OC-2 vs. MXR M-288 for synth-ish purposes?

martskre · #1 07-21-2010, 05:45 PM

Anyone got any opinions on how the OC-2 compares to the M-288, for example when used in a more synth-like setting? I have recently been very inspired by playing from an synth-ish standpoint (think John Davis of Nerve

), and I thought I'd start developing an electronic sound and approach using pedals as an extension of my instrument.

From what I've gathered the OC-2 has a mystical quality to it, a thump, punchy-like thing (whatever that is...) that no other octave pedal has. It supposedly sits well on a pedalboard, making friends with the other pedals with ease. I also dig the 100% wet sound from players using the OC-2 (John Davis bassing on Mouchette - Cherry Tree, check out that awesome sound/bass line at 02:53!) How does the M-288 compare to all this?

The reason I have to ask for advice on this is because during my search and lurking around these forums, the OC-2 has become like a hyped up holy grail pedal for me. I haven't gotten to try it out in real life, but I have tried the M-288 and loved it (specially the mid-switch), but I can't shake that spiritual feeling I get when I think of the OC-2 and peoples experiences with it. There must be a reason why everyone swears by their OC-2...

kevteop · #2 07-21-2010, 06:00 PM

If you see an OC-2 for sale, buy it and find out. They're only available used so you won't lose any money if you decide to sell it again.

I've never used the MXR pedal (mostly because I'm entirely happy with my OC-2) so I can't compare them.

cybersnyder · #3 07-21-2010, 06:02 PM

Nothing keeping you from having both.

Yeah, the OC-2 does sound great -- it's analog. How could it not sound great?? Heh. IMO, get a newer MIT version. Then you won't have to deal with ACA/PSA issues.

**jmattbassplaya** · #4 07-21-2010, 06:05 PM

I can't speak for the OC-2, but the BOD sounds a lot like an OC-3. That said, the OC-3 can get a lot grittier than and BOD, whereas the BOD can get cleaner and a bit more dubby. Both pedals really seem to match up at a center point as far as tone is concerned, but from that point they go in different directions.

I owned the BOD but wanted something synthier so I traded for an OC-3. IMHO, I made the right switch.

merlinaz · #5 07-22-2010, 04:05 AM

get an OC-2!
I play tons of synthy-ish stuff and the OC-2 is the core sound of it...
you can get a used one via ebay for some bucks, try it and sell it for the same price you bought it....

martskre · #6 07-22-2010, 08:39 PM

Looks like I'm gonna end up with both. OC-2 for synth purposes and the M-288 for "regular" use. I was kinda hoping the M-288 would cover the need for an OC-2, as my pedalboard (and my finances...) can't fit both. Oh well, at least I'll have the same pedal my heroes swear by! Can't go wrong with that...

Jared Lash · #7 07-22-2010, 09:36 PM

The MXR's "Growl" knob side sounds nearly identical to the OC-2. It has very slightly worse tracking but there's really no reason to have both.

The MXR cops 95% of the OC-2 sound and tracks just a shade worse. So unless you almost exclusively use the 100% wet octave down sound for synth stuff, get the BOD for more flexibility.

Personally I DO use almost exclusively use the 100% wet octave down sound for synth stuff, so I kept the OC-2.

My two cents.

PostApocalypso · #8 07-22-2010, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martskre

Looks like I'm gonna end up with both. OC-2 for synth purposes and the M-288 for "regular" use.

If you're getting the M-288 anyhow, you might as well get it first and see if you can get the sound you want from it. It can get pretty synth-y depending on the settings. If it ends upo not being what you want then try the OC-2.

Also try running the M-288 in front of or behind other pedals for synth-y sounds...