Boss OC-3 SUPER Octave user reviews ( 8/10) - 12 user reviews

• 07/29/11

  iamqman's review "Good octave"

  Characteristics

  Boss has a newer octave pedal called the Boss Oc-3. This is the newest in the line of Boos octave pedals. This one is the replacement for the Boss OC-2. This one can take an input for bass and guitar which is a nice feature since the bass generally uses an octave pedal more frequently. It also has three modes consisting of drive, poly, and oct2. The drive adds distortion to the mix. The poly is great for octaves using chords. and the oct2 is the same as the Boss OC-2 which has two octaves at the same time.

  Utilization

  Features:
  
  
  
  * 3 modes: Drive, Oct2 and Poly
  
  * Separate Bass guitar input
  
  * Direct out for stereo effects
  
  
  
  Specifications
  
  
  
  * Controls: Direct Level, Octave 1 Level, range/Oct 2/Drive, 3 mode switch
  
  * Connectors: Guitar In, Bass In, Output (Mono), Direct Output, AC Adaptor
  
  * Current Draw: 45 mA (DC 9V)
  
  * Weight: 440 g (16 oz.)
  
  * Nominal Input Level: -20dBu
  
  * Input Impedance: 1MOhm
  
  * Nominal Output Level: -20dBu
  
  * Output Impedance: 1kOhm
  
  * Residual Noise Level: -96 dBu (IHF-A, Typ.)
  
  * Recommended Load Impedance: 10kOhm or greater
  
  * Recommended AC Adaptor: PSA Series

  Sound Quality

  I like the drive feature to this pedal. It gets a little more dirty in the mix and gives it the right amount of extra push to take the octave effect to the next level. The octave two is nice if you already know what the sound of the Boss OC-2 and which incorporates the two octaves sounds and is very great for certain sounds in songs. The poly is nice for chords and great for someone who plays a lot of power chords and strumming type settings. This will give you a great sound for a strumming type player.
  
  
  
  The two options for having a bass guitar input and also a regular guitar input is a nice one. This will be a pedal that ca transcend not only one type of instrument but two types. It makes it effective for some bands that would like to use the pedal and doesn't know where to fit it in the mix.

  Overall Opinion

  At new these pedals come in right at around $85, which is a great price for a very cool pedal. This pedal ca produce some very cool sounds and effects when used in sparing. I would recommend this pedal to someone who loves effects and could use an octave pedals sound. This is pretty cheap unit and does the job right.
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 02/08/10

  mooseherman's review

  Characteristics

  This is primarily an octave shifter pedal, with a few extra unique features such as the Polyphonic Effect and a drive mode which features distortion. These effects cannot be edited through a computer, and the device is not rackable. The pedal uses digital technology. There are two quarter-inch inputs, one for guitar and one for bass, as well as two outputs, a direct out and a mono out. The direct out would take the signal directly to a DI box, and the mono would be run through an amplifier.

  Utilization

  The pedal isn't too difficult to use. The effects are easy enough to handle. The pedal in its original mode (the same mode as the similar OC-2) is capable of blending up to three signals, the direct signal, a signal an octave lower, and a signal two octaves lower. The other option is the drive mode, which is basically adding a distortion to the signal you dial in in the original mode. The third mode, the polytonal mode, is interesting in that it will allow you to play chords and double-stops while still achieving the octave effect. This is a bit trickier, as it requires you to adjust for the range that you will be playing in.

  Sound Quality

  I have used this primarily with my Fender Strat, which is my go-to for trying most pedals. The sound quality of this effect, in my opinion, differs between different settings. I personally have never had much use for the second octave below the signal, so I rarely if ever use that setting. I usually just leave that signal at 0. The one octave drop certainly sounds better. It drastically colors the sound of the guitar, and with the drive mode especially it can be an abrasive signal. However, sometimes it's very, very cool. I do wish that there was an octave up feature. The first octave shifter that I tried was the Digitech Whammy pedal, which colors the sound far more than this one does, but also offers you the option of shifting the signal two octaves up. I can't help but compare this pedal to that one in terms of functions, and I usually can't help but be disappointed. As far as sound quality goes though, it is a bit less unnatural-sounding than the Whammy, so if realistic-sounding octave drops are your thing, this is definitely a good pedal to get.

