• 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 free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Octave Effect

#21
scHism said:
HELP:
For those who have octave pedals, specifically OC-2, is it normal to lose the octave effect intermittently when pedal is engaged? IT is not audible if it is the only pedal engaged but paired with dirt or fuzz, you can hear the octave effect go on and off.

The natural, unaffected note/tone is OK, it is clear and audible, but the octaved note, 1 up or 1 down, disappears for a couple of milliseconds and then reappears. It is like when you are listening to a stereo headphones when one of the cables has an issue, ie, left side is continually heard, right is on and off.
It is more apparent on the higher frets specially on the octave up.

Is this the tracking issue that they talk about octavers? I thought it is only on the lower notes.

I have checked all my connections, there are no other pedals on the chain except for bass > OC-2 > Swollen Pickle > amp, I have also tried bass > OC-2 > MXR DI > amp. The more fuzzy/gritty the tone is the more the cutting of the octaved signal is apparent.

I just wanna make sure if it is normal or if there is really an issue with the pedal before I take this up with the seller.
Click to expand...

I'd say yes, this is a tracking issue. It's not just low notes, but any weak note that can cause a tracking issue. For example mine glitches out on the 7th fret D on my G string because that is a weak/quiet note on my bass, so I have to play that note at the 12th fret on the D string, then no problems. If I play the 7th fret D quickly and move on it is ok, but if I hold it even for a bit it glitches right out.

My OC2 does not have an octave up effect through- just 1 oct down and 2 octaves down. When you say "octave up" are you actually referring to the 1 octave down?
 
#22
i think when it comes to crutches, dirt pedals are the most likely candidates... and maybe chorus... and of course compressors, but that's another story :)

octavers, filters, etc... will actually expose you, imo! i don't know much about digital effects, but an analogue octaver likes a clean, firm tone to begin with... and an envelope filter... well, i swear it improved my sense for groove ;) you can't fool a filter...

in the end, everything can be used either as a tool or as a crutch... and sometimes the situation calls for using a crutch :D
 
#23
HolmeBass said:
I'd say yes, this is a tracking issue. It's not just low notes, but any weak note that can cause a tracking issue. For example mine glitches out on the 7th fret D on my G string because that is a weak/quiet note on my bass, so I have to play that note at the 12th fret on the D string, then no problems. If I play the 7th fret D quickly and move on it is ok, but if I hold it even for a bit it glitches right out.

My OC2 does not have an octave up effect through- just 1 oct down and 2 octaves down. When you say "octave up" are you actually referring to the 1 octave down?
Click to expand...

Yup, sorry I meant octave 1

It is more apparent on the higher frets specially on the octave 1, the right knob on the pedal.

So if I get you correctly, it is not the pedals fault but my technique? If I practice and try to play each note clearly this would not happen? I will try it when I get home. Thanks!
 
#24
scHism said:
Yup, sorry I meant octave 1

It is more apparent on the higher frets specially on the octave 1, the right knob on the pedal.

So if I get you correctly, it is not the pedals fault but my technique? If I practice and try to play each note clearly this would not happen? I will try it when I get home. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Well, I wouldn't entirely blame yourself, but better technique will help octaver tracking. Like I said, some notes on some basses, especially around the 5th to 7th fret on the G string, are pretty weak (due to neck resonance) and will cause problems for your octaver no matter your technique. (there are TB threads about about dead spots on the neck, especially 5th to 7th fret on G string)

It could be that your bass has some weak notes "up higher" - counter-intuitively, maybe boost your onboard treble control (if you have an active bass) or turn up your tone knob (on a passive bass) and see if that helps your octaver track those high notes better.
 
#26
The problem is the OC-2 is monophonic,...so it requires a strong single note to track properly. If you accidentally brush a non-fretted string, or a non fretted string is left to ring out un-muted,...or you try to play chords,....it will glitch.

If you have any dead spots or uneven frets on your fingerboard,...the OC-2 will expose them.

Common suggestions are to run the OC-2 1st or 2nd in the chain,...either after a compressor or another pedal with a good buffered bypass. FWIW,...I run my OC-2 2nd in my signal path; after my TU-2.

Also,...while this is in conflict with what HolmeBass reports,....my understanding is that feeding it a less treble heavy,...and more sub fundamental (lacking in overtones) tone will help it to track better. I've heard reports that the OC-2 tracks better with flatwounds than it does with roundwounds,...but that is anectdotal on my end as opposed to actual experience. (Although I'm not opposed,...I've never used flatwounds before).
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back