Bass Octave pedal Shootout | What's Your Favorite Octaver?

[@IanMartinAllison]

Here for this

[@paullelujahmusic]

I have the same EBS octave pedal! It's one of the best tracking octaver I've ever seen! Sounds huge and so precise!

[@jaypie0864]

I can second that. The EBS even tracks better than multi effects pedals I've owned.

[@artofwar1776]

Glad to see you are still including that OC-07 in your videos! Its amazing. See you at the Baked Potato soon, broski.

[@musictimewithjoel3020]

Hour long bass octave video - sign me up! Was just watching your ottobit jr vid earlier and was blown away! I’ve tried maybe 5 or 6 different octave pedals and have been perfectly happy with the boss oc5. Love the vintage or poly settings and the upper octave option if I’m playing guitar. Keep rockin dude ✌🏻

[@iPivo]

Although this is not a gear channel, you presented the best comparison possible because you decided to put the pedals in context, rather than just playing them by themselves. I have been using an Aguilar Octamizer and listening that pedal in my bedroom is very different to listening to it during rehearsals, when I have guitars and drums playing along. I had to review so many note choices!

[@HamerCruisebass64]

Janek, have that EBS serviced. I recently had my MXR equalizer from the late 70s and BOSS series 1 compressor serviced. I have newer replacements, but playing with the oldies provided a really nice nostalgic experience that’s better than just looking at them. Those were wonderful days, playing anything from Ramones to Rush depending on mood on my P bass and not worrying about adulting. 😊

[@robertvilleneuve8272]

I am using the Broughton Subsonic, love it.

[@janekgwizdala]

A friend recommended that to me the night before I was shooting the video. Very curious to try one now.

[@mariusgoldhammer]

It is the best octave pedal for me, really great

[@n_phaneuf]

@janekgwizdala the Broughton is dope

[@alexbessonov93]

Using MXR vintage bass octave and absolutely love it! Also thanks for an amazing video 👏

[@perspecsmusic]

MXR BOD is the best analog octave I’ve found that plays nicely with active basses

[@sonicassassin4131]

The octaver I used the most is the pearl which I bought used in the 80s. It is still working! I had an Boss OC-3 but didn't liked the feel when playing. Since I bought the Boss SY-1000 all my Synthbass stuff comes from it and I love it. The tracking is amazing (even the low B string) and it is polyphonic. The acoustic bass model is although amazing.

[@robertkerr9738]

I use the Aguilar Octamizer. Works great for me.

[@paulmccabe3422]

I am an OC-2 user. My first pedal. Worth mentioning is the Valeton OC-10 which is a budget clone of an OC-2 although discontinued. I think this pedal sounds pretty close to an OC-2 even in the Jojo setting with the added bonus of it having a smaller footprint than the Boss

[@petougao]

I concur. Habe both, maybe the best 1-1 replacement for oc2.

[@WestOfBen]

Brilliant, octavers galore! That Octamizer is tasty. I had an OC-2 but I didn’t understand where to use it and sold it. I had an original Bass Whammy and also sold that. Hmmph. Then tried an MXR Bass Octave and again didn’t get octave under my skin. Now is a different era. My board features these for different purposes, mostly in modern church setting. Bass Whammy reissue - for super clean original tone doubling. And of course octave up 8 string and everything else. Great on fretlesss. Meatbox reissue - that ultra sub not so obvious octave sound, push the PA. Sounds great with pick and chorus. C4 Synth - recent purchase fun to explore. As well as big synth sounds, I will be chasing various octave sounds. The killer patch I have created is a 1 octave down swell I usually use with some grit or light fuzz. I get the initial attack clarity then the sub swells in, avoiding mud. I have this mix controlled by an expression pedal, so I can vary the sub amount, verse/chorus etc.

[@andreasjl966]

Awesome video Janek! I have been looking at the MXR Vintage Bass Octave. I really liked the sounds you got out of it. I also like the availability of the MXR 😁 Would be cool if you made this into a small series. Maybe trying out envelope filters next, fuzz, chorus etc. Would also be really cool if you made a deep dive into the Line6 HX Stomp creating synth sounds only using the effects within the HX Stomp 🙂 All the best! (Also, your new book is on order. Looking forward for it to arrive 🥳).