  Overall Opinion

  I think I liked the flexibility of signal the most about this pedal. The fact that I could blend three different octaves together into one signal is pretty cool. It greatly expands the range of your instrument, albeit in a limited way. The price isn't really that bad, it usually lists at about $120. I do think that you could get a cheaper octave pedal and be satisfied, but not to the extent that this pedal would bring. The sound quality is one of the more natural-sounding octave pedals I've played. I have played a few other models, and compared to this one, the sound quality was inferior, even if the functionality was greater. I would ultimately recommend this pedal to anyone looking for a more conventional octave pedal.
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 02/27/09

  moosers's review

  Characteristics

  The Boss OC-3 Super Octave pedal is and bass and guitar analog pedal. It has a 1/4 inch input for bass and guitar each, and has 1/4 inch outputs for a mono out and a direct out. It is powered by a 9 volt battery or a 9 volt power supply. It is not a rackable unit.

  Utilization

  The configuration is quick and easy to follow - it has knobs to control direct level and octave one level and then has a mode knob and another knob to control different parameters, based on the mode. It is easy to get a good sound from this and is capable of giving you a variety of different sounds. I don't have a manual for this, so I don't know how useful it is.

  Sound Quality

  The sound quality of the effects on the Boss OC-3 are great as long as you stick to playing single note lines because it doesn't have good polyphonic tracking. It has a good deal of control over the octaves you can set to play above or below what you are playing, which makes for some really interesting effects. I have only used this with guitar, but is also built for use with bass guitar.

  Overall Opinion

  I've been using the Boss OC-3 Super Octave pedal for about three years. While this isn't part of my rig, and I only use it once and a while, it works great for what it does. It feels awesome to play a single note line with this as it sounds like a few people are playing at once! While it is definitely a cool effect, it only has so much practical use for what I do. The price isn't the cheapest Boss pedal, but if you love using an octaver, it is probably set at the right price as it is versatile and sounds great. Boss makes well built pedals that sounds great, and the OC-3 Super Octave is definitely a prime example of their expertise in guitar effect pedals.
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno

• 12/10/11

  celtwyn's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Due, could do better"

  Characteristics

  For the types of effects, trs is simple:
  
  - We have the possibility to play with or without the sound of his guitar an octave or two infrieur
  
  - You can play polyphony, with two octaves together to play as agreements
  
  - Drive there is a function which is a kind of overdrive ... to make more noise ...

  Utilization

  very simple once you understand that the level is done or not to add the sound of this guitar over the Octaver or leave only the sound the octave infrieur

  Sound Quality

  L is the cata!
  
  
  
  Frankly I expected to have a beautiful sound down an octave of my guitar (also test the bass and mandolin), but the sound is not clean. It is a kind of sinusodale, if you follow me, he waves "wooooaaaaaaoooooaaaaw" ... is not at all in "bong" good clean, not a hand in all directions, and this with any instrument, not at all stable, then trs ugly.
  
  
  
  Finally it was when I use the octave down to one or two octaves, which has to be THE FIRST or second, it's the same but an octave c'tait especially as a m'intressait.
  
  I wanted to turn my bass guitar to play some musical passages, and this just by pressing one pedals, without having to ask my guitar, my bass to catch, play 20 seconds of rest and my bass to take my guitar ... Ben the guy who CRER the pedals, it plays no bass, or so it has to the JTE!
  
  
  
  As for the polyphonic mode is better, goes better, it's less mess, but I THE FIRST and the 2nd octave, and it's not what I want. .. And a good sticky note really not, do not RVer, we sometimes feel the pedals trying what note it has been able to play ...
  
  
  
  Drive mode ... the test and I hurt my ears ... I have not insisted I find a trs ugly ...

  Overall Opinion

  This is a good pedals that looked nice and seemed to fit well with my musical projects ... but a big dception ... to stick with any of my instruments ... I sold someone who j'espre, will be more satisfied.
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 11/28/10

  pierrelebatteur's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Pedal to hear emergency!"

  Characteristics

  What are the effects, types of effects available?
  
  - Octave Distortion
  
  
  
  Are they edited? Via a publisher Mac / PC?
  
  - No
  
  
  
  Is this a rack or rack-mount model?
  
  - No
  
  
  
  What technology is used? (Analog, digital, tube ...)
  
  - Digital
  
  
  
  What is the connection? (Audio / MIDI)
  
  - Guitar input, low input, output effect, exit out direct

  Utilization

  The general configuration is simple?
  
  - Very easy to use, we choose the mode (Octave, and Poly Drive) and go for hours of pure happiness
  
  
  
  The manual is clear and sufficient?
  
  - Clear but not essential
  
  
  
  Editing sounds and effects is easy?
  
  - Yes

  Sound Quality

  effects are they effective, responsive and realistic enough?
  
