• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Boss OC-3 or EBS Octabass to get a clean low B on a 4-string P-bass?

Sep 24, 2008
1,035
35
PA
Disclosures
Gear Reviews Guitar World Online
Subject says just that. I've been watching YouTube clips 'til my ears bleed.

A Boss OC-3 is around $120 and an EBS Octabass runs around $150. All I want it for is for the occasional low B to Eb that my 4-string P-bass can't get. Not really looking for crazy effects with it.

The OC3 seems like if I hate it I can at least get a chunk of my $ back and it looks like it does more.

The EBS really impressed me in one video and then let me down in another.
 
CyberSnyder: I went with the OC-3 due to your other posts on the forums. Thanks for posting some useful reviews!

Jimbob: Hey I think I have the Digitech somewhere. I'll have to give it a go.
 
CyberSnyder: I went with the OC-3 due to your other posts on the forums. Thanks for posting some useful reviews!

Jimbob: Hey I think I have the Digitech somewhere. I'll have to give it a go.

I forget who mentioned using the Guitar input originally, I can't claim that, but it has definitely worked for me. I still like the OC-2's tones for somethings and the M9's Bass Octave is insanely good.
 
There are a few ways to hit the note, but if you use an analogue octaver it will sound fake, and if you use a digital harmoniser it will sound weak. If I wanted the sound of a five string bass I would probably just buy a five string bass.
 
I forget who mentioned using the Guitar input originally, I can't claim that, but it has definitely worked for me. I still like the OC-2's tones for somethings and the M9's Bass Octave is insanely good.


OC-3 with Guitar Input in Poly mode definitely tracks fantastic and sounds great IMHO. The 'tunable' effect with the Poly knob is great to tune the effect's sound to what you prefer.

I have a MXR Bass Octave Deluxe on it's way to me also and am curious how it stands up to the OC-3 as far as tracking and sound. Will be interesting.
 
OC-3 with Guitar Input in Poly mode definitely tracks fantastic and sounds great IMHO. The 'tunable' effect with the Poly knob is great to tune the effect's sound to what you prefer.

I have a MXR Bass Octave Deluxe on it's way to me also and am curious how it stands up to the OC-3 as far as tracking and sound. Will be interesting.

The MXR has some different sounds, but the OC-3 kills it on tracking.