As a guitarist, I’ve spent countless hours—and more money than I’d care to admit—on the seemingly endless quest for the perfect tone. A huge part of that journey is the pedalboard. It starts simply enough, with a tuner and an overdrive. But soon, you crave more. You need that lush, shimmering movement of a chorus to make your chords breathe, and the atmospheric wash of a delay to give your solos depth and dimension. The problem? Pedalboard real estate is a finite and precious resource. Every square inch counts. I remember laying out my board one evening, trying to solve the sonic puzzle, and realizing I had to choose: chorus or delay? Sacrificing one felt like cutting off a limb. This is the exact dilemma that leads players down the rabbit hole of multi-effects units, complex digital modelers, or simply bigger, heavier boards. The complication is that many of us still crave the simplicity and distinct character of individual analog stompboxes, but the space constraints make it a constant compromise.
- Caline's DCP series is a line of dual pedals. 2 popular combo of effects in 1 unit for a very useful space saving feature.
- The Devilfish DCP-03 combines a Pure analog chorus with the Caline Blue Ocean delay, for that classic delay and modulation combo.
- Depth, Level, Rate Controls for Chorus channel and Time, Echo, Feedback for Delay channel.
What to Consider Before Buying a Combination Chorus and Delay Pedal
A combination Chorus and Delay pedal is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for streamlining your setup without sacrificing core ambient effects. For guitarists playing in genres from classic rock and blues to modern worship and shoegaze, chorus and delay are foundational pillars of a rich, three-dimensional sound. This type of pedal solves the immediate problem of limited space, allowing you to fit two essential effects into the footprint of one. Beyond that, it offers incredible value, often costing significantly less than two separate, high-quality pedals. The main benefit is achieving a professional, layered sound with a more portable, manageable, and cost-effective rig. It simplifies your signal chain and power requirements, which is a massive win for gigging musicians.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a space crunch on their pedalboard, whether they’re a beginner building their first board or a seasoned player looking to create a smaller, more portable “fly rig.” It’s perfect for the musician who values straightforward functionality and classic tones over endless digital menus and tweakability. However, it might not be suitable for the sonic experimenter who needs advanced features like tap-tempo, complex subdivisions, stereo outputs, or the ability to save presets. If your music demands highly specific, studio-grade delay and modulation, you might be better served by investing in separate, dedicated units like the Caline DCP-03 DEVILFISH Chorus Delay Pedal which provides a great balance, or more specialized boutique options.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Analog vs. Digital Circuitry: Understanding the core circuitry is vital. The Caline DCP-03 DEVILFISH boasts a pure analog chorus, which is prized for its warm, organic, and often “chewy” character. The delay side is based on the Caline Blue Ocean, which uses a digital chip (the PT2399) renowned for its analog-like sound and degradation. This combination offers the best of both worlds: true analog warmth in the modulation and a reliable, warm-sounding delay that avoids the sterile nature of some purely digital effects.
- Independent Controls & Footswitches: A dual pedal is only truly useful if you can control each effect independently. The Devilfish excels here, with separate footswitches and a full set of three knobs for each side. This means you can use the chorus alone, the delay alone, or stack them together, effectively giving you three distinct sonic options in one box. Cheaper multi-effects sometimes force you to use effects in a fixed order or share controls, which is far less flexible.
- Build Quality & Durability: A pedal is meant to be stomped on. We were immediately impressed with the Devilfish’s super solid metal casing. For a pedal in this price range, it feels remarkably robust and road-worthy. Cheaper pedals often use plastic enclosures which simply don’t hold up to the rigors of regular use and transportation. Look for metal construction and sturdy knobs and switches as a sign of long-term reliability.
- Power Requirements: Most modern pedals, including this one, run on a standard 9V center-negative power adapter, which is the industry standard for pedalboards. The Caline DCP-03 DEVILFISH draws 100mA of current, which is important to know to ensure your power supply can handle it. Note that it does not include an adapter and has no option for battery power, which is common for pedals of this size to save internal space.
Ultimately, a dual pedal like this is about maximizing tone, space, and value. By considering these factors, you can decide if it’s the right strategic addition to your sonic arsenal.
While the Caline DCP-03 DEVILFISH Chorus Delay Pedal is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Digital Delay/Plate Reverb 2 effects in 1 guitar effects pedal
- 4-Mode Delay and 4-Mode Reverb in One delay reverb Pedal
- [2-in-1 Pedal]: The 2-in-1 Revecho pedal seamlessly integrates meticulously chosen delay and reverb effects, offering musicians a powerful combination of tonal possibilities in a single, compact pedal
First Impressions: Unboxing the Devilfish
Pulling the Caline DCP-03 DEVILFISH Chorus Delay Pedal from its box, the first thing we noticed was its surprising heft and solidity. The deep blue, all-metal enclosure feels substantial and ready for the road, immediately dispelling any notions that its affordable price point might equate to a flimsy build. The graphics—a skeletal devilfish—are bold and might not be for everyone, but they certainly give the pedal a unique character on a crowded board. The six control knobs (three for each effect) have a smooth, reassuring resistance, and the two metal footswitches provide a satisfying and audible click when engaged. At just over 4.7 inches long and 3.6 inches wide, its footprint is impressively compact for a dual-effect unit, easily fitting onto our already crowded Pedaltrain Nano. Setting it up was as simple as it gets: plug in a standard 9V power supply, connect the input and output jacks, and you’re ready to make some noise. There’s no complex menu diving or hidden functions—what you see is what you get, a design philosophy we deeply appreciate.
What We Like
- Excellent space-saving dual-effect design
- Genuinely warm and lush pure analog chorus circuit
- Versatile analog-voiced delay suitable for multiple genres
- Independent controls and footswitches for maximum flexibility
- Robust, all-metal construction feels built to last
- Incredible value for the price
Drawbacks
- Lacks advanced features like tap-tempo for the delay
- Does not include a 9V power adapter
Performance Deep Dive: Exploring the Depths of the Devilfish
A pedal can look great and feel sturdy, but the only thing that truly matters is how it sounds. We put the Caline DCP-03 DEVILFISH Chorus Delay Pedal through its paces with a variety of guitars and amps, from a Fender Stratocaster into a clean Fender Deluxe Reverb to a Gibson Les Paul into a cranked Marshall JCM800. Across the board, this compact blue box delivered tones that far exceeded our expectations for its price, proving itself to be a formidable tool for shaping ambient and textural sounds.
The Heart of the Shimmer: A Deep Dive into the Pure Analog Chorus
The left side of the Devilfish is dedicated to its pure analog chorus, and frankly, it’s worth the price of admission alone. In a world saturated with digital multi-effects, the warmth and depth of a true analog bucket-brigade device (BBD) circuit is immediately noticeable. We started with all three knobs—Level, Depth, and Rate—at noon. The effect was a classic, gentle shimmer reminiscent of 80s pop and new wave, instantly adding a beautiful three-dimensional quality to clean chords. One of the most critical tests for any modulation pedal is whether it negatively impacts your core tone. As one user aptly noted, they were thrilled that the “tone is clear and resonant unlike any other chorus I’ve owned!” We can wholeheartedly confirm this finding. Engaging the Devilfish’s chorus results in no perceived volume drop or “blanket-on-the-amp” effect; your guitar’s fundamental character remains intact, just enhanced with sweet, swirling movement.
The control set is both simple and powerful. The Level knob acts as a wet/dry mix, allowing you to dial in the perfect amount of effect, from a barely-there thickening to a full-on drench. The Rate knob controls the speed of the LFO, taking you from a slow, lazy sweep to a fast, Leslie-style warble. The Depth knob is where much of the magic happens, controlling the intensity of the pitch modulation. With low Depth and Rate settings, we achieved subtle, elegant textures perfect for rhythm playing. Pushing the Depth and Rate created a dramatic, seasick vibrato that was fantastic for psychedelic leads. We also tested it based on another user’s experience with an acoustic guitar, and the results were stunning. It added a professional polish and spaciousness to strummed chords, proving that this feature really sets it apart for acoustic players looking to move beyond sterile built-in amp effects.
Echoes of the Deep: Exploring the Blue Ocean Delay
On the right side, we have the delay, based on Caline’s popular Blue Ocean pedal. This circuit uses the famed PT2399 digital delay chip, beloved by pedal builders for its ability to convincingly mimic the warm, degrading repeats of a vintage analog delay. The controls are standard and intuitive: Time (delay time), Echo (mix level), and Feedback (number of repeats). The Time knob offers a range from a tight, rockabilly slapback echo (around 25ms) up to a respectable 600ms, which is more than enough for soaring solos and ambient washes.
The voice of this delay is its greatest strength. It’s not a pristine, crystal-clear digital repeat. Instead, each echo is slightly darker and warmer than the last, sitting beautifully behind your dry signal without turning into a muddy mess. This analog-like quality makes it incredibly musical. With the Feedback knob set low, we dialed in some fantastic short delays that thickened up our lead tone without being obvious. Pushing the Feedback past the 2 o’clock position sends the pedal into self-oscillation, creating a cascade of sci-fi sounds that can be manipulated in real-time by twisting the Time knob—a fun feature for experimental soundscapes. Whether we were creating rhythmic patterns or long, trailing ambience, the delay side of the Caline DCP-03 DEVILFISH Chorus Delay Pedal performed with a character and warmth that punches well above its weight class.
Two Worlds Collide: The Synergy of Chorus and Delay
The true power of the Caline DCP-03 DEVILFISH Chorus Delay Pedal is unlocked when you engage both effects simultaneously. This is where the pedal transforms from a convenient utility into a genuine creative tool. We found a sweet spot with the chorus set for a slow, wide shimmer and the delay set for a medium-length repeat with moderate feedback. The result was breathtaking. The chorus modulates not only your dry signal but also each successive delay repeat, creating a complex, evolving soundscape that is incredibly lush and atmospheric. Arpeggiated chord progressions took on an entirely new life, with each note blossoming into a swirling, echoing tail.
This combination is perfect for genres like worship music, post-rock, and shoegaze, where creating texture and ambience is paramount. A simple lead line can be transformed into an epic, stadium-filling statement. Because the controls are fully independent, you can perfectly balance the two effects. For a more subtle approach, you might use a fast chorus with a short slapback delay to create a vintage vibe. For a full-on ambient wash, a slow chorus with a long, oscillating delay creates a pad of sound that you can play over. The ability to switch each effect on and off independently means you can go from a dry rhythm tone to a chorused tone, then add delay for a solo, and then switch the delay off while leaving the chorus on—all with one compact pedal. This level of flexibility is rare at this price point and is arguably the pedal’s most compelling feature.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we dug into feedback from the wider user community. While online reviews can sometimes be a mixed bag, with comments for different products occasionally getting lumped together, the feedback specific to the Caline DCP-03 DEVILFISH Chorus Delay Pedal is overwhelmingly positive. One user captured the essence of the chorus side perfectly, stating, “I have many chorus pedals and am often disappointed that the tone gets altered dramatically when the effect is engaged. Not so with this one! The tone is clear and resonant.” This directly mirrors our findings regarding the pedal’s excellent preservation of the core guitar signal.
Another piece of highly relevant feedback came from an acoustic guitarist who found it to be the perfect solution for their pedalboard. They praised, “The Chorus and Delay can be adjusted separately as well as used in unison – it’s totally my call. I’m no longer stuck with built in effects.” This highlights the pedal’s versatility beyond just electric guitar and its empowering, flexible control scheme. While we found some negative reviews online, they consistently referred to different Caline products, such as compressor or overdrive pedals, mentioning issues like loud popping or bad tone that we did not experience whatsoever with the Devilfish. The consensus among those who have actually used this specific model is that it offers fantastic sound and build quality for an unbeatable price.
How Does the Devilfish Compare to the Alternatives?
The market for ambient effects is vast, but the Caline DCP-03 DEVILFISH Chorus Delay Pedal carves out a unique niche with its dual-functionality and value. To provide context, we compared it to three other popular pedals in the delay and reverb space.
1. TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 Reverb Pedal
- New MASH footswitch and shimmer effect
- Tone print- instant access to custom pedal-tweaks made by your idols!
- Stereo in & out - added flexibility to fit any set-up
The TC Electronic Hall of Fame 2 is a digital reverb powerhouse and a modern classic. Its primary difference from the Devilfish is its focus: it’s a dedicated reverb pedal, not a chorus/delay. The Hall of Fame 2 offers a huge variety of studio-quality reverb algorithms, from classic Spring and Hall to exotic Shimmer effects. Its key advantages are the innovative MASH footswitch, which allows for expressive, real-time parameter control, and the TonePrint feature, which lets you beam custom artist presets directly to the pedal. A player might prefer the Hall of Fame 2 if they need a vast palette of high-fidelity reverb sounds and value deep customisation over the analog simplicity and dual-functionality of the Devilfish. It’s for the sonic architect who needs reverb to be their primary ambient tool.
2. Ibanez Analog Delay Mini Pedal
- Delay Time Controls; All-analog Signal Path; True Bypass Switching
- Delay Effects Pedal f Electric Guitar with Repeat
- Blend
The Ibanez Analog Delay Mini is a direct competitor to the delay side of the Devilfish. As its name suggests, it is a 100% analog delay in a tiny “mini” enclosure. Its main selling point is its true analog BBD circuit, which provides an exceptionally warm, dark, and organic echo. Its footprint is even smaller than the Devilfish, making it ideal for the most cramped pedalboards. A guitarist would choose the Ibanez Mini if they absolutely prioritize a pure analog delay path and already have a chorus pedal they love, or if space-saving is their single most important criteria. However, they would be sacrificing the entire chorus effect and the convenience of having both in one box that the Devilfish provides for a comparable cost.
3. JOYO JF-08 Digital Delay Guitar Effect Pedal
- JOYO Digital Delay guitar effect pedal, features a special filter circuit to closely reproduce the sounds of analog delay. Delay time range: 25ms-600ms.
- Combining this digitally emulated analogue delay with any overdrive or distortion puts you in solo heaven and will make your solo's sound huge and epic.
- True Bypass provide transparent tone to keep the best tone quality, aluminium-alloy housing classic stoving varnish finish, stable and strong.
The JOYO JF-08 is another budget-friendly delay pedal that, like the Devilfish’s delay side, is built around the PT2399 chip to achieve an analog-like tone. It’s a simple, effective, and very affordable option for players who just need a solid delay. Tonally, it is quite similar to the Devilfish’s delay channel, offering that same warm, musical repeat. The choice here comes down to value and function. The JOYO is a great standalone delay for an extremely low price. However, for a small amount more, the Caline Devilfish gives you a delay of similar quality *plus* a fantastic pure analog chorus in a single, robust enclosure. Therefore, a player might choose the JOYO if their budget is absolutely razor-thin, but for nearly everyone else, the Devilfish offers a far more compelling overall package.
The Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Value for Ambient Tones
After spending significant time with the Caline DCP-03 DEVILFISH Chorus Delay Pedal, we can confidently say that it represents one of the best values on the market for ambient effects. It’s not trying to be a complex digital workstation; instead, it succeeds brilliantly at its mission: to deliver two essential, great-sounding analog-voiced effects in a single, pedalboard-friendly, and rugged enclosure. The pure analog chorus is lush and musical, while the Blue Ocean-based delay provides warm, versatile echoes perfect for everything from rockabilly to worship. The ability to use each effect independently or stack them for rich, atmospheric textures makes it an incredibly flexible tool.
We would wholeheartedly recommend this pedal to any guitarist looking to add professional-sounding chorus and delay to their board without breaking the bank or sacrificing precious space. It’s an ideal choice for beginners building their first board, intermediate players looking for a reliable gigging solution, or even seasoned pros wanting to build a compact and capable fly rig. It’s simple, it sounds fantastic, and it’s built to last. If you’re ready to expand your sonic palette with classic ambient effects that offer incredible performance for the price, we highly recommend you check the latest price and user reviews for the Caline DCP-03 DEVILFISH today.
Last update on 2025-11-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API