  - Yes, much better than some octave pedal
  
  
  
  Which instruments do you use?
  
  - A-BK Ibanez RG350EX granted Drop C
  
  
  
  Which ones do you prefer, you hate?
  
  - My favorite is the drive mode

  Overall Opinion

  For how long have you been using it?
  
  - A bit more than 5 months
  
  
  
  Did you try many other models before getting this one?
  
  - No, I watch videos of test
  
  
  
  What thing do you like most/least about it?
  
  - I like his color, even from the first 2 octave pedal BOSS (OC-1 and OC-2)
  
  
  
  What is your opinion about the value for the price?
  
  - 113 € for a new pedal is expensive but its quality is the BOSS and BOSS when it is indestructible, it's beautiful and it is! Luckily I found this pedal is 40 € in hand and practically new! : D
  
  
  
  Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice?
  
  - For the Boss, yes without hesitation!!
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 10/05/10

  ButterFloÿ's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Octaver 3 modes: Oct2 (1 octave and 2 octaves below), Drive (1 octave below and saturation adjustable), poly (polyphonic mode)
  
  
  
  2 inputs (guitar and bass), 2 outputs (dry and wet).
  
  
  
  Everyone here says analog, I have not succeded in finding this info on the site of Boss, Bossar seems to speak of "digital", see ...

  Utilization

  Configuration and use are very simple GENERALLY, if you know what an octave. Obviously we can not expect too much, as in all Octavers I've tested, sometimes caught, sometimes not caught.
  
  
  
  Polyphonic mode is a good idea, but the chip is not yet in Wonderland: the tough del two notes and the regulation of the focus "range" requires a little practice, and especially not music too complex, otherwise risk of spray infme.
  
  
  
  The other modes are ultra simple to use.
  
  
  
  In all cases this effect is used AGREEMENT!

  Sound Quality

  The sound is ... Boss sound, what, cold but does its job.
  
  
  
  The drive mode can be intressant to sound a bit "old keyboard" is actually one of the examples donns in the record, and frankly very nice if we express love.
  
  
  
  Poly mode must be used to make guitar solos geek, this is not my case, but if your name is Johnny Marco we must worship.

  Overall Opinion

  I've had 2 prs few years, I come away from time to time to finally get my old PS-2 has a more fun, I still think that Octavers will always be limits, so they will not be connected directly to the brains of guitarists. I bought secondhand for cheap (eBay Power), and it is worth what I paid.
  
  
  
  Basically, if you are looking for an excellent octaver complicated stuff, try other models before, then fold up on the OC-3 if you can not find anything better ..
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 06/13/10

  Popoom's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Terrible!"

  Characteristics

  Its Gros
  
  
  
  This is one of the analog format Octaver pedal whose operation is based on three distinct mode:
  
  . Polyphonic Octave mode
  
  . Drive mode with distortion
  
  . OC-2 Original Mode
  
  There came a Bass Guitar and then entered two outputs (one with the processed signal and one without).

  Utilization

  Not really need a manual to be able to find a match for me. The key is to understand that the 3rd volume pot has a different role depending on the selected mode but after all this is very intuitive (there is only one Octaver ^ ^).

  Sound Quality

  The effect is (as was the habit of Boss) very clean and really respects the original timbre of the guitar or bass. It absolutely does not color the sound that is perfect for me in a Octaver. The drive mode is efficient enough to be able to swing the big riffs potato but the drive is always a little cold ...
  
  Polyphonic mode when it is not 100% reliable and offers only lining one octave lower, and it is not, personally, the fact that I sought.
  
  I myself use Mode OC-2 with a liner has loctave and has the double octave. Big sound guaranteed! I often couple with a TS pui wah for funky little line or a TS and a Zvex Disto home for heavy bass line.
  
  I would add that the pedal and very pleasant to use with a violin. This gives the impression of violin, viola, cello in unison.

  Overall Opinion

  I then used almost a month, it is an open and inspiring. Today I can not do without.
  
  I have not tried before Octaver else except that of my old Tonelab SE which is much less clean, or the octave but some time has arrived (which breaks the momentum of a line by funky example). I buy because I preferred to acquire new and I would say that the method could be interresting Polyphonic (although for now it didn't for me very useful.) One of the most fun to pedal my pedal boarding. Love
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 06/09/10

  T3llumm's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Good octave lower"

  Characteristics

  3 types of effects available:
  
  - Fashion OC2
  
  - Fashion + Distortion Octave
  
  - Fashion polyphonic OC3
  
  
  
  Everything is analog. Standard Boss-type pedal
  
  2 inputs, a guitar and a bass, 2 outputs (processed signal, unprocessed signal.
  
