Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $138

Standard/Professional

$70

$251+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Carl Martin Ottawa". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock a world of expressive sonic possibilities with the Carl Martin Ottawa, a dynamic auto-wah and optical envelope filter pedal that transforms your guitar or bass into a versatile tone machine. Whether you're diving into the psychedelic swirls of the '60s or grooving to the disco beats of the '70s, this pedal effortlessly recreates the iconic wah sound without the need to manually rock a pedal.

The Ottawa is designed to respond with precision to your playing style, providing you with a personalized sound experience. Its intuitive controls, including Attack (Sensitivity), Tone (High-Cut), Q (Bandwidth), and Level, allow for meticulous shaping of your sound. Choose between High Pass, Band Pass, or Low Pass filter settings with a simple switch, giving you the freedom to explore a wide spectrum of tonal landscapes.

This pedal is built for seamless integration into any rig, featuring 6.3 mm jack input and output connections and a sturdy footswitch for easy effect bypass. The LED indicator ensures you always know when your effect is engaged, while the robust construction promises durability on stage or in the studio. Please note, the Ottawa is powered by an external 9 V DC adapter (not included), making it a reliable companion for your musical adventures.

Key Features:

  • Auto Wah / Optical Envelope Filter
  • Dynamic response to playing style
  • Controls: Attack (Sensitivity), Tone (High-Cut), Q (Bandwidth), Level
  • Switchable HP/BP/LP filter modes
  • LED Effect On indicator
  • Footswitch for effect bypass
  • 6.3 mm jack input and output connections
  • External 9 V DC power supply required (not included)

Product specs

Available since September 2021
Wah Wah Pedal No
Volume Pedal No
Dynamic Wah Yes
Distortion No
True Bypass No
Effect Types Envelope Filter

FAQs

What type of effect does the Carl Martin Ottawa provide?

The Carl Martin Ottawa is an envelope filter pedal, which mimics the sound of a wah pedal and is ideal for both solo and rhythm work.

Does the Carl Martin Ottawa have true bypass?

No, the Carl Martin Ottawa does not feature true bypass, meaning the signal may be slightly altered when the pedal is not engaged.

What filters are included in the Carl Martin Ottawa?

The Carl Martin Ottawa includes three presets: High Pass, Band Pass, and Low Pass filters, allowing for versatile tonal adjustments.

Can I adjust the attack and tone on the Carl Martin Ottawa?

Yes, the Carl Martin Ottawa allows you to adjust the bandwidth, attack, level, and tone to tailor the envelope effect to your preferences.

Is the Carl Martin Ottawa suitable for distortion effects?

No, the Carl Martin Ottawa is not designed for distortion effects; it focuses on dynamic wah and envelope filtering.

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

THE FUNKY CANADIAN PEDAL! CARL MARTIN OTTAWA ENVELOPE FOLLOWER

Video thumbnail for THE FUNKY CANADIAN PEDAL! CARL MARTIN OTTAWA ENVELOPE FOLLOWER by Pete Thorn

THE FUNKY CANADIAN PEDAL! CARL MARTIN OTTAWA ENVELOPE FOLLOWER

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin Ottawa / Simon Gotthelf by Simon Gotthelf Music

Carl Martin Ottawa / Simon Gotthelf

Simon Gotthelf Music

Simon Gotthelf Music

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin Ottawa - Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

Carl Martin Ottawa - Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for This Effect Makes You Better At Guitar | Carl Martin Ottawa | Gear Corner by Kris Barocsi

This Effect Makes You Better At Guitar | Carl Martin Ottawa | Gear Corner

Kris Barocsi

Kris Barocsi

Video thumbnail for Not just a clever name! - Ottawa AutoWah from Carl Martin by TheGuitarGeek

Not just a clever name! - Ottawa AutoWah from Carl Martin

TheGuitarGeek

TheGuitarGeek

Video thumbnail for Who Needs Wah When You Can Have Ottawa - CARL MARTIN OTTAWA by Leigh Fuge

Who Needs Wah When You Can Have Ottawa - CARL MARTIN OTTAWA

Leigh Fuge

Leigh Fuge

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin Ottawa by Pedalmakers

Carl Martin Ottawa

Pedalmakers

Pedalmakers

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin Ottawa | Guitar Interactive | Review by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Carl Martin Ottawa | Guitar Interactive | Review

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Ottawa // Carl Martin // Demo by Martin Klaja by Martin Klaja's Guitarchannel

Ottawa // Carl Martin // Demo by Martin Klaja

Martin Klaja's Guitarchannel

Martin Klaja's Guitarchannel

Video thumbnail for The Ottawa by Carl Martin - The Shakedown Sound Series by PJ and the Beard

The Ottawa by Carl Martin - The Shakedown Sound Series

PJ and the Beard

PJ and the Beard

Reviews

PROS

  • Produces a smooth, noise-free analog sound with no clipping

  • Versatile with a variety of sound options

  • Compact, slim design fits easily on a pedalboard

  • High-quality build and classy appearance

  • Easy to master for quick adaptability

  • Offers a unique analog envelope filter effect distinct from digital filters

CONS

  • Primarily suited for occasional use rather than as a mainstay effect

  • Filter pass options may not be extreme enough for all users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Carl Martin Ottawa.

Comparisons

  • The Carl Martin Ottawa is preferred over the Nano Q-Tron for being less lo-fi, while the 3 Leaf Proton offers great sound but is less versatile and slower in response.

    Source
  • The Carl Martin Ottawa is considered alongside the 3 Leaf Proton and Nano Q-Tron, with the latter sometimes perceived as more limited and less versatile.

    Source
  • Users transitioning from the EHX Q Tron to the Carl Martin Ottawa report a preference for Ottawa's sound and usability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Carl Martin Ottawa is noted for being reasonably priced and versatile among envelope filters, making it a strong contender against more expensive models.

    Source
  • The Carl Martin Ottawa offers controls for attack, tone, and Q, plus a switch for low pass, high pass, and bandpass filters for versatile sound shaping.

    Source
  • The Ottawa is recognized for maintaining a strong envelope effect without sacrificing low end, a common issue with other filters.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users playing psychedelic stoner rock and funky classic soul find the Carl Martin Ottawa to be a suitable choice due to its versatile sound range.

    Source
  • Ideal for achieving sounds ranging from extreme synth-like effects to funky quacks, and even John Mayer-inspired tones, making it suitable for diverse musical styles.

    Source
  • The pedal's ease of use makes it a suitable choice for players who need an envelope filter only sporadically.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate the pedal's tweakability, noting its ability to deliver various nuanced sounds without being prohibitively expensive.

    Source
  • The Carl Martin Ottawa is favored for its intuitive design, making it ideal for occasional use without a steep learning curve.

    Source

Critic Reviews

CARL MARTIN OTTAWA | REVIEW - Guitar Interactive Magazine

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

Carl Martin Ottawa is a compact, well-built envelope filter pedal that offers dynamic wah effects without the hassle of a traditional pedal. It’s intuitive, with adjustable attack, level, tone, and Q controls, plus high, band, and low pass filters for versatile sound customization. Perfect for rhythm and lead work, it responds to your playing dynamics, providing expressive and satisfying wah sounds. While it may not replace a manual wah for purists, its ease of use and quality build make it a worthy addition to any pedalboard, especially for those seeking an auto-wah solution.

positive

Carl Martin Ottawa Vintage Optical Envelope review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Carl Martin Ottawa pedal delivers vintage auto-wah vibes with a compact, user-friendly design. Its impressive sound quality shines through a variety of classic Mutron-inspired tones. Key features include top-mounted jacks for pedalboard convenience, and controls for level, attack, tone, and Q, allowing for precise sound shaping. With selectable filter types, it caters to diverse musical styles, from tight rhythmic wahs to quacky single notes. Although the review highlights no significant drawbacks, the lack of any listed cons suggests a highly favorable impression. Overall, the Ottawa is a strong contender for those seeking classic envelope filter effects.

positive

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