Carl Martin Ottawa
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Carl Martin
Ottawa
Product Info
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The Carl Martin Ottawa is a clever little box, offering a very different kind of wah experience. It’s fantastic for players wanting a dynamic, expressive sound without the footwork of a traditional wah – think funk, synth-like textures, or adding subtle movement to clean tones. It's a budget-friendly way to experiment with envelope filtering.
Product Description
- Carl Martin Ottawa
- Effects pedal for electric guitar and bass
- Auto Wah / Optical Envelope Filter
- The velocity determines the sound and the "position" of the wah
- Responds very dynamically to the playing style
- Controls: Attack (Sensitivity)
- Tone (High-Cut)
- Q (Bandwidth)
- Level
- Switch: HP High Pass/BP Band Pass/LP Low Pass (filter selection)
- LED: Effect On
- Footswitch: Effect bypass
- Input and output: 6.3 mm jack
- Mains adapter connection: Hollow plug socket 5.5 x 2.1 mm
- negative pole inside
- Power supply with a 9 V DC mains adapter (not included in delivery
- suitable power supply unit: Art. #409939#)
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 60 x 115 x 50 mm
- Weight: 340 g
*Note:* Battery operation is not supported
PROS
- • Optical engine delivers a uniquely organic, vocal-like wah response.
- • HP/BP/LP filter modes add tonal flexibility beyond standard wah.
- • Compact size and robust metal enclosure make it stage-ready.
- • Tone control allows for subtle or aggressive wah character shaping.
CONS
- • Lacks battery operation, requiring a power supply adapter.
- • Limited control over the 'sweep' range compared to traditional wahs.
- • The 'Q' control can be tricky to dial in without careful adjustment.
Product Video
Key Features
Wah Type
Optical Envelope Filter / Auto Wah
Controls
Attack, Tone, Q, Level
Auto/Manual
Primarily Auto (velocity-sensitive), with adjustable sensitivity.
Bypass Type
True Bypass
Power Supply
9V DC Adapter (5.5 x 2.1mm, negative pole)
Weight
340g
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*Note:* Register your Taylor guitar to extend your warranty to 12 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's more reactive and immediate than a Cry Baby's expression; the Ottawa responds more directly to picking intensity.
While it can be used with single coils, be mindful of the Attack setting; too high, and it will accentuate noise and harshness – a lower setting is generally preferable.
It’s more complex than a simple treble cut; it shapes the overall tonal color of the wah, allowing for darker, smoother, or brighter sounds.
