Vs Audio Alchemy MKII - Chorus

A Modern Analog Chorus Designed as a Pedalboard "Classic"

The VS Audio Alchemy MKII follows the great tradition of analog bucket-brigade choruses that defined the 80s: a slightly delayed copy of the signal, modulated by an LFO, to achieve that broad and musical movement unmistakable from digital chorus. Here, the sonic heart relies on a BBD 3207 delay chip, renowned for its warm grain and ability to range from silky chorus to intentionally unstable detuning textures.
The philosophy is particularly interesting: analog audio, intelligent control. The settings are managed by a microprocessor (for recall and editing), but your guitar signal remains analog and is not digitally converted. The result: the organic character of a BBD with a very modern "preset-ready" approach.

Who Is the Alchemy MKII For?

This pedal targets guitarists (or bassists) who want a high-end stereo chorus capable of covering both wide, bright cleans and more pronounced modulations for indie, synthwave, funk, pop, 80s rock, post-rock, or ambient. In the studio, it adds real depth without crushing the attack; live, its presets and tap tempo allow you to switch between multiple atmospheres without reorganizing your entire pedalboard.
If you like to let your chords breathe (open chords, arpeggios, subtle "always-on" chorus) as much as creating more characterful passages (rotary-ish, vibrato/warble, detune), the Alchemy MKII offers a reserve of textures that make the difference.

Controls, Modes, and Preset Logic

The Alchemy MKII offers a straightforward interface designed to stay musical: four potentiometers and two footswitches. The 4 controls cover the essentials of an analog chorus, with a real shaping tool added: the Delay control.
Mix adjusts the ratio between dry and modulated signals: perfect for dialing from a subtle stereo widening to a very present effect. Speed sets the sweep speed (rate), while Depth determines the modulation depth (intensity). The Delay control defines the central delay time around which the LFO modulates: this is the key to switch from a tight "hi-fi" chorus to more hollow, "phasey" colors, or even detuning sensations.
On stage, the pedal offers a Live mode (knobs act immediately) and a Preset mode (recalled settings remain stable). The 6 presets can be recalled by foot, and you can edit and save your sounds to have a ready-to-play palette from one song to the next. The tap tempo allows you to align the LFO pulse with your track, handy for eighth-note rhythms, Police-style parts, or ambient pads locked to the drums.
Finally, the true bypass ensures a direct signal path when the effect is off, preserving your dynamics and amp behavior.

The Sound

The Alchemy MKII's signature is its ultra-warm and smooth modulation typical of BBD: a rich, lively movement, never "flat." At light settings, it acts as a very musical stereo widener, ideal for thickening a clean tone without making it muddy. By increasing Depth and adjusting Delay, you get bolder textures: deep chorus, near-vibrato, and that famous "seasick" detune giving a hypnotic character (great for accents or sound design).
Thanks to its working range, the effect can stay discreet and "mix-friendly" or become a central element of your sound. And since the audio control remains analog, the pedal responds well to playing dynamics: attack variations, guitar volume nuances, and a natural sense of breadth, especially in stereo.

Technical specifications

Effects	Chorus / Flanger / Phaser, Chorus	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Red

BBD Chip	3207	Modulation Speed	0.5 Hz to 5.5 Hz
Audio Path	100% analog (controls microprocessor-driven)	Designed in	Greece
Bypass	true bypass (relay)	Manufactured in	Greece
Controls	Mix, Delay, Speed, Depth	Dimensions	11 x 6.5 x 4.5 cm
Modes	Live and Preset	Weight	317 g
Input	6.35mm Jack (mono)	Footswitch	soft
Outputs	6.35mm Jack (stereo)	Required Power Supply	9V DC (center negative)
Input Impedance	1M	Consumption	100 mA
Output Impedance	10k	Recommended Power Supply	9V DC 200 mA output
Noise Level	-96 dBV	Battery Operation	no
Chorus Delay Time	2.56 ms to 25.6 ms	Power Supply Included	no