chorused

Chorused is a term used in two related but distinct contexts in music and audio production. It can describe music performed by a chorus or arranged to feature a choral texture, and it can describe a sound that has been processed with a chorus effect in recording and live sound work. The exact meaning is usually clear from context.

In choral or ensemble contexts, chorused describes music that involves multiple voices singing together, often with a rich, blended timbre. A piece or arrangement may be described as chorused when it emphasizes the collective sound of a choir or multiple vocal parts over individual solo lines. This usage focuses on performance practice and the acoustic result of group singing.

In audio processing, the chorus effect creates a fuller, shimmering sound by duplicating a signal and mixing several slightly delayed and pitch-shifted copies back with the original. The result suggests several voices or instruments performing together and can range from subtle thickness to a pronounced, almost ensemble-like texture. Typical controls include depth (how much modulation), rate (speed of modulation), and mix (how much of the effect is blended into the signal). Chorus effects are widely used on electric guitars, keyboards, and vocal tracks.

Historically, chorus-like textures appeared in both live performance and studio recordings, evolving from early doubling techniques to dedicated electronic chorus units and digital algorithms. Today, chorused sounds are common in various genres, serving both natural ensemble effects and stylistic, processed textures.