Jump to content
Why become a member? ×

Boss OC2 - OCT 1 output volume too low to be used alone


AinsleyWalker
 Share

Recommended Posts

So I see a lot of people using OC2s with the dry signal and -2 octave all the way off and the -1 octave all the way up. I've had my OC2 for years but whenever I've tried to use it like this, it's been way too quiet, the -1 octave simply isn't loud enough to be used alone and when engaged, there's a significant drop in volume, even when using a powerful amp/cab and a Cali76 compressor in front of it. 

Am I missing something? I watch demos and it doesn't seem to happen to others.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yup. There’s a mod that involves disconnecting the -2 Oct which increase the output. You can also decrease the dry pot too for further volume however just taking the -2 really sorts out the volume issue and with a bit of dry mixed in it sits great in the mix. It’s a super quick job you just need a good teccy! 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, dodge_bass said:

Yup. There’s a mod that involves disconnecting the -2 Oct which increase the output. You can also decrease the dry pot too for further volume however just taking the -2 really sorts out the volume issue and with a bit of dry mixed in it sits great in the mix. It’s a super quick job you just need a good teccy! 

Be really interesting if this same mod could be done to the OC2's arguably closest pedal clone, the Valeton OC-10. If so, I'd be very tempted to get another one to replace the one I moved on! 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 minutes ago, Al Krow said:

Be really interesting if this same mod could be done to the OC2's arguably closest pedal clone, the Valeton OC-10. If so, I'd be very tempted to get another one to replace the one I moved on! 

Hmm. Dunno but sure somebody a bit more tech minded could quickly figure it out?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, dodge_bass said:

Yup. There’s a mod that involves disconnecting the -2 Oct which increase the output. You can also decrease the dry pot too for further volume however just taking the -2 really sorts out the volume issue and with a bit of dry mixed in it sits great in the mix. It’s a super quick job you just need a good teccy! 

Oh interesting, I'll have to look into this. Know anywhere I could look to have this done? My OC2 actually has no dry signal.. I think the pot for that control is broken so that's another repair that needs doing. Maybe I could look for someone who could do both at the same time. Although I've just bought an MXR Bass Octave deluxe and I think that might be more usable, as much as I love the oc2.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, AinsleyWalker said:

@dodge_bass I've also JUST learnt that the old Taiwanese/Japanese OC2s (like mine) which use the Boss ACA adapter need 12v to run properly... 
So for all these years I think maybe I've been underpowering it and that could be a factor in why it's so quiet?? Gonna test it out 

That’s interesting. I’ve got a couple and I’m sure that one of these is Japanese and I haven’t noticed any difference in the output. Only been running them on 9V. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, AinsleyWalker said:

Oh interesting, I'll have to look into this. Know anywhere I could look to have this done? My OC2 actually has no dry signal.. I think the pot for that control is broken so that's another repair that needs doing. Maybe I could look for someone who could do both at the same time. Although I've just bought an MXR Bass Octave deluxe and I think that might be more usable, as much as I love the oc2.

It’s a pretty simple soldering job so most people who are handy with a soldering iron should be able to do it. Where are you based?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, AinsleyWalker said:

Oh interesting, I'll have to look into this. Know anywhere I could look to have this done? My OC2 actually has no dry signal.. I think the pot for that control is broken so that's another repair that needs doing. Maybe I could look for someone who could do both at the same time. Although I've just bought an MXR Bass Octave deluxe and I think that might be more usable, as much as I love the oc2.

I found that the three leaf audio Octabreve is probably the closest emulator of an OC2. I wasn’t a huge fan of the base  octave deluxe to be honest - each to their own :) 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just now, dodge_bass said:

It’s a pretty simple soldering job so most people who are handy with a soldering iron should be able to do it. Where are you based?

I'm based in Luton, just north of London.

1 minute ago, dodge_bass said:

That’s interesting. I’ve got a couple and I’m sure that one of these is Japanese and I haven’t noticed any difference in the output. Only been running them on 9V. 

Yeah I did try running mine on both 9v and 12v but didn't notice any audible difference. But I've checked a few forums and pages and it seems that if it says ACA adaptor not PSU adaptor, then it needs 12v to run properly.  But I can't find anything official. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 minutes ago, dodge_bass said:

I found that the three leaf audio Octabreve is probably the closest emulator of an OC2. I wasn’t a huge fan of the base  octave deluxe to be honest - each to their own :) 

Yeah they look very good! I'd rather fix up my OC2 than get one of those tbh. 
That's fair, it's definitely different (which is fine because I wanted an OC2 alternative). it's a bit more of a 'run of the mill octave', which is generally what I'd heard about it and expected, but very beefy so I can see it being very usable, if not slightly less unique than the OC2

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 minutes ago, AinsleyWalker said:

I'm based in Luton, just north of London.

Yeah I did try running mine on both 9v and 12v but didn't notice any audible difference. But I've checked a few forums and pages and it seems that if it says ACA adaptor not PSU adaptor, then it needs 12v to run properly.  But I can't find anything official. 

There must be some amp repairers / technicians nearby that could look over it for you?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 minutes ago, AinsleyWalker said:

Yeah they look very good! I'd rather fix up my OC2 than get one of those tbh. 
That's fair, it's definitely different (which is fine because I wanted an OC2 alternative). it's a bit more of a 'run of the mill octave', which is generally what I'd heard about it and expected, but very beefy so I can see it being very usable, if not slightly less unique than the OC2

Yes totally agree about the MXR - useable but not so unique a sound. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...