WHY DOES MY OCTAVE PEDAL SOUND LIKE $H!T?

[@dsutkin]

I’ve been an SBL member for a long time and a huge fan of the channel for just as long. In my opinion, Ian has been the best thing that’s happened to the channel in a long time. No disrespect to Scott and ALL the other fantastic bass educators but Ian is the one who really speaks to me most relevantly in terms of what I love about all things bass. Respects Ian, thanks for the great content, this video too! Respects to the whole SBL crew, keep up the great bass love.

[@ejsantos2]

I couldn't agree more

[@stevencarriere7094]

That's because he's a good midwestern/Minnesota guy :-)

[@markanthony5897]

No disrespect at all. His is a breath fresh of air. I still dig deep on Scotts videos, but he has his plate full with the higher management of the school, the channel, futures, and folks like Ian and more are taking the lessons to task and freeing up Scott to spearhead all the goodies each and everyone of us enjoy. Surely you realize how big this SBL thang has gotten. It's overwhelming just to imagine , now, imagine being Scott. Thanks to all the good people at SBL for their warm approach to the supporting the lifestyle of bassist's around the world and to the Global Community Of Bassist's for the Easter eggs I find within the comments. Bonus. I am Mark, Bassist in San Francisco, California. Take it away... Uh ...oh. I'm delusional.

[@dsutkin]

@@markanthony5897 Good morning bro, I don't find anything disrespectful at all about your post. It seems to echo the sentiment of most of us who posted in this particular video.

[@mikehenderson2304]

Ian rocks

[@talkingbasslessons]

THE single best video devoted to octave pedals out there. Ian...you are the man. 👊

[@IanMartinAllison]

Cheers! 🙏🏼

[@sqwirlio7794]

Agreed! You are also the man Mark here from TalkingBass.

[@geeclef42]

Yep. I agree too. I would imagine that this also applies to synth pedals too. I've always had tracking issues. This should help immensely.

[@braydensilliman6413]

Carrots.

[@danthetruth]

Synth pedal shoot out - emulating the moon Taurus etc

[@kevineller1371]

A deep dive into the HX Stomp would be awesome! So many possibilities with it but you could just focus on some of the features that are useful for bass.

[@daniellehmuskoski1002]

This would be awesome! My rig is Hx Stomp with inears/ QSC cab, but I would love to know how Ian uses the Helix.

[@jammanmcguin]

Yep

[@lichibass]

This!

[@faben70]

Don't ask what an octave pedal can do for you: ask what *you* can do for an octave pedal!

[@andygeorge6065]

You've just saved a Boss HR2 Harmonist from being shot…

[@bouz49]

Dude ! Thart short lick at 2:52 needs his own video ! Sick !

[@krsboss]

Awesome! I thought my Octave pedal was broken when I first used it, but I changed my technique and started getting those sweet lows! Good to have some more info on what is actually happening

[@LuxeFilmography]

Same!!

[@LuxeFilmography]

Same!!

[@orryfishburne5326]

Its crazy to see how large this channel has grown. I remember when Scott was first starting out. Congratulations! U guys deserve it! Thanks for allowing so many people to a wealth of knowledge.

[@kevinpaige5746]

You've restored my faith in my BOSS Super Octave OC-3! Thanks!

[@vinsharrelson2246]

As always, Ian has produced another info packed video! Now I will say to my octave pedal, "It's not you, it's me"! How about a dive into chorus and compressor pedals next? BTW, my new favorite is the Source Audio C4 synth pedal. The sounds you can get are cool and the tracking is great, the learning curve on tweaking it to perfection is steep though.

[@andylindemann4356]

Whaaaat? That answered so many questions and solves so many problems! This was brilliant! Do COMPRESSOR next!

[@elvis2828]

Ian, you are my hero!

[@LuxeFilmography]

I just bought an octave pedal and this was exactly the video I needed to address the glitching I was experiencing. Thank you so much!

[@Matt-is8qj]

Fuzz talk would be nice. Personnally I love my good ole Mu-tron III+ (dynamic filter/auto-wah). Gear talk with a few cool basslines and tabs is a perfect combo, SBL never disappoints.

[@craigdamage]

I wish you guys could settle a debate with a pedal "shootout" Are bass specific pedals really any different than regular guitar pedals? I would like to see some examples put to the test.Boss chorus vs Boss bass chorus. DOD envelope filter vs DOD bass envelope filter etc.....overdrives and fuzz too.

[@brianwilliams4789]

I have a variety of octave options, Sub-N-Up , C4, Future Impact ,as well as options in the HX Stomp. With my neck-thru basses, light strings, bridge pick-up esp. ---NO glitches and I play all the way down to low E and beyond. With the poly pitch on HX and poly on the sub-n-up can even do double-stops,etc.Technique is important, but the proper gear and mix is just as important.

[@SquareWaveSymphonies]

Ian, you're the best thing to ever happen to the SBL Academy! Love your videos!

[@derekfried]

Ian!! Yes more pedal videos! My problem with pedals is that I don’t know how to incorporate them into a mix when I am playing live with a band. I have a chorus and a few others but I turn them on and it seems to screw everything up. Maybe some step by step on how to incorporate them would be rad.

[@pizzagivesmenightmares7237]

That jazz bass is beautiful and so are you Ian. Honestly just show us your favorite gear. I'm here for it.

[@paubass123]

Best explanation how to use an octaver EVER. I played for years without knowing this tricks...i discover some of it but thanks to u now it's all clear and tracking in my brains :D

[@danielhiggins8006]

Favourite piece of gear? I know it's a little bit dull... but I absolutely adore the ProCo Rat circuit on bass, & think it doesn't get enough love!

[@lenkuzmicki5784]

Going back a few years, but I loved Ralphe Armstrong’s use of the octave divider on the Jean-Luc Ponty albums of the ‘70s. Got to see that band live and checked out Ralphe’s pedal board and saw a Mu-Tron octave divider. Went out and bought one right after. Sounded amazing with the fuzz circuit engaged!

[@Damage_Kase_99]

The Flashlight tone is flawless

[@johnl.6930]

Thanks! To so accurately explain the complex uses and glitches of a bass octave pedal will definitely help me buy a pedal and how not sound like I don’t know how to maximize this cool effect!

[@chriscuthbertson]

When I use my helix for synth or octave effects, I always run some eq and compression before the octave/synth block to remove some of the unwanted harmonics from the signal. This means i can go from a bright slap sound to a octave/synth sound with good tracking with just a press of a pedal. I've even toyed with using a separate output from the neck pickup just to use to trigger synth/octave.

[@mrBassArte]

Excellent demonstration as always! One suggestion for future gear vids.. Seems to me that the bassists (pro or serious level with gear experience) have the biggest problem with OD, FuZZ, DIST pedals, and effects. Their usage in songs, how to get certain sound etc... That field is so large for discussing, demonstrating, and decide which does what and how for a specific situation, technics or song. Hunt for "perfect one" is endless with so many hundreds of pedals through the process with all of us :) We all mostly know which good to excellent octave pedals are and generally how to approach them and what we can accomplish whit either of them. Some start points and classics as BOSS OC2, MXR BDO, POG variants, SubNup, Octabvre, etc... Some love more vintage-sounding ones some more synthy ones but that field is more or less discussed so many times BUT with dirty pedals, there are so many blurry moments and undefined directions in terms of use, and how to get there. First of all - differences between that three effects, DRIVE, DISTORTION, and FUZZ. Many know sounding differences, of course, but don't know the technical differences and where and how to use them for best results. The confusion about which type of effect for which sound that we hear in our heads or in some particular song is endless. The second - the best (model or used technics of playing, better understanding) for a pedal to be less guitar sounding. How to approach it or which type to chose on any level to sound for bass and not to be too harsh or too guitarist alike. Many bassists have that problem on the beginner or pro level. The third one - how to control it to be more staccato when it needs to be (mostly fuzzes has that problem). Use of gate, limiter pedals? Different technics, power supplies, to get that staccato clean between, sounds like Muse (more synthy velcro territory), RATM (more vintage analog sounds), or any modern bands (Darkglass pedals type of modern grind sounds) etc.. Sound with clear but distorted fuzz punch and attack. And forth - neverending dilemma - pedals with or without clean blends? Some of us think that blend is an essential part of distorted bass sound but there are so many situations and opinions that blended pedals sound worse in a band mix. That non-blended dirts (but with bass fundamental) cuts so much better in live band situations... I have experience with both cases so that field is very interesting to explore. This topic is so interesting to be explored on this type of so big and successful bass channel and with your way for explaining things and slightly more love in a vintage field of effect use :) where bass dirts has the best usage :) I found (for me) after so many pedals, perfect compressor, perfect octaver, enveloper, delay, modulation, velcro type fuzz, ambient pedal BUT with dirts like DRIVEs and DISTs there is always an almost perfect one. So many variables in terms of active/passive, which bass, technics, equipment, strings, and so more changing stuff... As I say, excellent field for some sort of "user manual" from your point of view :) Sorry for so much text and bad English :) Hopes this is a good field for exploring, discuss here! All the best.

[@IanMartinAllison]

Great suggestions - thanks so much for taking the time to write this Petar!

[@thomasfioriglio]

Ian, thank you so much for this! I recently got a Tech 21 Bass Fly Rig 2 that includes an Octaver/Fuzz/Envelope Filter section and it's taken some time to understand how it works and to get the best sound out of it. Tech 21 did put out a tutorial video that helped tremendously, and much of what they said, you said the exact same thing. So it's good to hear it twice. Some great tips here such as 1. approach it almost like an instrument and there will be a learning curve and 2. you need to change your technique to get the best results. You offered some great specific tips like playing close to the neck. And 3, where you play the note on the string makes a difference. I found playing a D on the E string sounds better than an open D or on the 5th fret of the A string. So thanks. Effects are still new to me, as I've always been a fairly simple bassist with a straight ahead rock tone. Watching you now for a few years inspired me to give some effects a try, and the Bass Fly Rig 2 has been perfect for this. PS, so strange to see you in your old set up.

[@terryadley4709]

On the subject of Octave pedals, this video is priceless and Ian is just amazing in how he comes across and demonstrates, I need to buy those other pedals now.

[@peatybirchgroover]

As usual... you hit everything we need and want to know about 'The Topic'. All the useful stuff! Thanks again Ian. The playing position tips were perfect. From here anyone can adjust to whatever contraption they're stomping on.

[@achillesheal2021]

THANK YOU!!! This has made me not want to take a sledge hammer to my octave pedal. I play with a pick, and this thorough explanation of tracking problems and how to correct them is priceless. Also, Toy Matinee...Last Plane Out is one of the best examples of the perfect bass octave pedal I've ever heard. And one of the best recorded albums of all time.

[@MrPrincebass99]

Great video, as usual, Ian! The only video I have seen for using octave pedals correctly. For grins, at my gig tonight I kicked in my Ag Octamizer pedal during the bridge/solo section in Zep’s ‘Dancing Days.’ With a keyboard player….’A’ string…close to the neck…it was huge. Ha! Spooked our guitarist.

[@pabloshin]

OC3 user here. Something that really help me controlling the OC3 during live playing is the compressor (before the octave). And Ian you are right about the technique, fingers are the key with octaves pedals (or any that emulates synth sounds)

[@TimTrOn3000]

If you turn to the "octafuzz" knob 9n the selector, and then turn the octave volume down, the overdrive you're left with is one of my top 3 of all time. It's like a low gain top boosting growl that's amazing. I actually use 2 oc3's, one for octave and one for the OD. I kind of wish they had designed it with a double switch octave on and OD on pedal..... but you can always do what I did and buy 2. It's just a hassle to mess with while playing live, but you can always switch the settings on one between songs.

[@davidsilva9054]

Ian! Best video ever on Octave pedals ever created by modern man. I always wondered why my pedal would glitch out...Wow. It was me the WHOLE TIME! Best thing to happen to SBL ever! Lifetime member.

[@CSchaef02]

To me, Ian is like a “Steve Irwin of bass.” I love his presentation style!

[@BrunoMigliari]

Yet another great video by Ian. Very helpful!

[@DoctorIntrepid]

So funny. The way you hold and present a bass always makes me want to buy that bass type! I can see the love you have for each instrument.

