The DOD Meatbox (2015) is a reissue of the '90s subharmonic bass synthesizer, brought back by HARMAN's DigiTech in August 2015 at a suggested retail price of $187.44 MSRP12. DigiTech describes it as an octaver plus subharmonic synthesizer2, and the press release says it adds mammoth subharmonic enhancement and low-end power to bass guitars, extended-range and down-tuned guitars, synthesizers and even drum machines1. MusicRadar's review describes the effect as a synthesized sub-octave with a hint of envelope, unlike a conventional octaver, and notes it can even simulate subwoofers through a regular cab3. It belongs among octave and pitch pedals and sits alongside other bass pedals built to fatten a low end.
Controls and outputs
The reissue offers independent Octave, Output Level, Subharmonic and Low Frequency controls4. What each does:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Octave | Adjusts the blend of the subharmonic signal to the dry, unaffected signal1 |
| Output Level | Adjusts the output level of your signal when the effect is on; turn clockwise to increase2 |
| Subharmonic | Shapes the synthesized sub voice, alongside the Low control34 |
| Low | Tweaks the saw wave tone, together with the Sub knob3 |
The jack layout is where the Meatbox differs from most octave pedals. It has a single 1/4" instrument input and a 1/4" TRS output, with the tip carrying the octave plus sub signal, the ring carrying the dry signal, and the sleeve as ground2. Tom Cram, in DigiTech's press release, explained the point of that arrangement:
"The TRS Jack allows the signal to be split so that the octave+sub can be sent separately from the original dry signal to"
In practice, that means a bassist can send the dry signal to their amp and the sub-octave signal to the PA or a low-frequency driver, keeping the heavy low end out of a small cab. MusicRadar's reviewer found the pedal's raspy, nasal saw wave can be tweaked via the low and sub knobs3.
The original and the reissue
The 2015 pedal is based on the iconic DOD Meatbox circuit design with updated components1. Guitar Interactive Magazine called it an updated take on the cult favorite Meatbox from the '90s, which colored the bypassed tone4. The reissue addresses that with true bypass: the press release states that the reissue DOD Meatbox provides true bypass operation, leaving the player's tone uncolored when the effect is not engaged1, and Guitar Interactive's Jonathan Graham added that true bypass allows your tone to remain pristine even when the DOD Meatbox is off4. The reissue also gained the TRS output and a road-tough enclosure featuring DOD's classic retro graphics1.
Both the original '90s Meatbox and the 2015 reissue are discontinued. Lectric FX notes that the original manufacturers had similar advisories on the original product and its reissue, both of which are now discontinued5.
MusicRadar's overall verdict on the reissue: "The 2015 Meatbox is very much like the original; it's enormously fun, but ultimately niche."3
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Questions
Is the DOD Meatbox reissue true bypass?
Yes. DigiTech's press material for the 2015 reissue states that the pedal provides true bypass operation, leaving the player's tone uncolored when the effect is not engaged. Guitar Interactive Magazine likewise noted that true bypass allows your tone to remain pristine even when the Meatbox is off. This is one of the updates over the '90s original, which colored the bypassed tone.
Is the DOD Meatbox the same as an octave pedal?
Not quite. DigiTech describes it as an octaver plus subharmonic synthesizer. MusicRadar's review explains that, unlike a conventional octaver, the Meatbox adds a synthesized sub-octave with a hint of envelope to your tone. It sits in the octave and pitch family but with a synth-like sub voice rather than straightforward note tracking.
Can the Meatbox send the sub signal separately to a PA?
Yes. The 2015 reissue has a TRS output, and DigiTech's Tom Cram explained that the TRS jack allows the signal to be split so the octave plus sub can be sent separately from the original dry signal to the PA or a low-frequency driver. The tip carries the octave and sub, the ring carries the dry signal, and the sleeve is ground.
Is the DOD Meatbox still made?
No. Both the original '90s Meatbox and its 2015 reissue are discontinued, according to Lectric FX, which notes that the original manufacturers issued similar advisories on the original product and its reissue.
Can the Meatbox be used with guitar?
Yes. DigiTech's press release says the Meatbox adds subharmonic enhancement and low-end power to bass guitars, extended-range and down-tuned guitars, synthesizers and even drum machines, so it is not limited to bass.
What power does the DOD Meatbox reissue use?
The 2015 reissue provides a 9-volt power supply input alongside its input and output jacks, according to DigiTech's press release announcing the pedal.
Sources (5)
- DigiTech Launches DOD Meatbox Bass Synth Reissue, Premier Guitar, 2015-07-06
- DOD Meatbox, DigiTech, 2026-01-02
- DOD Meatbox 2015 review, MusicRadar, 2015-12-21
- DOD Gonkulator Ring Modulator and Meatbox Sub Synth Pedal Updates Introduced, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2015-09-10
- Soy Sauce Subharmonizer, Lectric-fx
