Ampeg SCP-OCT

It is therefore an analog octave to generate an octave below the note played. The pedal has two pots, Octave and Direct, each capable of determining the level of output of wet / original signal.
The case is indestructible.

UTILIZATION

The configuration could not be more simple, no need for manual ...
Note that it is better to play to the middle of the handle for optimal rendering, one note at a time and that below the G # grve, the machine no longer follows (this is not bad ...)
It picks up from time to time, it requires to play properly, which is not a bad thing.

SOUND QUALITY

It growls, it shook the walls, it is typed, it is Ampeg.
Originally used to overcome the lack of a rope so bad, I'm used to go lower still minimizing signal "Direct", the record is convincing, it is still necessary to have an amp and speakers able to send these frequencies.

OVERALL OPINION

Used for almost 4 years, no problem along the way, it served its purpose brilliantly. I finally spent a Aguilar Octamizer but this is due to the type of use that I did. The problem only playing on the sub octave cutting almost direct signal is that we have virtually no attack, it is very difficult to bring out in a mix without invading the spectrum. The Aguilar can manage by a tone signal in addition to the sub signal and direct, allowing to recover the direct attack without sacrificing the sound a sort of chorus dirty matter of taste
Value / price very good knowing that I had paid only 90 euros used but it can fly up to 250 euros, which is not justified, except in a state collection and for this purpose unique.

Pedal Octaver analog circuit based on the Octave of SVT5Pro and B5R.
This pedal takes the form of the famous Scrambler pedal that had its own little success in the 70s (Bootsy Collins was widely popularized).

Powered by a 9V battery (the square) or a DC adapter all that is classic. Input and output jack.

This pedal has a true bypass, so no 'plock' when it triggers, the original volume is not altered, which is very significant.
What about the build quality Ampeg? Other than that this pedal can survive a thermonuclear Apocalypse thanks to its cast iron box? Not much ...

UTILIZATION

Two knobs and a switch (Direct / Octave) ... We can not be easier!

The manual (in English, but easily understandable as it is explicit) is on an A4 sheet folded in four, but it is more than enough to understand how to connect and use this pedal (drawings required).

SOUND QUALITY

This pedal has a range of double effect:

- A sub-sonic (Direct to -15, Octave bottom) gives a boost bass drooling at will without doubt that will delight fans of stoner or even good old Lemmy.
- One octave (Direct thoroughly Octave between noon and back) that renders well the effect of octave (low) typical of the '70s and funk. Pushing the Octave thoroughly, we get a kind of apocalyptic sound as if they had connected a dozen ODB3 TS808 and the chain!

I use this pedal with a JB U.S. Deluxe Eb granted, but I think this pedal should be fully activated with a standard tuning. I couple this with my Ampeg SVT preamp and DI I play Carvin PB 300 (transistor).

OVERALL OPINION

This pedal has just arrived home (jan08) I have not had time to use it in concert but in repeated tests have proven largely successful.

I love the sound of drooling sub, but I do use essentially the Octave in my group (70's rock), and especially to highlight the bass during the guitar solo.
It's a pedal to use it sparingly, I advise to play mainly middle and bottom handle, do not forget that the octave is the octave simulated.

I had the opportunity to try Boss octave and listen to other pedals, and frankly I think I made the right choice, as this material gives me the sounds I was looking for.

The only downside to this flattering portrait: the relatively high price of bousin (for once a French site is the cheapest!) At € 235 it's a little sore, but honestly I am ready to give as much in an effects pedal that I will survive!