If you own a bunch of guitar pedals, you’ll probably put them together on a pedalboard. A pedalboard power supply allows you to power supply all of them with a single device, keeping things tidy, nice, and safe.
Why should you consider buying a pedalboard power supply?
Because it is not always a good idea to rely on batteries, you won’t like to run out of batteries in the middle of a solo onstage. A pedalboard power supply is a reliable means of providing the electric power your pedals need.
Perhaps your pedals use different supply voltages. Even though most pedals use 9V (DC), you may have some that use different voltages, like 12V, 18V, 24V (DC), or even 9V (AC). A pedalboard power supply has a bunch of outputs with different voltage values.
You also have to take into account that not all pedals can be run with batteries. Depending on the supply voltage they use and their current supply needs, the manufacturer will sometimes provide you with an AC power adapter. What happens if you supply your 10 guitar pedals with their respective AC power adapters? Yeah, you end up with a big mess.
For all these reasons (and a few others I’ll discuss here), a power supply unit for your guitar pedals is a great investment.
What Is A Pedalboard Power Supply?
A pedalboard power supply is basically a device that provides a few guitar pedals with the electrical power they need to operate.
It is the most convenient way to power supply all the pedals on your pedalboard. Instead of having a bunch of different power adapters (one for each pedal) or using a battery for each pedal (when possible), you simply connect the pedalboard power supply to the mains socket and connect every pedal to it.
But how does it work? It takes the line AC input and converts it to DC. The number of outputs, their nominal output voltages, the maximum current they’re able to provide, and the quality of the supplied power varies from device to device.
As always, the more you spend on a power supply, the higher the quality. And depending on how and when you use guitar pedals, you’ll probably need a good quality power supply.
On the other hand, if you simply want to avoid using batteries and want a pedalboard power supply for using it at home, you may use cheaper solutions.
How are guitar pedals powered?
Most guitar pedals need a DC supply voltage to operate (some pedals like Line6 modelers use AC voltage). When you supply them with a voltage, an electric current flows from +V to the ground, allowing the circuits to do their stuff.
Now, what’s this current like? It depends on the circuits. Usually, digital circuits draw higher currents, while simple circuits (like most overdrives) require just a few milliamperes.
In any case, any pedal will tell you how much current it needs to operate. It is not exactly how much current it actually draws (it is usually much less), but what is the minimum current that the power supply is able to deliver.
How do you actually deliver electric power to a guitar pedal? In any case, these are the basics:
- Power supply input jack.
Every single pedal has an input jack to connect an external power supply. Although the characteristics of this jack may vary among pedals, there is a sort of de-facto standard: the 2.1mm tip-negative jack and plug arrangement, first introduced by BOSS pedals. - Internal battery.
When the current consumption of the pedal is not too high, it may use a 9V battery. However, there are some pedals that don’t allow using batteries. This is the case with most digital pedals, such as delay or reverb, and modulators. In any case, I find the use of batteries a little risky: imagine you’re in the middle of a solo and your distortion pedal runs out of battery. Now what? Either for a hardcore use of pedals when gigging or for sporadic use at home, my recommendation is to rely on a pedalboard power supply. Just pick the option that is best for you. - Input Jack as an on/off switch.
It is very common for guitar pedals to incorporate a stereo jack for the input plug, even though the signal path is mono. This is because one of the tips of the plug, when connected to the ground, will make the pedal to be actionable only if a jack is plugged in. Otherwise, the pedal won’t switch on. This is very practical if you use the pedal with batteries.
Now, what makes pedalboard power supply units different from each other?
Best Pedalboard Power Supplies
In this section, I’ll list 15 of the best pedalboard power supplies. I haven’t tested all of them, but I include them in this list because they are the ones I see more often at the stores and on the pedalboards of most guitarists.
I have copied the description and main features of all of them, just like they appear on their websites.
#1 Voodoo Lab Pedal Power Mondo
Pedal Power® MONDO is a high-current capable power supply that can power the largest and most diverse pedalboards.
From digital power-hungry effects like those from Strymon, Eventide, Line 6, TC Electronic, and more, plus compatibility with all standard 9-volt battery stompboxes, MONDO is perfect for large to gigantic pedalboards. Features 12 completely isolated, filtered, and regulated output sections that will keep your pedals dead quiet and free from high-frequency noise that occurs with digital “switching” power supplies.
Pedal Power MONDO also features an internal thermometer that controls a silent fan keeping the unit cool even under the most adverse heat conditions of outdoor festival stages. Even with poor AC line conditions, it delivers clean, consistent power.
Handmade in the USA using the finest components, Pedal Power MONDO was designed to meet and exceed the needs of our most demanding professional users.
