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suboctave generators

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by B_Pain, Jul 30, 2009.

  1. Jul 30, 2009 #1
    B_Pain

    B_Pain

    Jul 25, 2009
    i recently got an electro harmonix polyphonic octave generator, but i'm not quite satisfied with the sound, maybe because it's digital it lacks warmth. I'm primarily concerned with the suboctave, so does anybody know of an effect that has a warm suboctave tone, but also does not have a trade off in terms of tracking, or a way to add warmth via another effect?

    I'm also interested to know of an effect that can isolate single frequencies, i play in a hiphop influenced band and would like to get an 808-like sound. I figure if i send a single frequency to a suboctave generator it would give me that sound (of course i could also just get an 808 or some other synth).
     
  2. Jul 30, 2009 #2
    Thunderscreech

    Thunderscreech

    Jun 4, 2008
    Fredericksburg, Virginia
    If you're after the 808 sound, there are several drum machines that have that, and they'll cost much less than the rig you're talking about.

    Roland makes the VB-99 bass synth system that includes a special Pickup that is triggered by each string. From what I have seen and heard, that system might be able to do what you want.


    also, pedal-wise, why don't you try the EHX POG2. It has a 1 and 2 octaves down and does a great job of tracking.
     
  3. Jul 30, 2009 #3
    jaywa

    jaywa

    May 5, 2008
    Iowa City, IA
    I can't recommend any in particular, but I know sound techs HATE them.
     
  4. Jul 30, 2009 #4
    4-string

    4-string

    Jul 23, 2006
    Norway
    Really? That is not my experience at all. I use my EBS Octabass for a few tunes, and always tell the sound guy during sound check so that he's prepared for it. So far, not one of them has had a problem with it, actually several of them have commented that it sounds great.
     
  5. Jul 30, 2009 #5
    Smurf-o-Deth

    Smurf-o-Deth Nothing to fret over. Supporting Member

    Oct 2, 2007
    The state of denial.
    The POG2 is capable of more natural tones via the built-in low pass filter. I posted clips of various settings in a thread called POG2: Electric Boogaloo. You might find that using a lpf will help you achieve your goals. The sound vs. tracking is the trade-off everyone has to make when selecting an octaver; analogue octavers will never track the way the POGs do, and the POGs will never sound like an analgue octaver.
     
  6. Aug 8, 2009 #6
    EthanTheHeathen

    EthanTheHeathen

    Aug 25, 2004
    Twin Cities, MN
    I have an Ampeg Sub-Blaster. It's really simple - just one octave down with controls for the direct signal and the octave signal. It tracks really really well and provides a super smooth, deep octave. Not robotic sounding like the Boss pedals. However, it doesn't work too well in the upper register, if that's a concern. Built like a tank too. They are out of production, however, and I've never seen one other than the one I bought in a local shop.
     
  7. Aug 9, 2009 #7
    rottenramone

    rottenramone Supporting Member

    Dec 11, 2003
    u looking for that de-tuned 808 kick drum sound? u shd try going for the boss oc-2 - wmd fatman filter combo. i tried it at john davis' studio and its the sound which is closest to the 808 kick.
     
  8. Aug 9, 2009 #8
    jufros

    jufros

    Nov 24, 2008
    Really? I owned a Fatman for a very brief time and don't remember being particularly impressed with it. I might have to give it another whirl though if it can really nail that sound.