octave advice

:scowl:

They're all VERY different... you need to know what you want first. Do you know the differences?

 

Ah. Clean or dirty (classic)? If you'd prefer a cleaner octave that holds well even on sustained low notes, the Micro POG is the answer. Because it's digital, it tracks better than any pedal out there, period (exceptions: POG and HOG - its bigger brothers, which are just as good, but have a lot more features).

The problem is, it's not the typical-sounding octave pedal. Octave pedals rarely sound that clean and "stable" on low notes... that's why I asked if you know what you're really looking for. They all deliver strong sub-octave sounds, but they all sound different.

The Octron is of the "dirtier", "synthier" camp, and also features an analog octave-up (which is partially distorted, but cool when used with the sub-octave and dry sound). The MXR Bass Octave is analog like the Octron, but IMO has a smoother bottom end. It's still not would I would consider a "clean" octave, but it's deep and full. The Micro POG has an octave-up like the Octron, but it's very clean and organ-like because it's digital.

The irony of that statement is that the POG and Micro POG can track chords - they're some of the only polyphonic octave pedals out there.

None of them should. IIRC, the Octron is true bypass, and I know for a fact the Micro POG is. The MXR, I'm not sure.

 

You left out the Octave Multiplexer from your list. I'm just sayin'.....and it's a good one, too.

 

That's true!

The Octave Multiplexer is analog, but is similar to the MXR with some sounds, from what I've noticed (I've never compared the two directly, but I've used them separately).

What I love about the Multiplexer is that you can shape the octave sound as you like with two different filters.

It also has a really dirty, glitchy mode if you ever want to do something a little out of the norm.

 

Boo pretty much nailed all of them. The only thing I'll add is about the MXR...

It has a very pleasant organic sound (rather than the clean digital of the Micro POG, or the synthyness of the Octron), however, like a lot of analog octave pedals, its tracking of lower notes is a bit shakey.

Persoanlly, the Micro POG is on my GAS list. I love the crisp and clean up and down octaves.

 

I disagree. The Boss OC-2 is the industry standard octave pedal.

It tracks single notes very well (better than the Octave Multiplexer) and goes 1 and 2 octaves below plus a blend...

You can find them on ebay for $40...

 

Personally, I wouldn't buy any of them... I prefer, in order of proprity:

- EBS Octabass - I have one I and I really like it. (good tracking, very musical, 3 nice sounds)
- Digitech Bass Synth Wah (excellent tracking + other sounds)
- Boss OC-3 (Boss OC sound - some people like it, some don't)

I must admit that tried only the Micro Pog. It has an excellent tracking (polyphonic) and octave up as well but I didn't like the sound.

 

but not better than the Foxrox, EBS, and MicroPOG. For an industry standard it doesn't hold up to the competition too well.

maybe in the 80's it was the industry standard, but now i think the EBS is it for sure (for bassists definately).

OP - Honestly, I'd go with the MicroPOG. If you want a more organic/analog type tone just add a little OD and that should warm up the POG. The tracking and note capability (goes as low as you want) are insane on that thing.

 

+1 Pretty sweet pedal. I have had mine for a little over a week. Just learnin'

 

Another pedal that should be mentioned if you are just interested in decent tracking and just octave down, is the Ampeg Sub-Blaster...great sounding octave down pedal...and other than the POG or Micro-POG, the tracking is about as good as it gets...

 

great call. i remember that being a favorite of Spanky's. How well is the tracking below an E? I know most analog octavers have trouble down there (EBS, Octron, OC-2).

 

well, the Sub-Blaster tracks well to about the "A" or "Ab" on the "E" string...which is about where it goes on most octave pedals I've tried...thats why I said it was about as good as it gets (other than the POG)...However, I think the sub octave tone of the Ampeg is great...better than most other octave down pedals...

 

Any idea where some clips are of the sub blaster?

 

EBS, definitely. It's the best I have heard..

 

Maybe I am the lucky one...

I have an OC-2, and it track flawlessly down to my low B... No issues, no missing notes, and can track 16th notes at 160bpm...

Maybe mine was made on a wednesday... I guess I did just get it brand new in box too...

 

I'd love to hear some clips. Please indulge

 

+1