The Broughton Audio Subsonic is an analog octaver, a pedal that generates a note one octave below what you play. Broughton Audio describes it as "a recreation of the classic OC-2", the Boss octave pedal that set the template for this kind of circuit, and says the Subsonic "is faithful to the original tone of the OC-2 while adding modern upgrades that make it even more useful."1 It sits in the octave and pitch family of effects.
What an OC-2 style octaver does
The original Boss OC-2, which the Subsonic is based on, is a basic octaver that can produce two extra voices in addition to the original signal: one an octave below, the other two octaves below the original voice.2 Reviewers have long described the OC-2's appeal in analog terms. In a Pedal of the Day review, the OC-2's octave effect was described as sitting "one and two octaves below the original note",3 and in a Guitar World guide to bass effects, the writers noted that "the analog circuit sounded gorgeous".4 Boss itself, in its own pitch pedal buying guide, points to a "Vintage" mode that recreates the OC-2's "warm analog character".5
The Subsonic is Broughton Audio's take on that circuit: the maker describes it as "a recreation of the classic OC-2." It simplifies the control layout to independent Clean and Octave volume controls, with the -2 octave removed.1
Controls
With the -2 octave removed, the Subsonic gives you one octave-down voice to blend against your clean tone rather than the two extra voices the original OC-2 could produce.12
Power and specifications
The Subsonic accepts 9 to 18 volts DC. Current draw is listed at 5mA at 9V and 10mA at 18V, so it is a light load on any isolated supply. Input impedance is 1Mohm and output impedance is 100 ohm.1
The Subsonic's soft touch relay bypass replaces the old active bypass. Broughton Audio states that the active bypass circuitry has been removed as part of the update from the original OC-2 design.1
Size and price
Broughton Audio lists the enclosure at 4.77 inches long by 2.6 inches wide, a compact standard-format footprint. The list price is US$195.00.1
Questions
Is the Broughton Audio Subsonic based on the Boss OC-2?
Yes. Broughton Audio describes the Subsonic as a recreation of the classic OC-2, the analog octaver Boss first made famous for its warm, tracking octave-down voice. The company says the Subsonic is faithful to the original tone of the OC-2 while adding modern upgrades that make it more useful on a modern pedalboard.
Does the Subsonic have a second octave down?
No. The Subsonic uses independent Clean and Octave volume controls, and Broughton Audio notes that the -2 octave found on the original OC-2 design has been removed. That leaves one octave-down voice alongside your clean signal, rather than the two extra voices the original OC-2 could produce.
What kind of bypass does the Subsonic use?
The Subsonic uses soft touch relay bypass. Broughton Audio states that this replaces the old active bypass, with the active bypass circuitry removed as part of the update to the original OC-2 circuit and components.
Can the Subsonic run on 18 volts?
Yes. The Subsonic accepts 9 to 18 volts DC. Current draw is listed at 5mA at 9V and 10mA at 18V, so it is a light load either way and easy to run from a standard isolated pedalboard supply.
How big is the Broughton Audio Subsonic?
Broughton Audio lists the enclosure at 4.77 inches long by 2.6 inches wide, a compact footprint that fits alongside other standard pedals on a board.
Sources (5)
- Subsonic, Broughton Audio
- TONEHOME, TONEHOME
- Boss OC-2 Octave, Pedal of the Day, 2025-04-06
- Best bass effects pedals: best pedals for every style, Guitar World, 2021-12-20
- How to Choose a Pitch Pedal, BOSS (articles.boss.info), 2025-10-27
