Best Octave Pedals On The Market

Top 10 Best Octave Pedals On The Market (March 2024)

The Best Octave Pedals On The Market (March 2024)

Guitar octave effect pedals are sometimes known as octave processors. They are stomp boxes that blend a tone into your guitars signal, either an octave above or below your dry signal. This effect is popular with guitarists who need to stand out at any particular moment. For example when a lead guitarist is shredding a solo they'd benefit from having one of the best octave pedals in that moment.

We know finding the perfect pedal for your needs can be tough. Whether your guitar playing style is heavy metal or blues, vintage or modern, we have the solution that's just right for you.

We know how it goes. You're just playing along with your guitar, when you realize that it just doesn't have enough oomph for the solo. An octave pedal would deepen your sound, but trying to find the right one can be a lot of work. That's where we come in. We'll show you the best options on the market right now. Featuring the best brands like Boss, MXR, ElectroHarmonix, Wampler Pedals, TC Electronic and ProCo Sound. Our wide selection of octave pedals recommendations will be sure to help you find exactly what you need.

Finding The Right Octave Pedals

Finding a great Octave Pedal can be a frustrating task. There are many different brands that all claim to be the best, so it can be difficult to find the right one. Too many options, too many features, too many choices. The search is arduous, time-consuming, and often leads to buyers having to purchase pedals they don't absolutely love. The best octave pedals can help a guitarist have a more full and richer sound, but it is very difficult to find the right one for a specific instrument.

We know how much free time and money you spend researching this purchase so we've done the hard work for you. If there's something missing on our site feel free to ask us any questions. No matter if you're looking for a compact pedal, one with loads of features, or something for lead guitarists, we've got them all here. Browse our buyers guides and get ready to rock out like never before. We’ve reviewed and ranked the best octave pedals so you don't have to worry about wasting time doing your research. With our reviews and buyers guides you will find out what you need to know to find the best octave pedal that is perfect for your style.

The Best Octave Pedals On The Market Buyers Guide (March 2024)

  • 1. Electro-Harmonix POG2
  • 2. Electro Harmonix Micro POG
  • 3. Electro-Harmonix Nano POG
  • 4. EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2 Octave Pedal
  • 5. Catalinbread Perseus
  • 6. Catalinbread Octapussy
  • 7. TC Electronic Sub 'N' Up Octaver Pedal
  • 8. Boss OC-3 Super Octave Pedal
  • 9. Electro-Harmonix Octave Multiplexer Pedal
  • 10. EarthQuaker Devices Tentacle V2
Electro-Harmonix POG2 Image

Electro-Harmonix POG2

  • ✔ Enhanced Detune Feature
  • ✔ Enhanced Algorithm
  • ✔ Save Up To 8 Of Your Favorite Settings
  • ✔ Durable Die-Cast Metal Chassis

The Electro-Harmonix POG2 Polyphonic Octave pedal.

Electro-Harmonix POG2 - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now
  • 8 Programmable presets
  • 5 Mixable polyphonic octave harmonics
  • Attack, Detune & Low-Pass Filter Effects
  • Dimensions (WxLxH): 146 x 121 x 64 mm
  • Incl. 96 DC-200 power supply

The Polyphonic Octave Generator 2 guitar effect pedal will take you even higher. Use the new attack control to fade in lush, smooth swells. Tune in the new second sub-octave to reach deeper than ever before. The 2-pole resonant low-pass filter now includes two additional Q modes. Slide in the newly enhanced detune to further refine your sound.

The POG2 delivers unrivaled tonal variations—and now you can save your favorite settings, and recall them with a click. The POG2 just plain sounds better, thanks to an enhanced algorithm that delivers a more focused and in-the-pocket harmonic performance. And all this is now packed into their rugged and pedalboard-friendly diecast chassis.


Electro Harmonix Micro POG Image

Electro Harmonix Micro POG

  • ✔ Polyphonic Octave Generator
  • ✔ Fast, Reactive Tracking
  • ✔ True Bypass Switching
  • ✔ Makes A 6 String Electric Guitar Sound Like A 12 String Guitar

The Electro Harmonix Micro POG Polyphonic Octave Generator guitar effects pedal delivers the same perfect tracking and smooth polyphony as the full sized pedal, in a simplified design.

