I don't think anyone could ask for a more in-depth explanation behind the history and technical differences between the different variations of the OC2. EXCELLENT job with this video! Bravo! And subbed :)
@@AlexPriceMusician Your most welcome. The other thing people don't realize is that if there after the sounds of the years the OC2 was released well sorry to say, the capacitors will have dried out substantially to ensure you will never get the exact same sound as the pedal was capable of back in the day. In fact there's more chance of achieving it with the updated OC3.
Alex, thank you for this information. I have a mit oc2. I’ve had it a long time, and recently I have been considering getting a mij just to see what is different. Sometimes it’s a valuable experience watching people just giving information about a product and not just doing sound tests. I learned something HUGE here. First of all the chip and ACA adapter, I had no idea that theses things stayed the same for a while, before the, what I assume major difference of changing chip and power adapter. Turns out I have the BA634 and the ACA. The other thing, voltage!?! Maybe I’m the only one in the dark about this, but I had NO IDEA that this octave could be used at 12v. I figured 9v battery 9v adapter. WOW!!! What a considerable difference. You basically gave me a brand new pedal, this little guy was just anemic, and starving for power. Oh how it almost screamed “THANK YOU” dug it’s heals in and BOOM! We have headroom and punch. I’ve just recently started using it as an “always on” with oc2 and oc1 down all the way and level all the way up. It ads a nice clarity and a little boost, now even THAT sounds better. So Cheers Alex I’ve watched a lot of your videos in the past but never went out of the way to say thank you, so I’m sorry it took so long. You are appreciated!
Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful and your kind words mean a lot. The comment in my inbox just before yours basically only said that I look and talk funny 😂
@@AlexPriceMusician oh my! Sounds like the brutal honesty only a 2 year old can get away with. I hope one day I have the strength and courage it takes to put yourself out there and try to be helpful, informative and entertaining. Just know, you made me happy today. You gave me a gift and you didn’t even know it was my birthday! You’re doing great. Cheers
Absolutely amazing video. I can't believe such an informative video has so few likes, it deserves a whole lot more. Thanks to this, I was sure enough of the OC2 version I saw listed and got it for a pretty good price just now. BTW, really enjoyed listening to The Inner Urge :-) I'm now both subscribed here and following the band on Spotify.
I honestly think the OC-3 sounds better to me. It seems to track a bit better and has an overall cleaner sound. I guess some people prefer the glitchy gritty-ness of the OC-2 though and that's what they're look for. The comparison was well done.
Thanks for listening Ricky. I think it's all just up to personal taste. It's hard to imagine that anyone could tell the difference between the two in any situation other than a back to back comparison.
This is quality content. The internet needed this info. So many people have it all wrong. They see one video and think they need to buy a piece of vintage gear to get the right tone. The OC-3 sounds close enough and the Bass Octave Deluxe does a similar sound but better. If you want a boutique option, the Three Leaf octave is the best of everything. Amazing pedal.
Onion Pierogi couldn’t agree with you more. I can’t imagine anyone could pick out the difference if they were played back to back like this, let alone in a full band mix. The Three Leaf is awesome.
Great video! You cleared up my confusion on all the models. I’ve got a may 87 Japanese model, had no idea what to do with it but I liked the sound you had
Hi Alex I just bought the super octave pedal about week ago, and I was unsure of how it worked, thanks to you I have a better knowledge, thanks for the video. 🎸🤙🏽
Nice job! Good clean presentation. The 12/9v comparison was cool as most trials don’t include that. I could hear a difference between the voltages and a clear difference between the pedals in this sort of critical listening mode w headphones on and the bass solo. But I agree w many comments that for most situations the oc3 would do that one established oc2 voice well enough to pass and have many other options. Personally if prefer the oc3 version of that sound but am more about sonic exploration than retro sexiness in my writing and tones. Cool that there are options that don’t bear the cost of “ collectibility”. The Three Leaf octabvre also sounds fantastic for the oc2 vibe.
I think I prefer the OC3. It's slightly more agressive, but I think I like both tones the same. The 3 has the advantage that I could use the poly mode with guitar as well and that it tracks better.
Great video. You saved me the angst of decision making and you saved me money$$$ I got a just barely used OC 3 for $90. It seemed like such an outcast in the group of OC 2 units in my area. One of these OC 2’s was $450. I am learning guitar and this OC 2 is perfect for my needs. Great channel, thanks for the presentation.
