The DigiTech CF-7 Chorus Factory takes the multi-voice modeling idea of the X-Series line and applies it to modulation, packing seven classic
and modern chorus voices into a single heavy duty enclosure. Instead of lining up a row of individual chorus pedals, the CF-7 lets you move
from subtle studio shimmer to wide stereo wash and even borderline flanger territory just by twisting the model selector.
Introduced in the mid 2000s alongside the Distortion Factory and Expression Factory, the CF-7 sits where DOD history meets DigiTech digital
modeling. It uses DigiTech AudioDNA2 processing to emulate not only the character of the original pedals, but also the extra control and
headroom players expect from a modern stereo chorus, all while living in the familiar X-Series footprint with a gray and black carbon fiber
style top plate and cast metal chassis.
Controls: Level/Cntrl 1 (dual concentric), Speed/Cntrl 2 (dual concentric), Depth/Cntrl 3 (dual concentric), 7-position Chorus
Model selector, and footswitch with status LED. Cntrl 1, 2, and 3 change function depending on which model is selected, covering EQ,
pre-delay, stereo width, filter points, and chorus/flanger mode options.
7-position Chorus Model selector:
1) DigiTech Multi Chorus style multi-voice chorus, with extra control of tone, pre-delay, and number of voices.
2) Voodoo Lab Analog Chorus style sound, based on a Boss CE-1 type circuit with extra stereo width and EQ available.
3) TC Electronic Stereo Chorus/Flanger style model, with an option to move between pitch modulation, chorus, and flanger behavior.
4) Fulltone Choralflange style model, including a mix control, chorus/flange mode switch, and narrow/wide frequency emphasis.
5) Boss CH-1 Super Chorus style model, adding extended EQ and pre-delay shaping compared to the original pedal.
6) Electro-Harmonix Small Clone style model, with control over EQ, pre-delay, and stereo width for everything from Cobain style grunge cleans to hi-fi chorus pads.
7) Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble style model, with high and low filter style controls for dialing in the exact frequency range the chorus lives in.
Press the Play Button below to hear the original DigiTech EX7 Expression Factory Sound Demo (2009)
List price: $99.95 (May 2006)
Technical info:
Power: 9V DC (standard center-negative pedal supply) or 9V alkaline battery. Current draw is typical for an X-Series digital pedal
and battery life is limited with continuous use, especially in stereo.
Specifications: Digital chorus modeling pedal with seven selectable chorus models, three dual-concentric control pairs (Level/Cntrl
1, Speed/Cntrl 2, Depth/Cntrl 3), 7-position Chorus Model rotary switch, Flexible Output Mode for Amp or Mixer operation, built-in CIT cabinet
modeling for direct rigs, stereo operation via dual outputs, buffered bypass, X-Series cast metal chassis with rubber base.
Enclosure and finish: Standard X-Series treadle enclosure with unique gray and black carbon fiber style graphic and black side walls.
Labeling reflects the Chorus Factory control set rather than the more typical single-function chorus layout.
Component variations: No widely documented circuit revisions. As with other X-Series pedals, minor cosmetic print differences may
exist between production runs, but the core feature set and control layout remain consistent.
Notable IC chip: AudioDNA2 DSP is used for the chorus modeling; specific supporting analog chips and op amps need confirmation.
Component-side circuitboard image: (Coming. Need to take the back off mine and snap a pic)
Many collectors enjoy keeping all three together as a complete set.
How players actually use it:
One box chorus collection: The CF-7 is often treated as a grab-and-go chorus rig. Players will pick a few favorite models (for
example, the Multi Chorus for hi-fi sounds, the CH-1 style for bright cleans, and the Small Clone style for grunge) and treat each Chorus
Model position almost like its own pedal.
Stereo rigs and wet/dry setups: With two outputs and Flexible Output Mode, the CF-7 really shines in stereo. A lot of users run it
at the end of their chain into two amps, or use the Mixer mode straight to an interface or PA for wide, moving stereo images.
Always-on sweetener: At low Depth and slower Speed settings, the CF-7 can live as an always-on enhancer, adding a subtle three
dimensional quality to otherwise dry clean tones. This is especially common with the TC, Fulltone, and CE-5 style models.
Stacked after dirt: Because the pedal has so much control over EQ and pre-delay, it is frequently placed after overdrives and
distortions, turning basic crunch tones into wide 80s style chorus sounds or hazy alt rock textures without getting overly muddy.
Bass, keys, and studio oddball: The EQ and filter options make it surprisingly usable on bass, synths, and electric piano, letting
engineers keep the low end intact while still getting dramatic modulation on the top end.
Suggested starting settings:
Multi Chorus stereo pad: Model knob on 1 (Multi Chorus style), Level at 1 o'clock, Depth at 2 o'clock, Speed around 10 o'clock for
a slow swirl. Use Cntrl 1 slightly above noon for a bright but not harsh top end, Cntrl 2 around noon for moderate pre-delay, and Cntrl 3
around 2 o'clock for more voices. Great at the end of a stereo board feeding two clean amps.
CH-1 style 80s clean: Model knob on 5, Level at noon, Depth at 1 o'clock, Speed at 11 o'clock. Use Cntrl 1 to add a bit of top end
shimmer, Cntrl 2 around 1 o'clock for a little extra pre-delay, and Cntrl 3 to taste for low-end fullness without getting boomy. Works well
into a bright clean combo or solid state pedal platform.
Small Clone style grunge clean: Model knob on 6, Depth around 2 to 3 o'clock, Speed at noon for that slightly seasick movement.
Keep Level near unity, roll Cntrl 1 a bit darker if your amp is bright, use Cntrl 2 just above noon, and use Cntrl 3 to widen the stereo
image if you are using both outputs.
TC / Fulltone flanger edge: On Models 3 or 4, turn Speed to 1 o'clock, Depth to 1 o'clock, and experiment with Cntrl 2 and Cntrl 3
turned higher for more pronounced movement and wider stereo spread. This can get you into chorus-flanger hybrid sounds that still sit well in
a mix without sounding like a dedicated flanger.
Collector notes:
The CF-7 was discontinued as DigiTech and DOD went through ownership and product line changes. For a long time it was easy to overlook in
the used market, sitting near the bottom of X-Series price charts. As more players discovered how many classic chorus tones are hidden in
the 7-way selector and extra controls, prices started to creep up and good examples sold faster.
Like other X-Series pedals, the cast metal enclosure and rubber base make it physically tough. Many surviving pedals show honest finish
wear on the carbon fiber style top plate and chips along the paint, but the underlying hardware tends to keep working if it has not been
abused.
Because it covers so many different brands and eras of chorus in one box, the CF-7 has become a favorite for players who do not want to
commit to just one chorus flavor. It is also a natural partner for the DF-7 and EX-7 for anyone who wants a small, self-contained DigiTech
Factory themed board.
Original boxes, manuals, and hang tags add to collector appeal. A complete X-Series Factory trio (CF-7, DF-7, and EX-7) in matching
condition with packaging is especially attractive from a display and museum standpoint.
Known quirks and tips:
Mode learning curve: Each model repurposes the Cntrl 1, 2, and 3 functions slightly differently. It is worth spending some time
with the manual and treating the pedal like a small multi-effect instead of a simple stompbox. Once you know what the extra controls do on
your favorite models, it becomes far easier to get repeatable sounds quickly.
Level differences between models: Just like the DF-7, some models on the CF-7 naturally feel louder or more forward than others.
It is a good idea to set up your loudest, most dramatic sound first and then trim Level on the other models so there are no surprises when
switching modes mid song.
Power and battery life: The CF-7 can run on a 9V battery, but the combination of digital processing, stereo outputs, and frequent
switching will drain it faster than an analog chorus. A quality isolated power supply is recommended if you plan to leave it on a board and
gig regularly.
Flexible Output Mode and CIT: Hidden startup options let you choose between Amp and Mixer output modes and enable cabinet modeling
for direct rigs. If you are running dirt pedals into the CF-7 and going straight to a mixer or interface, enabling the CIT option can make a
big difference in getting a more amp-like recorded tone.
Stereo placement: In true stereo, chorus depth and width settings can get very dramatic very quickly. If the sound feels too wide
or phasey in headphones or front-of-house, back off Depth or the stereo width related controls (Cntrl 3 on several models) and consider
panning the two outputs slightly narrower in a mix.
