Here’s an exciting post for all you bass players out there. We’re talking about the 14 Best Octave Pedals for Bass Guitars today. Our list includes pedals by MXR, Electro-Harmonix, EBS, T-Rex, Aguilar, Behringer, Boss, EarthQuaker Devices, Markbass, and Harley Benton.
Every bass guitar setup must include an octave pedal. With a decent octaver pedal, not only can you add layers to your original signal, but in doing so can also add thickness and character to your bass guitar’s tone.
What’s even more exciting is that different products from the leading brands behave differently and manifest the octave effect in their own unique way. Some add layers of octaves above your dry sound, some add notes below it, while others are capable of doing both.
But before we dive into the topic, maybe answering a few questions will give you the familiarity you need to get acquainted with some common concepts and terms.
How Does An Octave Pedal Work?
An octave pedal takes the original note and shifts it 12 notes up or 12 notes down, ergo either 1 octave up or 1 octave down. Some octave pedals can also go 2 octaves higher or lower. Most octave pedals combine the dry signal with the higher and/or lower-pitched sound, or you can mute your dry signal altogether and have just the octave pitches.
Is An Octave Pedal A Pitch Shifter?
Pitch shifters differ substantially from octave pedals because they allow you to choose how high or low you want to pitch your guitar signal. You can use it to emulate lower tunings at the push of a button. You can also blend it with your original signal and create various harmonies.
What To Know Before Buying Octave Pedal
Before choosing the octave pedal that best fits you, you should look into a few different points. The most important thing is how well the pedal tracks and converts your dry guitar signal into the pitched sound. If it has poor tracking, you could experience either a delay or notes vanishing from the pitched sound.
Secondly, you would want to pick an octave pedal that produces the sound that best fits your tone and style. Furthermore, except for a few boutique options, most octave pedals won’t break the bank. Just judge the importance of the pedal in your pedal board before you spend too much on a pedal you’ll only seldom use. A majority of guitar players use the octaver seldomly; however, most bass players have an octaver in their rig.
14 Best Octave Pedals For Bass Guitars 2023
1. MXR Bass Octave Deluxe M288
The Deluxe M288 pedal from MXR packs loads of thickness and character for your bass.
The beautiful sparkling blue exterior hosts just enough controls to get a decent job done. Featuring a true hardwire bypass and a compact presence measuring just 2.12 inches by 2.62 inches by 4.37 inches, this analog box of magic is truly something you must have on your pedal board.
While MXR also offers the Poly Blue Octave with a more comprehensive user interface designed for the electric guitar player, the M288 has been carefully designed, keeping in mind active and passive bass guitars to ensure you get the most out of the experience.
Key Features:
- Dry Knob
This particular octave pedal features three control knobs and a soft button. The “Dry” knob will help the user control the volume of the unprocessed bass signal versus the processed wet signal, just like a “Mix” knob behaves on some pedals. Turning the knob clockwise will reduce the dry signal. Turn to the right to add a layer of your clean bass tone to the processed one for impressive applications. - Growl & Girth Knobs
The other two control knobs are similar in function and control different aspects of the octaves manifested through the M288. If you’re interested in adjusting the midrange of the wet signal, you can do so by moving the “Growl” knob. The “Girth” knob will adjust the lower end of the octaves. When turning the knob to the right, the lower end gets more accentuated and adds more girth to the octave sound. - Mid Button
As the name suggests, the “Mid” button provides the user with more ways to boost the mid-range of the processed sound. But there’s a lot more to this feature than meets the eye. Hidden inside the metallic chassis is a trim port that can be rotated to change the degree of mid-boost between 4 dB and 14 dB. A switch inside also toggles between mid-frequencies, giving you access to 850 Hz and 400 Hz. - Setup
The pedal has a very basic layout of connections and is easy to set up. The bass plugs into the solitary input jack, while the output port on the left side carries the wet signal to another effects pedal or a bass amplifier. The 9V power input is also found in the input section. In addition, the M288 can also run on a 9V battery that can be inserted by removing the base plate underneath the unit. - Presets
There’s a lot that can be done with the available controls. For instance, if you’re a slap bass player, turn the Dry knob a little over halfway up, keep the Girth at about 2 o’clock, and cut back the Growl a little below the center position for the ideal slap bass sound. You can try other presets displayed in the manual to get acquainted with the pedal.
Pros:
MXR has been known to offer cutting-edge pedals for guitar and bass, and the M288 is a great example. The mid-boost feature is wonderful, making your bass guitar sound more full-bodied. The Dry knob is also a great feature for maintaining the perfect blend between the two signals. Furthermore, having the option of powering the pedal with a 9V battery is great.
Cons:
The M288 lets you dial in various octave sounds but is much more modest in the control layout than its electric guitar-based counterpart. In addition, one may never understand why trim pots/ internal switches can’t be made part of the user interface for better access and ease of use.
2. Electro-Harmonix POG 2 Polyphonic Octave Generator
The POG 2 from Electro-Harmonix brings with it an interesting strategy when it comes to the control layout.
Applying a similar approach to the HOG 2 unit discussed later in the list, the pedal features a design that uses multiple faders to change the various parameters on offer. The pedal features a dual footswitch design and measures 2.5 inches by 5.75 inches by 4.75 inches.
In addition to the multiple octave options in the unit, the device boasts polyphonic capabilities, which means it can track multiple notes simultaneously with relative ease. And don’t sweat if you’re worried about making adjustments on the fly, as the preset section makes saving your settings a breeze.
Key Features:
- Volume Faders
The section on the left has lots of volume faders. To the far left is the “Dry Output” fader that controls the level of the dry input signal. As the fader is moved up, the volume level increases. The POG 2 offers four different octave voices. You can add up to 2 octaves under or over the dry signal. There are four other faders in the section for each of the -2, -1, +1, and +2 octave settings. - Effects: Attack
The “Effects” section has three more faders. The one on the left sets the “Attack” of each activated octave voice. With these faders, you can adjust how soon the octave voices appear when playing the original note. You can even fully crank the Attack time to create a reverse effect. - Effects: LP Filter & Detune Slider
The central slider in this section applies low pass filtering to the overall tone of the POG 2 by allowing the user to set the cutoff frequency. Having this filter at your disposal allows you to easily shape your tone. The final slider on the front panel controls the “Detune” effect. The effect is applied to only the +1 and +2 octave voicings. The slider can be turned down completely if the objective is to remove any Detune effect. However, as you push the fader upwards, parameters like the rate and depth of the pitch change increase proportionately. - Dry FX Button
The Dry signal has a dedicated “FX” button that offers four options. Firstly, you can choose to have the dry signal be unaffected by the LP Filter, Detune, and Attack faders. When the button is pressed again, and the nearby LED turns red, the Dry signal is only affected by the Attack slider. In “Green” mode, both the Attack and LP Filter settings will affect the Dry signal, but the Detune circuit will be ignored. Finally, the “Amber” setting is where all three effects will directly impact the unprocessed signal coming from your bass guitar. - Q Button & Preset Knob
The “Q” button allows you to control the Q value or shape of the frequency graph. Each time the button is pressed, the level of Q or resonance changes. This is indicated by the varying brightness of the Q LED. The pedal also possesses a preset section where as many as 8 presets can be saved and recalled instantly. The usage is very simple. When you’ve dialed in all your preferred settings, you can rotate the preset knob to access the slot you wish to save your preset in. The knob can then be pressed for 3 seconds to save the settings on the selected preset. - Footswitches
The POG 2 features two footswitches. When you wish to access the saved presets, the left footswitch marked “Preset” can be pressed to allow the user to cycle through the preset slots. The footswitch to the right has the traditional “Bypass” features and helps activate or bypass the POG 2 unit. The pedal possesses the regular quarter-inch input and output jacks on the sides and a 9V input on the top panel. The POG 2 has its own proprietary power supply, ready to go right out of the box.
Pros:
Having this unique octave pedal in your arsenal will allow you to create as many as 2 layers above and below the dry signal. Each of these voices has easy to user faders to set the preferred volume levels. The Effects section is handy and opens doors to reverse effects, swells, low pass filtering, and a pitch modification slider.
Cons:
In some situations, you may experience a bit of latency when using the POG 2 with rapidly played notes. Also, it’ll take some time to figure out how to balance the dry signal with the rest of the octave voices to get to where you need to be. In addition, you’ll need to approach the high-end octaves with caution as they tend to be harsh and unpleasant.
3. EBS OctaBass Blue Label
You’ll find some very simple but effective features on this offering from OctaBass.
This Sweden-based EBS unit is efficient because it effortlessly keeps up with the bass player even during the speediest bass runs. The circuity is designed to adjust to the played note by placing the processed note one octave below it.
The pedal has dimensions of 2.6 inches by 4.5 inches by 1.9 inches, so you won’t have to move too much around to make space for it on your board. The OctaBass pedal must be placed closest to your bass guitar in the effects chain for best results. Furthermore, with active pickups, you can lower the bass on the amp for optimum performance.
Key Features:
- Tone Control
Being a versatile pedal, the OctaBass can be used with different instruments. Turning the “Tone” knob down will enhance the low end to make the sound boomier when using the pedal with a bass guitar as intended. However, you can turn the knob clockwise with electric guitars to deliver a more open and brighter sound. In addition, experimentation is always encouraged. For more profound synthesized tones turning the knob clockwise will do wonders. - Normal & Octave
Contrary to what’s found on most octave pedals, the OctaBass is blessed with two separate volume knobs. The “Normal” control will set the level of the unprocessed clean bass tone. The “Octave” knob helps set the volume of the wet signal. The inclusion of these two knobs may prove to be more beneficial than the traditional Mix/Blend knob, which sets the ratio of both signals. - Range
Surrounded by the three main knobs is the “Range” switch that helps toggle the “High” and “Low” settings. One may think of this as some sort of tone control; however, the words “High” and “Low” refer to the neck area where the musician is playing. This setting is about how well the pedal will track the notes you play on different regions of the fretboard. - Connections
The pedal can run on 9V – 18V power through the top-mounted input jack. You can also unscrew the bass plate and pop in a 9V battery for wireless operation. Toward the right of the unit is the quarter-inch input jack. Finally, the output on the left panel connects to the next unit in the effects chain. - Presets
The pedal’s documentation offers some very useful presets, so you can get going as soon as you unbox the unit. The “Sub-Bass Octave” setting boosts the low and creates a lot of rumble in your tone. The “Synth-Type Bass” preset has the High setting activated and adds more emphasis to your sound, making it ideal for bass solos or girthy fillers. Finally, you can recreate the sound of some vintage EBS units by implementing the “OctaBass Classic” preset.
Pros:
A unique feature of the OctaBass pedal by EBS is that it accounts for different regions on the bass guitar’s neck to provide extremely accurate and superfast tracking. Also, the separate normal and octave volume controls give the user more control over adjusting the blend between the two.
Cons:
Although EBS prides itself in creating this pedal that supposedly tracks the played notes well, the tracking isn’t flawless, as time will tell. In addition, it’s always a major hassle when you have to unscrew the base plate to insert the battery, which is the case with the OctaBass pedal.
4. T-Rex Octaver Quint Machine
T-Rex has a truckload of exciting products for guitar and bass players alike.
Be it effects pedals, amplifiers, and accessories like power supplies and cables, T-Rex has an exciting product portfolio. The Quint machine T-Rex has it all, with effects like distortion, dual distortion, overdrive, stereo tape delay, studio delay, reverb, and Octaves.
The octaver measures 2 inches by 2.4 inches by 4.6 inches and works well with various instruments. Use it with bass, electric guitar, 12-stringers, or even organs and synths to experience this exciting product’s doubling effect and sonic range.
Key Features:
- Octave Up
The Quint Machine is gifted and offers multiple variations of the octave effect. The Quint machine considers the note you play and then layers it with a note that is an octave higher. You can increase the volume of this higher octave by rotating the “+1 Octave” knob clockwise. - Octave Down
The pedal is also capable of processing what the user plays and adding an octave below it. The tracking is fast and efficient. This feature can be used by itself or in combination with the higher octave to add detailed layers of notes above and below the original signal. - The Fifth & Mix
A separate knob on the Quint machine allows you to add a fifth note above whatever is being played. This gives way to some mesmerizing sonic possibilities. The “Mix” knob will help adjust the blend between the dry and wet signals. You can also have 100% dry or wet signals, depending on which extreme the knob is set at. - What Can You Do With It?
With all the Octave up, down and fifth up options, there are a ton of sounds this little pedal can conjure up. You can make it sound like a 12-string guitar or even get exciting organ-like tones. What’s more, if you’re bass player can’t make it, you can get bass-like tones out of your electric guitar if you know your way around the Quint’s interface. Furthermore, enough thickness and character can be added to your single notes to make them sound like power chords. You can even add a fifth when you play chords to experience the varying moods of this fascinating pedal. - Inputs & Outputs
The quarter-inch inputs and output jacks are found on the top panel. For most, top-mounted jacks make more sense as you won’t have to disturb nearby pedals on your board to make space for the patch cables on the sides. The pedal runs on 9V and can be powered only by connecting a power supply to its right panel, as the Quint machine has no battery compartment.
Pros:
T-Rex’s innovative approach delivers three-octave manifestations with separate volume knobs for each octave up, octave down, and fifth up variation. There’s no limit to the octave-based sounds you can create with the Quint machine, and since the pedal takes other instruments well, you can have fun with it.
Cons:
The note tracking needs to be spot on with octave pedals to ensure a pleasant listening experience. Sometimes, when the octave below knob is turned up, the Quint machine struggles to track perfectly. Secondly, the unit lacks a true bypass, so your sound will remain slightly colored even when the pedal is off.
5. Aguilar Octamizer
Here’s an interesting monophonic octave pedal from Aguilar that makes impressive changes to your bass tone.
Measuring 2.25 inches by 2.5 inches by 4.75 inches, this sleek unit has an easy-to-use interface that offers dedicated controls for your clean bass sound and processed octaves. In addition, the Octamizer is equipped with analog technology, which makes it warmer and natural sounding.
Like most pedals from Aguilar, the unit features a “Gig Saver Bypass,” which means that even if a fault occurs or the pedal runs out of power for some reason, the signal from your bass guitar will still pass through to the amp or the other effects units in the chain.
Key Features:
- Octave Section
To the left are a couple of knobs that change various features of the “Octave” section. The “Level” knob is a separate volume control for your wet or processed signal. Just below this is the “Filter” control. This knob controls the tone of the octave effect. This is achieved through low pass filtering, which helps vary the sound anywhere rough and unruly to nice and smooth. - Clean Section
Towards the right are the controls for the “Clean” section. There’s also a Level knob here to control the clean one separately. There’s also a full spectrum equalizer knob here that can be rotated from side to side to dial in the desired level of brightness or warmth. - Usage
Instead of offering a mix or blend control, the Octamizer lets the user set the volumes of the clean and octave circuits separately. Simply plug the guitar into the top-mounted input, using the output jack next to it to connect to an amplifier, and you’re good to go. The pedal has a power usage of 6 mA and runs on 9V. You can purchase a 9V power supply or use a 9V battery to run the Octamizer.
Pros:
The pedal is made in the USA and boasts high-quality build and parts. Separately adjustable clean and octave tones make the bass player’s life easy, and the Filter and Tone knobs offer lots of tone shaping options to get the tone the way you want. The analog nature of this pedal makes your overall sound more organic.
Cons:
There are different kinds of octave pedals out there. The Aguilar Octamizer is a monophonic unit that can track only one note. If more notes, like a chord, are played, the pedal will get confused, and the tracking will suffer.
6. Behringer Ultra Octaver UO300
Regardless of where you are in your musical journey, you’ve surely used an effects unit from Behringer at some point.
The great thing about Behringer products has always been the value for the money they offer. Any other unit with similar capabilities will surely cost you a lot more. If you’re looking for effects like distortion, overdrive, chorus, delay, and reverb, chances are you’ll find something suitable in the Behringer range.
The Ultra Octaver is a good example of all these qualities as it costs almost nothing but does a decent job covering all the basics as far as Octave pedals go. The direct approach and easy-to-use features will make you want to use the UO300, even if you just want something new to experiment with.
Key Features:
- Octave Section
The UO300 is blessed with two different octave-based voicings. The user can dial in a signal that is a single octave or double octave below the original input. The two knobs labeled “Oct 1” and “Oct 2” act as volume knobs for both these octave voicings. Crank up both values, and you’ll create profound organ-like effects. You may also choose to have a single layer of octaves below what you’re playing. - Direct Knob
While the two-octave knobs control the volume of the processed signal, the “Direct” knob is responsible for setting the volume of the clean input. You can experiment with all available volume controls and set them as you see fit. Turning the Direct knob in the counterclockwise direction can even eliminate the clean bass signal to only deliver layers of octaves. - Range Switch
There’s also a very useful tone switch with three available settings of “Hi,” “Mid,” and “Lo.” You can enhance any of the three frequency bands to shape your sound. The switch is also handy for using the UO300 Octaver with different instruments such as electric guitar, bass, or even synths. The Lo setting will thicken your bass and get your electric guitar to mimic a bass guitar. - Usage
The pedal’s right panel is where you’ll find the quarter-inch input for your instrument. You can use the output to channel the processed signal to the next pedal in the chain or an amplifier. The pedal switch can be removed to pop in a 9V battery to power the unit. There’s also a 9V input to the right for the power supply sold separately.
![Behringer UO300 Ultra Octaver [Bass Demo]](https://integraudio.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fx6q4dbojwc4%2F0.jpg)
Pros:
Behring pedals are so affordable that it’s hard to pass up the opportunity of trying one just the heck of it. The Ultra Octaver does a decent job and offers multiple octave voices below your original guitar signal. Also, the tone switch widens its horizons when the pedal is used with other instruments.
Cons:
The pedal doesn’t offer any higher octaves as the Oct 1 and 2 controls add octaves below what is being played. Because of being a budget pedal, the UO300 lacks quality as the exterior feels a little flimsy, and it’s quite a hassle to pull the unit apart just to get a 9V battery in. Perhaps a battery compartment door would’ve been more user-friendly.
7. Boss OC-5 Octave
Meet the OC-5, Boss’s interpretation of what an octave pedal should be like.
With all the company has achieved in the past with its various series of pedals that exude quality and high performance, it’s hard to find a post that talks about pedals without mentioning the “Boss” name. As a user of many pedals by the brand, I’ve never been disappointed by what they bring to the pedal board.
The OC-5 is an exciting octave pedal that has polyphonic capabilities. Because of this feature, the pedal will track well whether you play single notes or use it for chords. With dimensions of 2.8 inches by 5 inches by 2.3 inches, the pedal draws 60 mA of current and runs on 9V.
Key Features:
- Direct Level and Vintage/Poly Switch
Starting from the left, the four-knob user interface has a control for the “Direct Level” that allows you to dial in the amount of the clean bass/guitar sound you wish to hear. Although the OC-5 is a polyphonic pedal, a switch below the row of knobs lets you choose between “Vintage” and “Poly” settings. In essence, the user may select the setting which applies the most to the current passage of play. Vintage is suitable for single notes, while Poly, as the name suggests, is for chords and multiple notes. - Octave Levels
There are two-octave knobs on offer. Both act as volume controls for the two-octave voices. If we take the direct sound as a reference point, the OC-5 allows the user to add an octave above and below it at varying levels, thanks to the dedicated volume knobs for both octaves. - – 2 Octave/Range Control
A knob to the far right works in different ways depending on where the Vintage/Poly switch is set. Firstly, when the OC-5 is in Vintage mode, the knob acts as a volume control and allows the user to add 2 layers of octaves below the original signal fed through. Secondly, when Poly mode is active, the knob will vary the range of the -1 octave. When the knob is rotated in a clockwise direction, the frequency range will widen, and now more frequencies will be considered when the octave effect is applied. When the range is decreased by moving the knob counterclockwise, only the lower end of the frequency spectrum will have the octaves applied to it. - Operation
The pedal is activated by pressing the large pedal switch. When the OC-5 is active, the “Check” light will turn on. Since the pedal can also be battery operated, the Check light brightens or dims according to the strength of the batteries. To gain access to the battery compartment, loosen the thumbscrew at the base of the pedal switch. The OC-5 features a single input for connecting an electric guitar or bass. There are a pair of outputs on the opposite side of the pedal. The “Output” jack outputs both the dry and wet signals. However, when both outputs are used simultaneously, the “Direct Out” outputs the original sound, whereas the “Output” port sends out the processed octave signal.
Pros:
With the OC-5, you can add one layer above and two layers below the input signal, which offers a wide array of sonic possibilities. The Vintage/Poly switch makes tracking fast and accurate. The -2 Oct/Range knob does a good job of including more frequencies for the octave effect. Finally, the dial outputs are ideal for stereo usage.
Cons:
The Poly mode does well when used which chords but tends to make things messy when fingerpicking is employed in your playing. The OC-5 has no on/off switch and will drain your battery if you forget to unplug the instrument cable. Furthermore, a battery door would make things much easier than dismantling the unit every time.
8. Dunlop MXR Sub Octave Bass Fuzz
The M287 Sub Octave pedal from MXR brings forth a unique blend of fuzz and octave effects.
Housed in a gold metallic chassis, the internal circuity gives the user great command over every aspect of the pedal’s tonal capabilities. The interface is loaded with several controls to separately adjust both available effects.
The unit comes in a wider form factor, having dimensions of almost 5 inches by 3.6 inches by 2 inches. But what’s great about the Sub Octave Bass Fuzz is that it can work well as a stand-alone unit and will effectively replace the two octave and fuzz units you have on your current setup.
Key Features:
- Fuzz
Towards the left is the fuzz section. The two smaller knobs offer dual-band equalizing. The “Bass” knob helps manipulate the low end of the fuzz, while the “Treble” knob adds brightness to the fuzz sound. The larger “Gain” knob is responsible for adjusting the intensity of the Fuzz, while the “Fuzz” knob itself acts as a volume control for the section. Since the pedal has two different fuzz voicings, press the Fuzz button between the larger knobs to toggle both settings. When the blue setting (blue LED) is active, the Fuzz has a brighter tone. For more warmth, the red setting (red LED) is ideal. - Octave
The controls to the right-side focus on adjusting the different parameters of the octave section. The “Dry” knob helps users increase or decrease the original input signal’s volume. Next to this is the “Sub Octave” control. This knob acts as a separate volume control for the octave effect. Turn it clockwise to hear more of the processed signal. You can find the right blend between the wet and dry signals by rotating both knobs till the sweet spot is reached. Just below is a smaller-sized “Mid + Level” knob. This control can be rotated to boost the middle frequencies in the dry signal. - Footswitches
The pedal has a dual footswitch design. The switch on the left turns the pedal on or bypasses it. When this switch is activated and the other one disengaged, only the Fuzz effect will be active. When the “Octave” switch is pressed, this activates the octave effect. - Technicalities & Connections
The unit has a current consumption of 55 mA. The top panel has a solitary power input to power the unit via a 9V power supply. The Sub Octave Bass Fuzz is also battery-powered. Towards the pedal’s right is the quarter-inch instrument input, while the output jack can be found on the left panel.
Pros:
You get a detailed fuzz section with a two-band equalizer, two separate fuzz voicings, and plenty of volume and intensity controls in a single unit. The octave segment has plenty of leveling options for the wet/dry mix and even controls to boost the mids. In addition, being battery-powered means, you’ll have one less power supply cable to deal with.
Cons:
It would’ve been better if there was another footswitch to switch between the two fuzz types, as the button is difficult to press in a live situation when you’re playing standing up. Also, since this pedal attempts to do so much, it has a large form factor and will take up a lot of space on your pedal board.
9. Electro-Harmonix Hog2 Harmonic Octave
The Hog2 unit from Electro-Harmonix is perhaps the only unit you’ll ever need to create mesmerizing Harmonics.
In essence, this pedal is, in fact, a guitar synthesizer and possesses the ability to make your guitar or bass sound like many different instruments, including a cello, an organ, and more. Loaded with faders across its front, the interface resembles that of an equalizer pedal.
However, it’s through these faders that the Hog 2 produces all its magic. There are tons of inputs and outputs, several filtering and enveloping options, and multiple controls to get a plethora of octave voices out of these extremely detailed controls.
