Zvex Octane 3

This is a fuzz-octave pedal made by Zvex. This company isn't a household name but they make a solid lineup of great products. This has two 1/4" input and output connections as well as a jack for a power adapter (9V, it can also use batteries). This is a one hundred percent analog pedal, as you'll be able to tell when you hear it. It's got no updates or edits available online and is not a rack unit.

UTILIZATION

Using this pedal is really incredibly simple. It has three knobs which are pretty basic in their function at first. There's an output gain (master volume), tone (which really only controls mid-range), and input gain (which will control the amount of signal that goes from your guitar to the amp). This may seem like not a whole lot of parameters to adjust with the pedal, but remember that it's a fuzz-octave, and that the amount of the octave effect depends on the levels that you set on the input and output gain, as well as the tone knob.

SOUND QUALITY

This pedal has a very retro feel. I feel like I've heard this same effect before in other pedals, but the setup on this one is definitely kind of unique. I ultimately liked the sound of the pedal very much but often wondered how much I'd be using it in my own stuff. I play mostly indie-style rock, and I didn't need a super-retro sounding fuzz as much as a more in-your-face kind of fuzz which could really feedback and get loud. However, I can't knock the pedal as it sounds awesome. People who need a more sparkling, brilliant high end on their lead playing should check this out, as should anyone with a serious passion for Hendrix style tones. I personally think that the octave effect is great here, as it's not too highly pronounced as to be distracting but it helps notes ring through very well.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall, this isn't my favorite Zvex pedal or octafuzz pedal, but it's still a great pedal. I'd recommend it to people who like retro-sounding fuzzes and whatnot. While I personally wouldn't use it for my stuff I'm sure there are plenty of people who would. Keep in mind that it's really noisy with single-pickup guitars, and as such, can produce really shrill feedback that can be really irritating. Otherwise it's a great pedal and I highly recommend it to those looking for more classic sounds. Just try to find it used as it's way too expensive honestly.

Excellent fuzz (for my taste) with ring modulator to generate octaves when playing the 12th fret ODA.
The tone knob really plays his part well, still happy given the price.

UTILIZATION

It's not complicated three knobs, in / tone / out:

- Do not abuse the "in" if you want to keep its own during the silences.
- The tone is very soft and it draws very quickly sounds used in a lot of styles.
- Use the clean channel of the amp of course.

SOUND QUALITY

- I flashed on the video demo of the Octane III found on the site of Z-vex and I'm happy because I get the same thing so no disappointment.
- With only a guitar, I have not tried anything else.
- Perfect for my style of music so it's a very good buy on arrival.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had two months.
I particularly appreciate the sound quality and versatility of the "tone".
The demo gives an idea of ​​its true you got to see if you hold on or not.
https://www.zvex.com/movies/octane.mov

The Octane 3 (for 3rd version) is a fuzz ring modulator combines.
For the fuzz, NOS Germanium transistors 2 paired.
For the rest, the Zvex classic.

- Manufactures and hand painted in the United States Zvex
- IN = Gain, Tone = rglage of mdiums, volume = OUT
- True bypass switch and LED mcanique
- 9V battery powered

Book in her hair with red cloth and cardboard ds fantasies ... Zvex signature.

As usual, quality manufacturing and finishing irrprochable.

UTILIZATION

Setup is simple. The rglages are simple. Three potentiomtres sensitive prcis and effective.

Now, like all Zvex effects, use in all circumstances is quite difficult.

SOUND QUALITY

Your exact sound is impressive. Better to have the finger on the gain lightweight, because the fuzz can quickly become dirty trs. The Tone of CONTRL can sculpt the sound effectively. At Zvex, 3 potentiomtres enough to get a rev range of sounds strained.
By careful against the ring modulator. We must avoid agreements too rich, simple prfrer agreements or arrangements trs simple as the fifth (power chords) or single notes. The solos must be preferences in the 12th del box for a rsultat more impressive. In addition, acute attention to that can quickly become dsagrables. As to the result with the ring modulator sound, imprvisible by nature, it is vritablement to express.
CAUTION: It is not an octa-fuzz. You can get a octaver exact specifications, but the exception. The ring modulator is a very special effect and exprimental!

Following a question on the forum about the ring modulator, I have slightly modified this view. If you want information on supplmentaires ring modulator, go to the forum:

https://forums.audiofanzine.com/index, idtopic, 400468, mao, petites_precisions_sur_loctane_3.html ( https://forums.audiofanzine.com/index,idtopic,400468,mao,petites_precisions_sur_loctane_3.html )

In short, a Zvex pedals typical strong characters and not easily tamed.

OVERALL OPINION

A Zvex pedals in the line: building irrprochable high-end vintage-inspired with Germanium transistors NOS, a thundering sound rsultat never heard elsewhere, and versatility ... inexistent.
CAUTION: The ring modulator is an effect imprvisible aimed at sophisticated and adventurous guitarists. Check out the forum for understanding!

In short we love it or dtest, as with all Zvex pedals.