Vintage Bass Octave By MXR | The Pedal Studio

As a huge fan, and life-long user, of the Boss OC-2, I'm always a little skeptical when a company claims to have cloned it. Even when the company in question is the always consistent powerhouse that is MXR, AND when the pedal they're cloning is actually from my personal collection.
I don't want to give anything away in the description, but I hope you can figure out some weird and wonderful uses for the pedal, and maybe apply it to something you might not have considered before, like I do in today's episode of The Pedal Studio.
Boss OC-2 Episode: • Boss OC-2 The King Of ...
Erik Arkö: / erikarko
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[@AmilcarBaxo]

ladies and gentlemen one of the most anticipated videos of the year! another goal by janek. now the darkglass is left to send that pedal to the new Djanek 🤘🏽

[@janekgwizdala]

Amilcar R.S 😂 definitely feeling like a Darkglass alpha omega might be a pretty awesome addition to the rig.

[@T-Hawkeyes]

@@janekgwizdala those sliders can get noisy. you've been warned

[@jarodgrieco880]

@@T-Hawkeyes yesss it's true!

[@T-Hawkeyes]

@@janekgwizdala I just got the damnation audio MBD2 and it’s a much more satisfying pedal.

[@milesahlstrom]

Damn, I never would have guessed I needed Janek to start a metal band

[@Steefpeer]

Dude, janek! the production for this show is through the roof man! I love the B-roll, I love the knowledge, I love the fact that you apply it to bass only, but still so many musical areas the instrument can be used in. Combining pedals, comparing pedals, Killer!

[@foodforthegods]

Man, I don't even know where to start here... Like, until now I hadn't really noticed the OC2 is almost chorus-ing on the upper frets on the E string, and for the MXR to replicate even that idiosyncracy - amazing. What a pedal. I can finally get that sound without having to worry about rent or food.

[@juffurey]

it's awesome it's like a real organ-like sound, even better than the Key9 in some ways! Which I bought and am regretting the purchase, got it used though. I also have the OC-5 which was only $100.

[@pimcramer2569]

Isn't the behringer also a oc2 clone?

[@markjames6822]

Hey Janek, just wanted to show my appreciation for these videos you've been putting out. As a bass player who isn't very familiar with pedals, it's extremely helpful to watch a video of pedals being applied from an experienced bass player's view. So, thank you! I might have my eye on that MXR pedal as well, cant beat the price and the quality (according to my novice ears) is just same!

[@marcosfischer_]

Hey Janek! Your pedal videos has such a high quality! I already have the mxr Deluxe, which I am trying to emulate the oc-2 (doesn’t work that much) but after this video I will definitely add the Vintage to my board, keeping them both. Thanks for all you always have done bro, I am a very old fan (since I was 14, now 27) Many hugs from Brazil!!!

[@MarcoH72]

What a coincedence; I just ordered on of these yesterday on a whim. I feel better about the purchse now. I love the heavy track at the end.

[@Dalfarrito]

Best intro of all the channels I’ve been following. It is always so fun to watch !

[@joaopedromarri6410]

hey Janek, long time fan here. Just wanted to point out the awesome way you think gear. Here we witness pedals as tools and music as the core goal. Thank you!

[@bassnsax]

What a fantastic review! I was considering one for a while (as a second octave pedal, in addition to my TC Electronic Sub N Up), and this review has really swayed me toward "Yes, I do *NEED* this pedal!" 😂 While the Vintage Bass Octave does have that extra bit of "character" to its sound...I think that would really fit with my playing style and sound! Also, adding octave to a distorted/fuzz sound was AWESOME! That had never really occurred to me before, and it really beefs up the low end (often pulled out by a lot of distortion and fuzz effects). Keep up the great work!

[@MrJommins]

I used to have an oc-3, but then learned more about the oc-2 so I got one of those. Sadly, i had to sell my oc-2 and was never satisfied with any other octave pedal I tried. Now you have brought this to my attention. It sounds just like my old oc-2! I am happy to say that I just bought a used one on reverb and I am anxiously awaiting it’s arrival. So I just wanted to thank you for doing a proper pedal review. Just the right amount of playing and talking. Plus, your background information on this pedal was so enlightening. Thank you for this video. Well done! signed, mr jommins

[@narr2151]

Any updates on your impression of it now that you've tried it for a while?