[@laurenceblackadder3103]

How fooking cool is this!!!! Man some fantastic sounds and amazing playing & music making as always. I’ve had 7 Octave pedals out of the list. All them were great for different reasons. I managed to find an FMeron at a sensible price and it’s killer though it’s taking time to learn how to use it and it’s thanks to you I have one. Also kept the MXR Vintage mini and the Octaver in the HX Stomp.

[@MarcAntoineForget]

The MXR BOD, HX Stomp and Octabvre are the clear winners for me. They blended nicely with what you were playing. Octabvre MK1 has something going on where it doesn't feel as « squishy » as the original OC-2, which performs better in a variety of styles. The HX Stomp is an amazing tool as well... there's always the possibility to add an EQ block after or in parallel. I'm curious about the H90 now !

[@DrD04K]

Seamoon Octatron for me, good price, amazing tracking, sounds great.

[@randyclere2330]

So is their Funk pedal!!

[@spinomarxist2688]

Can't wait to get the book ❤

[@yourbassplayer]

Thanks brother! Excited for the new book. My order is in! Hope you and the fam are doing well.

[@martinsbalu9947]

thanks for this epic video Janek! I can't wait to buy your new book. octavers are my favourite pedals and i personally use a boss oc2 octaveR from april 1982 so first month of production. but my firs ever one was the mxr bass octave deluxe. im going to however switch to the 3leaf octabvre mk3 soon because of the convenience of the 2 footswitches so i dont need to change the setting manually all the time. ill keep my oc 2 though since its a holy grail 😎

[@BillonBass]

Seamoon Octaver replaced my OC-2. Something about it that just sounds better. There was an amazing book we used to use at Berklee back in the 80s that was actually a trombone book by Phil Wilson! Amazing training tool for more advanced players.

[@janekgwizdala]

Chord Studies For Trombone! By Phil Wilson and Joseph Viola... I have had a copy since 1998 I think. Great book!

[@TraversClark]

I mostly use the EHX Ring Thing as an octaver. Had a Boss OC-3, Digitech Whammy V, they were okay. I have a Source Audio C4 that does a good octaver sound too.

[@EsmeTheBassic]

I'd love to see your thoughts on the the Taylor Shift! It's replaced my '87 OC-2 on my board. Incredibly faithful reproduction of the boss circuit with more headroom, and some models offer a dry switch too. Also the Yamaha OC-01 is incredibly slept on if you're after an aggressive analogue octave, really seems to maintain the character and nuances of your playing and instrument. I recommend it to everyone but I never see anyone using one

[@brankovucetin1797]

That somebody was me :D Great video as always

[@n_phaneuf]

Ok this is the vid I have been waiting for. With all love: I bet that those bass sounds don’t need to be re-recorded nearly as much as those keyboard sounds 😮

[@InFerrumVeritas]

The Behringer pedal came with a Behringer practice amp my dad bought me when our silly middle school band was asked to play a party. It broke when the 50lb amp fell on it in the back of a car. Of these, the Aguilar had my favorite sound.

[@matthewduncan9405]

I got the COG Effects T70 ❤ gives me all the option I could need. Beast of a pedal.

[@FJcv-lt7qu]

Used to have an OC2 but have an OC5 now or one on my L6 Pod XT. (Although OT - I do still use my old first pedal - a CS-2 I bought in the early-mid 80's.)

[@ArchieOnEarth]

I used an OC-3, but on guitar with a separate output to a bass amp, Local H style. It had a feature where you could play a chord and it would only put the effect on the lowest notes. Never tried it on bass, as I already had an OC-2 for my bass rig and rarely cross-pollinated from my guitar pedalboard. In fact, the OC-2 is the only part of my bass signal chain that never got replaced from 1989-ish until today.

[@timwilsdon5361]

OC-2 has been the only constant on my board - for 'general' music I have direct signal full, then 50-75% 1 octave down. It can be a subtle way to raise the dymanic without muddying up. Especially useful when playing in a trio when the guitarist takes a solo - it really fills out and supports. Also have OC-5 - the +1oct is fun, and also have MXR Vintage Mini, but have struggled a bit to get a useful sound. I love having multiple octave pedals on my board, and having them set for different applications.

[@ainsbass]

Interesting, if I had my Direct knob turned full I'd end up with a huge volume jump. Unity with Dry bass is around 2oclock on my Direct knob.

[@timwilsdon5361]

@@ainsbass Yes very interesting - I have a newer OC-5 that jumps in volume, but my old OC-2 unity seems to bee at 100% - perhaps variations in different year builds?

