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The best pedalboard power supply is a necessity that every guitar players should have. It is not something that you can't have, especially if you are playing with multiple stompboxes. And in this guide, I will show you some of the top options for this kind of guitar amenity.
For amateurs, it seems that any power supply can work for their effects pedal. But once you go deeper on this matter, you will realize that the mechanism in which you power the pedals can affect their overall performance. Take note that each pedal has their own "power requirement." Not all of the power supplies can bring the best out of them.
All I know is that an appropriate pedalboard power supply can create high-quality signals. On the other hand, flimsy ones can generate signals that are muddled with unwanted hum and noises. There's a matter regarding isolated power that you should understand as well.
I will elucidate all these matters to you later on. But first, let me highlight all the top choices that you have for a pedalboard power supply on the market today. Don't worry. I have explained all things in a manner that even the simplest of us can understand. Let us start!
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Today, the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus is one of the most reputable options for a pedalboard power supply. It has the essential qualities that can make it as the cream-of-the-crop. It has constantly been picked by various guitar players because of its exceptional performance and construction. Technically, this Pedal Power 2 Plus is considered as the most impeccable power supply that can work for different types of guitar pedals.
This unit comes with eight outputs (9 volts each) that are capable of operating any battery-powered stompboxes. It is also notable that each of the effects is isolated and comes with circuit protection. Therefore, it can always render clean and powerful signals, regardless of the application. The outputs are also regulated and filtered to prevent unwanted noises and to hum while ensuring reliability on the operation.
Also, it is important to consider that the Pedal Power 2 has a set of high-current outputs. You can use these outputs if you want to power up new types of effects pedal such as the Nova series of TC Electronic, Line 6 Modelers, and the notorious Boss Twins. This pedalboard power supply has variable voltage outputs that you can utilize when simulating worn out batteries. If you will pair it with voltage-doubler wire, the Pedal Power 2 Plus can operate a myriad of 24-volt and 18-volt effects pedals simultaneously.
Again, let me emphasize that each output of the Pedal Power 2 Plus are isolated. They ensure that your rig will never get noisy at all. It has a custom-made toroidal transformer and pairs of balanced windings to muffle even the noisiest of pedals. Notably, this device is using a high-grade linear supply to ensure that the power it provides will be clean and stable.
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Via Amazon.com
At a glance, any pros can easily deem that the Truetone 1 SPOT PRO CS12 has a fine quality. This pedalboard power supply is capable of supporting up to twelve effects pedals simultaneously. Even if you switch them on together, the pedals will get equal and unadulterated power, resulting in clean and articulated sound results. It is not too common to see a power supply for pedalboard that has the same qualities as the Truetone 1 SPOT PRO CS12. And perhaps, that is a testament that this one is almost peerless in its field.
The Truetone 1 SPOT PRO CS12 provides compatibility with old batteries. If you have some fuzz or overdrive pedals on your pedalboard that works well with old batteries, then just use this power supply to them. Specifically, you just have to adjust the power knob between 9 volts to 4 volts until you can get the desired tone that you want. This is the capability that only a variable power supply can give.
Also, it is notable that some outlets of the Truetone 1 SPOT PRO CS12 can be switched from 9 volts to 12 volts. It is a versatility on its operation that ensures that you can get the appropriate power for your pedal. You can see switches at the bottom part of its power brick that you can use to combine any values at will. With this feature, you can power up your current pedals and any other newer versions of effects pedals that you plan to invest.
Furthermore, The Truetone 1 SPOT PRO CS12 offers all the essentials wires that you can use to connect any types of effects pedals that exist today. The package also includes three adapters for other special-grade pedals (those that have quirky jacks or reverse polarity designs). Meanwhile, there is a 9-volt adapter wire that you can use to power battery-operated effects pedals.
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Via Amazon.com
Not all pedalboard power supplies are expensive. That's what I have proven with the T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior Power Supply. It is an affordable option that any frugal guitarist can take. However, you should not quickly judge its quality because of its entry-level price. After all, this power supply would never be on this list if it is shabby and unworthy. This one can still operate your effects pedals efficiently and practically.
The T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior Power Supply is capable of operating up to five pedals simultaneously. The first two power supplies have the double the capacity of this unit that we have here. And perhaps, that's the reason why it has a lower price than the rest of them. But still, the features of the T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior Power Supply is never lagging behind. This compact tool can provide a guaranteed isolated 9V isolated outputs. It can power different combinations of stompboxes for your bass and guitar.
This power supply can be switched from 115 volts to 230 volts or vice versa. Therefore, the way it powers your effects pedals is versatile and purely ergonomic. Paired with its compact and portable design, the T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior Power Supply is also the perfect choice for guitar players who are always on the move. Nomad guitarists can always confidently take this anywhere.
Of course, you can always trust the noise-reduction feature of this power supply. Although it may not be as good as those high-end units, it can still adequately make your noisy pedals shut up. When it comes to construction, the T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior is never cheap. It is made to withstand the harsh conditions of live gigs and performances.