[@liamthepebble9357]

It'd be awesome to see a breakdown of classic bass amps similar to the "10 basses to play before you die" vid; there doesn't seem to be much out there in the way of cataloguing the amps that were iconic for their era and their sound profiles, it's important information!! Great stuff as always Ian, you're an unreal and infectious dude and a fantastic resource for us all :))

[@jesusdelpozogarcia]

Thank you very much for activating the subtitles option, now I will be able to understand everything much better! THANK YOU

[@PEACEinYESHUA-oj7vc1pk7w]

I just recently purchased the boss octaver. I'm using an Ibanez 5 string fretless bass--- and it's gorgeous! It really sings on the high notes and I'm mostly just using the piezo pickup. It definitely has that MWAH sound I haven't played bass for a long time because I became seriously ill and severely disabled. I'm actually in hospital at the moment. I typically play fretless exclusively, because I prefer the sound and versatility. I guess everyone is different and unique. Before I was hospitalised I have been very busy on and off working away in my home recording studio recording the songs and music I write. Bass used to be my main instrument but I am a singer songwriter also and play acoustic guitar and keys. I really need to sit down with the octaver and figure it out. I have the boss one that has four controls. So if I remember correctly I can go two octaves above or below 🤔 I didn't like the distortion. It's probably not something I'm going to use much. I noticed one of the outputs is a dry output so that will be pretty cool I can use both going into the focusritte into separate channels on my mix in Pro Tools. It gives me endless possibilities. In fact I am sitting here in my hospital bed already planning how I could use it. So cool😅😎🎸🎧🎹🎤🖱️

[@kevincuthbertson4014]

It sounds sick when it glitches, don't worry about it

[@simon_patterson]

Thank you! I got a cheap octave pedal, used it once, didn't understand it, and it's been on the shelf ever since. Thanks for opening my eyes!

[@roisindubh42]

Great video, super practical tips, and a fantastic approach. I love that there are 20 asshats out there that didn't like this video. Would love a video on the new Bass Fly Rig v2 from Tech21, Ian!

[@MrAlanshieff]

After 35 years playing, I learned a lot - Suggetion - Multi FX pedals and how to use then in place of multiple pedals... Thanks Ian

[@MrRotoTok]

This was ridiculously helpful. I got a new MXR and it did indeed sound like $hit. I thought it was a problem with the pedal! I’d love to learn more about using compressor pedals artistically in different situations and styles.

[@atklod2620]

Idea for a video: Why are multi-effect pedals not used as much as those individual analog and digital pedals? And are there any upsides/downsides to each of them? It usually seems like a good idea to have everything you might need in one place, and not scattered around, tangled in cables.

[@TheMukenukem]

I think the sheer amount of options is the problem. A buddy has a Kemper. You can spend years in optimizing your tone. He spent weeks to get the "perfect" tone for his guitars. With a dedicated effect pedal you have a couple of knobs, on/off, everything set. Do I want a Kemper ? Hell yes. but just to use the thousands of community presets for (bass). I want to play, not tweak ;)

[@christianmason1817]

Best octave pedal info ever. So it turns out that my Mustang with flats does indeed love my OC2. Best sound ever.

[@derekvokins7943]

SBL Member, and am LOVIN' these!! It's so nice and insightful to get pro tips on approaching effects for bass. Would LOVE to see one on building synth sounds only using the HX Stomp. Mad Thanks Ian and Scott. Excellent content!!

[@AntonioPlaysBass]

Great video and lots of insights about getting the chorus pedal to sit in! Would be awesome to do the same for distortion, as lots of players use sutil/light distortion to make the bass lines have more grease! Respect Ian!

[@gussellsimmons]

Ian is awesome, and I finally hit subscribe because of him! I don’t have very much experience with pedals, but one that I messed around with and enjoyed is the envelope filter. Would love to see a deep dive video such as this one with that pedal. Keep up the good work Ian!

[@EricRosander]

I am also an SBL member and want to echo the sentiments on Ian's content. Always entertaining, love the enthusiasm. I'd like to see some comparisons or even some creative ways/sounds that those tube pre-amp pedals can be used, such as the Markbass Mark Vintage Pre

[@pyjammin1935]

A video on fuzz and different way to use them would be great.

[@TimTrOn3000]

Best way to use a fuzz on bass is to drop in the rubbish bin and plug straight into the Amp. Love fuzz on guitar. Have never ever heard a good fuzz on bass, at least not the way I play.

[@josh_ari]

Great question! Mission Engineering Momentum Bass Overdrive. It's made for bass but there are no demos or samples of it anywhere. There are so many pedals that I don't have that I would love to hear on the bass, but first and foremost, the mission engineering momentum. Before I drop $300 on a pedal, I would kind of maybe want to hear it first.

[@jergervasi3331]

"Always play close to the neck with an octave effect"... Plays next to the bridge for the REST of the video. LOL... Just having fun, thanks for the tips!

[@5n1p3r0p5]

Dude! Thank you so much! I was going to get rid of my OC-3 for this very reason! Puh-lease cover amps next. I’m in the market and don’t know *anything* about them!! Help, IMA, you’re my only hope! ;)

[@jimjacobs1961]

EXCELLENT bass octave tutorial, Ian! I've been experimenting with my Aguilar Octamizer for the past couple of years, but have not yet gotten my tone where I want it. This will help!

[@kevinwhite6176]

At least one other person mentioned 'distortion' and I'll say that includes overdrive and fuzz. I listen to tracks and they have some awesome distortion sound - the super-modern Nolly "dry distortion", the old-school sweaty ampeg clank, Ben Folds Five's heavy grunge fuzz, Geddy Lee's sputz, Type O Negative's.... whatever you call that insane chorused "big muff with all the knobs up" sound. Whenever I try to get distortion sounds, they get brittle or farty or lack power. What are all the secrets?

[@paulsimpson6424]

Thank you so much for this, this really helped me get a better tone without the glitches.

[@devinebass]

Awesome Paul!

[@PCKPockyi]

Invaluable information. Thanks Ian💓

[@douglasfx2432]

Dude, that helps a lot!

[@Wheel333]

Hey, I would love a video on the different types of bass compressor pedals, from ones that are more transparent to those that add colour.

[@domboy666]

How about different string types? There are videos out there but would love to hear Ian' take on the subject

[@jeffthemarshall]

+1 for the Pog. Up or down, it tracks so well. I’ve never heard it glitch with normal Playing.

[@grizelda4526]

Yeah, even with chords no problems!

[@CorbCorbin]

Polyphonic always tracks easier, unless it’s poorly made.

[@TheMahaffeymg]

I’d love to know more about your more unusual instruments. (Ian Allison Signature?!?!)

[@federicobuggi1960]

1) Ian, you’ re really something!!!! 2) I’d love to hear your take on _modern_ Rickenbacker 4003 basses So many pieces of reported info out there lacking direct experience and competence…

[@Chester-UK]

Great stuff and years ago these techniques are something I learnt the hard way to get my GT6B to behave. And here’s my suggestion: reviewing multi-effects units against building your own board of pedals. What would you recommend and why? If you’re going to build a board, how would you do it, what are the do’s and don’ts and what the advantages are of connecting them in a particular sequence. Cheers!

[@Furvolte]

I think my octave pedal is the best thing I had that helped me to improve my muting technique. The pedal does not forgive the least muting mistake. I am pretty good at it now thanks to the pedal. I think most people have trouble with tracking because of muting issues.

[@IanMartinAllison]

GREAT point

[@kcarvalho3139]

Thanks Ian for clearing the mud off my brain using an OC2 MIT. Great video...cheers from Toronto Canada 🇨🇦

[@tommullarkey7372]

So awesome Ian, thank you. My humble request is for HX stomp bass nuggets of wisdom. thanks again and really great stuff.

[@djrea4815]

Glad to see another 3leaf fan! I love my octabvre mini, thinking of getting the MKIII once spencer goes back into production

[@MichaelIppersiel]

Great video - learned a lot about octave pedals that I definitely didn't know before. I avoided octave pedals for years because I was already playing a 5 string bass and thought they would >only< do a sub octave. My mind was blown when I discovered there was an octave up too!

[@richardhockney5158]

Possibly the most informative video out there on octave pedals 👏👏👏👏

[@Finester92]

Waited for this explication for years, THANX! More videos on gear please! A video on eq would be great!

[@brettmarlar4154]

Of course, all of those things will yield improved results. But something that you overlooked is signal path. Where the pedal resides in the chain is another important factor to consider. Now if it's the only pedal in use, then just being sure that it is in front of the amp as being in the effects can be a problem. Octave/pitch effects tend to prefer to be the first thing the signal sees.

[@jorgeenriquerossotto4776]

Ian, you're the best! Holy sh*t!

