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Average Price: $154
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$201+
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "MXR M280 Bass Innovations Vintage Bass Octave". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the world of deep, rich bass tones with the MXR M280 Bass Innovations Vintage Bass Octave. This mini powerhouse upgrades the warmth of a classic analog sub-bass circuit, offering superior tracking, cleaner headroom, and the versatility to meet the demands of modern bass players. Experience an impressive range of smooth, musical sounds from a tone-thickening growl to chest-rumbling dub tones, all within the compact space-saving MXR mini housing.
The voice of the Vintage Bass Octave is both throaty and resonant, delivering its payload in two forms— one octave down and two octaves down. These can be separately dialed in using the dedicated Oct 1 and Oct 2 volume controls. Mix in your clean signal with the Dry volume control to create the perfect blend for your rig.
For an extra kick of clarity and definition, engage the Mid switch to boost your clean signal’s midrange at 800Hz by +6dB. For an even higher boost up to +13dB, simply remove the bottom plate and adjust the internal trimpot.
Last, but not least, the MXR M280 Vintage Bass Octave comes equipped with Constant Headroom Technology. This custom circuit delivers clean, crystal clear headroom by producing 18 volts from a 9-volt power source.
Key Features:
- Upgrades a classic analog sub-bass circuit with superior tracking and cleaner headroom
- Offers a range of smooth, musical sounds from tone-thickening growl to chest-rumbling dub tones
- Features separate volume controls for 1 octave down, 2 octaves down, and clean signals
- Mid switch boosts clean signal’s midrange at 800Hz by up to +13dB
- Equipped with Constant Headroom Technology for clean, crystal clear headroom
- Compact, pedalboard-friendly MXR mini housing
- Power supply sold separately
Product specs
| Pedal Type | Bass Octave |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| True Bypass | MXR Hardwire Bypass |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply required (sold separately) |
| Power Usage | 45mA |
| Height | 2.1" |
| Width | 1.5" |
| Depth | 3.5" |
| Weight | 0.28 lbs. |
FAQs
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Is the MXR M280 Vintage Bass Octave pedal suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the MXR M280 is designed for live performances, offering robust sound enhancement with its analog circuitry and MXR Hardwire Bypass for true bypass switching, ensuring no signal loss.
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Does the MXR M280 Vintage Bass Octave work well with a standard bass guitar setup?
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Absolutely, the MXR M280 is optimized for bass guitars, providing rich octave effects that enhance your bass tone while maintaining clarity and punch.
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What power supply do I need for the MXR M280 Vintage Bass Octave pedal?
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The MXR M280 requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately, with a power usage of 45mA.
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Can the MXR M280 Vintage Bass Octave pedal be used with a guitar amplifier?
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Yes, the MXR M280 can be used with a guitar amplifier, allowing bass players to achieve powerful octave effects through their existing amp setup.
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How does the MXR M280 Vintage Bass Octave pedal differ from digital octave pedals?
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The MXR M280 is an analog pedal, providing a warm, natural octave effect that many players prefer over the sometimes sterile sound of digital alternatives.
Videos
The Bass Channel
MXR Vintage Bass Octave Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional tracking ability, even on low notes
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Compact size for easy pedalboard integration
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Clean blend knob & mids button enhance versatility
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Superior sound quality with all analog circuitry
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Allows precise control over dry and sub-octave signals
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Flexible mids switch with internal frequency selection
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Minimal sound artifacts, even with muted playing
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Seamless transition between effect on/off without noise
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Generates warm, effective sub-octave tones without delay
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Mid boost feature doesn't compromise overall sound settings
CONS
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No battery operation; requires external power adapter
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LED indicators for mid boost can be confusingly bright
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Some users report it doesn't fully replicate OC-2's warmth
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A few instances of pedal malfunctioning after limited use
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Octave 2 deemed less usable by some users
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
151
Great pedal
as good as OC2... Tried both and each one has its own flavour, at the end its just what you are looking for your tone
Artist usage
Add artist
In this photo, featuring Yvette Young and the pedals she used for her latest album, the MXR M280 Bass Innovations Vintage Bass Octave can be spotted on her board.
In this reddit thread, someone attending a concert from Yussef Dayes with Rocco Palladino on bass got this photo of his pedalboard which includes the MXR M280 Bass Vintage Octave. https://www.reddit.com/r/basspedals/comments/z46q3d/rocco_palladinos_gig_board/
Album Usage
The MXR M280 Bass Innovations Vintage Bass Octave has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MXR M280 Bass Innovations Vintage Bass Octave, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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