Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $95

Budget/Beginner

$100

$301+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Introducing the Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer, your one-stop solution for limitless sub-octave potential. Whether you're a solo artist seeking a richer sound or an experimental musician pushing sonic boundaries, this compact pedal is ready to amplify your artistic expression. Unleash your creativity with its monophonic signal-dropping feature, capable of generating deep bass sounds from nearly any instrument. Its revamped design in a smaller, more efficient enclosure, also known as the XO version, makes it an ideal companion for musicians on the go.

Key Features:

  • Offers a wide range of sub-octave possibilities
  • Ideal for solo artists and experimental musicians
  • Ability to drop any monophonic signal an octave
  • Can create bass sounds from virtually any instrument
  • Smaller, more recent XO version for enhanced portability

Product specs

Brand Electro-Harmonix
Model Octave Multiplexer Analog Sub-Octave Generator (XO)
Finish Silver / Black
Year 2007 - 2021
Categories Octave and Pitch-Shifting Pedals

FAQs

Does the Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer work well with both guitar and bass?

Yes, the Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer is designed to work effectively with both guitar and bass, providing rich sub-octave tones that enhance the depth and fullness of your sound.

What power supply does the Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer require?

The Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for many guitar pedals, or it can be powered by a 9V battery.

How does the Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer differ from other octave pedals?

The XO Octave Multiplexer offers unique analog sub-octave generation, allowing users to blend sub-octave tones with their original signal and customize the sound using its filter controls for more versatile tonal shaping.

Can the Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer be used for live performances?

Yes, the Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer is well-suited for live performances, offering reliable tracking and robust construction, making it a great choice for musicians looking to add dynamic octave effects on stage.

What are the main controls on the Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer?

The Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer features controls for Blend, Sub, and Filter, allowing users to adjust the mix of the octave effect, the intensity of the sub-octave, and the tonal characteristics of the output.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Electro Harmonix Octave Multiplexer

Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix Octave Multiplexer by ProGuitarShopDemos

Electro Harmonix Octave Multiplexer

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Octave Multiplexer Analog Sub Octave Generator (Demo by Dan Miller) by EHX

Electro-Harmonix Octave Multiplexer Analog Sub Octave Generator (Demo by Dan Miller)

EHX

EHX

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix Octave Multiplexer Effects Pedal Demo - The Perfect Guitar by theperfectguitar

Electro-Harmonix Octave Multiplexer Effects Pedal Demo - The Perfect Guitar

theperfectguitar

theperfectguitar

Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix Octave Multiplexer Analog Sub-Octave Generator | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Electro Harmonix Octave Multiplexer Analog Sub-Octave Generator | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for EHX - Octave Multiplexer by Bass Stuff

EHX - Octave Multiplexer

Bass Stuff

Bass Stuff

Video thumbnail for Electro-harmonix Octave Multiplexer by The Autumn Trap

Electro-harmonix Octave Multiplexer

The Autumn Trap

The Autumn Trap

Video thumbnail for ELECTRO HARMONIX EHX OCTAVE MULTIPLEXER BASS DEMO by Bassklasse

ELECTRO HARMONIX EHX OCTAVE MULTIPLEXER BASS DEMO

Bassklasse

Bassklasse

Video thumbnail for Electro Harmonix Octave Multiplexer Quick Demo by Muzak Shack

Electro Harmonix Octave Multiplexer Quick Demo

Muzak Shack

Muzak Shack

Reviews

PROS

  • Lush old-school analog octaver with nuanced filter controls

  • Excels after a fuzz pedal for an amazing sound

  • Offers High and Bass Filter settings for precise sound shaping

  • Fun to play with, capable of producing bass on a guitar

  • More organic sounding compared to digital pedals

  • Unique "grungy broken speaker sound" achievable

  • Can produce special effects with velcroey bass and clanging high harmonics

CONS

  • Poorly tracks dropped D string and some other notes

  • Prone to odd sound artifacts due to analog design

  • Clangy, unnatural timbre not suitable for all musical styles

  • Described as a "tonesucker" by some, affecting tone quality negatively

  • Not ideal for playing chords; produces odd wahing effects

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer.

Features and functionality

  • The pedal suffers from a volume drop when blend is set between 40-60%, impacting the ability to achieve a balanced octave/dry mix.

    Source
  • The absence of a high octave limits versatility, especially for bass applications.

    Source
  • The low/high filters allow for diverse sound shaping, but a volume control would enhance usability by managing significant cuts or boosts.

    Source
  • Successfully operates in a chain powered by a standard 500mA/9VDC supply with no noise issues, highlighting its reliability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It performs well when used above the 12th fret on guitar, but tends to sound muddy below this range.

    Source
  • The pedal excels with baritone guitars, 8-string guitars, and bass, providing a unique analog sound that pairs well with fuzz for doom metal tones.

    Source
  • Ideal for saxophones, horns, or monosynths when aiming for a bass synthy effect, particularly effective with fuzz pedals.

    Source
  • Owners find it effective for styles ranging from psych rock and blues to surf music and dreamy soundscapes.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Boss OC-2/OC-3 is recommended over the EHX for those seeking higher quality octave effects, especially for bass.

    Source
  • Its analog sound is reminiscent of the Mu-Tron Octave Divider, offering a less clean octave effect that can be charming or frustrating based on use case.