Great video! I have an OC-2 spelled Octaver, with a serial that dates to August of 1982. I opened it up to find an MN4013 chip. Perhaps this could prove that even some of the older Japanese models used the 4013 chip. Still hoping to find some more info on this.
Hello Nate, I'm an happy owner of an OctaveR too, dated november 1982, s/n 244700. You're right, there's a MN4013 chip, but near there is another smaller one in vertical position: on its side you can read BA634. Alex Price refers to this one when explain the difference between OC-2 models. I have a question, maybe you or someone else, even Alex, could help: what could be an economic estimation of such a gear? I saw on ebay some offers form Japan/Australia asking for 250 USD plus shipping. I'm wondering if it's reasonable or not.🤔
Interesting Nate, thanks for sharing. Nicola - to see what OC-2s are selling for, check out the Reverb.com price guide. They'll show you what the gear was initially listed for and what it finally sold for.
Awesome review, it's taken me a bit of searching to find a Bass specific review that explains the relevant info you need. Great job, it's really helped me to make a decision. As for the OC2 vs OC3, they sounded pretty close to me, maybe a bit more high end on the OC3 but nothing that I consider a real game changer and certainly nothing that would make me pay more money just to have an OC2. I'd love to hear you do a comparison between the OC3 and the MXR Bass Octave, there's a few out there but not as informative as yours.
Thanks for the video, very detailed information. I had two OC-2s, a 1994 BA634 chip and a 2000s 4013 chip .. I don't remember big differences. With the bass OC-3 and OC-2 sound very similar in -1 oct voice. I think there are some differences in the attack of the note. Instead the OC-3 "oct2" mode is terrible with guitar if connected to the guitar input. Connecting the guitar to the bass input I think it sounds much better, I did a video test yesterday
Yeah it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s not much difference in sound between the chips. The internet and forums have a way of overhyping certain things. Interesting note on the OC-3. I’ll have to try that sometime. Thanks for your comment!
@@AlexPriceMusician I didn't directly compare the two different chips, I had them in different periods .. I remember the tracking was the same. In the oc-3 the bass input I think works better only for the oct 2 mode, in the other two modes it's better the guitar in ;)
For all intents and purposes you could simply adjust the knobs a touch on the OC-3 and I'm confident you will have the exact same sound, anything else is purely psychological. Without showing someone and adjusting to the same levels, there going to sound identical. If anything the OC-2 just has a slightly lower output capability than the updated OC-3, which gives you more room to adjust your sound. Stop buying old crap and get a brand new OC-3
Love your review my friend- 👍🏽 but I was wondering if I should use a compressor with it to keep the notes at one level.. I don't use this pedal much cuz I don't know what the hell I'm doing. 😅 But listening to some of your explanations is a big big help. Thanks
Imho nows a good time to bag an OC3 for a bargain price, it'll be seen as a classic in the next few years, there's a whole line of digital gear that's seen as classic in the sampler world, boss sp 303, 404, 504, akai S series and the older MPCs. Old digital pedals with there own sound will be desirable in the very near future and the OC3 will definitely be one of them.
To me the OC3 has a faster attack and brighter tone, but I don't think you"ll be able to hear the difference in a mix. I'm very happy with my '93 Oc2 Octaver I picked up in 2014 for $25. Its the only pedal on my pedalboard that I haven't swopped out since then
Brilliant video. As a guitar player I didn't get as much as I was hoping for out of the latter half of the video, the demo section, but the depth you went into during the first half was absolutely information I wanted. Thank you!
Thanks for commenting! And I’m glad it was at least a little bit helpful. I went back and forth since I’m primarily a guitar player myself, but ultimately decided to go with bass since that’s probably what most are using.
@@AlexPriceMusician It was more than a little bit helpful! I would have never thought to consider to look for when/where a pedal was made to determine circuitry differences, and I just assumed all Boss pedals used 9V. I just looked over my 3 Boss pedals and one of my Chorus pedals (CE-2) actually should be using 12V. I never knew! How much would a 12V supply affect the sound? Do I have a new thing to obsess over?? Probably!
Imo OC3 serves more for the guitar/acoustic guitar players in its functionality (especialy poly mode) Sound-wise its more for bass players to choose the preference of OC2 and OC2 mode on OC3
The OC2 sounds a bit more retro 70's synth sound, where as the OC3 is a bit warmer (late 90s) and more modern in its sound. So it all depends what sound you're looking for I think. Personally I like the OC3 because of its poly mode that is useful for accoustic guitarists. But you're right, the OC2 powered 12v gives a thicker cleaner sound than with the 9v. It's probably got something to do with the voltage regulator circuit in the pedal actually needing a little more power than it's supposed to in order to power the rest of the circuitry. Another one for BigClive to investigate
Thank you for the information. I when a question. If I have a bass equalizer, OC3 Octave, bass chorus, and an bass envelope. What is the arrangement or positions start from the bass guitar?