Electro Harmonix Micro POG - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

 

The Legenday and classic original POG won top awards from every major magazine on every continent for its flawless polyphonic tracking and musical flexibility. The Micro POG delivers the same perfect tracking and smooth polyphony in a simplified design. Now in a small pedalboard-friendly diecast chassis, the Micro POG delivers and will blow you away the first time you use it.

  • DRY Knob - Controls the output volume of the DRY signal. The DRY signal is the signal present at the INPUT jack. As this knob is turned clockwise, the volume of the DRY signal will increase.
  • SUB OCTAVE Knob - Controls the output volume of the SUB OCTAVE signal. The SUB OCTAVE signal is one octave below the original input signal, half the frequency of the input signal. As this knob is rotated clockwise, the volume of the SUB OCTAVE signal will increase.
  • OCTAVE UP Knob - Controls the output volume of the OCTAVE UP signal. The UP OCTAVE signal is one octave above the original input signal or twice the frequency of the original input signal. The volume of the UP OCTAVE signal will increase as this knob is rotated clockwise.

So what do we think overall? The Micro POG adds a sweet under-tone when followed by an envelope filter pedal, and gets explosive when in front of an overdrive or distortion pedal. The pedal produces beautiful tones. Whether you're trying to imitate a 12 string or a bass, or running it through a fuzz pedal for that old school Hendrix sound, you're going to love this pedal as much as we do. Another yes from us.


Electro-Harmonix Nano POG Image

Electro-Harmonix Nano POG

  • ✔ Features Sub Octave, Octave Up & Dry Control Knobs
  • ✔ True Bypass Switching
  • ✔ Separate Dry & Effect Output For Maximum Versatility
  • ✔ Silent Foot Switching

The Electro-Harmonix Nano POG Polyphonic Octave Generator guitar effects pedal is the smallest member of the polyphonic POG clan, providing impeccable tracking and sound.

Electro-Harmonix Nano POG - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now
  • Small sized housing
  • Organ like sound
  • Control: Sub Octave, Octave Up, Dry
  • Connectors: Input, Dry Out, Effect Out, DC In
  • A quiet foot switch
  • Strong metal housing
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 65 x 110 x 57 mm
  • Incl. Power supply

The smallest member of the polyphonic POG clan provides impeccable tracking and sound. Separate level controls for dry, sub octave and octave up plus an extra Dry out and silent footswitching provide the perfect formula for this compact jewel.

  • SUB OCTAVE Knob - Controls the output volume of the SUB OCTAVE signal. The SUB OCTAVE signal is one octave below the original input signal, or half the frequency. As this knob is rotated clockwise, the volume of the SUB OCTAVE signal increases.
  • OCTAVE UP Knob - Controls the output volume of the OCTAVE UP signal. The OCTAVE UP signal is one octave above the original input signal, or twice the frequency. The volume of the OCTAVE UP signal increases as this knob is rotated clockwise.
  • DRY Knob - Controls the output volume of the DRY signal at the EFFECT OUT jack. The DRY signal is the signal present at the INPUT jack. As this knob is turned clockwise, the volume of the DRY signal at the EFFECT OUT Jack increases.

We're very very impressed by just how much punch Electro-Harmonixs have been able to give this small sized 'nano' pedal. It's the smallest member of the POG clan and comes with a new algorithm for tracking and sound. It has the same fantastic benefits as the EHX Micro POG octave pedal but in an even smaller casing. If room on your pedalboard is short then we highly recommend you switch out your current octave pedal for this small sized powerhouse of a pedal.


EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2 Octave Pedal Image

EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2 Octave Pedal

  • ✔ Make Your Guitar Sound Like An Army Of Vintage Synths
  • ✔ 4 Octaves Of Vintage Synth Tones
  • ✔ Features Level, Filter, Base, Sub, Down & Up Control Knobs
  • ✔ True Bypass Switching

The EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2 is a monophonic analog octave guitar synthesizer with four octaves of vintage square wave synth tones.

EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2 Octave Pedal - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now
  • Input and output 6.3mm mono-latches
  • Bypass footswitch
  • Noiseless relay-based soft-touch circuit
  • Status LED
  • Metal housing
  • Front-side 6.3 mm mono-jack inputs / outputs
  • Power supply via 9 V DC power supply (2.1 mm x 5.5 mm barrel connector, polarity (-) inside, not included in delivery), battery operation not possible
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 117 x 64 x 57 mm
  • Power consumption: 25 mA
  • Hand-made in USA

The Bit Commander V2 is a monophonic analog guitar synthesizer with four octaves of vintage square wave synth tones. Its no-nonsense interface makes it easy to add or subtract octaves to create a wide variety of sounds without having to dial in envelopes or oscillators. Ripping sub-octave thump, pulsing octave down, a lightly squared base tone and a swelling transformer based octave up all join together to make a single guitar sound like an army of olde tyme synths.

Overall, although the Bit Commander V2 is a little pricey it has so many configurations and controls, you'll be able to find a combination that suits your style of play. The Bit Commander V2 is capable of some weird and wonderful sounds indeed. A digitized synth effect will give you that edge to stand out and be heard. We're certain you'll enjoy playing around with the Bit Commander V2 analog octave pedal. Check it out for yourself!

 

You'll get some tuly weird and wonderful sounds from your guitar with the Bit Commander V2. Bringing a digitized synth sound that will make you stand out from the crowd, the Bit Commander V2 is just great fun to play with.


Catalinbread Perseus Image

Catalinbread Perseus

  • ✔ Toggle Switch - Choose Between 1 Or 2 Octaves Down
  • ✔ Features Volume, Cut & Blend Control Knobs
  • ✔ Tracks Anywhere On The Neck
  • ✔ True Bypass Switching

The Catalinbread Perseus is so massive and thundering, you’ll regret turning it off. Called Perseus due to the lowest note in the universe coming from the Perseus cluster.

Catalinbread Perseus - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

Perseus is a fuzz pedal in the Catalinbread Handmade series, which was made famous by the Big Muff and Tone Bender devices. It is a vintage-style circuit with the same controls. The Perseus is a very consistent, predictable pedal with a smooth, warm effect. There is a two-position mode switch that allows you to select one of two octaves down.

As for the fuzz effect, it is controllable and thick. While being smooth and warm. A worthy sub-octave fuzz pedal.


Catalinbread Octapussy Image

Catalinbread Octapussy

  • ✔ Features Attn(Attenuate), Gain & Body Control Knobs
  • ✔ Based On An Old Classic Circuit
  • ✔ Durable Metal Chassis
  • ✔ Beautiful Pedal Design

The Catalinbread Octapussy modern octave fuzz pedal is a frisky take on an old classic octave fuzz, huge range and blooming sonic textures.

Catalinbread Octapussy - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

dThis pedal is a versatile Octave fuzz that produces a tone that is warm and full of character. An internal trimpot lets you dial in just the right amount of fuzz to boost your signal. The Catalinbread Octapussy is a germanium fuzz/octaver pedal. Not only does the Octapussy present two independent circuits, each of which can be blended with the dry sound, but there is an adjustable octave-up effect on the pedal.

The Octapussy has a wide and broad dynamic range. It certianly is a very versatile device. It is capable of a number of sounds from a mild overdrive to extreme fuzz tones. Its dual input design allows for complex and wide variety of sounds. A fantastic device that looks and sounds like a vintage pedal.

The Octapussy is an octave up fuzz. A device that can be subtle and smooth, or it can be full out screaming. It's controls include Attenuate, Gain and Body. Catalinbread Octapussy is one of the most extreme octave pedals around. Its unique circuit design includes the possibility to put a standard guitar signal into high feedback creating a weird and dirty sound.


TC Electronic Sub 'N' Up Octaver Pedal Image

TC Electronic Sub 'N' Up Octaver Pedal

  • ✔ Next Generation Octave-Engine
  • ✔ Features Dry, Up, Sub & Sub 2 Control Knobs
  • ✔ True Bypass Switching
  • ✔ High Quality Components In A Durable Chassis

The TC Electronic Sub 'N' Up Octaver guitar octave pedal features a next generation octave engine, for flawless polyphonic tracking & classic monophonic octave

TC Electronic Sub 'N' Up Octaver Pedal - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now
  • Next-generation octave pedal offers flawless polyphonic tracking, a monophonic octaver and built-in TonePrint technology
  • Advanced polyphonic octave engine gives you lightning-fast note tracking and impeccable octave tones
  • Cool monophonic octaver replicates that classic old-school octave pedal flavor
  • True bypass allows for optimum clarity and zero high-end loss when the pedal is off
  • Optional buffered bypass mode prevents high frequency loss from long cable runs
  • Kill-Dry feature removes the dry signal path for use with parallel effects loops
  • PA-rattling Sub 2 control knob brings in a signal 2 octaves below your original tone for powerful impact
  • TonePrint-enabled to let you beam cool signature tones into your pedal with the free TonePrint App
  • Design your own customized effects from scratch with free TonePrint Editor for PC, Mac and iPad

SUB ‘N’ UP OCTAVER is the new leader of the pitch-pack. Featuring TC Electronic's superb next generation engine and individual blend controls for dry, up and two sub-octaves. SUB ‘N’ UP is set to deliver flawless octave tones whether you’re playing complex chords or groovy single-note lines. And with the option of adding modulation to the mix via our high-powered TonePrint editor, for spacey ambient octaves, SUB ‘N’ UP OCTAVER truly is the definition of pitch perfection.

SUB ‘N’ UP features the latest in polyphonic pitch shifter technology. This means you get lightning-fast note tracking and impeccable hi-fi octave tones when playing chords. So whether you’re into shimmery octave-up tones for swells, a sweet 12-string ring or down and dirty subsonic octave riffs, SUB ‘N’ UP OCTAVER will deliver the goods every single time.

SUB ‘N’ UP OCTAVER also gives you access to a cool monophonic octaver. Great for faux bass-lines with a guitar or for replicating the glorious glitchy imperfections of yesteryears octave pedals. Or!!… hook it up to a bass, crank the two sub signals, and get ready to bring down the PA.

You love tone, so do we, and our design philosophy testifies to that. So whatever route you wanna go, we got your back. With optimized headroom, True Bypass or Buffered Bypass switch and Kill-Dry on/off, this pedal guarantees optimal tonal integrity and zero loss of tone. And, no matter if the pedal is on or off your precious dry sound is always passed through the pedal unharmed in all it’s pure analog glory due to an Analog-Dry-Through.

Download the free TonePrint app for Android and iPhone, choose the TonePrint you want to hear and beam it instantly from your phone through your guitar’s pickup into your TonePrint pedal. No cables needed.

Overall our impression of this pedal has been positive. It can produce notes one octave above, and one and two octaves below the input signal. The controls initially appear quite simple: level controls for each of the added octave sounds, and one to adjust the level of the original signal. There's also a 3-way toggle switch, to choose between polyphonic mode, monophonic mode and Toneprint mode.

Toneprint is a game changer, it not only lets you send custom made tones to the pedal via the app but you can actually control subtle settings for each of the additional octaves. So you could increase the gain on the higher octaves but leave it alone on the two lower octaves. The app really does open up the configuration of this pedal to levels far greater than the onboard control knobs can.

A great pedal, with great sounds and lots of customization. Win, win win!


Boss OC-3 Super Octave Pedal Image

Boss OC-3 Super Octave Pedal

  • ✔ First Compact Pedal With True Polyphonic Octave Effects
  • ✔ Drive Mode - Adds Distortion To Octave Notes
  • ✔ Separate Inputs For Both Guitar & Bass
  • ✔ BOSS 5 Year Warranty

Boss OC-3 Super Octave guitar effects pedal gives guitarists high-quality octave effects with a single stomp.

