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Some of us find that old-school octave-pedal glitchiness endearing, but with Boss’ new OC-5 you don’t have to take sides. Set to Vintage mode, the OC-5 can play a vital role for adding a subterranean layer of bottom end or bellowing growl to basslines, and guitarists will find it an indispensable tool for providing massive rumble to power chords. Another cool OC-5 enhancement is the new octave-up effect, which is available in both Vintage and Poly modes. Simply twist the dedicated +1 OCT knob to bring in the desired effect level. Use the octave-up effect on its own for faux 12-string sounds and unique solo tones, or blend it with the octave-down effects for extended chord voicings and super-fat leads. 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.
These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use. Accessories Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY,""IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information") Blending all three octave voices in Poly mode can fetch super-plump organ textures and synth-like impressions as well. In most cases I find them useless, but the OC-5 could benefit from an included illustration of sample settings for guitarists new to the pedal, but this is a minor fuss for me. Again, the lowest note mode on the OC5 is great for chords, and frankly sounds better than the OC3, and I plan on using it for that, but I'll continue to use my OC3 for the poly mode. I'm going to run both pedals into a bass amp with two inputs and use the OC3 for when I tap between low strings and high strings and use the OC5 for chords. (I can't use the OC5 for tapping between low and high strings because when I tap the high string it applies the octave down because it is the lowest note in that moment.) 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. 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.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. Accessories: Owner's Manual, Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY,""IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information"), Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22) 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.
The Boss OC-5 Octave Pedal builds on BOSS’s outstanding reputation for building world-beating Octave Pedals, cemented by the original OC-2 from the ‘80s. This latest OC-5 version includes the best of the original in its Vintage Mode, while adding a new Poly Mode for chord playing. A Mode Switch optimises performance for either guitar or bass, and a Direct Out allows for wet/dry setups. 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. A light enhancement can be truly rich…especially if you play alone…and maybe some chords or etc only use your higher strings snd feel thin. By lightly adjusting upward to include only what you want to add a wee bit of bass to, this unit is pretty dang sweet. My Ibanez inexpensive solid body works well on all strings, but the EAD strings sound best. I suppose you could use the pedal and this style of guitar to fake a bass tone. I've seen it done well by the Bartron Tyler band.
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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.
Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61) Options (sold separately) AC adaptor: PSA series Size and Weight Width 73 mm 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 CONTROLS: Direct level, +1 octave level, 1 octave level, 2 octave level/1 octave range. Vintage/Poly mode switch, guitar/bass input selector switch. On/off pedal switch For ME… -The key to discovering this octave pedal's strength requires some restraint. I think a lot of people have come to expect the "middle" settings are a safe place to start with many things…and I'd wager that those who complain of terrible results with the OC-5 are very often misunderstanding how to really start with it. Of course Use the Output Out from the OC-5 to feed into the rest of your setup/amp or oedal effects
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Later on, as Shoulder Pads started to become uncomfortable, BOSS released the OC-3, which featured a Polyphonic Octave option. This enabled users to play more than one note at the same time whilst using the effect; this created almost Organ sounds. It's quite an incredible and inspiring sound. However, all this romanticising about the old octave pedals sets the tone for the NEW OC-5 Octave Pedal from BOSS, which makes this one different and unique from the previous generations. And for those who still loved the analog warmth of the original Monophonic OC-2 - the OC-5 delivers the very best digital replica take on that - where the engineers were really able to put the manufacturing delays to good use - and really hone the authenticity of the VINTAGE mode.
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