Hey Alex, great video! So just checking, is the main difference in sound between the different OC-2's the BA634 vs the 4013 chip? And does that mean all pedals with the BA634's (whether MIJ or MIT) should sound the same?
Great video! You cleared up my confusion on all the models. I’ve got a may 87 Japanese model, had no idea what to do with it but I’m gonna experiment a little. Does it work well with guitar too?
I’m surprised at how good the OC-3 sounds. It seems to have a little more push to it and the tracking is slightly better. I love my ‘86 and ‘87 OC-2s but I might need to check into an OC-3 just for the different flavor.
I hear a little more volume on the OC 3. The OC 3 has also a little more punch/attack in the beginning. But in my opinion, they sound nearly the same. You did not tell your opinion in the video, but could you tell it to me in the comments? What do you think?
S Esser thanks for your thoughts! I think the OC-2 has a bit more pleasing tone, but in a full band mix you’re likely going to lose that. It’s probably not worth searching for a vintage OC-2. The OC-3 is probably a better deal because of the extra features and availability.
I keep coming back to listen to this video but I can't decide if I like the OC-2 or the OC-3. They definitely sound different. Idk which I like better.
I watched some other channel and they said there was some big thing with the difference in OC2 and OC3 and to me any difference just doesn’t matter, lol.
Craig Harper first one was at a guitar show a few years ago. It was sitting on a table amongst a ton of junk and the guy only wanted $60 for it. The second one was at a pawn shop. They had just gotten it in the day before. Same price.
@@AlexPriceMusician Thanks Alex, this was very helpful. I also need a pitch shifter that can go up from D to E, F and all the way to G. Can you recommend me one please?
Is there a huge difference, (if any), between the japansene and the taiwanese version? I have the option to buy the latter second hand, but I don't want a subpar product.
I haven’t had the chance to compare them personally, but according to someone further down in the comments of the video, the different chip between Japanese and Taiwanese models is supposedly not even used in the first octave. If you’re just planning on using the first octave of the pedal (which is how I think most people use it) then it probably won’t matter.
The effect between 9V and 12V was little. I liked the OC-2 more. The OC-3 was a little bit louder and had more grit, while the OC-2 sounded in my opinion smoother.
turning up the volume should add more distortion if you have a 9v psu(and more volts make it cleaner) from my understanding of this pedal. i dont own one i'm looking for one but it will be a while. i also dont have a variable psu. i do have 1 12v psu for my compression pedal but i dont think it will work with daisy chaining that
I really liked the rough-around-the-edges sound from the OC-2. Could you recommend a webshop where I’d find the pedal at a reasonable price for the product and shipping (I’m from Croatia)? Great video, btw.
Ah man it's hard to say. I think this pedal is so hyped online that everyone who has one for sale is asking for top dollar. I'd say just try and find a banged up Taiwanese OC-2 on Reverb. Use the watchlist feature and you'll get an email when one pops up below a certain price threshold.
Ok... The 3 sounds better to me here. No doubt the 3 has more dynamics but i was surprised how much fatter it was tone wise. Even if u consider it a tie soundwise ... The 3 wins bc of price and availability. You would get slaughtered in bass forums for saying so though.
May i know, does oc3 work with phantom? Im interested to connect the oc3 with a clarinette microphone that needs phantom! If u can answer this it would be great!
Hi - sorry but the OC-3 will not be able to supply phantom power. I suggest looking at getting a mic preamp that can supply that and also convert to a 1/4” TS. My only fear would be if you’re using the mic on a live stage with other instruments that the OC-3 will have a hard time tracking. It’s strictly a monophonic pedal and the other frequencies coming in might confuse it
FWIW BA634 is a flip flop digital logic chip and another equivalent flip flop would not make any difference to the sound. If there really are any differences, it would not be down to this chip.
Mind blown. I had a Japanese OC-2 for about six months and hated it. Glitchy, weird noises, didn't track well, etc. So I flipped it. I guess this could have been because I was running it off 9v. Oof.
It took me a few months and a deep dive into guitar forums to figure this out too. I'd imagine a lot of people bought an OC-2 over the hype and didn't know about the odd power requirements.
I had an OC2 for years & got way back in the 80s. No idea what chip was in it, don't really care. What people should care about is that the OC-3 is a far better pedal all round.
Yes, in my opinion. You should be able to find an OC-2 with the desireable Japanese specs, but at a lower price because it's simply made in Taiwan. That is, if you believe there is any difference in tone at all between the BA 634 and 4013.
actually oc-2 and oc-3 didn't have that big a difference. I would take an oc-3 on the road easily and not be worry about braking something collectable or smth
Well, it has a “polyphonic” mode, but I still wouldn’t call it polyphonic. Neither the OC-2 or the OC-3 are able to track more than one note at a time. The OC-3’s polyphonic mode is actually just a way to select a cutoff frequency for the wet and dry sounds.
I don't think anyone could ask for a more in-depth explanation behind the history and technical differences between the different variations of the OC2.
EXCELLENT job with this video! Bravo! And subbed :)
Yuichi Tuba thank you! I really appreciate that
@@AlexPriceMusician Your most welcome. The other thing people don't realize is that if there after the sounds of the years the OC2 was released well sorry to say, the capacitors will have dried out substantially to ensure you will never get the exact same sound as the pedal was capable of back in the day. In fact there's more chance of achieving it with the updated OC3.
Alex, thank you for this information. I have a mit oc2. I’ve had it a long time, and recently I have been considering getting a mij just to see what is different. Sometimes it’s a valuable experience watching people just giving information about a product and not just doing sound tests. I learned something HUGE here. First of all the chip and ACA adapter, I had no idea that theses things stayed the same for a while, before the, what I assume major difference of changing chip and power adapter. Turns out I have the BA634 and the ACA. The other thing, voltage!?! Maybe I’m the only one in the dark about this, but I had NO IDEA that this octave could be used at 12v. I figured 9v battery 9v adapter. WOW!!! What a considerable difference. You basically gave me a brand new pedal, this little guy was just anemic, and starving for power. Oh how it almost screamed “THANK YOU” dug it’s heals in and BOOM! We have headroom and punch. I’ve just recently started using it as an “always on” with oc2 and oc1 down all the way and level all the way up. It ads a nice clarity and a little boost, now even THAT sounds better. So Cheers Alex
I’ve watched a lot of your videos in the past but never went out of the way to say thank you, so I’m sorry it took so long. You are appreciated!
Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful and your kind words mean a lot. The comment in my inbox just before yours basically only said that I look and talk funny 😂
@@AlexPriceMusician oh my! Sounds like the brutal honesty only a 2 year old can get away with. I hope one day I have the strength and courage it takes to put yourself out there and try to be helpful, informative and entertaining. Just know, you made me happy today. You gave me a gift and you didn’t even know it was my birthday! You’re doing great. Cheers
Absolutely amazing video. I can't believe such an informative video has so few likes, it deserves a whole lot more.
Thanks to this, I was sure enough of the OC2 version I saw listed and got it for a pretty good price just now.
BTW, really enjoyed listening to The Inner Urge :-) I'm now both subscribed here and following the band on Spotify.
Thank you Gabriel! That means a lot. We should have a new album coming out within the next two months.
Excellent work - highly detailed but concise. This guy deserves more subscribers.
I agree 😎
this is a great video man. thank you
Glad it was helpful Ethan. I just got the brand new OC-5 in the mail so I'm hoping to revisit this soon!
I honestly think the OC-3 sounds better to me. It seems to track a bit better and has an overall cleaner sound. I guess some people prefer the glitchy gritty-ness of the OC-2 though and that's what they're look for. The comparison was well done.
Thanks for listening Ricky. I think it's all just up to personal taste. It's hard to imagine that anyone could tell the difference between the two in any situation other than a back to back comparison.
@@AlexPriceMusician Thanks for the video!
This is quality content. The internet needed this info. So many people have it all wrong. They see one video and think they need to buy a piece of vintage gear to get the right tone. The OC-3 sounds close enough and the Bass Octave Deluxe does a similar sound but better. If you want a boutique option, the Three Leaf octave is the best of everything. Amazing pedal.
Onion Pierogi couldn’t agree with you more. I can’t imagine anyone could pick out the difference if they were played back to back like this, let alone in a full band mix. The Three Leaf is awesome.
Everything I could want to know and plus, thanks!
Thanks Mario!
@@AlexPriceMusician Do you tested if OC3 can handle 12V feed?
No I haven’t. It’s not rated for it so I wouldn’t recommend it
Oh, thanks a lot. Best regards.
Soooo much info !! Awsome breakdown
Great video! You cleared up my confusion on all the models. I’ve got a may 87 Japanese model, had no idea what to do with it but I liked the sound you had
Glad it was helpful!
Dude knows his gear! I just bought a used Dec 2015 made in Taiwan OC-3 for CAD 100. Only used in the studio. Does what it said it would do. Done.
Thanks so much Michael. Enjoy the OC-3! It’s one of my favorite pedals.
Hi Alex I just bought the super octave pedal about week ago, and I was unsure of how it worked, thanks to you I have a better knowledge, thanks for the video. 🎸🤙🏽
Nice job! Good clean presentation. The 12/9v comparison was cool as most trials don’t include that. I could hear a difference between the voltages and a clear difference between the pedals in this sort of critical listening mode w headphones on and the bass solo. But I agree w many comments that for most situations the oc3 would do that one established oc2 voice well enough to pass and have many other options. Personally if prefer the oc3 version of that sound but am more about sonic exploration than retro sexiness in my writing and tones. Cool that there are options that don’t bear the cost of “ collectibility”. The Three Leaf octabvre also sounds fantastic for the oc2 vibe.
I appreciate that! Thanks for commenting and offering your thoughts
Kinda the best identify your oc2 and power vid out there
such a good video man, please keep it up
Alex Cooper thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed
You articulated well. Thanks for all of the info. Gonna keep my 97-03 OC-2 at this point.
Thanks for watching!
I think I prefer the OC3. It's slightly more agressive, but I think I like both tones the same. The 3 has the advantage that I could use the poly mode with guitar as well and that it tracks better.
Polyphonic mode is everything on the OC-3!
Great video.
You saved me the angst of decision making and you saved me money$$$
I got a just barely used OC 3 for $90.
It seemed like such an outcast in the group of OC 2 units in my area. One of these OC 2’s was $450.
I am learning guitar and this OC 2 is perfect for my needs.
Great channel, thanks for the presentation.
Glad it was helpful!
2 years later it's still a great video with quality content, thank you! By the way ... OC-2-12V!!
Glad it helped!
Great video! I have an OC-2 spelled Octaver, with a serial that dates to August of 1982. I opened it up to find an MN4013 chip. Perhaps this could prove that even some of the older Japanese models used the 4013 chip. Still hoping to find some more info on this.
Hello Nate, I'm an happy owner of an OctaveR too, dated november 1982, s/n 244700. You're right, there's a MN4013 chip, but near there is another smaller one in vertical position: on its side you can read BA634. Alex Price refers to this one when explain the difference between OC-2 models. I have a question, maybe you or someone else, even Alex, could help: what could be an economic estimation of such a gear? I saw on ebay some offers form Japan/Australia asking for 250 USD plus shipping. I'm wondering if it's reasonable or not.🤔
Interesting Nate, thanks for sharing. Nicola - to see what OC-2s are selling for, check out the Reverb.com price guide. They'll show you what the gear was initially listed for and what it finally sold for.
Many thanks!
Awesome review, it's taken me a bit of searching to find a Bass specific review that explains the relevant info you need. Great job, it's really helped me to make a decision.
As for the OC2 vs OC3, they sounded pretty close to me, maybe a bit more high end on the OC3 but nothing that I consider a real game changer and certainly nothing that would make me pay more money just to have an OC2.
I'd love to hear you do a comparison between the OC3 and the MXR Bass Octave, there's a few out there but not as informative as yours.
Some day I'd love to do that. Maybe include a few other common bass octave pedals too
Thanks for the video, very detailed information. I had two OC-2s, a 1994 BA634 chip and a 2000s 4013 chip .. I don't remember big differences. With the bass OC-3 and OC-2 sound very similar in -1 oct voice. I think there are some differences in the attack of the note. Instead the OC-3 "oct2" mode is terrible with guitar if connected to the guitar input. Connecting the guitar to the bass input I think it sounds much better, I did a video test yesterday
Yeah it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s not much difference in sound between the chips. The internet and forums have a way of overhyping certain things.
Interesting note on the OC-3. I’ll have to try that sometime. Thanks for your comment!
@@AlexPriceMusician I didn't directly compare the two different chips, I had them in different periods .. I remember the tracking was the same. In the oc-3 the bass input I think works better only for the oct 2 mode, in the other two modes it's better the guitar in ;)
For all intents and purposes you could simply adjust the knobs a touch on the OC-3 and I'm confident you will have the exact same sound, anything else is purely psychological. Without showing someone and adjusting to the same levels, there going to sound identical. If anything the OC-2 just has a slightly lower output capability than the updated OC-3, which gives you more room to adjust your sound. Stop buying old crap and get a brand new OC-3
Thanks for your thoughts!
