The octave down on the OC5 in poly mode is so weak, it's barely even useable for what I do. (I like to run the effect out to a bass amp for low notes and run the direct out to my guitar amp to split the signals.) In contrast, the poly mode in OC3 is MUCH louder and sounds great through my bass amp when I split the outputs. An octave pedal can be one of the most creative tools in your sonic arsenal. Explore the myriad possibilities of this remarkable effect. Read more… Pedal Partners: Combining Fuzz with Other Effects BUT… Keep in mind that your modulation settings, chorus, and distortion could requure even lighter settings on the added bass. There's an art to assembling a pedalboard. Learn to perfect your effects signal chain and capture the tone you've been seeking. Read more…

At the other end of the spectrum, the -2 octave was perfect in Vintage mode for adding meat to lines played high on the fretboard, shadowing the notes and adding dimension that helped them sound more substantial.

The OC-5 is also better at subduing the momentary artefacts that could sporadically bounce to an upper harmonic octave or something else entirely, and emerge only if you hold a couple notes together – one after another – for the musical glitch to pop up. But I’m one of those players that finds this musically endearing. Phaser is a naturally versatile modulation effect. From overdrive to reverb, it can enhance, expand, and excite a guitar tone. Read more… Pedal Partners: Combining Octave with Other Effects Another noteworthy update for the OC-5 is the new octave-up feature, which can be engaged for both the 'Vintage' and 'Poly' modes. Bring in this sweet effect by turning the dedicated '+1 OCT' knob. You can even use the octave-up sound on its own, which is perfect for achieving 12-string-esquesounds. Alternatively, you could blend this with the '-1 OCT' and '-2 OCT' sub-octave effects for fat organ-like tones! Guitar/Bass Switch & Direct Out In the Poly Mode things become slightly more complex with the 4th : -2 OCT / RANGE knob where you can now play full polyphonic octave chords with the knob fully CW. While if you dial it down it starts to limit the octave effect down to just the lower strings, and in LOWEST setting - simply the lowest note on the lowest string. This setting is particularly good for playing walking bassllines on the lowest string while upper strings get passed through unaffected so that if you strike a chord - the lowest note will be octaved as such, while the rest will ring out as normal. This is something that is particularly handy to Jazz musicians and singer-songwriter types who are often fairly unaccompanied onstage. OCT RANGE = Smart 'POLY' setting first introduced in the OC-3 but somewhat significantly honed here - lets you variably control which strings / notes are targeted - so that in the 'LOWEST' setting only the very Lowest note on the lowest string triggers a Sub-Octave while the other notes of your chord pass through as unaffected. As you dial up the Range you include further Strings and Higher Notes in your Sub-Octave trigger. In Vintage Mode this knob simply controls the LEVEL of the -2 OCT.

Fuzz can be one of the most exciting pedals on a guitarist's board. Here are some powerful recipes for combining it with other effects. Read more… Pedal Partners: Combining Distortion with Other EffectsThese figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use. Accessories Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY,""IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information") I wasn't 100% clear on how the LEVEL of the -2 OCT was being impacted in Poly Mode with the dial set to LOWEST Setting. I think if there is a further iteration of this pedal I would make the last knob dual concentric - with LEVEL on the upper portion and RANGE on the lower. Other than that it's a breeze to use really. It's just a matter of selecting witch switch modes you prefer - Guitar/Bass and Vintage/Poly and then how you apply each of the 4 knobs - Direct signal plus 2 possible sub-octaves and 1 upper-octave. If you start light as above as your base point…ratger than cranking things early—which WILL sound like poo…you will begin to see the potential here. RANGE (POLY) = Range / Cut-Off and Extension of Output Notes - CCW only Lower / Lowest note/s and strings, CW expands to higher strings and notes So… I suggest this basic starting point…if, like me, you seek to add a bit of base or low end to your solitary guitar playing.

Accessories: Owner's Manual, Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY,""IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information"), Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22) For a start, we don't have to worry about losing any of the classic features. The OC5 includes our Monophonic (Vintage Mode) octave and our Polyphonic Octave Mode. We're also now treated to two excellent new modes. The first option is to have a 1+ octave up, which is super useful to have within this pedal. This can add clarity and definition when combined with the -1 and -2 octaves. All the octaves can be used on their own, mixed in together however you wish. The pedal even gives you the option to send a direct signal to another amp so you can have a Wet/Dry set up.

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Expected battery life under continuous use: (Alkaline) Approx. 7 hours *These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use. The compressor pedal is a brilliant tool to enhance a guitar tone. Learn to get the most from this dynamic pedalboard mainstay. Read more… Pedal Partners: Combining Phaser with Other Effects