Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $196
High-end/Boutique
$60
$181+
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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.
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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
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What type of power supply does the MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz require?
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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.
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Can the MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz be used with a bass guitar?
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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.
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What are the main controls on the MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz?
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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.
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Is the MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz an analog or digital pedal?
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The MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz is an analog pedal, offering warm and rich fuzz tones with an octave effect.
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How does the Series switch on the MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz affect the sound?
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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.
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What makes the MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz different from other fuzz pedals?
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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.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
MXR Sub Machine Octave Fuzz
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile fuzz tones, from subtle to aggressive
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Optional octave up/down adds sonic variety
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Tracks well with single notes, enhancing playability
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Works exceptionally well through a bass amp
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Parallel/sequence switch offers unique dual-effect tones
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Provides control over volume, minimizing unwanted boost
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Compatible with other effects like chorus, delay, phaser
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Constructed solidly, ensuring durability
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Visually appealing design, adds aesthetic to pedalboard
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Offers the functionality of multiple pedals in one
CONS
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Tracking slows down with chords, affecting some styles
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Unwanted volume boost may require careful management
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Some compatibility issues with distortion pedals noted
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Sub-octave tracking could be improved
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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
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The octave up is foot-switchable, but the sub octave remains present even when turned down, providing a thick fuzz sound.
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The tone knob may affect the sub octave, main tone, and upper octave bands separately, allowing for unique tonal sculpting.
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The pedal allows routing options to run the sub octave through the high octave or in parallel, providing different textural possibilities.
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The series switch significantly alters the pedal's output, allowing for a clear "bass" signal without fuzz when switched off.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners find that running overdrive before this pedal creates a very fat sub octave, ideal for doomy sounds.
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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.
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The pedal was used on a band's EP, layered with a Diezel Herbert amp, contributing to a top 40 song sound.
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Comparisons
User experience
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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.
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It's been noted that the sub octave can handle two or three notes polyphonically, though with some white noise on power chords.
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Some users initially find the series switch subtle but discover its impact after further experimentation.
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Owners transitioning from a Zvex Fuzz Factory report a preference for the Sub Machine's sound quality.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 33 Ratings
986
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.
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.
Artist usage
Add artist
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.
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."
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.
On Stone Sour's rig rundown, an MXR Sub Machine can be seen in Josh's pedalboard.
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)
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.
Community setups
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