The Aria ACH‑1 is a rare 1980s Japanese-made stereo analog chorus pedal that delivers lush, warm modulation in a small pedalboard‑friendly package. It uses MN3209 bucket‑brigade delay chips, generating a thick, syrupy chorus tone with excellent definition—even when paired with overdrive or distortion. Two separate outputs provide stereo modulation and operate out of phase with each other, creating a spacious and rich stereo field when fed into two amps.
Controls include Rate to set sweep speed, Depth for modulation intensity, and Intensity—essentially a wet-level control—allowing you to dial in the effect depth independently from your dry signal. Its simple on/off footswitch routing gives you full control over engaging the effect. Power is via a standard 9 V battery (not included) or a center-negative DC supply, though most users prefer external power for consistency.
Despite its plastic housing, the unit is surprisingly durable and remains fully operational in vintage listings. It’s often praised as sounding every bit as good as more coveted idols like the Roland SFC-1 or classic CE-series units, but at a fraction of the cost. Many players describe the sound as thick and rich while retaining clarity, especially useful in stereo configurations.
Please review the photos carefully to assess the signs of use and included accessories. All photos are of the actual products. No accessories are included unless photographed and/or named.