[@willwill-rc8rf]

Used the OC2, MXR octave deluxe and Pearl. Currently using the little Markbass octaver raw series which is a great little analogue octaver

[@Rav3nghast]

The HX octavers are good enough for me ❤

[@WCruttenden]

I seem to cycle through the options on the Helix LT. But if I'm using individual pedals I go for the standard MXR. But I know very little about other octavers, so can't wait to watch your video.

[@sbbandmusic]

My first pedal was also an octave pedal (MXR Deluxe). It's the one I recommend to students, and I always look for other octave pedals to have at my disposal.

[@kaplanyx]

Very inspiring!

[@Charles-Robitaille]

I have and mostly used the MXR bass Octave Deluxe.......(fabulous tracking!) And I own a Boss "OCTAVER" with the "R" lol.

[@peterschoenbauer]

i find the bass octaver in the hx stomp sounds best with the low octave at only 40%, it stays cleaner that way. 10% of clean signal and tone at 40 and you got a great octave pedal!

[@lunacy_bass]

FMeron currently available on IE's website.

[@nephilymbass1]

I use the source audio c4 mostly. Occasionally the mxr bass octave deluxe.

[@joachimmahoudeaux8619]

The OC-2 has an amazing character, it was also my goto octaver for years BUT I've always found that pedal was killing the signal output and always had to push it with a booster pedal. What MXR did with with the Vintage Bass Octave is way more user friendly to me, you get a "close to the real thing" OC-2 sound but it sits better and the bass level isn't reduced. The Behringer is a good surprise ! the FMeron is amazing I love those silly synth things that turns people on like "WHAAAAAT ?". Now, I've had the big Octabvre MKII with the TIM switch, and... no question, really: best OC-2 clone end of conversation, the good thing is that you actually get 2 pedals in one with the Sub footswitch, the tone control and the TIM switch adding some character to get another octave pedal signatures like the Mu-Tron octave divider, maaaan, I wish I still had it (what the hell was I thinking when I sold it 5 years ago ????) The digital Hx Stomp thing: yeah it sits in the mix better cos' it tracks better, and the sound is cleaner, that's for sure, but... I'm missing that 3Leaf/OC-2 character. For sure, it's the ultimate studio pedal, and the ultimate kind of "emergency toolkit": will always be usefull when playing live in sh*tty environments, where the OC-2 or the 3Leaf won't cut through the mix.

[@jamessigmon4765]

For my money, the Octamizer and OC-5 were the winners. Punchier attack, much higher output, and sits better in the mix than the others imo. Was pleasantly surprised by the Hx Stomp as well!

[@GuyManley]

The Berhinger UO300 was the first pedal I got. All it told me was I like the effect and wish it tracked better and made it more use-able. The thing losses it after about 1 second. I have tried active and passive bases and put compression in front of it. It useless if you want to play a synth bass melody.

[@Johnhwbaker]

My favorite I've used so far is the DOD Octoplus. Cheap but sounds right to me! I mostly use it for about a 60/40 blend of octave and clean, and it has a tone knob that changes the sound of the octave. I also use it at times with only the octave and no clean, it does the subby synthy thing pretty well, albeit with not a ton of volume unless you blend in some clean. I'm thinking about getting another octave to run that sound that has a little more headroom.

[@wguzman1200]

I use the mxr vintage (the little blue one), mxr octave deluxe( regular sized blue one). And on the other hand I use the C4 as aswel in my bigger board I have like 3 or 4 octave flavors in there

[@bassistlewis6618]

This is such a great journey through octave pedals! Apologies if this has been said already, but the 3 Leaf Octabvre mk i that you played has fewer features than the current mk iii, specifically the 'Tim' switch and separate volumes for dry and the sub-octave. The mk iii has been my go to since I got it 4/5 years ago.

Nice to see Behringer on the list. Here in Brazil, is the most affordable Octave (350 bucks). The others are above 1k.

[@DoctorIntrepid]

I have 3 octave pedals on my board. An OC2, OC5 and a TC Electronic Sub Up.

[@AmosEstes]

Funny I was just telling my buddy I wanted to try that Behringer out, I'll pick it up I think it sounded alright!

[@GrooveForGlory]

Hey Janek, try putting your palm behind the pedal when facing the camera to get it in focus :)

[@asa.088]

Don't sleep on the Valeton OC-10 either! Sounds a LOT like an OC-2, I like it more than the MXR VBO

[@carlkermode899]

I have the Aguilar Octamizer, Boss OC3 and EHX Micro POG on my board. They're the same but different.

