Octave Multiplexer vs OC2

Here is a simple comparison of these two pedals, side by side. Both serve a useful purpose, but do it in their own ways.

[@heyhank]

Thanks man - this is super helpful! You've clarified that the Octave Multiplexer is clear choice for what I'm looking for.

[@MrLuckyLegs]

Thanks very much for this comparison! Its the exact comparison that is currently on my mind (May 2014)... I'll go the EH pedal...for me...this is so very much appreciated :)

[@JamesJLaRue]

I have both. The issue with the Multiplexer is that it only has a blend knob, which means if you want to keep the dry signal level unchanged (unity gain with the input) you have to use a mixer after both of the outputs, otherwise with the blend knob in the middle, you're not getting full volume on the dry signal. There's a very noticeable volume drop with the Multiplexer. The output is also very high impedance tapped directly off the 100k blend pot. I wish there was a pedal with multiplexer sound and OC-2 style individual level knobs and buffered output. Easiest workaround without mods is to run a clean boost after the Multiplexer and run both pedals together in a true bypass loop. That's gonna eat up pedalboard space.

[@ferrifet7267]

I bought the octave multiplexer a lil while back and was quite disappointed with the volume drop ;) so I combed the internet for a while till I found out the pinout for the bypass switch. I’m thinking about splicing in a zvex SHO between the OM circuit output and the footswitch. Mount it inside the pedal. Bobs your uncle, Fanny’s your aunt! ;)

[@javiceres]

So... in the end a Boss LS-2 might be the fix ^_^.

[@econogate]

The bass filter doesn't affect the signal unless you have the sub engaged! ;>)

[@Labi5150]

Good review! It helped me a lot.

[@Cesnakov]

octave multiplexer can make nice fuzzy synth sounds

[@diarmaidok]

Very nice and clean demo, I was going to buy a Boss OC2 or OC5 but I prefer the tone of the Octave Multiplexer, so I’m getting one of those instead.

[@matuldamegasen8562]

Difficult to make a good shootout, when there's hardly any PLAYING!!

[@khalylehagood3222]

The Bass Filter knob only works when the sub switch is on.

[@fdmjiv]

Yea, I learned that. Day one with a pedal, you miss some things.

[@Francisco12G]

Actually, even tho it is stated in the manual, i noticed that it actually changes slightly the amplitude of the bass frequencies. Might depend on the amp you use to actually hear it. Cheers

[@TooSlowTube]

The Octave Multiplexer only has one octave down. The sub switch just turns on the bass filter, which makes it sound bassier, but it's still only one octave down. The Octave Multiplexer has quite a high output impedance, which is fine if it's followed by another pedal, with high input impedance, but isn't so good if it's going into a solid state amp with relatively low input impedance - It doesn't sound right. I added an op amp buffer on the output of mine, hidden inside, just before the output decoupling capacitor. I don't own an OC2, only a Behringer near clone of one, so I can't really comment on that one.

[@asociaciongemma]

good vid! i would like to see a vid tested with guitar. next time add the price info, so we don't need to continue searching. thanks great job

[@Losbass]

Best octaver for me is the one on the zoom bass effect ( zoom ms-60b or zoom b3), which is actually the bass pitch effect , zoom has the oc2 model on it , but its no-where even close to the bass pitch for tracking. I have the OC2 bought it back in the 80's , and the OC3 both are good but compared tracking wise to the bass pitch on the zoom it blows them both away. Oh bonus is the fact it has awesome amp modeling and multieffects. Here's my Bass pitch settings on the zoom: Shift , -12 / Tone 0 / Bal 24 Fine 0 / Level 100 or whatever you desire. Try it and compare it to your favourite octaver , zoom is a steal at $99 bucks its built like a tank as the Boss pedals are!

[@davidjameschamberlain]

Losbass I've used the guitar variant for years

[@iosifkalpaktsoglou2045]

When the sub switch is off the bass filter is disengaged....the octave multiplexer is a very cool pedal but cannot replace the oc2.

[@HFPBASSIST]

It's recomendable to use Multiplexer-OD (in a chain of effects for bass...) ?