[@allandoughty1039]

I find a wet / dry mix of one octave down with a bit or reverb works beautifully on a fretless when playing slower music.

[@johnjozwiak7452]

Totally getting one of these today!! Thanks for pushing me over the edge!!

[@peinmilan]

Holy sh...! :o I would have never guessed Janek playing this. Kudos man you have quite a stylistic range :)

[@fraserlundie9468]

That ending tone sounds awesome. That sound is tighter and a bit more modern than I usually use, I prefer it a bit rougher and rawer. But I'll need to put that kind of sound together soon

[@Ryan-ix6dt]

Damn! You should play all kinds of genres not just jazz! Those bass lines you were playing sounded sick! The first one has an alternative/hip hop kind of sound and the other one sounded heavy.

[@tldanos]

That intro is just great!!

[@RobMods]

Another nice video mate. Cheers!

[@Alex_Khouri]

It's crazy how close this sounds to the classic Dingwall/Darkglass combination! It just goes to show how effective octave pedals can be as a substitute for down-tuning (or extended-range instruments).

[@seanhickey1999]

Nobody tunes down a whole octave when downtuning

[@BS-te3mn]

Sounds Awesome ! You should totally do more metal stuff !

[@danielirvine7468]

Dude the sounds you make while playing!!!!!!!! I regret selling my oc2 thanks for sharing about this mxr

[@stubrakon9683]

Great episode thanks!🤘

[@MarcoH72]

Janek, you should consider including a heavy track on a future solo album.

[@janekgwizdala]

I’m writing a heavy album right now... trying to be done with the writing by the end of next month, and then start recording.

[@MarcoH72]

@@janekgwizdala I look forward to it!

[@nephilymbass1]

Janek Gwizdala sounds awesome, really looking forward to that

[@JSaltyfabricator]

@@janekgwizdala that is awesome man! I remember you and Tosin talking about getting heavy on your podcast. Rad to hear about MXR cloning your exact pedal! Cheers from Victoria BC 🍻👊

[@justinmills556]

Not sure if it was just the speakers on my TV. But the MXR seemed to have more low frequency response. I've got the deluxe but would like to hear an AB of the 2. Inspired to play with the controls again to dial up some better usable sounds. Thanks, great vid as always.

[@bassrevisited2282]

Hello Janek. I am starting in the world of 5 stringers with a high C. I am looking at your exercises books, like the Good and Better Stuff and Chordal Harmony I and II. Do they have exercises for 5 string E-C basses? Thank you. I really enjoy your channel and your relaxed and honest posture about music.

[@BrianFMusic]

Janek, I would be nice that if you can do a episode of creating bass presets on the HX Stomp with your tones and flavor. Love your videos.

[@kindnick58]

Awesome intro... Leave the mid button in 👌

[@bobbythompson4268]

I picked up an OC-5 because they don’t make the OC-2 anymore, and on vintage mode, it stands up. Then I found a used OC-2 and had to scoop it. Side by side comparison, the OC-5 is a great replica of it, plus it has poly mode as well.

[@MrClassicmetal]

The OC-5 tracks very well too, better than the EBS OctaBass and TC Electronic Sub N Up at least. Have you compared it with the MXR?

[@houbice3]

Janek metal 🤗 Another great episode

[@wanmorgan]

Thanks Janek for another fab video.. 🙃

[@francois-xavierdussart1619]

Hi Janek, thanks for all the great tips and inspiration. In case you can enlighten me: some say fuzz has to come before buffer. Issue: I have an OC2 (buffer then, I assume as all Boss pedals), then next fuzz for synth tone. Is wrong to have it like this on my board? I know there is no such thing as 'wrong', but still. 🙏 Thanks!!!

[@mrebear9758]

The extra signal of the MXR is such a big win. I wish it sounded closer to the OC-2 but, on balance, I prefer the MXR live simply due to the volume. On a side note, I have no idea how Janek can get the pedal to track with a pick!

[@CyperN077]

Oh snap! I used one of these. Oh the memories and sounds.

[@fraserlundie9468]

The way Nolly and a lot of those heavy bands get that tone is split the signal into high and low frequencies. The low is left clean often and compressed to all hell, whilst the high is distorted and often treated like a guitar then the two are summed in the mix. Though I prefer this method sounds more organic to me.

[@erikarko]

That was pretty much how I approached making the preset, actually :)

[@davhoj]

Hi Janek! And thanks for the info! Great as usual! I watched your last live stream and at some point you gave your opinion about envelope filters (the quak sound). I’ve been watching your videos for a couple of years now and noticed you happened to have a Xotic Robotalk 2 . I actually like the pedal but can’t figure out natural places to play it. Could you give me any thoughts on the Robotalk 2?

[@janekgwizdala]

I haven't played the Robotalk 2 in a really long time. I'll have to check it out and get it into a video in the not too distant future when I look at filter pedals.

[@roomfullofbasses]

You need to record with Carl Mörner Ringström. This heavy vibe is right up his alley. Cheers.

[@NickGranville]

Cool man. The smaller size is welcomed. The OC2 lives on my board

[@coleashmore]

I love that overdrive! Does anyone know if a pedal that comes in that format? That’s not a multi effects board? Great work!

[@dos_mas_805]

Those ghost notes at 5:21 are so tasty!

[@nigelbaker73]

The song has a chaotic feel to it, almost like a soundtrack for a video game.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Thanks. You just convinced me. The MXR actually has a deeper & more defined Sub-bass. Does it track ( and feel ) similar? I was looking at the OC-5, but this MXR really shines. oNe LovE from NYC

[@evangelossaklaras3956]

Any idea how these would sound on an active bass? I use a Stingray Special and I was wondering if the already higher output MXR would get untamed.

[@marcelodelpaggio7469]

janek,wht do you think about The DD 's delays of BOSS? I have a lot of them and lov it

[@iwillnevergetone5]

Janek, I see you have the Hipshot Kickass bridge on this bass. is there a vid where you talk in depth about the kickass somewhere ?

[@rahzark]

Holy shit I can't wait for that metal album!

[@mackenziehatfield7691]

Janek playing some djent!? 😲🤘

[@janekgwizdala]

It's my version of it. Still in the embryonic stages of figuring out my sound. It's more Djanek than Djent right now I think. 🤣

[@MarcoH72]

@@janekgwizdala Djanek would be a good album name.

[@dantelamusta]

Janek Gwizdala The more riffy part of the song reminded me of something Protest The Hero would write! Digging it! You might like Sequoia Throne off of the Fortress album. There is an instrumental version if you’re not a fan of the vocalist. I love it personally but it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

[@nenzo5000]

Sooo now you come to the dark side .... splendidly!!!

[@Letkoenkoff]

Maybe I missed something, but how do you get that sound, when playing in the high register this heavy riff? From 19:35 and further.

[@williammitchell6921]

I actually like the MXR better! Good job Janek!

[@nephilymbass1]

Well I’m sold. Gonna order one of these

[@landonh3535]

I have bought 2 pedals recently. The FMeron and this. Literally each time I buy them, the same day you make a video about them. Is this fate? I have no idea, but it’s freaking me out.

[@bobbythompson4268]

It’s your world bud, we’re just living in it.

[@govinda671]

That drum track is sick! Where can I find that?

[@stanislawrybinski]

I hope you get your hands on Darkglass stuff someday. Nolly played through B7K (dunno about his current setup).

[@janekgwizdala]

Definitely a fan of the way the Alpha Omega sounds, and I see everyone in that world has used it at some point. Jon Stockman of course with Karnivool, was the first place I heard it I think. But so many people are going with a digital setup these days. Axe Effects, Kemper, or Helix.

[@dmjbass]

@@janekgwizdala If only it weren't so difficult to get that split-chain setup out of the limited block set on the HX Stomp! I ended up with the Stomp plus a Microtubes X7 in the fx loop just so I could keep the flexibility. Modeling some of the DG gear takes a pile of blocks(EQ, distortion, compressor, crossover, at a minimum), and unfortunately the crossover eq options don't have as much of the frequency range that I love having on the X7.

