Crunch Box vs. OCD - how does the gain compare?

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 9:24 pm

So I currently have a MBM Crunch box which I think is really great, but want to know how it compares to the OCD?
Anyone played both? Which has more gain? What are the main differences?
Curious as a result of the MBM Dual Pedals.
I know Mike will probably be able to answer this quite easily...

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 9:35 pm

Just found this video - pretty useful. OCD sounds good - but Crunch Box is a bit more my taste, sounds like it has a bit more gain. Maybe the OCD low/mid gain sounds better, but I use the DLS for that anyway.
[youtube][/youtube]
Still interested in your thoughts.

the isaac eaton · Post by **the isaac eaton** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 9:45 pm

I have a pedal that I use as my main overdrive that's an OCD clone. It kinda flubs out a little at higher gain settings. I am thinking about getting a crunch box to leave on max gain for all that kinda stuff then putting the ocd down for lower gain stuff.

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 9:47 pm

Cool, cheers for that.

willlin · Post by **willlin** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 9:54 pm

the isaac eaton wrote:I have a pedal that I use as my main overdrive that's an OCD clone. It kinda flubs out a little at higher gain settings. I am thinking about getting a crunch box to leave on max gain for all that kinda stuff then putting the ocd down for lower gain stuff.

I am the proud owner of a dual MBM OCD/CB which I use for exactly this. Main drive sound OCD, Crunch Box for heavier stuff, both on for bad craziness.

Haze · Post by **Haze** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 9:55 pm

The OCD seems to have a bit more gain than the dls I have bt it also compresses it nicely and it feels more distorted than it really is. Using the right pickups it can get the broots but from the clips I've ears of the crunchbox it seems to have more gain on tap.
To me the OCD really shines as a low-medium gain pedal

Post by **Mike** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:14 pm

CB is heavier and a gain machine up max - I personally think it's a one trick pony with a very cool trick. Super musical feedback. Overdrive/Distortion Mix.

OCD is more versatile across the gain range, tons of bass when maxed out - hence some flub. Definitely an Overdrive, albeit a heavy one.

othomas2 · Post by **othomas2** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:37 pm

Crunch Box sounds very good... sounds better with the Les Paul but not so much with the strat... overall it sounds quite boxy and contained.

Ocd is a weird one for me... some days I truly love the thing and then other I think it's quite average. A love hate thing going on. I really like it with both tone & drive and 2 o'clock. Seems to sound its best at those settings with the gear I use. Add a little compression and sustain it covers those really high gain tones without sounding messy.

This does not answer any of your Q's so apologise now.

willlin · Post by **willlin** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 10:40 pm

The OCD has a much more positive tone knob range. The CB has (I think) a treble tone cut which can get a little bassy if turned too far to the left.

But much love for my dual drive Mike.

Rhysyrhys · Post by **Rhysyrhys** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 1:46 am

Mike wrote:CB is heavier and a gain machine up max - I personally think it's a one trick pony with a very cool trick. Super musical feedback. Overdrive/Distortion Mix.

OCD is more versatile across the gain range, tons of bass when maxed out - hence some flub. Definitely an Overdrive, albeit a heavy one.

I can slightly agree with your point... I say slightly, because I have been really into your clone since I've had it, but the CB is not a one trick pony in my eyes. Its very versatile but definitely has its own characteristics that it adds to your tone. I've really got into the lower drive settings on my MBM CB since having it and the harmonic order it produces are very pleasing and very useful.

The gain is fat on full. FAT. But lower down the gain spectrum it has a very marshallesque tone i.e. I've had a JMP50 MV MKII for ages and the (MBM) CB (at about the 9-10 o'clock position) really reminds me of winding the gain up to about 4-5 and getting that nice just OD sound. My GH50L really likes the gain structure that pedal produces too, no idea why. In fairness to what you say though, I have the gain whacked up with the Saltboost engaged for what I use it for, but I love my gain...

I've never loved the OCD... Something about that pedal just has never done it for me.

Post by **Mike** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 8:21 am

Well I'm glad you guys are digging your pedals, there is no more satisfying feeling (I say this because my sex life is non existant)

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 9:26 am

Nice one guys, useful stuff.
Basically what I'm hearing is that I need a MBM 4 in one box - CB, OCD, DLS, Saltbooster

Seriously though will check out the OCD for myself when I next go to town, but looks like I have the right distortion for me as it is.

Post by **Mike** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 9:38 am

haha a 4 in one in a long thin box would be so much fun.

Progrockabuse · Post by **Progrockabuse** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 9:42 am

Thom wrote:Nice one guys, useful stuff.
Basically what I'm hearing is that I need a MBM 4 in one box - CB, OCD, DLS, Saltbooster
Seriously though will check out the OCD for myself when I next go to town, but looks like I have the right distortion for me as it is.

DO THIS THOM!! do schizoid drive pedal!!!

Rhysyrhys · Post by **Rhysyrhys** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 12:29 pm

Progrockabuse wrote:
Thom wrote:Nice one guys, useful stuff.
Basically what I'm hearing is that I need a MBM 4 in one box - CB, OCD, DLS, Saltbooster
Seriously though will check out the OCD for myself when I next go to town, but looks like I have the right distortion for me as it is.
DO THIS THOM!! do schizoid drive pedal!!!

This + Footswitchable feedback loop.

Post by **Mike** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 1:07 pm

Eurgh. I hate it when people ask for Feedback loops.

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 6:30 pm

Progrockabuse wrote:
Thom wrote:Nice one guys, useful stuff.
Basically what I'm hearing is that I need a MBM 4 in one box - CB, OCD, DLS, Saltbooster
Seriously though will check out the OCD for myself when I next go to town, but looks like I have the right distortion for me as it is.
DO THIS THOM!! do schizoid drive pedal!!!

I'm actually talking to Mike about it...watch this space...

Rhysyrhys · Post by **Rhysyrhys** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 11:18 am

Mike wrote:Eurgh. I hate it when people ask for Feedback loops.

How comes?

Post by **Mike** » Wed Jan 27, 2010 11:19 am

I just think they're limited and silly. Real feedback is much more fun.