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Recommendations for an octave pedal

K

KoalaBass

Aug 12, 2011
242
80
#1
Hi!

Looking to get some opinions on octave pedals! Only interested in higher octaves (already have a MXR bass octave deluxe for all my sub needs, which never let me down), looking for something not too expensive that doesn't have too much latency. It would be used mostly for solo performances (looping, heavy processing, a bit of finger picking). Doesnt have to have a ton of options too, as long as there's +1 octave and a blend knob. What do you think?
 
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#5
Not to derail the thread with post #5, but, I saw a funky Jazz outfit over the weekend. Pretty sure the bass player had 2 micro pogs on the board (saw), and an envelope filter (heard). Is that a thing, doubling up on the micro pogs?
 
#7
Enrique M said:
Not to derail the thread with post #5, but, I saw a funky Jazz outfit over the weekend. Pretty sure the bass player had 2 micro pogs on the board (saw), and an envelope filter (heard). Is that a thing, doubling up on the micro pogs?
Click to expand...

I know there have been people who modded their Micro Pogs to have a second set of knobs and a second switch. This is probably just their way of having two different settings.
 
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#8
A newer-to-market option would be the Boss Polyshifter XS-1. It has 7 semi-tones and 3 octaves up or down (your choice via a switch), and a blend knob. I got one recently to use as my octave pedal for my regular gig, and to give me the option to use it as a detuner pedal for my occasional sub gig where the band is all in Eb instead of having to have a bass tuned a half step down. I have not used it live yet, only in rehearsals, but I don't find latency to be an issue. I will say I hear a slight tonal difference with it using the semi-tone option when practicing alone, but not sure it will be enough to matter in a live mix. I think the octave function sounds better than the other (admittedly older) octave options I've used in the past.
 
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#9
I've long held that the OC-3 is the best I've found. I’ve tried it against most stuff out there. Original OC-2, OC-5 which I briefly owned, the MXR ones, and some others I can't remember. First of all it's simply louder than most others. The OC-5 didn't have enough volume to use the -1 by itself for example. OC-3 has huge volume, and it's a smoother, bassier sound than most. I realize it's almost universally not loved but I can't get mine to lose a shootout. It even tracks my low E.
 
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#13
Cleezmo said:
A newer-to-market option would be the Boss Polyshifter XS-1. It has 7 semi-tones and 3 octaves up or down (your choice via a switch), and a blend knob. I got one recently to use as my octave pedal for my regular gig, and to give me the option to use it as a detuner pedal for my occasional sub gig where the band is all in Eb instead of having to have a bass tuned a half step down. I have not used it live yet, only in rehearsals, but I don't find latency to be an issue. I will say I hear a slight tonal difference with it using the semi-tone option when practicing alone, but not sure it will be enough to matter in a live mix. I think the octave function sounds better than the other (admittedly older) octave options I've used in the past.
Click to expand...

I have the bigger XS-100. It does several things well, but if I was looking for an Octave Down it wouldn’t be near the top of my list. Fortunately the OP is looking for Oct Up, so I’ll say the XS-1 is worth a look. The detune is probably the same on each pedal and definitely worth a chunk of the overall purchase price. I keep finding myself clicking on the pedal just for that detune.
 

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