Pricing and availability

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

Average Price: $156

Standard/Professional

$70

$251+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

The Carl Martin Ottawa Vintage Optical Envelope is a game-changing addition for guitarists and bassists who crave that classic wah effect without the constant foot pedal dance. This auto wah/optical envelope filter dynamically responds to your playing style, giving you expressive control over your sound. Whether you're channeling the psychedelic vibes of the '60s or the groovy beats of the '70s, this pedal offers a seamless way to inject vintage vibes into your music.

The Ottawa is not just about nostalgia; it's about precision and customization. Featuring controls for Attack (Sensitivity), Tone (High-Cut), Q (Bandwidth), and Level, it allows you to sculpt your tone with surgical accuracy. Its switchable presets—High Pass, Band Pass, and Low Pass filters—give you quick access to a range of sonic landscapes. The optical technology ensures smooth transitions and a natural feel, making it perfect for both solo and rhythm work.

Built with performance in mind, the Ottawa includes a true bypass footswitch, ensuring that your signal remains pristine when the effect is not engaged. The pedal is powered via a 9V DC mains adapter and is equipped with LED indicators for effect activation. Plug in using the standard 6.3 mm jack input and output, and you're ready to explore new musical territories.

Key Features:

  • Auto wah/optical envelope filter for guitar and bass
  • Dynamic response to playing style
  • Controls for Attack, Tone, Q, and Level
  • Preset switch: HP High Pass, BP Band Pass, LP Low Pass
  • True bypass footswitch
  • LED indicator for effect on
  • 6.3 mm jack input and output
  • 9V DC mains adapter power supply (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 types of music styles is the Carl Martin Ottawa Envelope Filter best suited for?

The Carl Martin Ottawa Envelope Filter is versatile and works well for funk, rock, and blues, where dynamic wah effects enhance rhythm and solo performances.

How does the Carl Martin Ottawa mimic a wah pedal?

The Carl Martin Ottawa uses an envelope filter to automatically adjust frequencies, simulating the sound of a wah pedal without manual foot control.

What adjustable parameters does the Carl Martin Ottawa offer?

The pedal provides controls for bandwidth, attack, level, and tone, allowing you to fine-tune the envelope effect to suit your playing style.

Does the Carl Martin Ottawa have true bypass?

No, the Carl Martin Ottawa does not feature true bypass, which may affect your signal chain when the pedal is not engaged.

What are the filter presets available on the Carl Martin Ottawa?

The pedal includes three filter presets: High Pass, Band Pass, and Low Pass, each offering distinct tonal characteristics for different musical applications.

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 Gear Demos (Simon Gotthelf Music)

Carl Martin Ottawa / Simon Gotthelf

Simon Gotthelf Gear Demos (Simon Gotthelf Music)

Simon Gotthelf Gear Demos (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 Carl Martin Ottawa - Vintage Optical Envelope (Auto-Wah) - Pedal Demo by SRGuitar

Carl Martin Ottawa - Vintage Optical Envelope (Auto-Wah) - Pedal Demo

SRGuitar

SRGuitar

Video thumbnail for Canawawa! Carl Martin Ottawa Review by EytschPi42

Canawawa! Carl Martin Ottawa Review

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

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 Carl Martin Ottawa by Pedalmakers

Carl Martin Ottawa

Pedalmakers

Pedalmakers

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin Ottawa (Auto Wah) | Tone Teaser | FACE MI by FACE MI

Carl Martin Ottawa (Auto Wah) | Tone Teaser | FACE MI

FACE MI

FACE MI

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

Reviews

PROS

  • Produces beautiful, smooth analog sound without noise or clipping

  • High build quality and sleek, high-class appearance

  • Versatile sound range, great for various musical styles

  • Compact and slim design fits easily on pedalboards

  • Easy to master and offers inspiring performance

  • Unique analog envelope opening and EQ distinct from digital filters

CONS

  • Limited to occasional use due to specific filter pass options

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
cagatay_cetin

My Favorite Vintage Style Filter

I enjoy using the Carl Martin Ottawa. I’ve only tested it with bass, and it works beautifully in LP mode. The tone feels warm and natural, and the envelope tracking is smooth and satisfying.

Compared to a more popular alternative like the MXR M82, the Carl Martin truly lives up to the word "Vintage." The effect feels much more natural to my ears.

If it had a blend knob, it would’ve been perfect. Even so, it has quickly become one of my favorite envelope filter pedals.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Carl Martin Ottawa Vintage Optical Envelope, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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