Boss OC-3 Super Octave Pedal - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now
  • World’s first compact pedal with true Polyphonic Octave effects
  • New Drive mode adds distortion to octave notes for a fatter, more aggressive tone
  • Includes the original OC-2 mode, capable of producing notes one and two octaves down
  • Poly Octave effect adjustable to play within a specific note range
  • Bass input for adapting octave sound to bass guitars
  • BOSS five-year limited warranty

The OC-3 picks up where the best-selling OC-2 left off, giving guitarists two brand new octave effects. Using the Polyphonic Octave mode, octaves can now be added when playing chords-a first in a compact pedal. More aggressive sounds can be had using the new Drive mode, which adds a touch of distortion to the octave sounds.

The OC-3 isn't just for guitar, it's also for bass. By connecting a bass guitar to the dedicated Bass input, the OC-3 automatically optimizes itself to suit the range of a bass guitar. Now bass players can upgrade to the ultra-stable octave sounds of the OC-3.

Don't worry. BOSS knows how much guitarists depend on the original OC-2 sound. That's why the OC-3 includes that classic “dual octave” effect, but with even better stability. This gives you the ability to blend up to three individual sounds: the original note, a note one octave below and one that's two octaves below.

Overall the OC-2 has a classic octave tone and the new poly setting allows for more subtle effects. It has a great sound, a truly valuable and musical additional to the pedal board. You should check it out!


Electro-Harmonix Octave Multiplexer Pedal Image

Electro-Harmonix Octave Multiplexer Pedal

  • ✔ Easily Generate Deep Bass Tones
  • ✔ Monophonic Device - Works Only On Single Tones
  • ✔ True Bypass Switching
  • ✔ Durable Metal Chassis

The Electro-Harmonix Octave Multiplexer guitar effects pedal generates a deep, phat bass tone one octave below the notes you play.

Electro-Harmonix Octave Multiplexer Pedal - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now
  • 1/4" input, dry output and effect output
  • DC power input for battery replacement
  • Status LED - pedal engaged or bypassed

Get down! Generates deep, phat bass tones one octave below the notes you play. Two separate smoothing filters enable you to tailor your sub-octave signal to the exact bass sound you desire, separating the Octave Multiplexer from other octave devices. Run your vocals through it and sound just like Ike Turner. This is a monophonic device and works only on single notes.

  • HIGH FILTER Knob - Adjusts a filter that will shape the tone of the sub-octave’s higher order harmonics. Turning the HIGH FILTER knob clockwise will make the sub-octave sound more gnarly and fuzzy.
  • BLEND Knob - This is a wet/dry knob. Counter-clockwise is 100% dry. Clockwise is 100% wet.
  • BASS FILTER Knob - Adjusts a filter that will shape the tone of the sub-octave’s fundamental and lower order harmonics. Turning the BASS FILTER knob counter-clockwise will make the sub-octave sound deeper and bassier. Please Note: the BASS FILTER knob is only active when the SUB switch is set to ON.
  • SUB Switch - Switches the Bass Filter in and out. When SUB is set to ON the Bass Filter and its corresponding knob are activated. When the SUB switch is set to OFF, only the High Filter is active. Turning the SUB switch on gives the sub-octave a deeper, bassier sound.

This is a very well made pedal, all metal, metal switch, etc. The only plastic is the knobs and they seem pretty solid as well. It does what it's capable of doing (considering it's monophonic limitations) very well. If you're looking for something that will track multiple, complex chords and notes at the same time then this isn't the pedal for you. If you want a solid octave pedal that is professionally made (exactly what we've come to expect from Electro Harmonix) then give this pedal a try!


EarthQuaker Devices Tentacle V2 Image

EarthQuaker Devices Tentacle V2

  • ✔ Relay Based True Bypass Switching
  • ✔ Analog Octave Up Effect
  • ✔ Same Circuit That's In The Hoof Reaper
  • ✔ Durable Metal Housing

The EarthQuaker Devices Tentacle V2 Analog Octave Up pedal is a classic analog octave up effect that features the very same octave from the beloved Hoof Reaper pedal but in a stand-alone unit.

EarthQuaker Devices Tentacle V2 - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now
  • Can be combined with any distortion pedal
  • Circuit design comes from the Hoof Reaper
  • Classic analog octave-up effect
  • Metal housing
  • Footswitch works as a latching and momentary switch
  • True bypass
  • 6.3 mm mono jack input / output
  • Bypass footswitch
  • Noiseless relay-based soft-touch circuit
  • Status LED
  • Power supply via 9 V DC power supply with 2.1 mm x 5.5 mm coaxial connection and polarity (-) inside (not included)
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 117 x 64 x 57 mm
  • Handmade in USA

The Tentacle is a classic analog octave up effect. It is the very same octave from EarthQuaker Devices's beloved Hoof Reaper pedal. They got so many requests to make this a stand-alone unit that they had no choice but to make it a reality. You can now add an excellent, swelling octave up to anything your heart desires!

Pair it with your favorite fuzz, strap a headband on and unleash your inner Jammy Hendrix. Put it in front of another octave up and blow your amps mind. Throw it in the effects loop of a delay and marvel at what happens.

What’s better? It has no controls! Nothing to worry about at all here, just hit the switch and go for it. The Tentacle is an analog octave up, the effect will become much more pronounced when using your neck pickup and playing above the 12th fret.

Overall it's a great pedal. Quality construction and build. Great packaging. Works perfectly. If you're looking for an octave up pedal and you don't want the confusing configuration controls then this pedal might be the one for you. Check it out for yourself!


More Information Regarding Octave Pedals (2024)

What Is An Octave Pedal?

The simplest explanation of an octave pedal is that it combines the dry input signal from a guitar with one or more additional signals. These additional signals are a number of octaves higher or lower than the original input signal. This depends upon the configuration opted for by the guitarist. Advanced pedals are able to track full chords as well as signal notes.

Why Choose An Octave Pedal?

From guitar to bass pedal models, the best octave pedals exist to do a very specific job. In order for an octave pedal to reach its true potential the guitarist has to understand that many other aspects have to be spot on.

Octave Features

Depending on your budget, the type of pedal you're looking for can vary dramatically. Budget octave pedals are great if you're looking to dip your toe into the effect. Giving you a chance to experiment without excessive expense. Choosing a more refined professional octave pedal however can have it's advantages.

Tracking Distance

The number of octaves a pedal can climb of fall can differ between models. Some are able to track a full three octaves above or below the input signal. Whereas many cheaper models will only be able to manage a single octave.

Monophonic vs Polyphonic

Another benefit of the more modern and technologically advanced models is that many are able to track complete chord progressions. Budget pedals are usually confined to tracking single notes. They can often get confused when presented with complex or excessively quick input signals. This differentiation is known as monophonic vs polyphonic. Polyphonic pedals are the latest of the two, allowing the pedals to track full chords as well as single notes. They have also almost eliminated all sense of input latency some older monophonic models suffer from.

Monophonic

Monophonic's are only suited to tracking single notes and therefore are fundamentally less advanced than their polyphonic counterparts. They do however still have a widely agreed upon tone advantage.

Polyphonic

Polyphonic's are all digital. The technology of digital octave pedals allows for this advancement. The downside is that analog, as with most other effects pedals sound far warmer. There is a huge audience for analog pedals and therefore some will choose the older technology, despite its drawbacks. For the simple reason that the sound is considered more authentic.

Conclusion

Octave pedals allow you to harmonize without a second guitarist. Adding depth to your riffs and solos with very little effort. Even if you're not entirely sold on the octave effect we encourage you to choose a budget option and try it out for yourself. Like many of the other effects out there, many have turned to the octave with little expectation. Only to wonder how they lived without one for so long. We've covered everything from the budget to the beasts. The feeble to the flagships. Collating feedback, reviews and choosing our recommendations. Hopefully you'll be able to find your first or next octave pedal on this page.

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