BOSSCO OC-3 Super Octave User manual

Owner’s Manual
DCAC
AC & BATTERY
POWERED
FET
Main Features
● World’s first octave pedal equipped with a “polyphonic octave”
function capable of polyphonic input, freeing guitarists from the
limitations of performing with monophonic input.
●
Features OC-2 mode for compatibility with that widely popular oc-
tave pedal. In addition to single octave capabilities, this unit also al-
lows you to blend in sounds two octaves below the original sound.
● Includes a “Drive mode” for creating wild octave effects in addi-
tion to adding distortion to sounds.
●
Equipped with a BASS IN jack for octave effects especially suited
for basses. Plug into the BASS IN jack, and the OC-3’s internal pro-
cessing switches to the optimal conditions for use with basses.
●
“DIRECT OUT” enables separate output of the direct and octave sounds.
OC-3_e1.book 1 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

2
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of BOSS OC-3 SUPER Octave.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and
“IMPORTANT NOTES” (separate sheet). These sections provide important information con-
cerning the proper operation of the unit.
Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature pro-
vided by your new unit, this manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be
saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
A battery is supplied with the unit. The life of this battery may be limited, however, since
its primary purpose was to enable testing.
Copyright © 2003 BOSS CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the
written permission of BOSS CORPORATION.
OC-3_e1.book 2 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

3
Notes Concerning Use of the OC-3
Please observe the following points to enjoy stable operation of the OC-3.
❍ Except when set to POLY mode (p. 7), the OC-3
is a monophonic-input effects processor. Take
care not to play chords with monophonic input.
In addition, if playing a note while another note
is currently being played, be sure to completely
mute the previous note before playing the sub-
sequent note.
❍ Connect the OC-3 directly to the guitar or bass
output.
Furthermore, simultaneously using a compres-
sor or limiter with the OC-3 provides even more
stable performance. In such setups, connect the
OC-3 to the output of the compressor or limiter.
❍ Turn down the guitar or bass tone when playing
in the lower registers or if the OC-3 is output-
ting sounds incorrectly.
❍
Switching to the guitar or bass’s front pickup
(the pickup closest to the instrument’s neck) is
recommended for performances using the OC-3.
Additionally, humbucking pickups provide
more stable operation than single-coil pickups.
❍ When the OC-3 is used in POLY mode (p. 7), the
volume of the octave sound starts to drop above
the 5th fret of the 1st string when used with gui-
tars (when connected to GUITAR IN), and
above the 14th fret of the 1st string when used
with basses (when connected to BASS IN). We
recommend using OCT2 mode (p. 7) if such
high registers are to be used extensively.
❍ Using the OC-3 in POLY mode (p. 7) provides a
more stable octave sound than in other modes.
OC-3_e1.book 3 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

4
Panel Descriptions
fig.01
1. AC Adaptor Jack
Accepts connection of an AC Adaptor (op-
tionally available BOSS PSA-Series). By us-
ing an AC Adaptor, you can play without
being concerned about how much battery
power you have left.
* As soon as you connect the AC adaptor, the unit is
turned on.
* If there are batteries in the unit while an AC
adaptor is being used, normal operation will
continue should the line voltage be interrupted
(power blackout or power cord disconnection).
* Use only the specified AC adaptor (PSA-Series).
2. CHECK Indicator
This indicator shows whether an effect is
ON/OFF, and also doubles as the Battery
Check indicator. The indicator lights when
an effect is ON.
3
1
4
5
6
2
OC-3_e1.book 4 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

