wide range (0 to 819.16 Hz) let me dial in everything from subtle warble to extreme ring-modulation effects, while the Feedback control added a metallic resonance at higher settings.
The automation capabilities elevated the experience further. I used the Dynamics engine to increase the Depth parameter with louder strums, creating a dynamic, pulsating effect that felt alive. The Pitch engine modulated the Rate based on my fretboard position, adding a unique vibrato to higher notes. The Ensemble mode was particularly lush, giving the impression of multiple guitars playing in unison, while the Flanger mode delivered a classic sweeping effect that worked well for psychedelic rock riffs.
Practical Applications
Both pedals are incredibly versatile, catering to guitarists, synth players, and experimental producers alike. The Auto Delay is perfect for creating everything from vintage slapback for rockabilly to ambient soundscapes for post-rock, with the automation adding a layer of expressiveness that’s hard to achieve with traditional delays. I used it in a live loop setup, where the Track Tempo feature synced the delay time to my strumming, making it easy to build rhythmic layers on the fly.
The Auto Chorus excels at adding depth and movement to clean tones, making it ideal for genres like shoegaze, new wave, and psych rock. Its Flanger mode also makes it a great choice for players who want to experiment with more extreme modulation effects. I paired it with a synth, using the Eurorack input level to process pad sounds, and the stereo output created a wide, immersive soundstage when routed to two amps.
The patchbay opens up modular-style experimentation. For instance, I routed a clean signal into the Track In input to control the Chorus’s Rate while playing a distorted guitar through the main input, creating a unique, dual-signal effect. The MIDI/CLK input also allows tempo syncing with external gear, making these pedals a great fit for complex live setups.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Dynamic Automation: The Dynamics and Pitch engines add a new level of expressiveness, making effects respond to your playing in real time.
High-Quality Algorithms: Both pedals deliver rich, warm tones across their respective algorithms, from vintage Tape delays to lush Ensemble chorusing.
Versatile Connectivity: Stereo I/O, multiple input levels, and a patchbay make them adaptable for guitars, synths, and Eurorack systems.
Creative Flexibility: The wide parameter ranges and Modulation Shape options allow for everything from subtle effects to wild experimentation.
Track Tempo Feature: A clever way to sync effects to your playing, perfect for live performance.
Cons
Learning Curve: The automation and patchbay features may feel overwhelming for beginners or players who prefer simplicity.
No Slip-Resistant Base: The pedals can slide on smooth surfaces, which could be an issue in live settings.
Power Supply Not Included: You’ll need a 9V DC center-negative supply (250mA) or USB-C power, which isn’t included in the box.
Who Are These Pedals For?
The Auto Series Delay and Chorus pedals are ideal for adventurous musicians who want to blend classic effects with modular-style control. Guitarists in genres like psych rock, ambient, and shoegaze will love the expressive modulation, while synth players and electronic producers can integrate them into Eurorack or live setups. However, if you’re looking for a simple, plug-and-play effect, the automation features might feel like overkill—traditional pedals like the Boss DD-8 or TC Electronic Corona Chorus might be a better fit.
Conclusion
The Gamechanger Audio Auto Series Delay and Chorus pedals are a bold step forward in effects design, combining the warmth of classic delay and chorus tones with innovative automation that responds to your playing. Their high-quality algorithms, stereo signal paths, and modular-inspired patchbays make them a playground for creative sound design, whether you’re a guitarist, synth enthusiast, or experimental producer. While they require some time to master, the sonic possibilities they unlock are well worth the effort. If you’re ready to take your effects to the next level, the Auto Series pedals are a fantastic investment that will inspire endless experimentation. £298 each