MXR Bass Octave M-88

$84.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (2)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe

$155.00 - $179.99

4.5 (67)

Find out who is using MXR M-88

1 community setup

1 wishlisted

5 saved

Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

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4.0 (4)

$84.00 6 available Used

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Average Price: $84

Standard/Professional

$70

$201+

Price Tier

In the Bass Effects Pedals category, MXR Bass Octave M-88 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Elevate your bass lines with the sleek MXR Bass Octave M-88, a pedal that promises to infuse your music with a rich, harmonic depth without clutter. With its precise dry/wet mix control, you have the power to dial in the perfect balance of your original tone intertwined with deep, dimensional octaves. This pedal doesn't just add effects; it enhances your sound with clarity and warmth, making it a must-have tool for both studio recordings and live performances. Whether you're looking to add a subtle undercurrent or aiming for a full-on sonic assault, the MXR Bass Octave M-88 delivers with unmatched versatility.

Key Features:

Dual voice octave control allows for blending two octaves below your original signal.
True bypass circuitry preserves your tone when the pedal is not engaged.
Compact design ensures it fits comfortably on any pedalboard.
Easy-to-use dry/wet mix knob for perfecting your sound's balance.
Powered by a single 9V battery or optional AC adapter for flexibility.

Product specs

Brand	MXR
Model	M88 Bass Octave
Finish	Blue
Year	2000s
Made In	United States
Categories	Bass Effect Pedals, Octave and Pitch-Shifting Pedals
Pedal Format	Standard

FAQs

What type of power supply does the MXR Bass Octave M-88 require?: The MXR Bass Octave M-88 requires a 9V DC power supply, which is standard for many pedals. It can also be powered by a 9V battery for convenience.
Is the MXR Bass Octave M-88 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the MXR Bass Octave M-88 is designed for both studio and live performance settings, offering robust construction and reliable octave effects that cut through in a band mix.
Can the MXR Bass Octave M-88 be used with electric guitars?: While the MXR Bass Octave M-88 is optimized for bass guitars, it can also be used with electric guitars, though the tracking and tonal response may vary.
Does the MXR Bass Octave M-88 offer true bypass switching?: Yes, the MXR Bass Octave M-88 features true bypass switching, ensuring that your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.
How does the MXR Bass Octave M-88 affect the tone of a bass guitar?: The MXR Bass Octave M-88 adds a rich, deep octave below the original note, enhancing the bass tone with a fuller, more powerful sound that is ideal for funk, rock, and other genres.

Reviews

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PROS

Excellent tracking across a wide range of notes
Simple two-knob design for ease of use
Powerful blend control adds grit to the dry signal
Works well with a compressor for enhanced sustain
Suitable for punk, hard rock, and metal music

CONS

Can become glitchy on lower notes with short scale basses
May lack certain qualities compared to competitors like the EBS OctaBass

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR Bass Octave M-88.

Features and functionality

0 0

The pedal offers both "Growl" and "Girth" settings, providing two EQ'd versions of an octave below, unlike the OC-2's two-octave options.
Source
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The Aguilar Octamizer is highlighted for its versatile tone control, allowing users to blend dry signals and adjust sub, clean, or synthy tones using a filter knob.
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Comparisons

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Users note the MXR Bass Octave Deluxe has better tracking flexibility compared to the Boss OC-2, especially for quick, higher notes.
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The Pitchfork is described as digital with interval options, whereas the MXR is analog, providing a distinctly different sound better suited for certain tones.
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MXR Bass Octave Deluxe is often considered over more boutique options due to its unique analog sound and functionalities.
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The DOD Meatbox is described as a sub synth rather than a traditional octaver, suggesting it needs a subwoofer or PA system for optimal use.
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Use cases and applications

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The pedal is favored for achieving a "2 oscillator style bass sound," ideal for those seeking a fatter bass tone.
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The MXR Bass Octave Deluxe is noted for achieving an electronic synthy sound similar to the OC-2, suitable for electronic music styles.
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0 0

The DOD Meatbox is recommended for those seeking an 808 feel, but it requires careful setup to avoid equipment damage, especially speaker popping.
Source

User experience

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Some users initially dismiss the pedal but reconsider after positive community feedback, demonstrating the potential for overlooked quality.
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Some users have successfully integrated the Meatbox by using a TRS Y cable, directing one end to a DI and the other to a pedal chain, maintaining both sub and regular octave effects.
Source

Critic Reviews

M88 Bass Octave Review: I've been playing for a couple of years, I also own... | MXR | Bass Effects | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The MXR Bass Octave M-88 impresses with its robust build and powerful sound, especially suited for standard tuning or drop D. This pedal delivers a rich lower octave tone, making it ideal for funk, pop, and rock genres. While it shines through larger amps, it might not perform well with smaller setups, potentially causing unwanted noise. The simplicity of its two-knob design is a highlight, allowing for easy tone adjustments. Despite being discontinued, its durability and performance continue to make it a favored choice. Overall, it's a reliable, fun addition for bass players seeking to enhance their sound.

positive

Full Review

M88 Bass Octave Review | MXR | Bass Effects | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

Full Review

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

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1 star

marcelo_carboni

1370

about 10 years ago

Full body octave

Along with the M80 Bass DI, this pedal has been on my board for more than seven years. It gives the full body octave down with excelente tracking from bottom to top. Put the M87 Bass Compressor before this pair and there are the 3 pedals that are switched on in my board most of the time! I really recommend.

Roles:

Bassist Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Rock Progressive rock Metal

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