[@The_Ricardo_Sa]

I loved this video. A 'How to use this effect on Bass guitar for different music genders' would be the holy grail! I will be keeping my eye on SBL where I am a member too!

[@billyjeckel407]

Budget 5 string comparison would be amazing. Maybe even a video about buying basses online. If you want to get really fancy a bass wet/dry rig, like one "channel" could be overdriven or distorted and the other could be clean. Ian I look forward towards your tonal exploration

[@craighill3715]

Making my life better, one video at a time.🙂 You sir, are DA' MAN!!!

[@alexcerezo7231]

Ian! Love your videos. I'd love ypu to dive in envelope filter pedals!

[@WizardOfArc]

Ian inspires!

[@turbomoogle]

Okay, need a deep dive on compression. It either doesn't sound like anything or way too much. I have the Walrus Audio Deep Six from my guitar days and the Comp in the Fender Downtown Express 3 in one bass pedal.

[@smason14]

Request for demo: show us that White Lightning Serek back there!!

[@EricRShelton]

Gear wise, I’d love to see an SBL deep dive into the G&L L2000. :)

[@yogawithsteve9386]

or anything G&L really! love my kiloton!

[@armybass223]

The best damn video on using an octave pedal! Awesome!

[@chrisclark432]

This is a great overview on the octave pedal. I took Scott's recommendation with the Micro POD. Thank you, Sir!

[@tsdelaney]

Great video, Ian! This was the first video explanation of an octave pedal. This was really helpful, thank you!

[@heavi-armed-infadel]

Thank You x100 Ian!!! Finally someone provides a comprehensive breakdown and illuminates a path to bass octave utopia! 💯

[@ivanoradeljic8761]

My favourite piece of gear is 100% MXR bass envelope filter and envelopes in general. Those pedals can get so funky and crazy.

[@posm2615]

Amazing video! I've had an octave pedal for over a year now and never understood why I was so crappy with it. Until now! I'd love to hear about using distortion and fuzz effectively in a band or recording setting. I love bass distortion, but it's tricky to get a mean sound without giving up the round low end that fills out the space at the foundation of a track

[@NandoVasques]

You help me a lot,deserve a beer 😂

[@seankent1807]

Hi, my name is Sean…and I’m addicted to octave pedals. 🙋🏻‍♂️ Great video, Ian!

[@robertvilleneuve8272]

Thank you for this, I would like to see one video but about compressors. From what I am reading on bass forums, the one pedal that is the hardest to adjust for your playing and type of sound/tone your trying to reach for is the compressor. Thanks

[@crunchconcertchannel1003]

This restored my willingness to retry my octave pedal. Great video! Thank you 👍🏻👍🏻

[@phillawson9930]

Great video. Love the way it was shot as well. Really like Ian’s contributions! I’d love to see a video about bass multi effects processors or how you can best utilize a guitar multi effects for bass. (It’s what I currently do but I know it’s not an ideal situation).

[@scottreichman5942]

I would love to see a video about getting the best sounds from the Sansamp Tech21 bass driver DI.

[@kds58]

On my studio monitors, that low E sounded pretty fantastic!

[@zi248]

Theoretically, you can connect an octaver via a splitter and put an equalizer with upper frequencies cut in front of it. This is an overkill, of course, but it opens up interesting possibilities. Splitter is for controling dry/wet, ofcourse.

[@Robert_Charles]

Ian has done it again. I need help dialing in a saturated or dirt tone.

[@johncbeer]

The best Octave pedal I ever had was the EBS Octabass, the grey and blue on from the 90s, which could track downto the B on the A string. I haven't tried their newer grey and green version which no one was carrying while I was shopping in 2019. Currently I have the Source Audio C4, which is totally hit and miss. Sometimes it tracks lower, sometimes not at all.

[@roadbull1]

In depth video of the Line 6 HX - stomp preferably

[@IanMartinAllison]

I gotta do it

[@kevineller1371]

@@IanMartinAllison Yes!!

[@jonathand.redmond4502]

Great vid - helped a lot. Slightly off topic but related to another segment you have done on individual bassists - 3 bassists you might review at some stage re: style, lineage, effects - Simon Gallup, Peter Hook and Eric Avery. Minimalism, bass riffs, and great vibes.