Author Topic: Octave pedals - Damaging to speakers? (Read 5764 times)

Brow · « **on:** April 29, 2006, 01:47:25 AM »

Hey guys.

I've just received 2 pedals in exchange for an old pedalboard, and 1 of the pedals is an Octave pedal which adds notes 1 and 2 octaves below the original note.

I just wondered if these kinds of pedals can cause damage to guitar amps or blow speakers etc?

I'd probably only use the pedal on occasion to double parts of guitar solos etc, but thought it was worth checking out before I started using the pedal in my main rig :)

Thanx for any replies.

Craig

indysmith · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2006, 10:02:34 AM »

good question brow my friend! I've often wandered this...

Kilby · « **Reply #2 on:** May 01, 2006, 09:51:00 PM »

Certainly in the 80s when Mick Karn (Japan) was using two octave pedals (one up and one down), bass players where blowing the shite out of their speakers.

As for guitar I'm afraid I couldn't honestly say.

Rob...

Brow · « **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2006, 02:28:55 PM »

Cheers for the posts guys.

Does anyone have another opinion on this?

aisuru · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2006, 02:58:29 PM »

i'd say if you were that worried about it, you could knock up a brick-wall high-pass filter circuit to block out all the frequencies below 75Hz ( or whatever the low rating of your speakers ) and fit it at the end of your effect chain before the amp.

Brow · « **Reply #5 on:** May 02, 2006, 05:19:47 PM »

Quote from: aisuru

i'd say if you were that worried about it, you could knock up a brick-wall high-pass filter circuit to block out all the frequencies below 75Hz ( or whatever the low rating of your speakers ) and fit it at the end of your effect chain before the amp.

Thanx for the suggestion.

It'd just be easier to not use the Octave pedal wouldn't it :D

Kilby · « **Reply #6 on:** May 02, 2006, 07:01:50 PM »

If you are that worried run into a bass amp or cab, which may also give you a better sound also.

Rob...

jimi hendrix · « **Reply #7 on:** May 02, 2006, 09:32:09 PM »

Quote from: Kilby

Certainly in the 80s when Mick Karn (Japan) was using two octave pedals (one up and one down), bass players where blowing the shitee out of their speakers.

As for guitar I'm afraid I couldn't honestly say.

Rob...

A Japan fan?
I'll bet there's not many member's on here who have even heard of Japan!
I got David Sylvian's album 'Blemish' a couple of years back, after not listening to his stuff for a few years, and was sooo disappointed (it's pants)
years ago I got everything I could lay my hands on by Japan, and Karn and Sylvian, they're really talented, (but maybe an aquired taste)...
ooops I'm going on a bit. :oops:

aisuru · « **Reply #8 on:** May 02, 2006, 11:48:41 PM »

Quote from: jimi hendrix

I'll bet there's not many members on here who have even heard of Japan!

well i have. an important band, if somewhat depressing at times.

Kilby · « **Reply #9 on:** May 03, 2006, 01:01:23 AM »

Quote from: jimi hendrix

A Japan fan?

Probably more of a fan of Karns bass playing to be honest (ohhh deviation from original topic alert).

I remember him accompanying Angie Bowie in the Whistle Test and although Angie was utter sh1te Karn impressed me totally, not only the playing but just the tone he got.

Rob...

Johnny Mac · « **Reply #10 on:** May 03, 2006, 05:56:45 PM »

Quote from: jimi hendrix

Quote from: Kilby
Certainly in the 80s when Mick Karn (Japan) was using two octave pedals (one up and one down), bass players where blowing the shitee out of their speakers.

As for guitar I'm afraid I couldn't honestly say.

Rob...

A Japan fan?
I'll bet there's not many member's on here who have even heard of Japan!
I got David Sylvian's album 'Blemish' a couple of years back, after not listening to his stuff for a few years, and was sooo disappointed (it's pants)
years ago I got everything I could lay my hands on by Japan, and Karn and Sylvian, they're really talented, (but maybe an aquired taste)...
ooops I'm going on a bit. :oops:

I bought i second that emotion when i was at school years ago. It was a great tune!

38thBeatle · « **Reply #11 on:** May 03, 2006, 07:29:00 PM »

I quite liked "Ghosts" at the time but heard it a little while ago and it did not seem to have travelled well.

Kilby · « **Reply #12 on:** May 03, 2006, 07:37:42 PM »

I found the angie bowie clip on youtube this morning and to be honest I was totally unimpressed with Karns bass playing on that clip, looks like it didn't travel through time very well either.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search=%22mick+karn%22&search_type=search_videos

Mind you I still love his bass sound, any bass players out there got any hints.

His website has complete tracks for download (and a little bass tab) and I do like his bass playing on the track with DJ Krush, though the guitarists sounds is a little processed for my liking.

Sorry for pushing this further OT

Rob...