Help with MXR Bass Octave?

[basscheez]

So I just got the MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe. I am thus far nonplussed. Can any of you other owners suggest a setting that might leave me plussed? The only other effect is an Aphex Punch Factory compressor, upstream of the octave.

TIA

[NOLA Bass]

I always have that mid boost engaged. I find that the growl and punch it adds is really where the magic in the pedal lies more than any other adjustments to the settings.

[Smurf-o-Deth]

What, exactly, is leaving you nonplussed about it? Tracking? Tone? Volume? What are you getting/not getting that is so shocking?

[jonathanhughes]

I can't help with the MXR, but I'm guessing you're disgruntled, and want to be gruntled. Nonplussed means surprised and confused.

[Matt Dean]

Originally Posted by Smurf-o-Deth

What, exactly, is leaving you nonplussed about it? Tracking? Tone? Volume? What are you getting/not getting that is so shocking?

+1.

[the low one]

Watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxQRMoMv_5s

or this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHauQR3Pi3U

They should help show you what it can do.

[basscheez]

jonathanhughes: Well, I am surprised that I don't like it, and confused in that the controls seem poorly engineered, so, nonplussed. I'm also underwhelmed and disappointed. But specifically, I'm perplexed and puzzled as to how to get a decent sound from the thing. So there, Mr. Language-Person-with-nothing-helpful-to-add.

non·plus
   /nɒnˈplʌs, ˈnɒnplʌs/ [non-pluhs, non-pluhs] -plussed or -plused, -plus·sing or -plus·ing, noun
–verb (used with object)
1.
to render utterly perplexed; puzzle completely.

BTW, since your moniker is (I assume your) proper name, it should be capitalized. Put that in your OCD and smoke it.

[basscheez]

NOLA Bass & the low one - thanks!

My general complaint is that my "thump" is gone, replaced by "blub". If that makes sense. I'm not sure if it's a tracking issue, or if I'm just not tweaking the tone correctly.

[jgroh]

Originally Posted by basscheez

jonathanhughes: Well, I am surprised that I don't like it, and confused in that the controls seem poorly engineered, so, nonplussed. I'm also underwhelmed and disappointed. But specifically, I'm perplexed and puzzled as to how to get a decent sound from the thing. So there, Mr. Language-Person-with-nothing-helpful-to-add.

non·plus
   /nɒnˈplʌs, ˈnɒnplʌs/ [non-pluhs, non-pluhs] -plussed or -plused, -plus·sing or -plus·ing, noun
–verb (used with object)
1.
to render utterly perplexed; puzzle completely.

BTW, since your moniker is (I assume your) proper name, it should be capitalized. Put that in your OCD and smoke it.

Awwwwwwww suhhhhnapp!

[the low one]

Originally Posted by basscheez

NOLA Bass & the low one - thanks!

My general complaint is that my "thump" is gone, replaced by "blub". If that makes sense. I'm not sure if it's a tracking issue, or if I'm just not tweaking the tone correctly.

I start with the dry at 2:00 which gives it parity with the bypassed volume, and both octave knobs at 12:00. I then may need to tweak the octaves depending on the room as some will boom more than others so need less octave, especially the girth as that's a fatter octave.

I don't use the mid+ unless I want to stand out a bit sometimes which this is perfect for without tweaking the knobs.

[Kwesi]

I get the feeling that if you haven't found a sound you like on a pedal with 3 knobs you're not going to find one at all. I happen to love my MXR288 but there are plenty out there who would rather have another octaver. Maybe look into the Aguilar Octamizer or Boss OC series?

[stflbn]

Sounds like you need more dry signal in however you have it set.


.

[BassBrass]

Compressor "upstream" meaning, before? Octaver always first to get your attack and then compress that.
I then run mine through a blended Messdrive Hybrid and then VT bass and limiter in my amp's effect loop. Awesome sound. Oh yeah, on the MXR BOD both bass controls at 2, straight at noon and mid switch always on. pfatness.

[Smurf-o-Deth]

Again, how are you setting the BOD, and what are/were you hoping to achieve with it? A little specificity will help us help you.

[basscheez]

OK, after watching the videos (thanks again, the low one!), I bumped up the midrange and got a decent sound through my little Hartke combo with the fretless. More work to do with the G-K, but I think I can get there. I am now plussed. Thanks for all the help.