    Source

User experience

  • Tracking issues are common, though some find it better than other analog options, yet it struggles to pair well with fuzz for "octave fuzz" sounds.

    Source
  • The pedal is described as "growling, yet funky," reflecting its strong, dynamic presence in a musical setup.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • EHX's deluxe versions with additional controls like fuzz and -2 octaves are noted as desirable, indicating potential modification interest.

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 55 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

a classic that's maybe not as great as the mutron octave divider

to me the mutron octave circuit is the gold standard of 70s analog octave effect... that said the EHX multiplexer tracks poorly and has a relally clangy unantrul timber that's great as more of a splatty and ring moddy special effect sometimes. I'd still like to have a mutron but they're pricey thanks to neil young. I ave an old one of these and like many of my ehx pedals I don't like using them much because of the boxes and switches. this is another tonesucker too... but when recording its got a certain sumthin' sumthin'. for something analog but more hifi ona budget try an arion octave from the 80s . The plastic case is no flimsier than the old EHX sheet metal boxes and the arion sounds really good, tracks great... but as a psycho-grade special effect the multiplexer is super fun. Velcroey bass and claging high harmonics galore are in there when you get the high filter and blend setup right with the sub engaged. Too polite? try playing some doublestops instead of single note runs. The pog is comparatively polite. More useful? probably. But not to me.

drrrty_harris

A really fun piece of kit

This is a really fun pedal to use. I use it sometimes to play bass on my guitar. It is an analog pedal though, so expect some odd sound artifacts from time to time but that's what makes it fun to play. Listen to Neil Young's 'Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)'... This is the pedal he uses to get that 'grungy broken speaker sound'.

depilkington

best way to add bass

got this to replace a Boss Octave pedal, this is so much more organic, with filters on either end of the effect

blakeindisguise

one small complaint

of course this is not made for chords but sustained notes do produce a odd wahing like waffling off sound

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Homme uses Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer

Josh Homme

Guitarist

Kyuss

...
Verified via Effectsbay

Josh Homme uses the Electro-Harmonix Octave Multiplexer Pedal in his guitar gear setup for the Queens of the Stone Age.

See how Chris Wolstenholme uses Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer

Chris Wolstenholme

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Photo

The pedal was seen being used during the Resistance tour.

See how Larry "Ler" LaLonde uses Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer

Larry "Ler" LaLonde

Guitarist

Primus

...
Verified via Indstate

He used or at least had an Octave Multiplexer in the studio during the recording sessions for Tales from the Punchbowl and Pork Soda.

See how Mikko Lindström uses Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer

Mikko Lindström

Guitarist

HIM

...
Verified via YouTube

In a gear rundown video by Custom Boards Finland, Mikko Lindström is shown using the Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer to enhance his distorted guitar sound.

See how Andy Martin uses Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer

Andy Martin

Guitarist

...
Verified via Proguitarshop

The EH Octave Multiplexer is one of the few stock pedals in my collection. It sounds great with fuzz and phase for mean single note solos and such. I used to have the big box version but now I have more room for fuzzes!

See how Thomas Warmsley uses Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer

Thomas Warmsley

Bassist, Keyboardist

Temples

...
Verified via Photo

Bassist Thomas Warmsley's pedalboard includes the Electro-Harmonix Octave Multiplexer pedal. This photo was taken at a Temples show at the Parish in Austin, TX in Oct 2014.

See how Shutoku Mukai uses Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer

Shutoku Mukai

Singer, Guitarist

Number Girl

...
Verified via Photo

In this special issue of Guitar Player magazine Mukai's pedals are listed on pages 80 and 81

See how Josh Fauver uses Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer

Josh Fauver

Bassist

Deerhunter

...
Verified via Archive

On the deerhunter blog a picture of three of josh's bass effects are shown used in the recording of cryptograms.

S

SATOMI'

Singer, Bassist

Deerhoof

...
Verified via Flickr

In this photo, which shows Satomi's 2008 pedalboard (full album here), one of the pedals that can be seen on Satomi's board is EHX Octave Multiplexer.

See how Hedvig Mollestad Thomassen uses Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer

Hedvig Mollestad Thomassen

Guitarist

Hedvig Mollestad Trio

...
Verified via Photo

One of the pedals on her pedalboard.

See how Maarten Devoldere uses Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer

Maarten Devoldere

Composer

Balthazar

...
Verified via Photo

On this pic you can spot the Octave Multiplexer on Maarten's pedalboard

See how Robert Säll uses Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer

Robert Säll

Guitarist, Composer

Work of Art

...
Verified via Photo

The Electro-Harmonix Octave Multiplexer pedal is seen on Robert's pedal board from Work of Art's band page photo.

Album Usage

The Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Boss LS-2 Line Selector
Boss LS-2 Line Selector Switch Effects Pedals
3
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler Delay Effects Pedals
3
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS Effects Pedal Accessories
2
MXR M169 Carbon Copy
MXR M169 Carbon Copy Delay Effects Pedals
2
Electro-Harmonix Micro Q-Tron
Electro-Harmonix Micro Q-Tron Filter Effects Pedals
2
Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer
Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer Equalizer Effects Pedals
2
MXR M101 Phase 90
MXR M101 Phase 90 Phaser Effects Pedals
1

Community setups

Show yours
cheahumada

cheahumada

Gear IQ 95

2 alternative and related items for Electro-Harmonix XO Octave Multiplexer, curated by the Equipboard community.

More Electro-Harmonix Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides