Super Boss OC-5 Octave pedal,
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A nice surprise, as always with Boss pedals,
simple, robust and effective equipment for sound!
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Boss OC-5 Octave
MSRP: CHF 149.00
Product # | 221104 |
Brand | Boss![]() |
Category | Octaver Pedals | Brand Category | Boss - Octaver Pedals |
Series | Boss Compact Pedal |
Release date | October 2020 |
Availability | ![]() |
Shop | Availability |
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Giebenach BL | ![]() |
Description
High-Octane Octave Performance
Powered by the latest real-time processing technologies from BOSS, the OC-5 provides exceptional sound and playability for the most expressive octave experience ever. A key feature is the newly developed tracking engine, which delivers clean, accurate performance with no latency. The OC-5 also offers wider range and greater polyphonic capabilities than previous OC models, covering all your octave needs in one high-performance pedal.
Classic Tones with Vintage Mode
Introduced in 1982, the OC-2 was the world’s first modern octave pedal for guitar and bass. Still loved by players everywhere, the stomp’s warm-yet-present tone sits perfectly in a mix, and its characteristic voice can be heard in many famous songs. The OC-5’s Vintage mode brings you the OC-2’s iconic mono sound, coupled with improved response thanks to the new tracking engine. Dedicated level controls are provided for -1 and -2 octave effects and the direct sound, giving you quick access to an endless variety of sub-octave colors.
Enhanced Poly Mode
The OC-5 also features an evolved version of the smart Poly mode first introduced with the OC-3 Super Octave, letting you play full chords with octave effects. The variable Range knob restricts the effect to the lower notes on your instrument, perfect for playing octave bass lines alongside normal chords and melodies in the higher registers. And with the new tracking refinements, it’s even possible to isolate the octave effect to the bottom note in a chord—just turn the Range knob to the “Lowest” setting.
Extended Range with Octave Up
Extended Range with Octave Up 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.
Guitar/Bass Switch and Direct Out
The OC-5 lets you instantly optimize the performance of its tracking engine for either guitar or bass via a dedicated switch on the body of the pedal. And with the Direct Out jack, it’s easy to route dry and effect sounds to different destinations, such as two stage amps or discrete channels on a mixer or audio interface.
Supplied items
Leaflet ("USING THE UNIT SAFELY," "IMPORTANT NOTES," and "Information")
Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61)
Attributes
Product Dimensions
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Product Warranty
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Product Details
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Dimension
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Properties
- Newly developed tracking technology provides more accurate response and natural feel with no latency
- Vintage mode faithfully reproduces the mono sound of the original OC-2
- Poly mode for chord playing; Range knob sets the note range where the effect is applied
- Lowest Range setting in Poly mode applies the octave effect to only the lowest note in a chord
- New octave-up effect, available on its own or blended with octave-down effects
- Mode switch optimizes the tracking engine for guitar or bass
- Direct out for wet/dry setups
- BOSS five-year warranty
- Weight: 0.900kg
- Height: 150mm
- Width: 60mm
- Depth: 90mm
Warranty
Specifications
Input Impedance: 1 M ohm
Nominal Output Level: -20 dBu
Output Impedance: 1 k ohm
Recommended Load Impedance: 10 k ohms or greater
Bypass: Buffered bypass
Controls: Pedal switch, GUITAR/BASS switch, VINTAGE/POLY switch, DIRECT LEVEL knob, +1OCT knob, -1OCT knob, -2OCT/RANGE knob
Indicator: CHECK indicator (Serves also as battery check indicator)
Connectors:
INPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
OUTPUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
DIRECT OUT jack: 1/4-inch phone type
DC IN jack
Power Supply:
Alkaline battery (9 V, 6LR61 or 6LF22)
AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)
Current Draw: 55 mA
Expected battery life under continuous use: Alkaline: Approx. 7 hours
*These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
Options (sold separately): AC adaptor: PSA series
Width: 73 mm
Depth: 129 mm
Height: 59 mm
Weight (including battery): 440 g
Reviews (8)





I don't have any experience with the new octave pedals on the market. The Electro-Harmonix POG2 looks very impressive, but the reviews indicate that there are some issues with it, and it's huge. I've played on the old analog Octaver (OC-2?) that Boss put out some years ago, and that was great for the times. This one is much better though. As everyone says, the tracking is very quick. I wouldn't call it precise. You can throw it off very easily with dissonant chords, but 90% of the time, it tracks good with chords. And 100% of the time, it tracks precisely for single note runs, even if you're blazing through a lead. There are so many options for detailing the octaves that you want to work with. It's got a built in mixer with the ability to adjust volume of the original signal, the low octave and the high octave. That's pretty cool. There are 2 modes - vintage and polyphonic. I keep it in polyphonic mode because it sounds more modern, and you can dial in the tracking to allow the low octave to only track the lowest note of a chord. That's awesome too. I used to buy the latest boutique pedals until I had enough issues with these pedals, like having to take them back to the manufacturer for adjustments, true bypass modes sucking tone, digital messes. I've been buying Boss pedals since I was in my teens and I have never had one go out. I've bought about 4 Boss pedals recently because I am starting to play venues again and need the reliability and bullet proof, tank like build quality that Boss is known for. And they sound as good as it gets.