[@janekgwizdala]

@@dmjbass Yeah, i'm with you. There are limitations with the Stomp in that sense. But at the same time, it's doing so much of the heavy lifting in other areas for me, I have no problem having other specialized pedals on the board to help out. And with my Boss ES5, it makes it super easy to control everything.

[@dmjbass]

@@janekgwizdala Sure, and a Stomp plus a couple or so pedals is still cheaper and smaller than a full Helix rig!

[@seanreyes5126]

That mid button works very well with distortion pedals if you start doing heavier stuff good sir!

[@JoeBrown1]

Hey Janek, awesome vid. My active bass sucks with my oc-2 at any volume it peaks and pops, have to use an effects loop on my hd500x to make it play nice. Does the mxr resolve this issue with active instruments?

[@kodykindhart5644]

Active passive switch? 🤪

[@mrebear9758]

Not really... I run a compressor and lower the output volume for this reason. Depends on how hot your preamp is. Sadowsky would be fine, but Bartolini TCT or Aguilar 3 band will have the same problem

[@Will-cu8vd]

I've only got your metal tracking in mono (I blame youtube :/ ) but regardless, it sounds HUGE!

[@janekgwizdala]

Could also be user error on my part with the mix or the bounce down. Once I have some tracks professionally mixed, I'm sure there will be some full-on huge sounding videos.

[@DarkShaman667]

I guess I have to try that. Octave after Distortion.

[@thoskaX]

I love my OC-2 but I also use DigiTech Ricochet with some distortion as sound like “baby Elephant” 😀

[@christopherrusch]

does the ricochet allow you to have a clean signal WITH the octave? or is it just the effect?

[@doublebass]

@@christopherrusch no clean blend

[@yetanotherbassdude]

Love what you're doing with the metal sound at the end. The octave sound is basically doing a similar job to what I like to do with my bass for this stuff. I tend to just use a pretty drastic bandpass EQ and a *lot* of compression to create a really consistent, almost sine wave sounding sub bass track from my original dry signal and then blend this back in with a clean amp sim sound and a stompbox distorted tone to create my preferred bass sound, but the end result is pretty similar. Separating the sub bass from the distortion I think is key to giving the bass the weight it needs for heavy music but keeping the clarity and not muddying things up by distorting those sub frequencies. Would love to see what your take is on more heavy tones like this in the future! I can also highly recommend using your old high strung 5 string tuning with some modifications for heavy stuff. I actually have my main bass tuned low C to high Bb - essentially a high C 5 string tuning but tuned down a whole step and then with the low string dropped another tone - partly inspired by your playing, and I love it for what I've been doing as it gives me a ton of range but gives me that dropped low string to be able to double guitar parts written for that much more easily. I use a super light standard 5 string set (40-125) and it works great! Again, would love to see what you could make of it or if it inspires you to create something new. Cheers!

[@arlingtonhoustonbass]

The MXR clearly has much more bottom and punch to me also a cleaner tracking than the Boss Oc2. "I'm glad I just purchased the MXR"

[@n_phaneuf]

What do you do to deal with volume drop with oc-2? When I go back and forth between clean sound and oc-2 sound it always seems quieter live.

[@janekgwizdala]

I have the luxury of being able to gain that effect loop in my Boss ES-5 switcher if I'm experiencing any drop in level. It could also be an EQ thing where the subby sound of the OC=2 isn't as punchy as the natural sound of your bass. Tough to diagnose without seeing or hearing your rig.

[@Donald666]

Are you running your oc2 at 12volts ?, wondering if it still has volume drop. Great video !

[@janekgwizdala]

The old original Japenese ones I do. The newer taiwanese made ones are fine at 9v.

[@johnnhello4913]

Can you hook up a compression pedal to it?

[@SpiritDK]

i wish MXR would do the same for the Boss TE-2 pedal as well

[@danielirvine7468]

I personally love a bit of dry with the octive one its Funky as

[@roadbull1]

Is it bad that I like it less because its little? Sound rad though.

[@jamesbass907]

Very Meaty janek. Good stuff.. Jazz world gonna be upset the devil 👿 came for you.....

[@mennieanastassiou9291]

Please do the octamizer or wooly mammoths or the morley power wah Ps awesome video

[@CharlesRobitaille514]

The MXR Bass Octave Deluxe is great.....IMHO.

[@porkygoodness7988]

Hi there janek! Just wonderin', what bass are you using? Thanks!

[@janekgwizdala]

It’s a Henrik Linder prototype Mattisson

[@juffurey]

Was the OC-5 released when this video was out? I don't get it because I bought it for $100 new and this is $160??

[@MrJuncker]

Awesome 💯💲🇩🇰🎶😊

[@leeellis4820]

Is that bass tuned to B-E-A-D?

[@BenTBrown]

I've been eyeing the mxr lately to conserve space and not deal with figuring out power requirements. One weird thing I heard is playing really high up on the E string seems like it introduced some phasing weirdness, more so with the mxr compared to the oc2 but that may have been because the mxr is just a little louder. Particularly noticeable right at 6:03. Do you hear that? Is it just me?

[@janekgwizdala]

You're totally right. And the MXR a little more simply because there's a little higher output on it I think. Maybe 1 or 2 DB to my ear.

[@BenTBrown]

@@janekgwizdala Thanks for the reply. Any idea what causes it?

[@janekgwizdala]

@@BenTBrown I don't. I'm not the specs kind of person when it comes to the insides of these things unfortunately. I just hear what I hear, and discuss that.

[@KCameronJ]

@@janekgwizdala doesn’t the OC2 notoriously have not quite enough gain available? I’ve heard a few people say they wish it could get a touch louder. Makes sense that MXR would put a little extra into their circuit.

[@bassnmusic4572]

Its crazy cause the mxr sounds same like the boss oc5. Its close but not the same. For me the oc2 sounds warm and absolutely “dry. The boss oc5 and the mxr sounds a little “wet”. Crazy that mxr and boss is not able to get the same sound. 😂🤷🏻‍♂️

[@eliassirvio2779]

I noticed you are are playing with the bass on your right knee now, is this because it's more ergonomic when playing with a pick? or is there another reason for the change of posture?

[@janekgwizdala]

Was just easier for the camera angle. 🤣

[@PilferMusic]

8:37 - make it a fretless at this setting and you're in 80's Pino Palladino territory - listen to Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down (kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5qtiIugr5aoodU)

[@fernandoanacletofirmino1518]

I’m driving, then I hear the truck sound, I survived.

[@thechronicnoizeco.6675]

You need more pedals.

[@learnmusic488]

Second octave down: because the OC-2 was ‘never meant’ for bass.. it was meant for _guitar players_ who wanted to sound like a bass player was accompanying their solo lines... so many analog pedals can do that sine-wave synth bass sound & more well tailored for the bass guitar.. and now they’re charging $300-$400, for a stupid pedal I paid $40 for back in the mid-80s.. to this day, I still don’t know what all the hype is about with that quirky pedal...talk about the power of suggestion..

[@janekgwizdala]

Good point on the second octave down. This was totally a guitar pedal first! But the pedal is neither stupid, or hyped. Like any older pedal, regardless of its function, the OC-2 has become a collectors item for the sake of collecting, sometimes more so than for musical reasons. If you want to apply the term "hype" to a pedal, I think there are many more units ahead of the OC-2. The SG-1, the DOD Gonkulator, Fuzz Face, Mu-Tron Bi-phase, DOD preamp 250 (original grey from the 70's). These are "hyped" because so many famous musicians like Butch Vig, Josh Kilnghoffer, Mike Einziger, Jimi Hendrix, Yngwie Malmsteen etc... But in reality, they were just what the people who famously used them could get their hands on at the time. And millions of fans all over the world subsequently fell in love with the overall sound of a band as a result. Then music fans go out and try and replicate that sound by looking for the original pedal. Yes, there are modern digital pedals that can do similar things. Some even do them better. But better isn't the goal for most serious musicians. There's a reason I like the OC-2, and it's not because its perfect. It's for exactly the opposite of that. It's glitchy, it makes me go somewhere a "perfect" pedal wouldn't, and for that experience, I think the price of an original unit is justified.

[@learnmusic488]

Janek Gwizdala Ok,.. that’s Cool.. yeah mine was an OctavER... thought nothing of it for 20 years... then as soon as I destroyed it,.. it became the Holy Grail and worth 10 times as much.. never take investment advice from me..lol. Thanks again..

[@wheresallthezombies]

Damn I paid $60 for a used OC2 like 10 years ago

[@ezrmanullang]

maybe you want to research some chinese made clone Pedals ? i heard Valeton OC10 is pretty close to OC2 sound and comes with the size of this little MXR, and cheap !!(of course :D)

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

The OC10 is a distorted mess.

[@ezrmanullang]

@@ushnicyuvnikof2748 heyy, do you use oc10? it is no good?

[@RoeyHaviv]

They are so close on the Jojo setting, the MXR is a touch louder.

[@janekgwizdala]

Agreed. Maybe 1 or 2 DB louder with the MXR.

[@RoeyHaviv]

@@janekgwizdala you mentioned it in the video but i already made the comment before getting to that part. Anyway, this is way better than what i have in the MS3, i settled for it but if I ever get a call from Jojo, i would bring a brown box.

[@steffengotsch]

That's what I noticed as well. I think the extra headroom is a good addition, would be interesting to hear it with the octave knob at unity volume with the OC-2.

[@ExPostFactoBass]

Are you hiding a NO FEAR tattoo under that HURLEY hoodie? Maybe a STUSSY tat under that OAKLEY hat?

[@DYANCE92]

Very good video, it is a pity that it does not have subtitles for those of us who do not have English as our native language

[@jonasfrehse]

Hey Janek, great video as usual! Small anecdote: I recently purchased a Wooly Mammoth clone that has a monster sound. If you ever plan on doing a comprehensive Fuzz shoot out you could maybe check it out. www.amp-fx.de/wollmammut.htm I've got nothing to do with the guy, but I heard he makes quality pedals for an affordable price. Eitherway keep up All the good stuff! Just enrollend for the gold membership and starting my practice routine right now! Thanks for inspiring me!

[@philipbrookes1078]

djentanek Gwizdala

[@stevehillock3162]

Came for the pedal review, stayed to comment on that amazingly promising composition. Did you finally release it on an album yet? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJLFXmV3p7qcmLc

[@flatgroundtv7097]

OC-2 more warmth is the best. The little boost on the MXR really unnecessary for me. MXR should replicate the exact sound and not the circuit only. It's a good product for those looking a little boost on OC-2. Personally like the vintage warmth muddy sound. Prefer the vinyl sound over CD's. It ends up with personal preference. Thank you. You're my bass effect teacher. 🙏🏽🙂

[@richardkelley4231]

He said Japanese

[@jameschrzanowski4891]

Maybe I need to stop watching your videos. Yesterday you had me buying the EP Booster. Today I purchased the Bugcrusher. My wife would not approve but it is still unknown for now.

[@jobckts682]

Didn't invite guitarist.

[@Iamconnorlee]

FIRST

[@teacher5376]

Great , low cost , same kind of effects, same voices, same voltage, same users. ( mxr , boss, and more .....I see, I will buys....Taiwan, China, USA, England, and many , more ...I know you....tc electronic....can be better .soon.

[@marcocaracciolo834]

The mxr its much more better

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

That mid boost knob is in the worst place possible!! Horrible design !

[@3DThrills]

That bit reduction sounds like shit.

[@janekgwizdala]

what a valuable contribution to the conversation.

[@3DThrills]

@@janekgwizdala You can't handle the truth.

[@janekgwizdala]

@@3DThrills I can handle anything. What I can't tolerate is people acting like it's their first time using the internet.

[@3DThrills]

@@janekgwizdala No, all you can handle is sycophants. Stop crying.

[@janekgwizdala]

@@3DThrills crying? over your pointless trolling? I think not.

[@kronk358]

How can a grown man dress like that and respect himself?

[@janekgwizdala]

The same way you can make public comments like that without concern that the rest of the world can see how short sighted you are.

[@schamnlacktav2612]

That sounded like shit

[@janekgwizdala]

Timothy, why don't you do us all a favor and not be such a prick in public?

[@danchatka8613]

Pointlessly long video. Could enjoyable cover all the info in less than 5 minutes.

[@janekgwizdala]

Perhaps you want to make that video Dan? I'll stick with my format though. It's a lot of fun.