Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.5 (18)
$199.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (5)
$199.99
Amazon
4.2 (48)
$199.99
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$184.84 1 available Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (3)
$199.99
Thomann
4.7 (37)
$189.00

Average Price: $196

High-end/Boutique

$60

$181+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz". 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

The MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz, first crafted in the MXR Custom Shop, is a powerful tool designed for the adventurous musician seeking uncharted sonic territories. This robust pedal blends the vintage vibes of the La Machine Fuzz with a potent sub-octave circuit, providing a unique combination of fuzzy warmth and low-end growl.

The Sub Machine offers all the features of the La Machine, including Volume, Tone, and Fuzz controls, alongside an exciting octave-up mode. Additionally, it incorporates a classic sub-octave circuit with its level control to help you find the perfect balance of fuzz and sub-octave signals.

The MXR team further enriched this pedal's tonal range by integrating a Series switch. This switch allows you to run the sub-octave signal directly into the fuzz for a deeply saturated sound or alongside the fuzz for a split channel effect. The result is a highly versatile pedal that can deliver everything from frothy, shaggy fuzz tone to a subterranean saturation.

Key Features:

  • MXR Custom Shop crafted pedal, combining La Machine Fuzz with a sub-octave circuit
  • Comprehensive control options: Volume, Tone, Fuzz, and Octave controls
  • Octave-up mode for additional tonal variety
  • Series switch allows the sub-octave signal to be run through the fuzz or alongside it
  • Separate level controls for fuzz and sub-octave signals
  • Analog circuitry ensures authentic, vintage-inspired tone
  • True-bypass switching to preserve signal integrity when the effect is off

Product specs

Pedal Type Octave Fuzz
Analog/Digital Analog
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x 1/4"
Bypass Switching Buffered Bypass
EQ Tone Control
Controls Volume, Fuzz, Sub, Series switch
Power Source 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Batteries 1 x 9V
Power Usage 7mA
Height 1.5"
Width 5"
Depth 3.75"

FAQs

What type of power supply does the MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz require?

The MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It can also be powered by a 9V battery.

Can the MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz be used with a bass guitar?

Yes, the MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz can be used with a bass guitar, providing thick fuzz tones and octave effects that enhance the bass sound.

What are the main controls on the MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz?

The MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz features Volume, Fuzz, Sub, and a Series switch, allowing you to tailor your sound and explore different octave and fuzz combinations.

Is the MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz an analog or digital pedal?

The MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz is an analog pedal, offering warm and rich fuzz tones with an octave effect.

How does the Series switch on the MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz affect the sound?

The Series switch on the MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz allows you to toggle between adding the sub-octave effect in parallel or in series with the fuzz, providing different tonal possibilities.

What makes the MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz different from other fuzz pedals?

The MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz is unique because it combines fuzz with both octave-up and sub-octave effects, offering a versatile range of sounds for creative expression.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

Video thumbnail for MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz by ProGuitarShopDemos

MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for MXR Custom Shop Sub Machine by jimdunlopusa

MXR Custom Shop Sub Machine

jimdunlopusa

jimdunlopusa

Video thumbnail for MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz Pedal Demo by Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz Pedal Demo by Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Review Demo - MXR Custom Shop Sub Machine Octave Fuzz by Premier Guitar

Review Demo - MXR Custom Shop Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz by Guitar World

MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz by Pedal Sessions

MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

Pedal Sessions

Pedal Sessions

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile fuzz tones, from subtle to aggressive

  • Optional octave up/down adds sonic variety

  • Tracks well with single notes, enhancing playability

  • Works exceptionally well through a bass amp

  • Parallel/sequence switch offers unique dual-effect tones

  • Provides control over volume, minimizing unwanted boost

  • Compatible with other effects like chorus, delay, phaser

  • Constructed solidly, ensuring durability

  • Visually appealing design, adds aesthetic to pedalboard

  • Offers the functionality of multiple pedals in one

CONS

  • Tracking slows down with chords, affecting some styles

  • Unwanted volume boost may require careful management

  • Some compatibility issues with distortion pedals noted

  • Sub-octave tracking could be improved

  • May lack mid frequencies, affecting presence in mix

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz.

Features and functionality

  • The octave up is foot-switchable, but the sub octave remains present even when turned down, providing a thick fuzz sound.

    Source
  • The tone knob may affect the sub octave, main tone, and upper octave bands separately, allowing for unique tonal sculpting.

    Source
  • The pedal allows routing options to run the sub octave through the high octave or in parallel, providing different textural possibilities.

    Source
  • The series switch significantly alters the pedal's output, allowing for a clear "bass" signal without fuzz when switched off.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find that running overdrive before this pedal creates a very fat sub octave, ideal for doomy sounds.

    Source
  • The sub octave is described as "wooly" and performs better with power chords, while the octave up struggles with complex chords like the Hendrix chord.

    Source
  • The pedal was used on a band's EP, layered with a Diezel Herbert amp, contributing to a top 40 song sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Life Pedal v2 clone, the MXR Sub Machine lacks a blend knob for the octave up, limiting its versatility.

