Best Tracking, clean Octave

[randysmojo]

I am thinking of adding an octave effect, but don't need any added dirt on that end. I just want good tracking down pretty low and clean tone. Is the Boss OC3 good for that, or are there other octaves that would suite that use better?

[Kobaia]

VB99 or maybe the pitchfactor.

[Knettgummi]

Just ordered myself an MXR Bass Octave deluxe after doing some research on this...

The usual suspects seem to be the EHX Micro Pog (digital; superior, polyphonic tracking and also has an octave up option, but is quite synthetic sounding), and the EBS OctaBass (analog, monophonic; cheaper than the MXR, but allegedly doesn't track as well), along with the OC-3 and the MXR.

I prefer the sound of the MXR, and its solid tracking and mid boost features appeal to me. The EBS and OC-3 are both cheaper - I personally think the EBS sounds better, but I believe the OC-3 has slightly better tracking (it has a pseudo-polyphonic mode which should make it harder to confuse if you're playing fast notes, I suppose).

Check out some youtube-demoes of these four pedals, and you should have a pretty good idea of what they sound like and what their individual strengths are.

PS: As for tracking low notes the EHX is supposed to be unbeatable, but for a clean tone I recommend the EBS or the MXR; and out of those two the MXR should track slightly lower.

[Floyd Eye]

I am also waiting on the arrival of my MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe.

[tbassist4]

The DigiTech Bass Synth Wah is supposed to have very good octave tracking (and you can turn the effect off so it's just clean + octave from what I've been told). I'll let you know how it works out when mine comes in late next week. At around $40 used, it'll be the least expensive and it's supposed to perform on par with the big boys.

[randysmojo]

The Digitech sounds kinda cool with the low price point. The pseudo-polyphonic mode of the Boss sounds like it could be cool, although I probably wouldn't need too fast tracking. I did see an older DOD Octave pedal on ebay that I wondered if anyone has ever tried. The FX35 octave. Can't afford a POG and don't want a synthetic sound. Mostly for just adding a slight bit of lower octave where it won't be too noticeable. I'll try to find time to go to youtube and check out vids of the different pedals everyone is mentioning.

[Kwesi]

Sounds like you want either a MXR BOD or Aguilar Octamizer. I've gotten my hands on a few octavers and as far as tracking goes, these two are kings of the hill. They sound great too but are very different from one another. From what you describe, you probably want the MXR BOD.

[cybersnyder]

Line 6 M5 is the best tracking octave, IME.

[Ryan L.]

I've been using an EBS Octabass, and it tracks VERY well for me. Very happy with it so far.

[Kwesi]

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

Line 6 M5 is the best tracking octave, IME.

100% agreed but it sounds more synthetic to my ears, whereas the BOD and Aguilar sound more natural. If I'm just using an octave by itself or just an octave and a filter I'll go with my BOD but if I really need perfect tracking for smooth synth lines, I'll use my M9. Of course, the M5 footprint is on the larger side of things as well.

[Jared Lash]

As far as analog octavers go I'd argue that the EBS Octabass is the most "natural" sounding. The OC-2 is highly synthetic (a reason many of us love it) and the MXR BOD has two octave sounds - one which mimics the OC-2 (Growl) and one which is deeper and flabbier (Girth) and blended you can get a bit more natural sound, but not as good as the EBS.

In a mix the POG actually sounds the cleanest, though it isn't as beefy as a digital octaver and soloed sounds quite digital.

I don't include it as an option because of the price point and size (not to mention that it is a bit ridiculous to use it solely as an octaver) but the Pitchfactor actually does the best "clean" octave down of pedals I've tried.

[cybersnyder]

Originally Posted by Kwesi

100% agreed but it sounds more synthetic to my ears, whereas the BOD and Aguilar sound more natural. If I'm just using an octave by itself or just an octave and a filter I'll go with my BOD but if I really need perfect tracking for smooth synth lines, I'll use my M9. Of course, the M5 footprint is on the larger side of things as well.

I usually keep the tone turned down on the M5's octave and I think that helps keep it natural sounding. I use the Pitch Shifter at an octave below if I want synthetic sounding. I need to try the Aguilar again. I only tried one briefly at Jive sound it tracked terribly, but the bass I was using had fresh, bright strings and that could have been the problem. I keep a dedicated Octave on my pedalboard to go with the M5 and I keep going back to the OC-2. Then I can use that with filter effects on the M5 or whatever. But when I need low and deep and no glitches, I always use the M5.

[TNCreature]

I've owned the EBS and I now own the MXR.
I loved the EBS and the tracking was impeccable.
I bought the MXR for a little dirt. I also like the "synthy" sound of running just the effect with no direct signal mixed in.
They both track very well, so no worries there.

[Bassmike62]

Originally Posted by tbassist4

The DigiTech Bass Synth Wah is supposed to have very good octave tracking (and you can turn the effect off so it's just clean + octave from what I've been told). I'll let you know how it works out when mine comes in late next week. At around $40 used, it'll be the least expensive and it's supposed to perform on par with the big boys.

I have the BSW and for my needs, found the octaver mode quite adequate, so much that I sold my BOD. I must point out that I use the octaver on occasion only.

[Low Main]

I've bought two MXR BOD units - one in 2010 and another last week. Both had to go back. Both were lemons. I tried both with various basses, amps, etc. and no go. Poor tracking and bad sound.

I know for a fact that there are good BOD units out there - I just haven't lucked into a good one myself.

I also know that the good ones sound great.

The other recent MXR pedals I've tried are awesome, like the Analog Chorus.

Don't know what it is about the BOD quality control. I would only go for a BOD on an in-store try and buy at this point.

I tried an Octamizer, and despite giving it every opportunity, could not get it to work well. Disappointing to me, as I'm an Aguilar fan in general.

I've had the most success with EBS. Those track and sound well to my ears. I think I'll stick with that.

[marijn van gils]

I'm using the Aguilar, and really love the versatility: from smooth deep octave to synthy goodness, and it gives complete control over the wet/dry mix and overall volume. It sounds very good, both mixed in a bit or 100% wet. Very very practical pedal, and it tracks great too!

If all you need is some low rumble mixed in, the octave down of the EHX Bass Micro Synth migth do. Of course, this would only apply if you were looking for an excuse to get an BMS anyway, because this pedal does sooo much more!

[tbassist4]

Hey I'm reporting back on the Digitech Bass Synth Wah octave mode (Octasub, mode 7, and turn the "range knob" down to remove the synth effect and just get a clean primary note and lower octave). I Just got mine yesterday and it sounds great and tracks incredibly well! It's significantly better than the built-in octave effect on my Crate BT220, and tracks great below the A string. It does have a slight problem with sustaining low E - it'll track the note itself just fine, but it cuts out after 1 -2 seconds or so. In my book that makes it pretty usable, since I tend to just pop some of the lower notes quickly when using an octaver anyways. Low F and above are all perfect - they sustain with no cutting out. It also keeps up just fine with faster playing. I'd highly recommend it, plus, Octasub is only one of 7 modes, so you get an octaver and 6 other modes free.

[Plays_For_Dog]

My MXR BOD tracked horribly. It would drop out during regular play constantly.

I just sold an EBS "true bypass" version. It was pretty good, but would still occasionally loose tracking if you held the note for an extended amount of time. Over all, I thought it was very good for the price.

[Ben Clarke]

I have the EBS and Aguilar. Both are excellent and smoke the old DOD FX25 I played years ago in terms of tracking. The Aggy sounds sick but the EBS tracks amazingly, even handling chording somewhat well. The Aggy's still my first choice - I love the touch of chaos when the tracking slips. I also love that I can tweak a knob and it sounds so different - helps eliminate the "oh there's that octave effect again" syndrome. The tilt EQ on the dry signal combined with the LPF on the wet is genius.

[Ben Clarke]

rereading the OP and noting the word "clean", I'd recommend the EBS.