Choroboros
Key Features
- Five distinct chorus engines (Green, Blue, Red, Purple, Black) each with Normal and HQ modes totaling ten unique DSP algorithms
- Red engine provides analog-style BBD chorus in Normal mode and tape emulation with wow, flutter, and saturation in HQ mode using Hermite interpolation
- Purple engine offers experimental modulation including a 2D orbital algorithm that moves the signal across a plane for non-standard spatial effects
- Per-engine memory stores independent Rate, Depth, Offset, Width, Mix, and Color settings so switching algorithms preserves your tweaks
- Tempo-syncable Rate knob with straight, triplet, dotted, and swing subdivisions plus exact value entry via double-click
- Built-in Dev Panel with live DSP telemetry, signal flow visualization, per-engine spectrum analyzers, and tape saturation transfer curves
- Open-source GPLv3 with full source code available on GitHub
Description
Choroboros by Kaizen DSP is a multi-engine chorus plugin that packs five distinct modulation engines into a single interface, each with Normal and HQ modes for a total of ten unique DSP algorithms. The Green engine uses Lagrange interpolation for clean, everyday chorusing, while the Blue engine prioritizes phase accuracy and stereo imaging.
The Red engine is the analog character specialist, running a cascaded bucket-brigade device filter in Normal mode and a tape-style algorithm with Hermite interpolation in HQ mode that adds wow, flutter, and tape saturation. Purple offers experimental territory with phase-warped modulation in Normal mode and a 2D orbital algorithm that moves the signal across a plane rather than a linear path.
Black rounds out the set with transparent linear interpolation in Normal mode and a multi-voice ensemble in HQ mode for stacking on bass and synths. Each engine stores its own Rate, Depth, Offset, Width, Mix, and Color settings independently, so switching between algorithms preserves your tweaks.
A standout feature is the built-in Dev Panel, which exposes live DSP telemetry including signal flow visualization, per-engine frequency analysis, tape saturation transfer curves, and a validation console showing real-time audio thread timing. BPB called it the kind of diagnostic tool normally found only in a developer's debug environment.
Choroboros is available as a free open-source beta (GPLv3) for macOS (VST3, AU, Standalone), Windows (VST3, Standalone), and Linux (VST3, Standalone). Beta versions will never expire and remain free permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Choroboros remain free after the beta ends?
Yes. The developer confirmed to BPB that beta versions will never expire. Anyone who downloads during the beta keeps it permanently. Version 1.0 will become a paid commercial release with new engines and features, but the beta codebase remains public under GPLv3.
What is the Dev Panel and what does it show?
The Dev Panel is a built-in diagnostic tool that exposes real-time DSP telemetry. It includes signal flow visualization, per-engine frequency analyzers with HP/LP overlays, tape saturation transfer curves for the Red engine, and a validation console showing audio thread timing and parameter readouts.
Which engine should I use for a classic Juno-style chorus?
The Red engine in Normal mode is the closest match. It runs a cascaded bucket-brigade device filter with Color-driven saturation, recreating the warm analog chorus character associated with vintage Roland synthesizers.
Does Choroboros support AAX for Pro Tools?
AAX is not yet available in the current beta. The developer is working on a signed Pro Tools edition and recommends signing up for the beta to be notified when it ships.