    Source
  • The MXR Sub Machine is compared to the Slash Octave Fuzz, with the latter being noted for its versatility despite the Sub Machine's richer "stank."

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the octave up insufficiently smooth, even with the tone knob adjusted, but the base fuzz is praised for its thickness and doom-like quality.

    Source
  • It's been noted that the sub octave can handle two or three notes polyphonically, though with some white noise on power chords.

    Source
  • Some users initially find the series switch subtle but discover its impact after further experimentation.

    Source
  • Owners transitioning from a Zvex Fuzz Factory report a preference for the Sub Machine's sound quality.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • An internal trim pot for adjusting the octave up would enhance user control over the pedal's sound.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 33 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ammarplp

octave fuzz is killer

the character is suitable for a stoner rhythm and when it is dialed up the octave immediately feels 70s fuzz

Preferred Settings + Usage:

the series knob is always on so it's not too stoner

whereismyyymind

Great, but hard to hear when played in a crowded mix

Devastating fuzz with a ton of bottom end and a range from edgy to really nasty distortion. The Octave options give you the versatility to create an endless amount of different sounds. Further on it has the problem quite a lot fuzzes have: If your mix gets crowdy it just disappears as a lot of mid frequencies are missing.

luis_carballo_caycedo

super a la Foxx Tone Machine

Nice recreation of the Foxx Tone Machine with added sub and nice options that the original doesn't have. The bypass is buffered.

kenu

Brutal.

Wanted a brutal Fuzz with sub-octave and it's what i got. Sub-octave tracking could be better. Very nice indeed.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Guthrie Govan uses MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

Guthrie Govan

Guitarist, Composer

Asia

...
Verified via Photo

"And by request a messy pedal board…"

See how Yvette Young uses MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

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 Sub Machine Octave Fuzz can be spotted amongst the vast sea of pedals.

See how Scott LePage uses MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

Scott LePage

Guitarist, Music Producer

Polyphia

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see it on his board at 0:38.

See how Chelsea Wolfe uses MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

Chelsea Wolfe

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Some love as I put together a new board

See how Javier Reyes uses MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

Javier Reyes

Guitarist, Composer

Animals as Leaders

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In response to whether he was using the Axe Fx for the new record:

"I’m still running the Axe-Fx... . I’m also using a Sub Machine fuzz octaver pedal from MXR on “The Brain Dance.” That’s the only third-party pedal I’m using outside of my Axe-Fx."

See how Laura Cox uses MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

Laura Cox

Guitarist

...
Verified via guitarworld

Other than that, it was my J. Rockett Archer, my SoloDallas Storm, and a delay by Anasounds, and I got to use a few vintage pedals from the studio. I don’t remember exactly the name. But I got to use a vintage Uni-Vibe and an MXR Octave Fuzz.

See how Josh Rand uses MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

Josh Rand

Guitarist, Bassist

Stone Sour

...
Verified via Photo

On Stone Sour's rig rundown, an MXR Sub Machine can be seen in Josh's pedalboard.

See how KARRA uses MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

KARRA

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

The MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz can be seen at 2:07 into the video

See how Benjamin Sinclair uses MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

Benjamin Sinclair

Singer, Bassist

The Beths

...
Verified via YouTube

His pedalboard can be seen several times during EarthQuaker Sessions while playing "Silence is Golden" & "Expert in a Dying Field" (e.g. at 3:42)

See how Seb Mueller uses MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

Seb Mueller

Bassist

SWMRS

...
Verified via Photo

The pedal is seen at his feet in this photo from a performance at the Gold Sounds Festival in Leeds in 2016.

See how James Kennedy uses MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

James Kennedy

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

This is from James' Instagram page

See how Justin Smolian uses MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz

Justin Smolian

Bassist

Dirty Honey

...
Verified via Photo

Taken from their live show Jan 27 2020 at Huntsville

From my Instagram @dirtyhoneyfans

Album Usage

The MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz 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 Sub Machine Octave Fuzz, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

MXR M87 Bass Compressor
MXR M87 Bass Compressor Bass Effects Pedals
1
J Rockett Audio Designs Archer
J Rockett Audio Designs Archer Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Univox U-915 Uni-Vibe
Univox U-915 Uni-Vibe Univibe & Rotary Effects Pedals
1
Fulltone OCD
Fulltone OCD Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
Boss LS-2 Line Selector
Boss LS-2 Line Selector Switch Effects Pedals
1
Meris Polymoon
Meris Polymoon Delay Effects Pedals
1
Dunlop Echoplex Delay EP103
Dunlop Echoplex Delay EP103 Delay Effects Pedals
1
Catalinbread Belle Epoch
Catalinbread Belle Epoch Delay Effects Pedals
1

Community setups

Show yours
A

akidcalledoutlaw

Gear IQ 1662

nonnloop

nonnloop

Gear IQ 443

3 alternative and related items for MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz, curated by the Equipboard community.

MXR CSP203 La Machine

$199.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative

Same fuzz circuit in a smaller housing but without the sub octave option.

More MXR Fuzz Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides