EHX Octave multiplexer tracking & sound?

[JensCambre]

Tittle says it all... i can get one very cheap (€45), but i'm actually lookin for a used mxr bod, boss oc2/3, aguilar octamizer.
Should i get it as a rather cheap sollution until i find what i'm looking for? or is it a waist of money?

 

[JamminOnThe1]

In my opinion the multiplexer is much different than most other octave pedals (I've owned Pog, MXR BOD, OC-3, Super Synth). If you're looking for a fat, round sub octave sound, the multiplexer is perfect (in sub mode with the bass filter turned down). For this reason it has stayed at the front of my chain since I picked it up. It also produces some pretty cool dirty synth sounds but low frequencies are sacrificed. I run a Meatbox with it in this mode.

I often use the BOD which is nice when looking for a blended dry/octave sound. With the dry dialed out and the girth fully cranked it gets pretty deep and the growl can be added for some octave fuzz. The mid is nice too.

My advice - pick up the multiplexer. The tracking is fine if that's the sound you want. In my experience, octave pedals will respond differently depending on the bass you're using. Gotta try it under your fingers and decide for yourself

 

[bass.bert]

i like that dirty sound with the filters are open, but it's also one of the most boomy octaves with the filters closed...

i did some clips a while ago, and compared it to some other octavers you mentioned.

the multiplexer is still on my board, because it has some really gritty character. the tracking is just ok, my oc2 tracks better...

check it out in a bandsetting here: multiplexer > turborat > mf 101

 

[johnk_10]

I just built an exact clone of the 1975 Octave Multiplexer. i ended up etching a PCB for it that is actually layed out just like the original (it's HUGE!)
when testing it, I found its tracking too glitchy for my taste, and its overall output on the low side so i was considering not even boxing it up.
after a little experimentation, I modded mine for much better tracking (it's now easily as good as my OC2) and added a clean Jfet boost to the output with a master volume control and I love this pedal now.
i like it so much that i ended up etching the enclosure for it.

pics:
PCB top:

PB bottom:

gut shot:

completed pedal:

i'll try to post a sound clip of it tomorrow.

 

[cnltb]

What component(s) or elements in an octaver determine whether it tracks well or not so good?

 

[johnk_10]

well, I found that by lower my bass's volume control going into it, it tracked a lot better, so I padded the input. that exacerbated it's low volume issue so that's another reason that I added the Jfet booster on the output.
plus, I can also use the pedal as a clean boost now.

 

[DjangoKid]

Johnk_10,

Are the mods you did easy to perform on a stock pedal?

 

[JensCambre]

well, I found that by lower my bass's volume control going into it, it tracked a lot better, so I padded the input. that exacerbated it's low volume issue so that's another reason that I added the Jfet booster on the output.
plus, I can also use the pedal as a clean boost now.

are these easy mods to do?

 

[gregmon79]

Ive always been curious about this guy. Maybe its time I snag one.

 

[Driven Crane]

I just built an exact clone of the 1975 Octave Multiplexer. i ended up etching a PCB for it that is actually layed out just like the original (it's HUGE!)
when testing it, I found its tracking too glitchy for my taste, and its overall output on the low side so i was considering not even boxing it up.
after a little experimentation, I modded mine for much better tracking (it's now easily as good as my OC2) and added a clean Jfet boost to the output with a master volume control and I love this pedal now.
i like it so much that i ended up etching the enclosure for it.

pics:
PCB top:

PB bottom:

gut shot:

completed pedal:

i'll try to post a sound clip of it tomorrow.

Nice job! Perfect!

 

[Joe Kyle]

well, I found that by lower my bass's volume control going into it, it tracked a lot better, so I padded the input. that exacerbated it's low volume issue so that's another reason that I added the Jfet booster on the output.
plus, I can also use the pedal as a clean boost now.

SORRY TO RAISE THE DEAD!

I've been looking into doing this to my octave multiplexer, but can't seem to find an answer short of etching a whole new pcb.

Would it be possible to add a small breadboard with the components in there and wire it to a potentiometer.

I, too, like my multiplexer but wish it had boosted output.

 

[johnk_10]

yeah, just add a small daughter board for the booster.

 

[Mark Perry]

I’ve recently ordered one of these along with an OC5. I enjoy the synthy sound with no sub and I get nice results balancing the volume drop with the volume spike of my q-tron. It would probably work well with my Hartke fuzz or balance well with help from an LS-2.

 

[Inconnu]

I don’t get it... I have an old big box Octave Multiplexer... no volume drop!