Electro-Harmonix Octavix
Vintage Fuzz and Octave Bliss.
£109 at amazon.co.uk | £109 at andertons.co.uk
Get ready to experience the raw power of the late '60s fuzz with the Electro-Harmonix Octavix. Inspired by the original Fuzz Face, the Octavix delivers a sharp and noisy fuzz tone paired with an octave-up effect, adding a layer of sonic richness reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix's iconic sound. Pair it with a Stratocasters neck pickup through a clean Marshall-style amp and - instant "Purple Haze" bliss.
The Octavix keeps things simple with volume, boost, and octave knobs. However, the range of tonal shaping options is somewhat limited. The volume control quickly goes from zero to maximum volume, leaving little room for nuanced adjustments. There is a sweet spot just beyond the minimum volume setting that delivers a vintage tube amp-like distortion. The boost knob doesn't significantly affect the fuzz intensity but adds a pleasing fullness to the tone. Turn the boost down for a thinner fuzz tone. The octave knob doesn't produce a pronounced octave effect even at its highest setting. It sounds more like a boost to the high-end frequencies. The pedal sounds best with all three knobs maxed out. The 24V switch increases the volume and gain of the pedal while also making the octave effect more pronounced. Switch to 24V for a tighter, more compressed tone.
Unfortunately, most of the knob combinations on the Octavix don’t sound great. Dialing in a good tone that works with your guitar and amp setup takes a while. However, if you are looking to capture Jimi Hendrix's signature sound, the Octavix won't disappoint.
The build quality of the pedal is excellent. Sturdy construction, firm knobs and a reliable footswitch. The psychedelic artwork makes it difficult to read the knob labels. The knobs don’t really do what you would expect anyway, so maybe that is part of the charm of the Octavix.
The pedal comes with a 9.6V power adapter, but using a standard 9V power supply doesn't seem to make a noticeable difference in sound. Additionally, you have the option to power the pedal with a 9V battery.
When it comes to pricing, the Octavix is slightly more expensive than the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff. While the Octavix offers a subtle octave effect, the Big Muff is just a lot more versatile. With the additional tone control and a broader range of fuzz, the Big Muff can replicate almost any sound on the Octavix and so much more. It’s worth considering the Big Muff (our review here) as the more versatile option. Depending on your budget, adding a dedicated octave pedal, like the EHX POG or a Digitech Whammy, will expand your musical possibilities beyond the realm of Hendrix-inspired riffs.
Bottom Line
The Octavix by Electro-Harmonix is a fantastic tool for capturing that sought-after Hendrix tone. EHX did an excellent job recreating the fuzz sound of the late 60s, ensuring it works well with almost any guitar and amp combo. However, if you're looking to add a fuzz pedal to your pedalboard, there are other options available that offer greater versatility at a comparable or even lower price.