Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (8)
$169.99 $168.72 $1.27
Guitar Center
4.5 (2)
$169.99
Amazon
4.3 (57)
$168.72 New
$149.99 Used (Like New)
Reverb
4.0 (12)
$154.25 New
$99.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$169.99
Thomann
4.7 (27)
$149.00

Average Price: $154

Standard/Professional

$70

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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.

* 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

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

Is the MXR M280 Vintage Bass Octave pedal suitable for live performances?

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.

Does the MXR M280 Vintage Bass Octave work well with a standard bass guitar setup?

Absolutely, the MXR M280 is optimized for bass guitars, providing rich octave effects that enhance your bass tone while maintaining clarity and punch.

What power supply do I need for the MXR M280 Vintage Bass Octave pedal?

The MXR M280 requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately, with a power usage of 45mA.

Can the MXR M280 Vintage Bass Octave pedal be used with a guitar amplifier?

Yes, the MXR M280 can be used with a guitar amplifier, allowing bass players to achieve powerful octave effects through their existing amp setup.

How does the MXR M280 Vintage Bass Octave pedal differ from digital octave pedals?

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.

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

MXR Vintage Bass Octave Demo

Video thumbnail for MXR Vintage Bass Octave Demo by The Bass Channel

MXR Vintage Bass Octave Demo

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for Vintage Bass Octave By MXR | The Pedal Studio by Janek Gwizdala

Vintage Bass Octave By MXR | The Pedal Studio

Janek Gwizdala

Janek Gwizdala

Video thumbnail for The ULTIMATE Bass Pedalboard Using Dunlop Pedals! - With Awesome Bassist & Producer Darryl Anders! by PMTVUK

The ULTIMATE Bass Pedalboard Using Dunlop Pedals! - With Awesome Bassist & Producer Darryl Anders!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for NAMM '19 - MXR Vintage Bass Octave & Dyna Comp Bass Demos by Premier Guitar

NAMM '19 - MXR Vintage Bass Octave & Dyna Comp Bass Demos

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for MXR Vintage Bass Octave Pedal - Features and Demonstration by Musician's Friend

MXR Vintage Bass Octave Pedal - Features and Demonstration

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tracking ability, even on low notes

  • Compact size for easy pedalboard integration

  • Clean blend knob & mids button enhance versatility

  • Superior sound quality with all analog circuitry

  • Allows precise control over dry and sub-octave signals

  • Flexible mids switch with internal frequency selection

  • Minimal sound artifacts, even with muted playing

  • Seamless transition between effect on/off without noise

  • Generates warm, effective sub-octave tones without delay

  • Mid boost feature doesn't compromise overall sound settings

CONS

  • No battery operation; requires external power adapter

  • LED indicators for mid boost can be confusingly bright

  • Some users report it doesn't fully replicate OC-2's warmth

  • A few instances of pedal malfunctioning after limited use

  • Octave 2 deemed less usable by some users

Critic Reviews

Quick Hit: MXR Vintage Bass Octave Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The MXR Vintage Bass Octave delivers impressive tracking and a versatile range of sounds, making it a worthy addition to any bass player's rig. Its compact size and intuitive controls allow for easy adjustments, while the mid-boost switch provides an extra punch when needed. However, the closely packed knobs might pose a challenge for those with larger fingers. Overall, this pedal shines in both functionality and tone, proving to be a solid investment for those looking to explore deeper bass sounds.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
3views_of_

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
See how Yvette Young uses MXR M280 Bass Innovations Vintage Bass Octave

Yvette Young

Singer, Guitarist

Covet

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Rocco Palladino uses MXR M280 Bass Innovations Vintage Bass Octave

Rocco Palladino

Bassist

...
Verified via reddit

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/

See how Becca Stevens uses MXR M280 Bass Innovations Vintage Bass Octave

Becca Stevens

Singer, Guitarist

The Lighthouse Band

...
Verified via YouTube

Visible in the music video for "True Minds" at 2:49

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

Show yours
alex_coma86

alex_coma86

Gear IQ 285

alex_coma86

alex_coma86

Gear IQ 285

alex_coma86

alex_coma86

Gear IQ 285

alex_coma86

alex_coma86

Gear IQ 285

alex_coma86

alex_coma86

Gear IQ 285

alex_coma86

alex_coma86

Gear IQ 285

1 alternative for MXR M280 Bass Innovations Vintage Bass Octave, curated by the Equipboard community.

More MXR Bass Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides