The Ashdown Octa Dose is an octave pedal for bass made by Ashdown Engineering. It generates a note one octave below what you play and blends it under your clean signal, which Ashdown says makes it easy to dial in anything from subtle thickening undertones to full on sub synth bass1.
What it does to a bass signal
The Octa Dose builds on the sub harmonizer Ashdown first included in its ABM range of bass amplifiers, a circuit that delivers an octave lower than the note played. The pedal version puts that idea under your foot, with two knobs that shape the blend1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Direct | Controls the amount of clean bass signal |
| Octave | Adjusts the amount of low-octave signal |
That two-knob layout means you can run a little sub under your normal tone for weight, or push the Octave control up for an out-and-out synth bass effect, with the Direct knob setting how much of your original signal stays in the mix1.
Background
The Octa Dose is part of Ashdown's Dr. Green line of bass effects. Ashdown describes it as making it easy to dial in anything from subtle thickening undertones to full on sub synth bass, and houses it in a custom designed steel casing that will stand up to being stomped on night after night1.
Ashdown has since built out a wider pedal range, including the Triple Shot three-band overdrive and the James LoMenzo Mega Drive, but the Octa Dose remains the company's take on the octave effect for bass players1.
Build and warranty
Ashdown houses the pedal in a custom designed steel casing that the company says will stand up to being stomped on night after night. All Ashdown products purchased include a five year warranty1.
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Questions
Is the Ashdown Octa Dose true bypass?
Yes. Ashdown says the pedal features true bypass switching, so when it is off your bass signal passes through without the octave circuit in the way. That helps keep your clean tone intact on a pedalboard where the Octa Dose is only switched on for particular songs or passages.
Is the Ashdown Octa Dose an octave down pedal?
Yes. It is an octave pedal for bass that generates a signal one octave below the note played. Ashdown describes it as an expansion of the sub harmonizer circuit the company first included in its ABM range of bass amplifiers, and the Octave knob sets how much of that low-octave signal is blended in.
Can you use the Ashdown Octa Dose with a guitar?
Ashdown markets the Octa Dose as an octave pedal for bass, and its Direct control is described as setting the amount of clean bass signal. The company's product page presents it as a bass pedal, so guitarists considering it should treat it as a bass-oriented design rather than a dedicated guitar octave pedal.
How long is the warranty on Ashdown pedals?
Ashdown states that all Ashdown products purchased include a five year warranty, which covers the Octa Dose along with the rest of the company's pedals and amplifiers.
Sources (1)
- Octa Dose, Ashdown Engineering
