Boss OC-5

A Revisited BOSS Legacy: From the OC-2 (1982) to the OC-5

Released in 1982, the OC-2 made history by popularizing the modern mono octaver, with a dense low end and a character immediately recognizable in the mix. The OC-5 follows this lineage by offering a Vintage mode faithful to the OC-2 spirit, while benefiting from more recent detection technology for a more stable attack and a more comfortable playing feel. Alongside, the Poly mode expands the playing field to meet current needs, from modern riffs to more complex harmonizations.

For Which Guitarists and Bassists?

The OC-5 is aimed both at musicians seeking a simple and effective octaver and at more discerning players who want to integrate octave effects into a versatile pedalboard. On guitar, it excels for "12-string" sounds, thickened leads, rock riffs, and more ambient textures. On bass, it allows reinforcement of the fundamental, broadening the low end and creating synth-like lines, both in studio and live settings. Its immediate approach makes it accessible, while its mix and range options encourage experimentation.

Controls, Modes, and Routing: A Pedal Designed for the Field

Dedicated level controls allow quick adjustment of the direct sound and each octave (-1, -2, +1). The VINTAGE / POLY selector adapts the effect's behavior to your playing: thick, classic mono in Vintage, or wider chords and voicings in Poly. In Poly mode, the Range knob (shared with -2 OCT) limits the octaver to low notes, useful for keeping chords clear while adding a foundation underneath, with a Lowest setting targeting only the lowest note. The GUITAR / BASS switch optimizes detection according to the instrument, and the Direct Out output facilitates Wet/Dry setups to two amps or two mixing channels.

Sound

The OC-5 offers a palette ranging from thick vintage mono tones to more open and defined polyphonic textures. In Vintage mode, the lower octave blends naturally and provides a very musical roundness, ideal for thickening a riff or giving a "synth" character to simple lines. In Poly mode, tracking remains precise on chords, with cleaner integration in the upper spectrum. The Octave-Up adds brightness and presence, either alone for a "doubling" effect or combined with lower octaves for massive and modern harmonies.

Technical specifications

Effects	Octaver / Harmony	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Brown
Type	sector

Bypass	Buffered bypass	PSA series AC adapter	sold separately
Modes	VINTAGE / POLY	Battery life (continuous use, varies with conditions)	approximately 7 hours
Detection Optimization	GUITAR / BASS switch	Required voltage	9 V
INPUT	6.35mm Jack	Current consumption	55 mA
OUTPUT	6.35mm Jack	Dimensions	73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm
DIRECT OUT	6.35mm Jack	Weight (including battery)	440 g