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Via Amazon.com
The Walrus Audio Phoenix is a known powerhouse in the community. It is a power supply that offers fifteen isolated outputs that can support different types of effects pedal at the same time. It also has a set of custom-made internal wound toroidal transformers, which ensures that the power it produces is clean and powerful. There is enough filtering that happens on this power supply to improve the purity and articulation of the signal chain.
Considering the Walrus Audio Phoenix is a practical idea if you already own the Blackbird Boards, Pedal Pad, Holeyboards, and Pedaltrain pedal boards. Mounting this power supply to these boards is truly easy and hassle-free. If you want, you can get the separate mounting kit that this brand offers for a quicker installation.
This power supply can also work for touring players because of its robust construction. Specifically, the Phoenix has a rugged textured casing that protects the circuitries from being compromised. Although it is not as compact as the T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior, carrying the Walrus Audio Phoenix will never cause you any difficulties.
Four of the 9-volt outputs of the Phoenix have 300mA rating. You can use these outlets to operate large and powerful digital pedals like the Timeline and the Strymon BigSky. Moreover, two of the outputs have toggle switches that allow you to interchange their operation to either 9 volts or 12 volts. Meanwhile, one output can be toggled to support 9-volt or 18-volt operation. Overall, this versatility is something that any pros can utilize on their performances.
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Even if you are reading this guide, you are still clueless about the functions and importance of a power supply for pedalboard. That is completely okay, as I am here to educate people, not discriminate.
Right from the start, having a power supply can certainly make the difference to the overall operation and performance of your effects pedals. Without them, your stompboxes might sound too groggy and annoying. More than that, here are the things that you should convince you to invest in this device.
Not all power supplies are created equal. It is a fact that you should always remember whenever you are looking for any viable options for this item. Some power supplies are not compatible with your setup, while others might be too inadequate or overkill for you. But none of these can determine the quality of a power supply? So what are they? Check out the guide below.
When choosing a power supply, make sure that you can get the one with isolated outlets or outputs. If the power outlets are not isolated, you will still suffer from this problem: noise. This issue typically happens if you are running different effects pedals at the same time.
There is no word that can describe the importance of isolated power to power supplies. A noisy setup that doesn't have an isolated power supply will never be regulated. The issue of noise tends to spike up as the number of stompboxes that you are using increases. A daisy chain connection cannot help with this problem because its reliability is never on point.
As a matter of fact, I would prefer using a 9-volt battery over daisy chains because batteries are still forms of isolated power. But there is no need to this anymore as power supplies can provide you with this kind of convenience. Each of the outputs has regulators that ensures that each pedal you plug on them can get dedicated power for operation.
I am not really particular when it comes to the price of a power supply. I would immediately get something if it can offer the things that I am looking for. But of course, I am not saying that I am the filthy-rich kind. I still consider the price. However, I tend to supersede this factor once I gauge that the power supply can really do the job.
An expensive power supply can offer better performance and versatility. They can provide more outlets and features than their cheaper counterparts. However, that doesn't mean that entry-level power supplies suck already. If you just want something that can support your daily practice sessions, these affordable options are already a good deal to take.
Power supplies vary in outlets or outputs. The higher the number of outlets, the more pedals it can support. For those who are using multiple pedals during their performances, it is necessary that they should get a power supply with multiple outlets. Also, it would be great if the outlets can be switched to different operating power. That feature can improve their versatility in dealing with effects pedals that have different voltage requirement.
Since we are talking about pedalboard power supplies, it is essential that we discuss their size or footprint as well. Even if a particular power supply has all the essential features that you need, if it can fit in your setup, it is pretty useless. Most of the time, compact power supplies are preferred over larger ones by hobbyists.
Cluttered pedalboards have no room for bulky supplies anymore. Space will always become an issue when installing an extra power supply. Therefore, you should be considerate enough to size up any power supply that you are interested in getting.
The best pedalboard power supply can ensure that all of your stompboxes can work harmoniously. If you want a smooth operation while playing with your favorite pedals, get an ergonomic power supply immediately. They can solve all the mess and noise that disturbs you from rocking all out.
There are different options that you can get from this particular device. However, the four units that I have featured here can provide you with a satisfying construction and performance right from the get-go. You can always take the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus as an example. It can offer multiple isolated outlets without compromising its footprint. It can generate a clean signal for your pedals, regardless of their type and voltage requirement.
Of course, the rest of the pedalboard power supplies that I listed here have impressive qualities, too. I am not telling you that they should be your only choices. But it would be better if they are on the list of your priorities in your shopping list.
In the end, I will just hope that I was able to help you out when it comes to choosing the right power supply for your pedals. It always gratifies me to aid fellow guitar players in their search for the best gears for their rig.
If you have some other questions or recommendations, just drop them in the comment section below!
Hi everyone! Im Monica and I am an avid lover of guitars and everything in-between. My current profession is not really music-related. It is quite discouraging but I just don't want to drop my zeal--especially not to guitars! I created GuitarTrance.Com so that I can keep up with my hobby. Of course, I want to engage with the community as well! Hope we can all get along!