Love your review my friend- 👍🏽 but I was wondering if I should use a compressor with it to keep the notes at one level.. I don't use this pedal much cuz I don't know what the hell I'm doing. 😅 But listening to some of your explanations is a big big help. Thanks
Great video ! That’s quality content, thanks for the info !
(I prefer the OC-3 on this video)
Jamie Monkey glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for watching
Hi Alex ! Great job ! Thanx !
Looks like there’s a new Boss OC-5 as of September 2020....which has a “vintage” setting. Anyone do a comparison between an OC-2 and OC-5 yet? 🤔
Not yet... but I’ve purchased the OC-5 and am planning at least a comparison against the OC-3
@Alex - can you at least make a comparison with OC-2’s 1 Oct down setting? I’ve been very curious about that!
Imho nows a good time to bag an OC3 for a bargain price, it'll be seen as a classic in the next few years, there's a whole line of digital gear that's seen as classic in the sampler world, boss sp 303, 404, 504, akai S series and the older MPCs. Old digital pedals with there own sound will be desirable in the very near future and the OC3 will definitely be one of them.
Yeah - especially with the new and improved OC-5 that's out now. I did a shootout between the OC-3 and OC-5 last year that'll hopefully be helpful.
Great vid. What are you powering it with here?
Sorry, I know this is an old comment. I believe I was using a Voodoo Labs ISO-5 at the time
To me the OC3 has a faster attack and brighter tone, but I don't think you"ll be able to hear the difference in a mix. I'm very happy with my '93 Oc2 Octaver I picked up in 2014 for $25. Its the only pedal on my pedalboard that I haven't swopped out since then
I agree. OC3 may have a slight advantage in sound, but functionwise it’s serves more for guitar/acoustic guitar players
Lots of good information here
Brilliant video. As a guitar player I didn't get as much as I was hoping for out of the latter half of the video, the demo section, but the depth you went into during the first half was absolutely information I wanted. Thank you!
Thanks for commenting! And I’m glad it was at least a little bit helpful. I went back and forth since I’m primarily a guitar player myself, but ultimately decided to go with bass since that’s probably what most are using.
@@AlexPriceMusician It was more than a little bit helpful! I would have never thought to consider to look for when/where a pedal was made to determine circuitry differences, and I just assumed all Boss pedals used 9V. I just looked over my 3 Boss pedals and one of my Chorus pedals (CE-2) actually should be using 12V. I never knew! How much would a 12V supply affect the sound? Do I have a new thing to obsess over?? Probably!
Imo OC3 serves more for the guitar/acoustic guitar players in its functionality (especialy poly mode) Sound-wise its more for bass players to choose the preference of OC2 and OC2 mode on OC3
The OC2 sounds a bit more retro 70's synth sound, where as the OC3 is a bit warmer (late 90s) and more modern in its sound. So it all depends what sound you're looking for I think. Personally I like the OC3 because of its poly mode that is useful for accoustic guitarists. But you're right, the OC2 powered 12v gives a thicker cleaner sound than with the 9v. It's probably got something to do with the voltage regulator circuit in the pedal actually needing a little more power than it's supposed to in order to power the rest of the circuitry. Another one for BigClive to investigate
Thanks for your thoughts!
Excellent video!
Thanks Kevin! Glad you enjoyed
Thanks
RIALAS glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the information. I when a question. If I have a bass equalizer, OC3 Octave, bass chorus, and an bass envelope. What is the arrangement or positions start from the bass guitar?
I would go bass - envelope - OC-3 - EQ - Chorus - amp
I picked up an Octaver black label from july 1982 here in new zealand for $60 US. Sounds fantastic.
Good deal! Enjoy
Hey Alex, great video! So just checking, is the main difference in sound between the different OC-2's the BA634 vs the 4013 chip? And does that mean all pedals with the BA634's (whether MIJ or MIT) should sound the same?
I think so! I can't confirm as I haven't done a shootout between early MIT and MIJ models but that is the major difference.
Great video! You cleared up my confusion on all the models. I’ve got a may 87 Japanese model, had no idea what to do with it but I’m gonna experiment a little. Does it work well with guitar too?
Absolutely. I'm primarily a guitar player, though I played bass in this video because I think it's more used by bass players.
I have a February 1996 OC-2. It has the BA634 chip and uses an ACA adapter. Hmmm. I got lucky, I thought it would be the 4013 chip...
Wow, 1996. That’s good to know! Thanks for sharing that
I’m surprised at how good the OC-3 sounds. It seems to have a little more push to it and the tracking is slightly better. I love my ‘86 and ‘87 OC-2s but I might need to check into an OC-3 just for the different flavor.
You should have a look at oc-5.
No one needs more information on the OC2 ever!
I hear a little more volume on the OC 3. The OC 3 has also a little more punch/attack in the beginning. But in my opinion, they sound nearly the same. You did not tell your opinion in the video, but could you tell it to me in the comments? What do you think?
S Esser thanks for your thoughts! I think the OC-2 has a bit more pleasing tone, but in a full band mix you’re likely going to lose that. It’s probably not worth searching for a vintage OC-2. The OC-3 is probably a better deal because of the extra features and availability.
I keep coming back to listen to this video but I can't decide if I like the OC-2 or the OC-3. They definitely sound different. Idk which I like better.
Ricky Gomez better buy both! 😯
@@AlexPriceMusician LOL I couldn't
Get an oc-3
Do You use it with bass or guitar?
I watched some other channel and they said there was some big thing with the difference in OC2 and OC3 and to me any difference just doesn’t matter, lol.
I personally think the difference is overhyped
Great upload. How did you come about your OC-2s? Seems like you found them both for good prices.
Craig Harper first one was at a guitar show a few years ago. It was sitting on a table amongst a ton of junk and the guy only wanted $60 for it.
The second one was at a pawn shop. They had just gotten it in the day before. Same price.
@@AlexPriceMusician Lucky!
Can anyone tell me what is the best octaver for simply going 1 octave above and 1 octave below and all 3 octaves at the same time.
Hi Amir - for what you're asking, the best solution will be the EHX Nano POG:
www.zzounds.com/a--3971116/item--EHXNANOPOG
@@AlexPriceMusician Hi Alex, thanks so much for your kind respond. Does the Boss OC-3 also do what I need ?
No unfortunately. The OC-3 only does octave down.
@@AlexPriceMusician Thanks Alex, this was very helpful. I also need a pitch shifter that can go up from D to E, F and all the way to G. Can you recommend me one please?
The EHX Pitchfork is great for that then. And it can do just about the same thing as the Nano Pog:
www.zzounds.com/a--3971116/item--EHXPITCHFORK
Is there a huge difference, (if any), between the japansene and the taiwanese version? I have the option to buy the latter second hand, but I don't want a subpar product.
I haven’t had the chance to compare them personally, but according to someone further down in the comments of the video, the different chip between Japanese and Taiwanese models is supposedly not even used in the first octave. If you’re just planning on using the first octave of the pedal (which is how I think most people use it) then it probably won’t matter.
The effect between 9V and 12V was little. I liked the OC-2 more. The OC-3 was a little bit louder and had more grit, while the OC-2 sounded in my opinion smoother.
Cid Dax thanks for your thoughts!
turning up the volume should add more distortion if you have a 9v psu(and more volts make it cleaner) from my understanding of this pedal. i dont own one i'm looking for one but it will be a while. i also dont have a variable psu. i do have 1 12v psu for my compression pedal but i dont think it will work with daisy chaining that
Will running the old MIJ(ACA label) OCs at 12V @ 100mA be underpowering it?
Nope! That’s perfect.
@@AlexPriceMusician Awesome, thanks!
I really liked the rough-around-the-edges sound from the OC-2. Could you recommend a webshop where I’d find the pedal at a reasonable price for the product and shipping (I’m from Croatia)?
Great video, btw.
Ah man it's hard to say. I think this pedal is so hyped online that everyone who has one for sale is asking for top dollar. I'd say just try and find a banged up Taiwanese OC-2 on Reverb. Use the watchlist feature and you'll get an email when one pops up below a certain price threshold.
Alex Price thanks!
There are couple of quite used ones on ebay. Some of the under 100
Ok... The 3 sounds better to me here. No doubt the 3 has more dynamics but i was surprised how much fatter it was tone wise. Even if u consider it a tie soundwise ... The 3 wins bc of price and availability. You would get slaughtered in bass forums for saying so though.
An unpopular opinion for sure haha. I can see why though
Good job!!! Keep it up...
May i know, does oc3 work with phantom? Im interested to connect the oc3 with a clarinette microphone that needs phantom! If u can answer this it would be great!