5
Panel Descriptions
* If this indicator goes dim or no longer lights while
an effect is ON, the battery is near exhaustion and
should be replaced immediately. For instructions on
changing the battery, refer to “Changing the
Battery” (p. 12).
* The CHECK indicator shows whether the effect is
being applied or not. It does not indicate whether
the power to the device is on or not.
3. DIRECT OUT Jack,
OUTPUT (MONO) Jack
The output jacks are used to connect the unit
to an amplifier or another effects unit.
* Output may vary according to the connections.
Refer to “Outputting the Direct Sound and Octave
Sound Separately” (p. 11).
4. GUITAR IN Jack, BASS IN Jack
These jacks accept input signals (coming
from a guitar, a bass, some other musical in-
strument, or another effects unit).
* The unit’s functions differ according to how it is
connected. Refer to “Connections” (p. 8).
* When running the unit on battery power, the
GUITAR IN and BASS IN jacks double as power
switches. Power to the unit is turned on when you
plug into the GUITAR IN or BASS IN jack; the
power is turned off when the cable is unplugged. Be
sure to disconnect any cord plugged into the GUITAR
IN or BASS IN jack when not using this effects
device. When the AC adaptor is used, the power
remains on at all times, and this function is disabled.
5. Pedal Switch
Used for switching effects on/off.
6. Thumbscrew
When this screw is loosened, the pedal will
open, allowing you to change the battery.
* For instructions on changing the battery, refer to
“Changing the Battery” (p. 12).
OC-3_e1.book 5 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

6
Panel Descriptions
fig.02
7. DIRECT LEVEL Knob
This adjusts the volume of the direct sound.
Turn the knob to the right (clockwise) to in-
crease the direct sound.
This adjusts the total volume level when the
MODE knob (10.) is set to DRIVE.
8. OCT1 LEVEL (-1 octave level)
Knob
This adjusts the level of the sound one octave
below the original. The volume of the sound
one octave down increases as the knob is
turned to the right.
8 9 107
OC-3_e1.book 6 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

7
Panel Descriptions
9. CONTROL Knob
This knob’s function changes according to
the mode set with the MODE knob (10.).
RANGE
This functions as a RANGE knob when the
MODE knob is set to POLY.
This adjusts the range in which the octave effect is
applied. The effect extends into higher frequencies
as the knob is turned to the right; turning the knob
to the left limits the effect to lower frequencies.
OCT2 (-2 Octave Level)
This functions as a OCT2 knob when the MODE
knob is set to OCT2.
This adjusts the level of the sound two octaves
below the original. The volume of the sound
two octaves down increases as the knob is
turned to the right.
DRIVE
This functions as a DRIVE knob when the
MODE knob is set to DRIVE.
This adjusts the amount of distortion in the sound.
Turning the knob to the right intensifies the distortion.
10. MODE Knob
This switches the octave effect.
Changing this knob’s settings changes the
function of the CONTROL knob (9.).
POLY (Polyphonic)
Enables polyphonic input.
This mode creates a more stable octave sound
than available in other modes.
OCT2 (OC-2 Compatible)
In addition to providing sounds one octave be-
low the original input, this also allows you to
output sounds lowered by two octaves.
DRIVE
Adds distortion to the direct sound and octave
sound.
* Only the octave sound is distorted when a plug is
connected to DIRECT OUT (p. 11).
OC-3_e1.book 7 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

8
Connections
fig.03
AC Adaptor
BOSS PSA-series
(option)
Electric
Guitar
Bass
Guitar
OUT 9 V DC/200 mA
Guitar Amplifier
(Bass Amplifier) For mono use,
make the connection to
the OUTPUT (MONO) jack. * The GUITAR IN jack is given priority.
OC-3_e1.book 8 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

9
Connections
*When running the unit on battery power, inserting a plug into the GUITAR IN or BASS IN
Jack will automatically switch the unit on.
*The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit’s power consumption is relatively high.
Should you prefer to use batteries, please use the alkaline type.
* To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the
volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections.
* If there are batteries in the unit while an AC adaptor is being used, normal operation will
continue should the line voltage be interrupted (power blackout or power cord disconnection).
* Once the connections have been completed (p. 8), turn on power to your various devices in
the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction
and/or damage to speakers and other devices.
When powering up: Turn on the power to your guitar amp last.
When powering down: Turn off the power to your guitar amp first.
* Always make sure to have the volume level turned down before switching on power. Even
with the volume all the way down, you may still hear some sound when the power is switched
on, but this is normal, and does not indicate a malfunction.
* When operating on battery power only, the unit’s indicator will become dim when battery
power gets too low. Replace the battery as soon as possible.
OC-3_e1.book 9 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