[@fdmjiv]

Could be. I have never seen the OD from EHX. Put it this way. ANY pedal is a good pedal if it sounds good to you.

[@jonahb8423]

I have been looking for a pedal so I can play bass on a normal electric guitar. I want a pedal that can change the notes I'm playing on electric guitar down at least one octave so I can play bass on my normal electric guitar. Which pedal is best for me? Are there any other brands or models of other pedals that would be better? I have been looking at the Digitech Whammy 5 and it seems like it would work but the Multiplexer in this video seems like it would work too.

[@lonniesands1716]

Ehx POG is the new version of the Multiplexer(I believe, it does the same thing, but sounds better). Great pedal! You should also check out the Ehx Pitchfork! It will also give you harmony options, not just octave. Like the note you play, plus a 3rd and 5th (basic major chord) Very great pedals!

[@snarknarkman]

pitchfork is awesome (and what i use to play guitar on bass) but a friend uses the bass whammy on guitar and it's fantastic for low end

[@ManCaveStudio]

I have several octave pedals by EBS, MXR, Electro Harmonix and 3 Pedals by Boss; Octaver, Octave OC2 and OC3. The OC3 sounds great however drains batteries like mad and has stopped two shows in the past because of this so I no longer use this pedal. The OC2 distorts to easy at the input and so I cant use it in the recording studio. The older Octaver has a warmer sound but also clips at the input on bass so I wind up only using this pedal for live use. All the others sound great in different ways but I tend to always go for the Electro Harmonix. The EH sounds great in the studio although live the Boss sounds more present. The EBS sounds nice and clean too. Somewhere in between the EBS and the Boss. The MXR has a unique mid boost which sounds cool but in short the older Boss for live use and the EH for studio use are my go to’s 

[@sadstatue25]

Why wouldn't you just plug in the OC3?

[@ManCaveStudio]

Actually I bought one of those powertrain rechargeable batteries for pedals. So I run all my pedals with this. Now I use the OC3 live without worry.

[@mike1967sam]

I really need a pedal that can give me a bass sound on guitar because of lack of money to buy a bass. Any suggestions?

[@donnnick]

Purple Haze analog Octave with dry signal all the way off.

[@louie8604]

Pog maybe? I think Jack White uses it for what your trying to do

[@AriellaViolin]

are you demonstrating on guitar or bass here?

[@rainbowslushy223]

Bass I believe

[@MrDiscordinated]

u rock !

[@SaultiBalldeip]

Playing starts at 3:32

[@jsmyers24151]

I thought you did a good job. If you know what you're doing, you don't have to play for hours on something to get a good idea as to whether you like something or not. I thought the Electroharmonix pedal was the better of the two. It has a much cleaner sound.

[@guitardaley]

Rock on

[@bernich88]

great! thank you

[@porkammf]

The OC 3 is digital an can go Poliphonic,,,

[@fdmjiv]

It really isn't, and to be honest, dropping to sub A isn't really beneficial to anyone, unless you are attempting to kill your speakers. The OM is the same though.

[@toothpullerclit]

less chat more play

[@mitchardnixonful]

Too much talk not enough rock

[@Purpleskyshorizon]

Exactly what I wanted to say.

[@azizlewis]

Hes explaining the difference between the pedals and the features they have. The entire point of this video…

[@Luckzzz]

There's the OC3 but I think is the same (except for one more knob).. It's funny 'cause EH Octave Multiplexer is cheaper and I think is better LOL

[@carlospicadox]

the oc2 tracking is bad on bass loww notes ...i know that because i have one ...what about the multiplexer

[@donnnick]

carlos picado you have to hit one sound st a time. No string noise no fret noise. And make sure you aren’t compressing before. It actually tracks incredibly fast

[@azizlewis]

Yep the pedal is monophonic meaning no chords just single notes must be played

[@monkeyxx]

way too much talk

[@ETconehome]

oc-2 farts too much

[@archivosrockchile]

hahahaha!!

[@hhectorlector]

That OC-2 sounds like it’s got the car idling out front

[@SaultiBalldeip]

Playing starts at 3:32