[@thierry18]

Tc electronic sub n up (or sub n up mini) is my favorite by far. It tracks better than almost every other octaver out there, and it's very clean sounding. (Although, there are ways to get very synthy sounds out of it with the toneprint app!)

[@billyjay1]

mxr is my go to

[@flaviosan3020]

Aaah this is good

[@elambassist]

Drop the Boom !!

[@WallyBarnum]

Thanks for the video about my fav type of bass pedal. The Japanese OG Octave(r) is better than the Taiwanese Octave for Talk Like a Pirate day gigs. (Sorry, Dad joke). If you have an OC2 Octave with an ACA sticker by the power jack you run it at 12V like the boss original supply did. It does make the LED brighter, I can’t remember if it made the sound change much. My first pedal was a DOD Octoplus. Still have it, but it doesn’t sound as fat or quirky as an OC2. The discontinued Red Witch Zeus is nice. Strait ahead OC2 style single octave, running into a cool sputtery fuzz.

[@WallyBarnum]

Plugging in to an OC2 means I have to play a few runs of Tear Your Playhouse Down. Can’t help it. The one bass pedal you could hear when watching Night Tracks videos on 80s TBS

[@DVDFRMN]

i use the MXR analog Octave, but mostly on Guitar, the Mini one they copied from your OC2. i set it so Octave 1 is at 9 o clock, not much at all, and Dry is slightly above 12 o clock so it gives a tiny level boost. i step on it 3/4 of the way through a solo to 'take it up a gear' tonewise as i have already exhausted any inspiration/chops by halfway... If i step on the octave it gives enough of a low end kick to get me through to the end...

[@admarhermans1]

Janek, please remember the EBS has the input and output reversed… Left is ‘in’ , right is ‘out’… 😉

[@user-hn2uz2me6l]

DOD Octoplus is a sleeper in the same realm of the OC2. I use it paired with the bit crusher in the HX stomp for synthy goodness. Also using the dual pitch block in the stomp makes for a fantastic fast tracking, more "clean" octave sound. Set the second pitch to 9 cents flat and you get a bit of that Tony Levin vibe from Sledgehammer.

[@janekgwizdala]

Wish I'd never sold my Octoplus now... if only to be able to feature it in this video!

[@tplank216]

I have the mxr vbo, and a mantic hulk. I'd love a 3leaf, but I cant justify the blatent gouging on the secondary market. Might get a mutron reissue if i can find one reasonably priced.

[@pedroleal7118]

"EBS" stuff is great, when it works!

[@DrTomoculus]

I have a BOSS Super Octave OC-3 that I've had for years and years. The opportunities I've used it, very limited. I think cuz I've found I prefer Bass (recordings) to just have nothing on them. I'm a multi-instrumentalist, and I'm the band. I tend to leave Bass alone, and everything else is awash in effects, or reverb, or something not "organic." Bass I leave alone. Sometimes I'll use Fuzz or Overdrive, but it really depends on the song. But 90% of the time, Bass has nothing on it. :) ADDENDUM Although a multi-instrumentalist, I'm a Bass player first and foremost. I dedicated most of my time to that instrument, and trying to get good at it. :) ;)

[@Patbanger]

Missing the best octave and synth pedal of all time: the Digitech bass synth wah! You should check this pedal!!!

[@stereoroid]

I have the MXR Deluxe you have: real meat & potatoes with the two distinct tones. I have an ongoing quest for a pseudo-8-string sound too, with an octave up that’s in tune and doesn’t sound like an effect.

[@_Olorin]

Adam Neely mentioned the Digitech Bass Synth Wah on mode 7 and I tried it and goddamn, it's super nice and tracks super low.

[@Ren-X]

Maybe an overhaed camera for the pedals?

[@Mudfunk75]

I Love the MXR Vintage and use it with my HX Effects together and for a nice synth Style Sound with a ugly sleeping Beauty, the KenMulti Ultra Metal Pedal. Hard to Control,looks like crap but has a Kind of Soul in it😅.

[@stephanerazat2572]

great video! I can't decide between buying an octamizer which seems to me to have a warmer and less electronic sound and with an MXR which has a more digital sound... What is the notable difference between the two MXRs?

[@smithsakulkaew]

mu-tron octavider+ is killer.

[@janekgwizdala]

💯

[@NelsonMontana1234]

They all have inherent flaws. And they're something I don't use all that often so I went with the Sonicake. It's fine.

[@edwingraham6586]

Hip effects and All, What were those SAMPLES??? C VOO PLAY

[@michibassdeva]

Too bad the video is missing a feature of the Boctaver in the HX Stomp. As a long time OC-2 user I was disappointed by the Boctaver, it is missing a lot of the low end that we as bass players are looking for. What do you think about it?

[@DerRiot]

For me the Octaver of choice is my modded OC-2 with 3 stages of mods. One is a performance Mod second is the volume mod and the third is an alternative filter that is controllable (OG OC-2 has a fixed 3 pole low pass filter, mine got an additional 2 pole) This way the OC is usable as a drive pedal to. When it comes to stock octaves try the 3leaf Octabvre mini (it is the same as the white one you have, if you have the Tim switch) it costs less and is the SAME. NEVER go mk4 the last one from 3leaf is garbage. It is a step back. Part of the reason why he will be doing a new Version next year.

[@DerRiot]

And try the cog effects t-Series. THEY are really unobtainium compared to 3leaf. But worth it. The filter is way better and goes way deeper and higher.

OC-5 is also digital.

[@shmu_el]

Every time I get asked why the OC-5 -> Big Muff -> Sub'n'up sandwich I ference them to you 😅

[@tylergreene1573]

I'm finally looking to build my first bass pedal board, and i want a JHS colour box at the end of it. Are you still planning to make a dedicated video for it, maybe with an interview with JHS?

[@janekgwizdala]

I would love to do both of those things soon. They’re on my list

[@benchinho]

Great comparison! Is the mxr vintage an analog octaver?

[@janekgwizdala]

I believe it is, yes.

[@benchinho]

@@janekgwizdala Thanks!

[@petougao]

Oc2 for dub/techno; Mxr bod for rock; Meatbox for sub destruction; Markbass for junk bin; Aggie when I want to get serious.

[@stephenoates2865]

Hi Janek, what's your take on the DOD Meat Box? I've seen your video. I've owned a Taiwanese OC-2 and a tc electronic Subnup and found them not really my thing.

[@janekgwizdala]

Once you try the Mantic Hulk, you'll never think about the meatbox again. And this is coming from someone who loves the meatbox! The meatbox, especially the original, has a very unique character. For that reason I'd have a hard time parting with mine. The hulk is just way more useable on the road and in the studio.

[@markwelcome2079]

which is the best for an octave above?

[@laurenceblackadder3103]

BitCrusher shoot out next Janek?

[@janekgwizdala]

It’s on the list for sure

[@namcizum]

Would’ve been nice if it included the Source Audio’s C4 or Spectrum pedal… :(

[@janekgwizdala]

The C4 is way more of a synth pedal than it is an octaver, and the Spectrum is a filter... Not sure why the title of this video would lead you to believe we were also covering synths and filters. 🤷‍♀️

[@foxman555]

ＧＯＯＤ！

[@pedroleal7118]

The "Aguilar" sounded great! Specially that sub-octave. And the tracking seems ok too!

[@pedroleal7118]

Kudos to the 'Mantic'!

[@xquesmuah]

Call me wierd, I love the FEmeron

[@AcHoSimian]

Aguilar Octamizer

[@pedroleal7118]

Not the "MXR" 'Sub Machine'... For a test, see if your 'octaver pedal can track a Ab properly ! Oh and also, forget about chords !

[@pedroleal7118]

*the M225...Oct-Fuzz...

[@chadsedlak266]

Why you don’t have a signature octave pedal is beyond me

[@janekgwizdala]

signature pedals are a tough one, and the market is really saturated right now. I have some ideas I've been wanting to produce for a very long time, but they're complicated and there aren't too many builders that could pull it off. The big companies that could would make the process so dull with marketing and R&D I would never make it to production without bailing. It'll happen, but it's going to take some time to find the right situation.

[@iffler2542]

Wow. no POG review.

[@janekgwizdala]

If you watch the video you'll hear why... Nothing against the POG, it's just not a classic octaver and I simply don't have it in my collection.

[@musahenderson]

I love my celebrity pedals Taylor Shift. Her eyes light up. I’m very simple.

[@PeterGaspar-vm4cb]

Digitech Drop or Digitech Ricochet