Key Features:
- Octave Magic
It is truly amazing how many octave variations this unit can conjure up. The octave faders are volume controls, and the labels on the side tell you what each fader controls the volume of. You can add 1, 2, 3, or even 4 octaves above the original signal. Furthermore, a fifth note can be added above the original signal or even above 1 octave higher than the dry signal. You can add a third note above two octaves higher than the dry signal. So, the possibilities are endless with the Hog 2. The dry signal’s volume can also be adjusted. Also, you can add a single octave or two octaves below the original signal if you wish. If you want to turn off any of these octave variations at any time, you can bring the corresponding fader down. - Envelope Section
The “Envelope” section features two faders labeled “Lower” and “Upper.” The Upper fader pertains to the upper five-octave voices ranging from “+4 Octave” to “+1 Octave + 5th,” and the Lower one applies to the lower five-octave voices between “-2 Octave” and “+1 Octave.” These center-detent faders control the “Decay” of the octaves when moved up from the central position and the “Attack” when moved below it. - Filtering Section
The “Filter” section also features two faders. The one on the left is marked “Frequency,” and the right one adjusts the “Resonance.” The Frequency fader adjusts the cutoff frequency of the low pass filter. The cutoff frequency will rise when the fader is moved upwards. The Resonance fader controls the Q value of the filter. - Inputs & Outputs
The back panel is full of exciting connectivity options. On the far left is the instrument input. Next are the two output options, i.e., “Direct Output” and regular “Output.” The Direct Output delivers a buffered version of the input signal. The pedal also supports a Midi in and has inputs for a “Foot Controller” and an expression pedal. - Footswitch & Other Faders
Using the proprietary HOG 2 footswitch with the unit will give you access to as many as 100 presets. In addition, the other faders on the interface control the master volume and the “Dry Output” connection. - Expression Mode: Octave Bend, Step Bend & Volume
The “Exp. Mode” button gives the user access to seven different presets that can be controlled using an expression pedal. “Octave Bend” will bend by one octave up, all the activated octave voices. The “Step Bend” moves all the current voices up a step. The “Volume” setting will vary the volume of the voices dialed in when the treadle is rocked back and forth. - Expression Mode: Freeze-Gliss, Freeze+Vol, Wah Wah & Filter
In the “Freeze-Gliss” mode, when the toe end of the expression pedal is pressed down, the notes played will freeze, allowing the user to play over them. The second Freeze feature, the “Freeze+Vol,” allows you to vary the volume of the frozen notes using the expression pedal. The “Wah Wah” mode turns the Hog 2 into a traditional Wah pedal. Finally, using the expression pedal, you can also choose the “Filter” mode to sweep through various frequencies.
Pros:
It is safe to say that no other octave pedal offers as many octave voices as the Hog 2. And even with the myriad of options available, the think tanks at Electro-Harmonix have kept things very easy to use. With a footswitch, you can cycle through as many as a hundred presets, and the expression pedal input helps get the most out of the seven expression modes.
Cons:
A user interface like this may seem quite daunting for someone new to octave pedals. Also, generally, a layer of octaves above and below is all you need to fulfill the requirement. And for that purpose, many effects pedals on the list cost a lot less. Although quite gifted, the Hog 2 is an expensive unit.
10. MXR Vintage Bass Octave M280
The makers of MXR pedals firmly believe in creating pedals that are nice and easy to use.
At 2.1 inches by 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches, the M280 is a wonderfully compact pedal that delivers multiple octave voicings. The approach seems direct, and there aren’t any button combinations or submenus to go into as everything is upfront and in your face.
Being an analog pedal, the M280 ensures that the user gets organic warmth out of this unit, which also claims to provide excellent tracking of notes and spacious headroom for you to experiment with. A few hidden features inside the pedal give you even more controls to play with.
Key Features:
- Mix
This three-knob octaver has a very handy “Mix” knob, so you can add more of your unprocessed bass sound to the wet signal. This provides more thickness and character to your tone. As the knob is moved clockwise, more dry sound will be added. - Octave Voices
The other two knobs control the volumes of the octave voices. “Oct 1” adds a single octave below the clean signal. “Oct 2,” on the other hand, will add two octaves below the input signal. You can silence any of the two voices by moving the corresponding knob counterclockwise. - Mid Controls
A “Mid” button activates the electric blue LED on the front panel just next to the footswitch. While using any pedal with a bass guitar, the low end is important for adding girth, and the high end makes slap bass more fun, adding mids into the mix is of the utmost importance for that full-bodied sound. With the Mid button, you get 6 dB of boost at 800 Hz. But that’s not all. If you carefully unscrew the unit and get access to the circuit board, an internal trim pot can enhance the bass boost feature up to as much as 13 dB in total. - Connectivity
The top panel hosts the 9V input jack. The pedal is so compact that it’s hard to pop in a 9V battery due to a lack of room. The right panel has an input jack, and the left side outputs the signal to an amplifier via the quarter-inch output jack. The single footswitch activates or bypasses the unit.
Pros:
Even though the M280 has a very basic design, it covers a lot of ground. You get two types of octave sounds, a knob to dial in as much of the dry signal as you wish, and even a detailed mid-boost feature which can be further emphasized by adjusting the internal trim pot. Furthermore, you will surely find enough space for this unit, even on the most cluttered pedal boards.
Cons:
The simple design and compact size mean that the pedal drops a few features compared to its more versatile Poly Blue Octave variant. In addition, the internal trim pot is hard to get to. Maybe it would be better to have such a feature present somewhere on the user-facing panel for ease of use.
11. EarthQuaker Devices Tentacle Analog Octave
If there was a reward for the simplest octave pedal out there, the EarthQuaker unit would be the front runner.
Apart from the beautiful blue-green octopus tentacle image, there’s nothing too noteworthy on the front panel. However, don’t judge the book by its cover. The Tentacle Analog pedal is the stand-alone octave version of the infamous Hoof Reaper Dual Octave Fuzz pedal.
Full of analog goodness, this pedal works exceptionally well with other effects. Particularly adding some fuzz to it is going to tickle your fancy if you’re a Jimi Hendrix fan. Take things further and add a little delay to create immersive repeats.
Key Features:
- Interface
Not much to talk about here. The pedal has a single footswitch that turns it on and off. The bright white LED will light up when the Tentacle Analog Octave is activated. The unit simply adds an octave above your original guitar/bass tone. No knobs or buttons, so you simply plug it in and play. No need to take the time to dial in multiple parameters. - Usage
All the connection jacks can be found top mounted on the unit, making it much easier to place on your pedal board without disturbing the surrounding devices. The input and output can be found configured to quarter-inch jacks. There’s also a 9V power input on the top panel. - Sound
When you play closer to the headstock, the sound is a bit muddy, almost like a fuzz effect. You can even make single notes sound like power chords. However, try playing on or around the 12th fret for more articulation and character. This is where things get interesting. As the pedal combines well with other units, you can add effects like crunch and distortion or even try linking it with fuzz and delay to unleash your creativity.
Pros:
There’s no need to go through the user manual. Just unbox the unit, plug it in, and jam away. No knobs, no buttons, no problem. Simplicity is the key. The octave-up effect sounds great regardless of where on the next you play. However, for playing face-melting solos, try noodling around the 12th fret for outstanding results.
Cons:
What you see is what you get, and if you’re not a fan of what the Tentacle Analog Octave has to offer, tough luck. There aren’t any controls on offer for you to find something that suits your style of play. The tracking is good, but perhaps a few octave-down voices would have made things more interesting.
12. Behringer Octave Divider
We’ve grown accustomed to seeing Behringer making boxy single footswitch pedals in different colors.
You’ll never be able to guess that the Octave Divider is a pedal made by Behringer due to its unusual looks. This is because the brand has attempted to recreate the classic Mu-Tron Octave Divider, which was very popular in the 70s.
Although the illusive original unit has become somewhat of a collector’s item, the modern interpretation from Behringer is readily available for a lot less, so you can spot it from a mile away if you know what the Mu-Tron octaver looked like.
Key Features:
- Power & Footswitches
The red switch on the top right power the unit. The Octave Divider has a dual footswitch design. The switch to the left will activate or deactivate the octave effect. The great thing about the “Bass Only” footswitch is that it creates the most optimized response when a bass guitar is used with the unit. - Top Panel
The top panel is where you’ll find all the connectivity options. To the far left is the power input. The caring people at Behringer have included a 9V power supply with the unit. Next to this is the input jack. The versatile Octave Divider works well with electric guitars, bass, and even synthesizers. The other two ports output the processed signal to an amp or any device with an aux-in port. - Mix & Tone
Coming to the peculiar interface itself, the Octave Divider features two knobs. The “Mix” control sets the blend between the wet and dry signals. Turning the knob clockwise will increase the representation of the processed signal in the overall sound. The “Tone” knob adjusts the response of the treble frequencies. You can boost or cut the brightness depending on the connected instrument. - Ringer & Stabilize
These are the two features that help the Octave Divider earn its stripes. When the dry signal is dialed in through the Mix knob, turning the “Ringer” on will add a fuzz effect to the original input signal. However, when the Mix knob is turned in the other direction, having the Ringer on will create an octave fuzz. The Octave Divider pedal creates an octave above the originally played note. The “Stabilize” feature creates a smoother, more predictable response and removes all the glitchy artifacts the Octave Divider otherwise creates. You’ll experience better note tracking when the Stabilize feature is on. - Presence
Since the pedal is almost a complete replica of the vintage Mu-Tron device, it has a similar form factor. Measuring 3.9 inches by 6.9 inches by 2.5 inches, this chunky, brick-like unit will take some serious space on your pedal board. The Octave Divider has a power consumption of 300 mA, but unlike most Behringer pedals, it doesn’t accept a 9V battery.
Pros:
Behringer has effectively brought back to life the legacy of the world-renowned Mu-Tron Octave Divider from the 1970s. The playful and unpredictable nature of the pedal makes it a lot of fun to work with, as the octave fuzz adds character to your tone. The Bass-only feature works great with all kinds of bass guitars.
Cons:
Being a replica of a vintage pedal limits Behringer from trying outrageous things to add variety and change how the unit responds. You won’t find multiple octave voices on the Octave Divider. Also, the device is a bit unpredictable, so for those who don’t have a taste for warbles and glitches, this may be a deal breaker.
13. Markbass MB Octaver Raw
Here’s an exciting company that specializes in all things bass.
Although known more for their bass combo amps, amp heads, cabinets, and accessories, Markbass is no slouch in the effects pedal category. Some of its more famous pedals include the Mark Vintage Pre, the Markbass Compressore, and the tiny but powerful MB Octaver Raw.
Built like a tank, this micro pedal takes after its older brother, the much bigger MB Octaver, in terms of features. However, the unit measures just 1.8 inches by 3.7 inches by 2 inches and weighs only 157 g. And on top of that, the analog circuitry provides decent warmth and natural sonic characteristics.
Key Features:
- Dry & Oct
The Octaver Raw pedal has two knobs on the interface, both acting as volume controls. To the left is the “Dry” level knob. Turning it clockwise to add more of the original bass signal. The knob on the right increases the volume of the processed octave effect. The dedicated knobs give the user the utmost control over mixing the two signals. - Capabilities
This tiny pedal is engineered to offer exceptional clarity and detail in the lower frequency range. The octaves are perfectly tuned, and the tracking is accurate and fast when a bass guitar is plugged into the unit. Try the Raw Octaver with 5 or 6-string bass guitars to experience an immensely chunky bottom end. - Connectivity
The minuscule MB Octaver Raw draws just 35 mA of power and runs on a 9V power supply. The unit isn’t battery-powered, though, owing to its small size. The right panel hosts the input jack for your bass guitar, while there’s a mono output jack at the other end for connecting to an amp.
Pros:
Because of its small size, the mini MB Octaver can be easily adjusted on a crowded pedal board setup. The separate volume knobs keep things simple but effective. Instead of a single Mix control, the dedicated volume knobs provide more options for the user to achieve the perfect blend.
Cons:
Generally, this Markbass unit creates decent results. Although in most situations, the MB Octaver tracks well; however, the tracking does get affected in cases where the playing speed intensifies. Also, you may hear some warbles and glitches here and there, which may put off some bass players.
14. Harley Benton Double Down
Thomann’s Harley Benton is quickly becoming a common household name due to its quality products.
Harley Benton has a lot of exciting pedals in its newer dual footswitch series with the lightning bolt right down the center. All these pedals are designed to deliver two guitar effects in a single unit. The brand has pedals for everything, including overdrive, distortion, chorus, reverb, tremolo, delay, compressor, and octaves.
The Double Down pedal from Harley Benton measures 4.7 inches by 3.7 inches by 1.5 inches and is designed for the bass guitar. The rugged red exterior encompasses a bass octave engine paired with a compression circuit to smoothen your overall sound making it nice and even.
Key Features:
- Octave Section: Sub, Upper & Dry Controls
There are three smaller knobs in this section, all of which control the volume. The pedal offers two-octave voices. The “Sub” controls the volume of the octave below the original dry signal. As the name suggests, the “Upper” knob controls the volume of the octave above the clean signal. The “Dry” knob is for adjusting the volume of the dry signal. Turning the knob clockwise will increase the level. - Octave Section: Rotary Switch
The most exciting part of the sub-octave section is the larger “Mode” rotary switch. Through this control, you can select as many as 11 different presets. Some traditional sub-octave/upper octave combinations include -1/+1, -1/+2, -2/-1, -2/+1, -2/+2, and more. - Compressor Section
The compression section has a separate “Volume” control configured on one of the smaller knobs. Next to it is the “EQ” knob that helps brighten or soften the tone. Turning the knob clockwise will add more treble to the compression effect. Finally, the larger “Comp” knob helps set the rate of the compression effect. - Connectivity & Footswitches
The top panel has the 9V input jack. Unfortunately, the pedal cannot be powered by a 9V battery. The Double Down features a quarter-inch input and output on either side. The interface has a dual footswitch design. The switch on the right is labeled “A” and activates the Compressor section. The switch on the left turns the Bass Octave section on and is marked by the letter “B.” - The Switch
Right down the middle of the front-facing panel is a switch that toggles three different settings, which are “A – B,” “A or B,” and “B – A.” These letters depict the two engines. The purpose of the switch is to set the order in which the signal will pass through both effect engines. In the A – B setting, the signal passes through the Compressor first and then the Bass Octave section. In the B – A setting, this order is reversed. Finally, either of the two effects can be used in the A or B mode.
Pros:
The great thing about the pedal is that it kills two birds with one stone. With all its Octaves and Compressor based capabilities, the Double Down is very affordable. The 11-octave combinations give the user a ton of sonic options. In addition, having a Compressor on board is great for getting a smooth tone out of this multifunctional effects unit.
Cons:
Although the pedal has 11 different presets in the octave section. Most of these may not be used in normal circumstances. Also, the Double Down can create some unusual glitchy octave-based tones, but that may not be for everyone. But with all its features and the negligible price tag, why not give it a whirl?
Conclusion
Now that you’ve gone through today’s selection, you surely know what each octave pedal has to offer. As you narrow things down to figure out what your next purchase will be, maybe we can summarize things for you and point you in the right direction.
If you’re a musician who isn’t fond of too many controls and complicated interfaces, the Tentacle V2 from EarthQuaker Devices could be a good choice, as it offers a single-octave voice without the presence of any knobs or buttons. The Markbass MB Octaver Raw also comes with just a couple of volume controls and does its job well.
Next in line in terms of simplicity of use are the two MXR pedals that have a very similar control layout and provide multiple octave voices and settings. The EBS OctaBass Blue Label also falls under this category. The Boss OC-5 and Behringer’s UO300 are great, providing multiple octave voices with additional range and tone-shaping controls.
Furthermore, if you want to kill two birds with one stone, check out the Harley Benton Double Down and MXR M287 pedal. The MXR combines octaves with a very handy fuzz effect. On the other hand, the Double Down pedal possesses a compressor circuit and detailed octave mode section that offers 11 presets.
Both the HOG2 and POG2 offer tons of octave sounds and an interface that uses multiple faders to change different sonic aspects. Although these two pedals from Electro-Harmonix are on the expensive side, they’re worth the try.
Finally, if you’re into vintage octave effects pedals, why not give the Octave Divider replica from Behringer a shot? You’ll surely get some very usable tones from this one if you can accommodate the bulky unit on your pedal board.
Sultan Zafar is a guitar player from Islamabad, Pakistan. He has been playing music with various mainstream musicians for over 20 years. He is a song writer and music producer. These days he spends his time exploring different music genres and collaborating with fellow musicians on various projects. Read more..