Boss OC-5 Octave
The BOSS OC-5 establishes a new bar for octave pedal performance by marrying classic BOSS octave tones with the most recent tracking technology. In Poly mode, there are numerous enhancements for extended-range playing, while in Vintage mode, there is a spot-on recreation of the legendary mono OC-2 from 1982. A span of three octaves is now accessible for creative exploration, thanks to the addition of an octave-up function. The OC-5 has the broadest range, finest sound quality, and best playability in any octave stomp to date, from fat low mono sounds to octave-shifted chords and more.
Features Boss OC-5
- An octave pedal that is industry-standard and has additional functionality.
- With no delay, the newly enhanced tracking technology gives more precise response and a lifelike touch.
- The mono sound of the original OC-2 is faithfully reproduced in Vintage mode.
- Range knob specifies the note range where the effect is applied; poly mode for chord playing.
- The octave effect is applied only to the lowest note in a chord when the Lowest Range setting is used in Poly mode.
- One can create a sophisticated new octave-up effect, either by itself or in combination with octave-down effects.
- The tracking engine is optimized for guitar or bass playing in mode switch.
OC-5 – High-Octane Octave Performance
The OC-5 provides incredible sound and playability for the most expressive octave experience ever, thanks to BOSS’ latest real-time processing technologies. The newly developed tracking engine, which lacks latency and delivers clean, precise performance, is a key feature. The OC-5 offers greater polyphonic possibilities than prior OC pedals, providing you with a single high-performance pedal that covers all of your octave demands.
Boss OC-5 – Classic Tones with Vintage Mode
The OC-2 was the first modern octave pedal for guitar and bass to be introduced in 1982. The stomp is still adored by players all over the world, and its characteristic voice may be heard in a variety of well-known songs. The OC-2’s classic monaural sound is combined with enhanced responsiveness thanks to the updated tracking engine in the OC-5’s Vintage mode. With quick access to an endless variety of sub-octave colors, dedicated level controls are provided for -1 and -2 octave effects and the direct sound.
Enhanced Poly Mode
The smart Poly mode, first available with the OC-3 Super Octave, has been enhanced in the OC-5 to allow you to play complete chords with octave effects. For playing octave bass lines alongside normal chords and melodies in the higher registers, the Range knob on the variable Range knob restricts the effect to lower notes on your instrument. Turn the Range knob to the lowest position to isolate the octave effect of a chord to the bottom note.
The new octave-up effect, which is accessible in both Vintage and Poly modes, is another excellent OC-5 enhancement. To obtain the desired effect level, simply twist the dedicated +1 OCT knob. For unusual solo tones and long chord voicings, use the octave-up effect on its own, or combine it with the octave-down effects for additional chord voicings and super-fat leads.
Guitar/Bass Switch and Direct Out
With a dedicated switch on the body of the pedal, the OC-5 allows you to instantly optimize the tracking engine’s performance for guitar or bass. You may also connect dry and effect sounds to various destinations, such as two stage amps or discrete channels on a mixer or audio interface, using the Direct Out jack.
Benefits Boss OC-5 Octave
- Features aren’t that much different from the OC3, but the tracking is tighter in the polyphonic mode.
- The lowest note mode is genius, but so subtle as to be inaudible with many of my electric tones.
- The range feature is really cool and really adds a nice sub-layer to your chords.
- The OC5, however, permits me to adjust the frequency of the bass effect so I can beef up/octave drop the lower half of the chord.
- Polyphony is neat and all, but not at the cost of quality tone.
- Great tracking, up & down, and the vintage sound is just as good as OC-2.
Conclusion
One of the aspects of octave pedals that generates the largest divide between lovers and haters is the glitchiness. Some love the unpredictable tracking of the OC-2 and prior models. Some prefer the more mechanical, stable tracking of the OC-3. The OC-5 is more on the stable side, but it retains the charm of the OC-2. The vintage mode makes the pedal into an OC-2 with better tracking. The modern mode makes the pedal into a less sterile sounding OC-3. I’m pleased to say that this pedal sounds good with everything from low gain to moderate OD to true distortion and fuzz. I like it best as a monophonic pedal for solos and lead lines, but it is quite capable of other sounds. The best alternative is the polyphonic mode with down and up octave all even with the dry signal then pushed through a harmonic trem or univibe, which gives a good organ sound. Boss has really been consistent with their recent offerings, and the OC-5 is an instant hit.