10
Operating the Unit
fig.05
1. Turn the effect on.
When you have made the necessary con-
nections (p. 8), depress the pedal switch to
turn the effect on. (the CHECK indicator
turns red.)
2. Select the mode with the MODE knob.
3. Use the CONTROL knob to adjust the
range, the -2 octave level, or the drive
effect.
* The function varies according to the mode selected
in Step 2. Refer to “9. CONTROL Knob” in “Panel
Descriptions” (p. 7).
* Note that no octave sound is produced if the
DIRECT LEVEL knob or OCT1 LEVEL knob is set
to MIN while the MODE knob is set to “DRIVE.”
* Note that little or no octave sound is output if the
OCT1 LEVEL knob or CONTROL knob is set to
MIN while the MODE knob is set to “POLY.”
4. Use the OCT1 LEVEL knob to adjust the
volume of the sound one octave down.
5. Adjust the direct sound volume level with
the DIRECT LEVEL knob.
* When the MODE knob is set to “DRIVE,” the
DIRECT LEVEL knob adjusts the total volume
level.
4 3 25
OC-3_e1.book 10 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

11
Outputting the Direct Sound and Octave Sound Separately
When you connect a plug to DIRECT OUT, only the direct sound is output from the DIRECT
OUT jack, and only the octave sound is output from the OUTPUT (MONO) jack. This allows
you to add effects separately to the direct sound and the octave sound.
* In this case, sounds are output only from the DIRECT OUT jack when the effect is switched off.
<Connection Example>
When the OC-3 is in DRIVE mode (p. 7) while DIRECT OUT is connected, the direct sound (with-
out the distortion applied) is output from DIRECT OUT. Taking sounds with effects added using
a multi-effects processor or other such device and the sounds in DRIVE mode and playing them
through multiple amps allows you to produce an extremely low sound with greater separation.
In such settings, the DIRECT LEVEL knob (p. 6) adjusts the direct sound level.
Multi Effector etc. Electric
Guitar
Guitar Amplifier
OC-3_e1.book 11 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

12
Changing the Battery
When the indicator goes dim or no longer
lights while an effect is on, it means that the
battery is nearly dead and must be replaced.
Replace the battery following the steps below.
* The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit’s
power consumption is relatively high. Should you prefer to
use batteries, please use the alkaline type.
fig.09
1. Loosen the thumbscrew at the front of
the pedal, then lift the pedal upwards to
open the unit.
* The thumbscrew can be left in the pedal while
changing the battery.
2. Remove the old battery from the battery
housing, and remove the snap cord con-
nected to it.
3. Connect the snap cord to the new battery,
and place the battery inside the battery
housing.
*Be sure to carefully observe the battery’s polarity (+
versus –).
4. Slip the coil spring onto the spring base on
the back of the pedal, then close the pedal.
* Carefully avoid getting the snap cord caught in the
pedal, coil spring and battery housing.
5. Finally, insert the thumbscrew into the
guide bush hole and fasten it securely.
Thumbscrew Pedal
Spring Base
Coil Spring
Guide Bush
Hole
Battery Housing
Battery Snap
Cord
Battery
Snap
9V Battery
OC-3_e1.book 12 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

13
Troubleshooting
Power won’t come on / CHECK indicator doesn’t light:
● Is the specified adaptor (PSA-series;
sold separately) properly connected?
Check the connection once more (p. 8).
* Never use any AC adapter other than one specified
for use with the OC-3.
● Is the battery low or dead?
Replace with a new battery (p. 12).
* The battery that was supplied with the unit is for
temporary use, intended primarily for testing its
operation. For extended use, we suggest replacing it
with an alkaline battery.
● Is your guitar (or bass) properly connect-
ed to the GUITAR IN (or BASS IN) jack?
Check the connection once more (p. 8).
*To prevent useless depletion of the battery when the
unit is running on battery power, the power is
switched on only when a cable is plugged in to the
GUITAR IN or BASS IN jack.
* The CHECK indicator shows whether the effect is
being applied or not. It does not indicate whether
the power to the device is on or not.
OC-3_e1.book 13 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

14
Troubleshooting
No sound / Low volume:
● Is the OC-3 properly connected to your
instrument?
Check the connection once more (p. 8).
● Is the volume turned down on any guitar
amp or effects device you have connected?
Check the settings of the connected device.
● Is DIRECT OUT connected?
Sounds are output only from the DIRECT
OUT jack when the effect is switched off
while a plug is connected to the DIRECT
OUT jack. When the effect is off, the out-
put from the OUTPUT (MONO) jack is
muted, with no sounds being output (p.
11).
Sound is distorted:
● Is the battery low?
As the battery is drained, the CHECK in-
dicator dims, and the OC-3 may start to
function incorrectly. Replace with a new
battery (p. 12).
* The battery that was supplied with the unit is for
temporary use, intended primarily for testing its
operation. For extended use, we suggest replacing it
with an alkaline battery.
● Could the level of the sound being input
be excessive?
With some guitars, distortion may be pro-
duced. Be careful of your guitar’s output
level.
OC-3_e1.book 14 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

15
Setting Samples
Unison
Synthesizer Sound
Heavy Riff
Sub Sonic Drive
OC-3_e1.book 15 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

16
Setting Samples
Arpeggio
Boomy Bass
Dual Drive
Fat Sound
OC-3_e1.book 16 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

17
Main Specifications
OC-3: SUPER Octave
Nominal Input Level..................... -20 dBu
Input Impedance............................ 1 M Ω
Nominal Output Level.................. -20 dBu
Output Impedance ........................ 1 k Ω
Recommended Load Impedance. 10 k Ω or greater
Residual Noise ............................... -96 dBu (IHF-A, Typ.); All knobs at center position
Controls........................................... Pedal switch, DIRECT LEVEL knob, OCT1 LEVEL knob,
CONTROL knob, MODE knob,
Indicators ........................................ CHECK indicator (Serves also as battery check indicator)
Connectors...................................... GUITAR IN jack, BASS IN jack, OUTPUT (MONO) jack,
DIRECT OUT jack, AC adaptor jack (DC 9 V)
Power Supply................................. DC 9 V: Dry battery (9 V type) 6AM6/9 V (alkaline),
Dry battery (9 V type) S-006P/9 V (6F22/9 V)
AC Adaptor (PSA-series: optional)
OC-3_e1.book 17 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

18
Main Specifications
Current Draw ................................. 50 mA (DC 9 V)
* Expected battery life under continuous use:
Carbon 2: hours, Alkaline: 6 hours
These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
Dimensions..................................... 73 (W) x 129 (D) x 59 (H) mm
2-7/8 (W) x 5-1/8 (D) x 2-3/8 (H) inches
Weight ............................................. 440 g /1 lb (including battery)
Accessories...................................... Owner’s Manual
Leaflet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY,” “IMPORTANT
NOTES,” and “Information”)
Dry battery (9 V type) S-006P/9 V (6F22/9 V)
* The battery that was supplied with the unit is for temporary use-
intended primarily for testing its operation.
We also suggest replacing this with an alkaline dry cell.
Options............................................ AC Adaptor (PSA-Series)
*0dBu = 0.775 Vrms
* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change
without prior notice.
OC-3_e1.book 18 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC.
For EU Countries
For Canada
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
NOTICE
AVIS
For the USA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the users authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B Limit.
OC-3_e1.book 19 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分

G6017375
OC-3_e1.book 20 ページ ２００３年７月１１日 金曜日 午後６時４７分