J. Rockett Audio Designs (JRAD) has officially announced its latest addition to the modulation market: the Aqueous Chorus & Vibe. Scheduled for release on December 15, 2025, this pedal promises to bridge the gap between lush, vintage ’70s modulation and crisp, modern textures.
Designed for players seeking versatility, the Aqueous is not just a standard chorus pedal; it features a unique preamp section and variable blending that allows it to function as a convincing vibe and rotary simulator.
Bridging the Gap: Vintage Tone, Modern Control
The core philosophy behind the Aqueous is versatility. While many modulation pedals force players to choose between the dark warmth of a vintage Bucket Brigade chip or the clarity of a digital unit, J. Rockett claims the Aqueous handles both.
“The Aqueous Chorus is our take on creating a chorus that truly can recreate vintage bucket brigade and modern watery tones in one unit,” says Chris Van Tassel of J. Rockett Audio Designs. “We wanted a chorus that didn’t just sound good, but felt good to play.”
Key Features Under the Hood
What sets the Aqueous apart from the crowded chorus market is two specific controls designed to alter the “feel” and frequency response of the effect:
1. The Dedicated Preamp Stage
Most modulation pedals sit passively in a signal chain, often flattening the player’s dynamics. The Aqueous includes a dedicated preamp that allows for output control and gain makeup. This restores touch sensitivity, making the pedal feel more “amp-like” and responsive to pick attack. It allows users to tame the input for subtle texturing or boost it for character.
2. The Tilt EQ
Rather than a standard tone knob, the Aqueous utilizes a Tilt EQ. Crucially, this affects only the wet signal.
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Turn Right: Increases treble/reduces bass for shimmering, modern Eric Johnson-style textures.
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Turn Left: Increases bass/reduces treble for dark, thick ’70s chorus sounds.
3. The Mix Control (Chorus into Vibe)
The “Mix” knob offers a spectrum of modulation. It blends from a standard chorus into a vibe setting. In the final 1/4 rotation of the knob, the pedal transforms into a vibe-only effect, removing the dry signal entirely for swirling, rotary-style sounds.
Technical Specifications
For pedalboard planners, here are the vital specs for the new unit:
| Specification | Detail |
| Power | 9V DC Centre-Negative (No battery option) |
| Current Draw | 28 mA |
| Dimensions | 11.4 x 6.4 x 3.8 cm |
| Weight | 0.45 kg |
| Switching | True Bypass |
| Origin | Handbuilt in California, USA |
Pricing and Availability
The J. Rockett Aqueous Chorus & Vibe will be available for purchase from authorized dealers.
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Street Price: $249.99
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Availability: Select dealers worldwide
Verdict
With its ability to move from “80s lushness” to “70s thickness” and simulated rotary effects, the Aqueous looks to be a strong contender for players needing a “do-it-all” modulation solution that doesn’t sacrifice analog feel.
More Information
#J. Rockett Audio #Aqueous
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