In this article, we’re going to be talking about the top 6 best Bass octave Pedals that you can get for your bass rig in 2023.
To build great bass sound, you usually need a lot of different pedals and octave is definitely on the list of essential effects. Therefore, the offer of octave pedals on the market is pretty big these days, which complicates things when we need to make the right choice.
Some pedals come fully-loaded with features and offer impressive tonal diversity. Other units are rather simple and focus on tracking and tone quality. Still, be sure that most products on today’s market are great and in the end, it’s all about your needs and preferences.
Therefore, we made a list of some of the best bass octave pedals, to make your choice easier.
What Is A Bass Octave Pedal?
Simply said, a bass octave pedal is a pedal that produces the octave effect. In practice, this means mixing the original signal with the synthesized, emulated signal, which is higher or lower for a full octave. Although predominately used by guitar players, it is also widely popular among bassists, which use it to get a more massive tone.
Many octave pedals are designed to work well with both guitars and basses, while others are designed for bass guitars on purpose. The latter are designed in a way to provide more accurate tracking of lower tones, while the EQ calibration is rather focused on low-end frequencies.
Still, that doesn’t necessarily mean that those pedals that are designed for bass guitars on purpose are better a priori. Many of “universal” octave pedals are as just as good, while some are even better. Therefore, our list of best octave pedal includes all units that work great with bass guitars.
Bass Octave Pedals
MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
This manufacturer is a real master in putting a huge tone into a small package and the MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe is a perfect example. With this pedal, you may count on a genuine analog octave, as well as on plenty of tone shaping options. Along with that, you may count on a true bypass and other cool features.
Despite that there are just three knobs, this pedal offers an amazing range of tonal options. Of course, there is the Dry knob, which lets you mix the amounts of original signal and octave effects. There are two more knobs for additional tone shaping. The first one is the Growl knob, which controls mid-range octave-below tones. If you’re looking for a smoother tone, the Girth knob gives you a lot of room to manipulate low-frequency octave-below control.
In addition, there is Mid+ button in the upper left corner, which gives a nice mid-range punch. Another thing we should mention is that the pedal features true bypass. You can run this unit either on batteries or with a 9V adapter, which isn’t included in the price.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
This pedal is a perfect choice for those who are looking for amazing sound quality and lots of tweaking options that come in a small package. The pedal isn’t cheap, but the quality you get in return is impressive. This is a perfect stage unit, while Constant Room Technology makes it a great studio tool as well. A good thing to know is that the pedal works great on guitar as well.
Boss OC-3 Octave
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
A common thing for all Boss pedals is that all of them are amazing workhorses, perfect stage tools that offer impressive functionality and versatility. This one does the same job in even more impressive way, as it is designed for both guitars and bass guitars. Therefore, it’s no wonder that there are separate inputs, which completely change the picture of the pedal, soundwise.
In terms of controls, it comes in a typical Boss layout. The pedal is rock-solid and you may count on excellent durability. The pedal also offers an impressive amount of functions. Practically, this is an upgraded version of the legendary OC-2 pedal, so you may count on the legendary circuit but on a couple of additions as well. Those would be distortion and Poly Octave effect.
This means you may count on three different modes. You may choose between going one or two octaves down, or be in the new Poly Octave mode, which allows you to play within a note range you set. Although primarily added for guitarists, distortion is very useful for bass as well. Besides two inputs, there are also two outputs, Mono and Direct.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Bass players who are looking for an excellent workhorse should search no more. This pedal may not be a top-tier product in terms of sound quality, but the tone is definitely good enough for most players. On the other side, it is hard to beat a combination of three tone modes, distortion, two outs and the company’s unparalleled reputation for durability and reliability.
Electro-Harmonix Nano POG
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
Although primarily designed for guitars, the Electro-Harmonix Nano POG is also very popular among bass players and there are several reasons for that. One of the first things we should mention is that the pedal works great even in these low-range frequencies and tracking is excellent. Also, the pedal packs lots of options in a super-compact package, which is so important these days.
A small package is definitely a big plus for those players who don’t have too much room on their pedalboards, but this pedal offers much more than a compact package. It sounds great and it’s extremely easy to use, as there are just three knobs. Of course, Dry knob lets you mix between original signal and octave effect, while the other two knobs are one of the reasons why many bass players like to use this pedal.
With this unit, you can engage either Sub Octave or Octave Up, or you can use them simultaneously. No matter the regime, it sounds great and the fact is that there aren’t many bass pedals with octave up function. Also, you may count on two outs, Dry and Effect, for additional versatility.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
If you play both guitar and a bass guitar, this is the perfect choice for you. Still, it can also be a highly useful tool for those who stick to bass only. Simply, the pedal sounds great, tracks well and features compact size. Most importantly, it’s extremely easy to use and delivers instant killer tones.
Electro-Harmonix Octave Multiplexer
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
The Electro-Harmonix Octave Multiplexer is predominately used by guitar players, by those who want to get great bass tones with their 6-string axe. However, the pedal is also popular among bassists, due to several great features. One of the reasons is the fact that there is a couple of pretty useful controls that allow players a lot of manipulation options. The second reason is that the tracking is pretty good on low strings, while the third one is a very affordable price.
When it comes to controls, you will find three knobs on this unit. The first one is called High Filter and it is practically a tone control of the overall pedal. The Blend knob is used to mix the original signal and octave effect. Finally, there is the Bass Filter knob, which is reserved for low-end frequencies shaping and a great thing to know is that you can turn this control off thanks to a small toggle switch below, simply called Sub.
The pedal sounds great and tracks low tones pretty well, which is why many bass players like to use it. You will like this pedal even more once you look at the price tag, which is very affordable. In return, you get high overall quality, not just in terms of the sound, but in terms of durability as well.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
This is a pretty affordable pedal, which makes it a perfect choice with those with a limited budget. Also, it is a great choice if octave isn’t on your priority list, so you don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars for something that would be used occasionally. Still, keep in mind that this pedal is primarily designed as a bass emulator for 6-string players. From the bassist’s standpoint, there are better options on the market for just a little bit more money.
EBS OctaBass
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
The Swedish company is known for some very good products and this particular unit is a new version of the original octave pedal, which was actually the first product that this manufacturer ever launched. The new layout brings a couple of improvements, but the overall design is essentially the same. The pedal is easy to use and also pretty compact, which is highly beneficial for those tight on a pedalboard space.
If you look at the pedal, you will find pretty much typical controls. There are Normal and Octave knobs, for tweaking original signal and octave effect, respectively. Also, you will find a Tone knob, which shapes the overall sound of the pedal, and which is very helpful when it needs to cut through the mix.
Speaking of the tone quality, the pedal is very good, which is something you would expect from an analog unit. Still, the pedal’s key quality is tracking, which is where this unit really shines. One of the reasons for that is a Range switch, which lets you focus either on higher or lower notes. The result is super fast and pretty accurate tracking across the almost entire fretboard.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Whether you’re a professional or not, this is a pretty useful piece of equipment. Great sound quality and excellent tracking make it a reliable on-stage unit. On the other side, controls are simple and easy to use, so it is not very hard to dial great octave tones. Also, the pedal is pretty compact and will fit most pedalboards. Still, somehow we believe that there are better values on the market, despite we are talking about a pretty solid unit.
MXR Vintage Bass Octave
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
Just like the MXR M288 unit, the MXR Vintage Bass Octave also packs huge sound into a small package, but it does it in old-school fashion. Those who prefer vintage octave effect will definitely like this pedal, as it features the original MXR Sub-Octave circuit.
On the other side, there is a full load of new features that make this tiny pedal far more functional and versatile. Separated Oct 1 and Oct 2 volume controls are the first things that come to mind. Furthermore, you may count on MXR’s Constant Headroom Technology, which is a great thing for studio sessions, as it provides an enormous amount of clean headroom. Finally, there is a small Mid button for a nice mid-range boost.
The tracking is exceptional on this pedal and that’s one of its biggest qualities, along with easiness of use and excellent tonal characteristics. Also, the pedal is rock-solid and features tiny size, which makes it a perfect tour choice, as it will fit any pedalboard.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
This pedal is designed for all those players who love vintage bass sounds but still don’t want to renounce functionality and practicality of modern units. The pedals versatility makes it very easy to use and gives a lot of quality in return.
Our Number One Choice
Amazing sound quality, impressive tracking, lots of tweaking options and easiness of use are some of the first things that come to mind. If we consider all these qualities, it’s hard to beat MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe. The thing with this pedal is that tonal diversity is amazing, but dialling great tones is, at the same time, extremely easy. The pedal is compact and built like a tank, so it is impossible to go wrong with this one.
Buy On AmazonOur Premium Choice
Don’t be fooled with the fact that creators of this pedal had 6-string players in their minds during the design process. This unit delivers exceptional quality, whether it’s about guitar or bass. A wide tonal diversity combined with easiness of use and amazing functionality is one of the reasons why many bass players prefer this unit over bass pedals that are designed on purpose. Also, this is one of the rare bass pedals that doesn’t go just octave down, but an octave up as well, and the best thing is that they sound amazing when played simultaneously.
Buy On AmazonBest Value For Money
While some other pedals on the list stand out for exceptional sound quality, this pedal shines in many other aspects. First of all, there is an impressive amount of features, starting from distortion, three different modes and separate inputs for bass and guitar. Also, there is the Boss’s famous build quality, so you may count on impressive reliability and durability. All in all, the choice wasn’t very hard.
Buy On Amazon
That concludes this full buyers guide on the best bass Octave pedals. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions regarding the products you have seen in this article. Check out our other buyers guide for Bass Synth pedals and Bass Preamp pedals.
Here at Guitar Effects Pedalz we also provide full reviews of the best online guitar services so you can learn guitar online
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API