  
  
  4 knobs:
  
  - Level for Level Output
  
  - Level of the octave below 1 ton
  
  - Level of the octave, 2 tone lower
  
  - Knob to toggle OC2, Polyphonic or Distortion.
  
  
  
  I use this pedal with a bass.

  Utilization

  Manual is very clear.
  
  Very easy to use.
  
  Several examples in the manual, which enable to realize the possibilities.

  Sound Quality

  Effects very effective, especially the octave a tone below (for low, 2-tone below, it is a lot.)
  
  Distortion on the bass is not terrible; polyphonic mode works very well on the other hand

  Overall Opinion

  I own this pedal since 2008 or 2009, and that's what I did when I received it:
  
  I bought an antique Japanese OC2, OC2 a "Taiwan" and therefore the OC3 to really compare the new version to the former Japanese cult became almost certain after the bassists were used to thicken the sound their type Fuzz Big Muff PI Russian, so before the Early Bass Bif Muff.
  
  
  
  So the comparison led me to this:
  
  - Better tracking = OC3
  
  - The Taiwanese OC2 is by far the worst of the 3.
  
  - The sound is more respectful, more "true bypass" on the OC3, he respects the most serious.
  
  - In terms of sound quality, the CB 2 was for me just a little above but this is very subjective.
  
  - Polyphonic mode works quite well on bass.
  
  
  
  This pedal is a good octave lower, certainly not the best but good value for money.
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 08/26/09

  AL79's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  PDAL a fairly complicated at first glance, but which is becoming a must once you get the matrise. 3 modes: Poly, drive, and a2. Only the poly mode supports gambling agreements. The drive mode duplicates the signal infrieure the octave by adding a kind of fuzz, the a2 mode duplicates the signal two octaves lower.
  
  
  
  Between a guitar from a bass. Above all, two outputs, allowing to play on two amps. A wonder ...

  Utilization

  It takes time to tame the pedals. A THE FIRST use, I almost throw it by the window, but now I can not do without.
  
  
  
  With a guitar, the Poly mode is most convenient. Involved in the agreements, the knob can broaden the range frquence on which the effect operates. With some rglages, we get a nice bass sound that accompanies the game agreements.
  
  
  
  With a low, three modes are compltent according to the effect being sought.
  
  
  
  This is clearly a PDAL that takes time and patience before rvler its charms.

  Sound Quality

  With a guitar, the neck humbucker is recommended for best effect. A small compressor placed just before the octave facilitate chih. Poly mode is the most convincing. We obtain immediately a thick supplmentaire the signal base. IDAL is to use two out of the pedals. When I play the guitar, the direct out on my guitar amp, the signal decreased by one octave out of a bass amp. With this configuration, you can really shape the sound desired.
  
  
  
  In group, we can occasionally play without bass, the octave is in charge of occupying the spectrum of low frequencies. Fantastic.
  
  
  
  With a bass, like this: you can always go out on two amps indpendants. Poly mode remains the most convincing.
  
  
  
  The mode can drive out sounds dirtier. See you soon in registers ultra heavy like Neurosis and Sunn O))).
  
  
  
  OC-2 mode, which drops the signal to two octaves is mostly a gimmick. Trs matriser difficult.
  
  
  
  For lovers of expressing sound, note that there is no reason to play agreements drive mode or OC-2. But in this case, your signal will PForm which can give effects but totally frappadingues INTERESTED.
  
  
  
  Only downside: a lightweight latency switching on the effect. It is therefore an active pedals that over the life of a piece ... or not. But the snap on the way will cause a very small white dsagrable live

  Overall Opinion

  I'm crazy.
  
  The PDAL is simply the fourth member of our group. We play post-hardcore in the style of Pelican, Isis, Lento, Neurosis, Amenra, Bossk, etc.. This effect has really brought a dimension supplmentaire in our sound. If I had to keep one, it would be that the. Small BMOL for latency, but what prsence friend!
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno
• 06/28/08

  gwenmollo's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  This is an octave, with a distortion.

  Utilization

  The edition is a bit tedious, but once understood the trick is not bad

  Sound Quality

  I use it with my guitar and distortion.

  Overall Opinion

  I for 1 year
  
  a product is safe, without more, with trends agnrer indsirables noises.
  
  CHRE just for me.
  Did you find this review helpful?yesno

• Page: 1
• 2
• 
•