Sub-bass and Octave...What's the difference?

Simply put, an octave is an interval of 12 semitones (1200 cents). The ratio of the frequency of two notes an octave apart is 2:1. For example: A5 = 880 Hz, A4 = 440 Hz, A3 = 220 Hz and so on.

Here on TalkBass however, it is used to describe an effect that creates an extra note an octave down from the note you're playing. So in theory an octave is an interval below or above a certain note, but in the world of guitar- and bass-effects the term 'octave' is mostly used to describe an octave down. If you want to search for a pedal that (also) does 'octave up', I suggest you search for 'octave up', not just 'octave'.

Sub is Latin for 'under' or 'below'. I read your post in the 3Leaf Octabvre thread and if you translate 'sub bass', it would be 'below bass', which you can interpret as 'below (your) bass', so 'below what you're playing now'. On that particular pedal the 'sub' switch functions as a 'sub bass only' / 'octave down only' switch. On the Boss OC-2 you'd have to turn the 'direct level' knob all the way down and the 'octave 1' knob all the way up to get the same effect. For people who want faster access to that sound, Spencer created the 'sub' switch. So if you'd need / want a pedal that does 'clean + octave down' to 'octave down only' with one press, the 3Leaf Octabvre might float your boat!

To me personally, the term 'sub bass' makes me think of the tones that make your bones rattle and move a lot of air. Often, these notes are inaudible on cheap earphones or even speakers. An example that comes to mind is 'Never Leave You' by Lumidee. The sub bass starts to play around 0'30". Most decent speakers will handle the note, but you'd need a very decent speaker that can handle that frequency at a reasonable volume if you want that note to rattle your bones.

 

Or as mentioned in the Octavbre thread, octave is dry original signal PLUS octave down; sub is the octave signal with NO dry original signal.

 

What you're describing is more correctly called infrasonic as opposed to subsonic.

 

I made a video some time ago, I compared the Mantic Density Hulk ("Sub-Bass") and the MXR BOD(Octave). Put some good earphones on.

 

I think this is the video that convinced me to get my density hulk pro. I love my density hulk, it beats out octave pedals for me easily.

 

To me, the difference between an regular octave and a sub octave is this, an octave will make the room shake. A sub octave cmpletely sucks all the air straight out of the room!! quite a big difference. I was telling a buddy of mine that has a TWA Great Divide, Meatbox and a Mantic Beef Bag that my POG2 can get pretty subby and will make most rooms shake through the PA's of the houses my band plays at. I dig it. He was like, it still aint a Meatbox/Beef Bag. I have to agree with him. While the POG2's sub octave can get downright shaky and move some air, you can tell a difference with a Meatbox and the like, its like the room youre in gets sucked into a time warp and you cant hear it, but you can feel all the air in the room get sucked right out. Really cool hehe.....hehe,......hehe

 

To me the difference is I can play a octave pedal through my amp without worrying about breaking it. I fried my ampeg BA115 with my Density Hulk, completely dimed of course.

 

Haha, sorry. That is funny but unfortunate stuff Do you have an HPF like an FDeck or Thumpinator??

 

Nope, I think an orange 4x10 cab and amp will come out if my tax return though lol

 

I'd invest in a thumpinator or the Fdeck 3. Worth a shot. Extra precautions.

 

I'm reluctant about things that limit things. I think I need a new amp or have it fixed first

Wouldn't a thumpinator render a density hulk meaningless? Anyone try a combination like that?

 

NOt at all actually. They really arent limiters. I dont consider them as such anyways. I use an FDeck 1 on my board and You can barely tell its there. At all really. I really only adjust it when Im feeling nervous about my output say at a live performance where theres no PA support and I need to crank it. Its not something that you really will notice much. Its more for protection IMO. They really do work great.

 

Well in the meantime my combo amp has built in fuzz that I can't turn off! Lol