Hi - sorry but the OC-3 will not be able to supply phantom power. I suggest looking at getting a mic preamp that can supply that and also convert to a 1/4” TS.
My only fear would be if you’re using the mic on a live stage with other instruments that the OC-3 will have a hard time tracking. It’s strictly a monophonic pedal and the other frequencies coming in might confuse it
FWIW BA634 is a flip flop digital logic chip and another equivalent flip flop would not make any difference to the sound. If there really are any differences, it would not be down to this chip.
Good info! Thanks for contributing
Great video. I preferred the tone of the OC-2 at 9v. A little more gritty. If I wanted a pure tone I'd just go with the POG.
Thanks for your thoughts Tom!
POG is not bassy enough for bass, in my opinion, it suits guitar much better.
Mind blown. I had a Japanese OC-2 for about six months and hated it. Glitchy, weird noises, didn't track well, etc. So I flipped it. I guess this could have been because I was running it off 9v. Oof.
It took me a few months and a deep dive into guitar forums to figure this out too. I'd imagine a lot of people bought an OC-2 over the hype and didn't know about the odd power requirements.
I had an OC2 for years & got way back in the 80s. No idea what chip was in it, don't really care. What people should care about is that the OC-3 is a far better pedal all round.
Oc-2 slightly warmer less punch
so Made in Taiwan with BA-634 is the best value?
Yes, in my opinion. You should be able to find an OC-2 with the desireable Japanese specs, but at a lower price because it's simply made in Taiwan. That is, if you believe there is any difference in tone at all between the BA 634 and 4013.
9V pedals run on 12V all day long. It's not even a thing to worry about. Most are designed 9-16V.
actually oc-2 and oc-3 didn't have that big a difference. I would take an oc-3 on the road easily and not be worry about braking something collectable or smth
Thanks for your thoughts! The difference is indeed very minimal to my ears as well
@@AlexPriceMusician I wonder if the OC3 can manage 12V, did you tested it?
@@MarioSouzaLima OC-3 is digital, and you NEVER stuff digital pedals with more volts than they are rated for.
OC-2 is the preferable sound.
The distorted sound hard to replicate.
Warmth old school bass synth sound.
What a load of info man great video. I got an OC-2 made in Taiwan which is made in nov 1988 with a 12v (asa) input 😃
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for adding your piece 😊
OC 2 sounds more Alive, organic! Much prefered!
Thanks for your thoughts Stefan!
I got a pre 84 one for nothing lol
it says octaver
@@thebassbat7882 Highway robbery haha
Oc3 works better for me, probably the attack and clarity, I'm a guitar player though
OC3 sounds better in this demo, not sure I understand the OC2 hype
Thanks for your thoughts Erik!
OC2 is analog - warmer and natural, whereas OC3 digital and with more definition
The 3 sounded better here, it's an underrated pedal.
To my ears the OC3 sounded more powerful but distorted on the first note , the OC2 sounded warmer IMO.
I agree in a way. OC-3 has more definition being a digital version. OC-2 lacks that but makes it more natural sounding.
Oc3 is polyphonic. Much more versatile. You can barely tell the difference
Well, it has a “polyphonic” mode, but I still wouldn’t call it polyphonic. Neither the OC-2 or the OC-3 are able to track more than one note at a time. The OC-3’s polyphonic mode is actually just a way to select a cutoff frequency for the wet and dry sounds.
I had the same thought when I got my OC3 as well. But You can clearly tell the difference between OC2 and poly mode.
Yo this was boring as hell but spot on for the info. Thanks for posting this
Yes I know haha. Glad it was helpful
Southern Asia's, have many many goods, that we had brought, in early days... .( made in japan
Asia's made , best pedals, and many things, beside 's , I see.i said.
Japan's , do have many goods ....we are family 's !!!!!
OC-2 is supposed to be used with driver or overdrive 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
Nice hairs
Lol I didn't expect this video to get much attention. I should probably make myself look more presentable next time
@@AlexPriceMusician i really like your haircut
Big markets, early days, since year's of 1985 .....USA, had rejected Asia's products. So, Japan 's , do sold they goods , to southeast Asia 's,....
OC2 on 12v is wayy better! more depth to the lower notes and tracking is much better as well!
agreed. Thanks for watching
You probably have a pedal made for ACA psu. Please read the stinkfoot blog about details and a fix.
Definitely OC-3. Good kick at start.
OC-3 sucks as all octave down pedals do! Octave up pedals sounds cool!