1. Overview
The MXR Bass Octave Deluxe is a dual-voice analog octave pedal designed for bass guitar. It features MXR's 18-volt Constant Headroom Technology (CHT) for high headroom and superior tracking. This pedal allows musicians to blend their direct signal with two distinct octave voices, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities.
Figure 1: MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe Pedal
Key Features:
- Constant Headroom Technology (CHT) for exceptional headroom and tracking.
- True bypass circuitry ensures your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is disengaged.
- Organic analog tone.
- Two independent octave voices: Growl (for throaty tone) and Girth (for deep tone).
- Mid+ switch adds a midrange boost at a user-selected frequency (400Hz or 850Hz).
2. Setup
Follow these steps to connect your MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe pedal:
- Power Connection: Connect an 18V DC power adapter (not included) to the pedal's 18V input jack. The pedal can also be powered by two 9V batteries (not included).
- Input Connection: Connect your bass guitar to the pedal's INPUT jack using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.
- Output Connection: Connect the pedal's OUTPUT jack to your amplifier or the next pedal in your signal chain using a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable.
Figure 2: Power Input
Figure 3: Input Jack
Figure 4: Output Jack
3. Controls and Operation
The MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe features intuitive controls for shaping your sound:
Figure 5: Control Layout
- DRY Knob: Controls the volume of your direct, unprocessed bass signal. Turn clockwise to increase the dry signal level.
- GROWL Knob: Adjusts the volume of the throaty, mid-range focused octave-down voice. Turn clockwise to increase the Growl effect.
- GIRTH Knob: Adjusts the volume of the deep, smooth octave-down voice. Turn clockwise to increase the Girth effect.
- MID+ Switch: Engages a midrange boost for your dry signal. This boost can be internally adjusted to either 400Hz or 850Hz, providing up to +14dB of gain. To adjust the frequency, open the pedal and locate the internal switch.
- Footswitch: Toggles the effect on and off. The pedal features true bypass, ensuring your tone remains pristine when the effect is disengaged.
Demonstration Video:
Video 1: Official demonstration of the MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe pedal's features and sound.
4. Specifications
| Brand | MXR |
| Model Number | M288 |
| Style | Bass Octave Deluxe |
| Color | Blue |
| Item Weight | 0.07 Kilograms |
| Voltage | 18 Volts |
| Amperage | 9 Milliamps |
| Audio Output Effects | Pitch shifting, modulation, overdrive, octave, distortion |
| Controls Type | Knob |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Hardware Interface | Headphone (Note: This likely refers to the 1/8" connector type, not a headphone output on the pedal itself) |
| Signal Format | Analog |
| Item Dimensions | 5.75 x 4.5 x 2.75 inches |
| Connector Type | 3.5mm (1/8") headphone jack (Note: This likely refers to the power connector type, not an audio jack) |
| UPC | 710137041851 |
5. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe pedal, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the pedal's exterior. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents, as they may damage the finish.
- Storage: Store the pedal in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures when not in use.
- Connections: Periodically check all cable connections for wear and tear. Ensure jacks are free of dust and debris.
- Battery Replacement: If using batteries, replace them when the indicator light dims or the effect performance degrades. Always use fresh, high-quality batteries.
6. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe pedal, consider the following:
- No Sound:
- Check all cable connections (input, output, power) to ensure they are secure.
- Verify the power supply is correctly connected and providing the specified 18V DC.
- If using batteries, ensure they are fresh and correctly installed.
- Test the pedal with different cables, instruments, and amplifiers to isolate the problem.
- Weak or Distorted Sound:
- Check battery levels if applicable.
- Ensure all knobs (Dry, Growl, Girth) are set appropriately. Experiment with different settings.
- Verify that the input signal from your bass is strong enough.
- Effect Not Engaging/Disengaging:
- Press the footswitch firmly to ensure proper engagement.
- If the LED indicator is not responding, check power connections.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, contact MXR customer support for further assistance.
7. What's Included
The MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe package includes:
- The MXR M288 Bass Octave Deluxe pedal itself.
8. Warranty
Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc. will repair or replace, at its discretion, defective workmanship or materials on all new Dunlop electronics directly or through the selling dealer or authorized service technician, for one year from the date of purchase, at no cost to the original purchaser. Repair or replacement parts installed will then be warrantied for the unexpired portion of the original warranty term.