- 12 isolated outputs sections eliminate ground loops and hum
- All outputs are compatible with 9V battery-operated pedals
- 6 outputs high-current capable for modern digital effects
- Powers Strymon, Eventide, Line 6, Boss Twin, TC Nova, Moog, and more
- 2 outputs with Sag simulate a low battery
- Toroidal transformers and linear regulation for the lowest possible noise
- Temperature controlled variable speed fan
- Includes cables and detachable AC line cord
- Courtesy AC outlet
- Engineered and handmade in the USA
- 5-year warranty
#2 Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus
Pedal Power® 2 Plus does it, and does it well because any less will degrade your pedal’s performance.
Players everywhere upgrade to Pedal Power 2 Plus because it powers what conventional power supplies can’t. Pedal Power 2 Plus is hand-made in the USA, comes complete with cables, a detachable AC power cord, a 5-year warranty, and simply makes you sound better!
- 9/12V (x4) – Standard 9V and 12V Boss ACA
- 9V (x2) – High Current 9V and Line 6 Modelers
- 9V (x2) – Standard 9V With Battery Sag Control
- 18V/24V – Using Custom Cables
- Isolation is more than fixing ground loops.
- A proprietary balanced transformer makes it possible.
- Switching power supplies aren’t for everything.
#3 Cioks Ciokolate
To mark the 20th anniversary of the company, we’ve made the most powerful and versatile power supply for effect pedals on the market – Cioks Ciokolate.
With some additions and a slightly different design, we’ve put the DC10 and AC10 power supplies in one box. Loads of power, almost endless compositions of different voltages, and a great selection of included Flex cables make this power supply a really strong tool for powering big pedal boards with many different pedals.
Cioks Ciokolate power supply will power several high current digital pedals, high voltage 18, 24, or even 40V pedals, one or two AC pedals, one or two Radial Tonebone pedals, or simulating a dying battery. It will power your old favorite fuzz or overdrive. On top of that, it will, of course, also power all your standard 9V pedals from its many isolated outlets.
- 16 outlets configured in 12 isolated sections
- two toroidal transformers with additional magnetic field shielding
- four powerful DC sections, three with 400mA each and one with 600mA
- two powerful AC sections with 800mA each and voltages 9, 12, and 16V AC
- two 15V outlets for Radial Tonebone pedals
- possibility of 18 or 24V from a single outlet
- will power a 40V pedal with Stack Flex
- one outlet with adjustable voltage in the range of 4-15V
- short circuit protection of all outlets
- advanced LED monitoring of each section
- temperature monitoring
- 120 or 230V mains voltage operation
- a total of 24 Flex cables included
- Split Flex and 3-way Daisy chain Flex both for powering more than one pedal of a single outlet, included
- Stack Flex and Serial Adapter Flex for powering an 18, 24, or 40V pedals using two isolated outlets included
- Flex cable for Electro-Harmonix vacuum tube pedals included
- durable enclosure with a bottom made of 1.3mm steel for stability and a 2.0mm aluminum top for better cooling and lower weight
- silent microprocessor-controlled fan to ensure optimal operating temperature for long-term reliability
- complete mounting kit for pedal boards included (two mounting brackets and all the needed screws are included, no need for taller feet with PT -3 or PT-PRO)
#4 T-Rex Fuel Tank Classic
This is the Classic FuelTank that has 3 different output sections: 9 volt DC, 12 volt DC and 12 volts AC.
Each section is isolated. No more batteries to change. No more tangled cables to trip over. FuelTank is the perfect power supply unit for guitarists who want to focus on their performance, not their gear. Delivering 1.500 mA through ten DC plugs, FuelTank powers all your pedals – keeping you running on full power night after night.
With a compact design, FuelTank conveniently fits every pedal board, including the T-Rex ToneTrunk effect board. And it comes with all the cables you need to get you up and running. The dimensions of the FuelTank are: (WxHxD) 160 x 39 x 81mm (inches 6,29 x 1,53 x 3,18).
FuelTank delivers 1.500 mA of reliable power. Two of the ten outputs provide 12-volt power with isolated ground – one DC and the other AC, for AC pedals.
- MAINS input power plug, 3-pin standard plug
- Voltage selector, 115/230 volts
- Eight 9-volt DC output plugs all share the same ground.
- Giving a total of 500 mA
- One 12-volt DC output with isolated ground, giving 500 mA
- One 12-volt AC output with isolated ground, giving 500 mA
- Slow burning fuse 250V 250mA
#5 T-Rex Fuel Tank Chameleon
The Fuel Tank Chameleon is only the latest addition to the T-Rex Fuel Tank family.
Our original Fuel Tank Classic features 9V DC, 12V DC, and 12V AC outlets in three isolated blocks of 500mA each and is ideal for medium-sized pedal boards. It comes with lots of single patch cables and a multiple link cable. The Fuel Tank “Juicy Lucy” powers 5 12V pedals and also offers great extras, like multiple unit linking.
The baby of the family – Fuel Tank Junior – is a good choice for a small number of 9V pedals. It offers both current doublings to 240 mA and voltage doubling to 18V.
- 5 outputs each with 300 mA ( = 1500 mA)
- Output 5/6 choice of either 9/12v DC or 12v AC
- Choice of 9V DC, 12V DC, 112V AC or 18VDC -150mA
- Noise-canceling galvanic isolated outputs
- Traditional EI Transformer
- Several different voltage types served
- Current doubler = the possibility of as much as 600 mA
- Switchable 115V or 230V
- Compact, rugged, road-ready design
#6 Pedaltrain Powertrain 1250
For years folks have asked, “Why don’t you have a power supply of your own?” We had a lot of excuses.
The main reason was that we felt there were plenty of great power supply choices out there, and there are! But over time, we saw a need for a super quiet, primarily 9volt supply with a few innovative optional features. So we partnered with the brilliant electronic engineers at Creation Audio Labs in Nashville and are now proud to introduce the Powertrain1250.
With selectable input voltage (115v or 230v) operation, you can confidently use your powertrain1250 anywhere in the world! The powertrain1250 mounts conveniently underneath all pedal trains (excluding NANO and MINI) by simply drilling 4 small holes using our custom-designed mounting template. No mounting brackets are necessary!
- Seven 9V outputs
- one variable-voltage output
- Variable-voltage input switches between 9, 12, 15, and 18 volts
- Mounts neatly, without mounting brackets, underneath your Pedaltrain
- Mounting template included
#7 Eventide Powerfactor 2
Eventide PowerFactor 2 has 8 regulated and well-filtered DC outlets configured in 8 isolated sections.
With a total of 2200mA, it’s a perfect solution for bigger rigs only with pedals using a DC power source. Its four powerful sections with 400mA each will power up to four Eventide stompboxes. The first 4 outlets, offering 2x100mA and 2x200mA, are perfect for standard 9V battery-operated pedals.
- 8 outlets configured in 8 isolated sections
- Toroidal transformer with additional magnetic field shielding
- 4 powerful DC sections with 400mA each, able to power four Eventide Factor pedals
- Mounting kit included
- Short circuit protection of all outlets
- Advanced LED monitoring of each section.
- Temperature monitoring
- 115V/230V mains voltage selector switch
- Standard IEC Power Cable (included)
- Durable steel enclosure with a 2mm thick top
- Size: 8.5” x 3.5” x 1.75”, 216mm x 89mm x 44.5mm (with rubber feet on)
- Weight: 3.25 lbs , 1.47 kg
- 5-year warranty
#8 Digitech V-10
Your pedalboard is the sum of all its parts. Power your pedals with the same high-quality materials that every HardWire pedal is built with. The CSA-Certified HardWire V-10 Power Block ensures ultimate tonal integrity, protection, and low noise for your pedalboard.
The HardWire V-10 Power Block’s 10 fully-isolated DC outputs are arranged to provide the power your pedals need with four 9V 150mA outputs, two sets of 9V/12V outputs that can be merged to provide 300mA or 400mA, and two more variable outputs to starve voltage from 5V-9V for the drained battery tone.
The V-10 Power Block powers anything from vintage fuzz to modern power-hungry digital pedals, all with low-noise fully-isolated outputs. Power your pedalboard with the HardWire V-10 Power Block knowing that your pedals are protected and performing at the highest possible level night after night. And as expected, the HardWire V-10 comes with our exceptional 6-year warranty.
- 10 fully isolated outputs eliminate ground loop buzz
- A shielded toroidal transformer eliminates interference.
- Short circuit protection and filtering on each output
- 2 sets of merging outputs for power-hungry digital pedals
- Heavy-gauge aircraft-grade aluminum for maximum heat dissipation
- Durable, compact design mounts under Pedaltrain™ pedalboards
- 6-year manufacturer warranty
#9 Accel FX Power Source 8
Accel’s FX Power Source 8 Eight Output Power Supply is designed with a high-efficiency transformer.
Each output is fully isolated and regulated with over-voltage protection. The all-aluminum anodized enclosure dissipates the heat rapidly and keeps components cool. Equipped with a voltage select switch, allows the power supply to work properly anywhere in the world.
The “FX Power Source 8″ mounts conveniently into the front load bay of all Accel pedal board modules with only three M4 mounting screws (supplied). The FX Power Source 8 powers, 9V, 12V & 18V effects pedals. While there are 2 adjustable outputs (9V-18V & 5V-9V) and 4 selectable outputs (9V or 12V), 9V’s are available on all outputs to work with the majority of effects pedals on the market.
- Detachable AC cord
- 150W AC output outlet
- Input AC voltage select switch
- All DC Outputs are isolated and regulated.
- Over current protection on each output
- Mounting pattern template
- Power good indicators for each output
#10 MXR DC Brick
Keep your pedals powered all night long with the MXR DC Brick, a revamp of the DCB10.
Now under the MXR brand, the new DC Brick features all of the short circuit and overload protection of the original but now handles twice the power, allowing you to use virtually any combination of effects. Additionally, each 9v output has a red LED that illuminates if there is a short so you can quickly identify and troubleshoot any power problems.
The MXR DC Brick has eight 9v outputs and two 18v outputs, a change from the DCB10’s seven 9v outputs and three 18v outputs. And, of course, the AC adapter and all necessary cables to connect pedals to the unit are included.
- A rugged, reliable, and compact pedalboard power supply
- Powers 8 x 9V pedals and 2 x 18V pedals
- Short Circuit Protection gives it a stable working mode.
- 8 x red LEDs clearly indicate short-circuited pedals
- All power distribution cables included
#11 MXR ISO brick
The MXR Iso-Brick Power Supply is small and light with tons of quiet, noise-free DC power on tap, ready to run a wide range of pedal types without crowding or weighing down your pedalboard.
Each of the Iso-Brick Power Supply’s 10 outputs is fully isolated, eliminating gig-ending ground loop noise. Whether analog or digital, positive or negative ground, this power box has you covered.
The MXR team broke down these 10 outputs to accommodate a variety of voltage and current requirements: two 9V outputs at 100mA, two 9V outputs at 300mA, two 9V outputs at 450mA, two 18V outputs at 250mA, and two variable outputs adjustable from 6V to 15V at 250mA. The two variable outputs can be used to emulate voltage “sag,” a drained battery effect sought by many vintage tonechasers.
On top of all that, the Iso-Brick Power Supply comes in a small, lightweight housing that’s built like a tank. Features power on/off and connection status LEDs. Put this little box on your pedalboard to make sure it runs reliably and quietly gig after gig.
- Rugged, reliable, and compact pedalboard power supply
- Modernized for your digital effects pedals
- Great for vintage analog pedals
- LED indicators keep you aware of the pedal status
- Right-angled power cable for pedalboard-friendly mounting flexibility
- Variable-voltage outputs
#12 Walrus Audio Aetos
The Walrus Audio Aetos is an 8-output, isolated power supply, utilizing an internal custom wound toroidal transformer to provide the highest noise filtering and cleanest power, giving artists the purest sound in their signal chain.
The Aetos is housed in a solid die-cast enclosure and is 4.7″ long x 3.7″ wide x 2″ height and has 8 total 9VDC outputs, 6 are 100mA, and 2 outputs are high current outputs (300mA) for higher current drawing pedals like line 6 DL series modelers, the Boss Twin Series Pedals and many digital modulation pedals on the market. It comes with a detachable 120V AC Power cord and also has a 120VAC complimentary power output.
This unit comes with 8 – 2.1mm barrel black power cables and 2 black-to-red (Line 6) power cables. Fits under most pedal boards, including Pedaltrain (PT JR and up), Pedal Pad, Blackbird Boards, Creation Music Company, and Holeyboards.
- Dimensions – 4.7″ long x 3.7″ wide x 2″ height
- Weight – 3lbs.
- Input – 120VAC
- Output – 6 outputs – 9VDC (100mA), 2 outputs – 9VDC (250mA)
- Fully Isolated DC Power – (Toroidal transformer-based supply)
- Items Included – (5 ft 120VAC detachable power cord, 8 – 2.1mm black power cables, 2 – 2.5mm to 2.1mm (red to black) line 6 cables)
- 5-year warranty
#13 Walrus Audio Phoenix 15 Clean
The Walrus Audio Phoenix 15 is a 15-output isolated power supply, utilizing two internal custom wound toroidal transformers to provide the highest noise filtering and cleanest power, giving artists the purest sound in their signal chain possible.
It comes in two voltages, 120V and 230V, serving artists all over the world. With its four isolated 300mA outputs, the Phoenix has to power to run the larger Strymon units like the BigSky and TimeLine. Three outputs include a toggle option to run 9V or 12V (two outputs) and 9V or 18V (one output), giving life to pedals with unconventional power requirements. The Phoenix fits under most pedal boards, such as the PedalTrain PT-2 and up.
The Phoenix comes in a durable tour-proof midnight blue texture enclosure. The exact size is 9.75″ long, 2.6″ wide, and 2″ high. The artwork features original sketch artwork of a Phoenix bird with its wingspan sprawled across the top of the enclosure.
- Two internal custom wound toroidal transformers provide the highest noise filtering and cleanest power.
- All outputs are isolated.
- Four 9V, 300mA (can power the larger digital pedals like the Strymon BigSky and Timeline)
- Eight 9V, 100mA
- Two outputs include a toggle switch option to run 9V or 12V, 100mA.
- One output includes a toggle switch option for 9V or 18V, 100mA.
- One Courtesy Outlet
#14 Caline Pedalpower 5
I haven’t found Caline’s website, but I have decided to include this power supply unit here because I’ve tried it myself.
I wanted a small and cheap unit to use at home, where I have a very clean power supply available. I’ve tested the outputs changing the loads, and the regulation is pretty good. I’ve also tested its ability to deal with voltage transients at the input, and the outputs work fine.
However, the built quality is way far from the rest of the guys on the list. It could result in noise if any of your pedals add a little buzz (the outputs are not isolated).
- 100% brand new and unused Isolated Output 10 Isolated Short Circuit/Overcurrent Protected Powers For 9V, 12V, or 18V PEDAL
- Bright Blue LED For Pedal Board Lighting & Short Circuit Indicate Includes Cable
- Power: AC 110v-240V
- Input: DC 18V
- Dimension: 150 x 50x 30mm
- Weight: 388g Color: black
- Package included: 1pcsx Caline Audio CP-05 Power Supply Compact W/ Improved Features 10 Output + US Plug
#15 Visual Sound One Spot (Truetone 1 Spot)
The 1 SPOT is the original 9V pedalboard power supply that only takes up one spot on an outlet strip or wall outlet. It solves an annoying problem that people have complained about for years and does so with quiet, reliable performance!
- Handles from one to well over twenty guitar pedals (1700mA max!)
- Heavy-duty output cable.
- Use with optional multi-plug cable(s) for powering more than one pedal.
- Guaranteed to work with over 90% of the effects pedals on the market!
- With optional converter plugs, the 1 SPOT will work with virtually ANY 9V pedal! Even Line 6 modeling pedals!
- Will even convert international voltage (100V-240V) automatically; no transformer needed!
- 3 meter (10′) cable is almost twice as long as other adapter cables.
- Only takes up ONE position on your outlet strip or wall outlet!
Pedalboard Power Supply Buying Guide
When looking for the best pedalboard power supply unit that better fits your needs, you have to take into account the following considerations:
- The number of outputs.
How many pedals do you have on your pedalboard? This is a number that you’ll need to take into account because the pedalboard power supply must have enough outputs to supply them all. If you have a large pedalboard, you may need more than one unit. - The voltage of the outputs.
Most pedals are supplied by 9V DC. That’s the reason why most of the outputs of most pedalboard power supply units are 9V. However, you may have 12V pedals, or even some using 9V AC (like Line6 modelers). Be sure that the pedalboard power supply incorporates the voltage outputs that match the needs of all your pedals. - Current rating.
Each output of the power supply is rated for a maximum current. This is the maximum amount of electric current that is able to supply to the pedal. Be sure that the current rating of the power source is higher than the current consumption of the pedal. The current consumption of the pedal is usually specified by the manufacturer. - Type(s) of output(s).
There are some pedalboard power supplies that have isolated outputs. That means that every output is electrically (and physically) isolated from each other, which prevents the apparition of coupled noise, avoiding buzz or hum. This is definitely the way to go, but these units are more expensive though. - Load regulation.
The load regulation is the ability of the power supply to maintain a constant output voltage despite changes in the load. These changes may occur when different functionalities are switched in a stompbox, requiring different supply currents. This may cause a voltage drop if the power supply is not well regulated. - Supply filtering.
The pedalboard power supply transforms a high voltage AC signal into a low voltage DC signal. The more filtering you apply to the voltage supply, the more stable the supply is. Cheap units slightly filter the voltage, which can make some pedals not function properly. This can be even worse if you play in some venues, where the AC mains may present overvoltages and interruptions. - Total output power.
Apart from the voltage and current ratings of each of the outputs, the unit is going to be able to supply maximum power overall. Be sure that this total power is higher than the total power required by all of your pedals when switched on at the same time. - Value.
You have to evaluate how you’re going to use your pedalboard. If you just play at home, using a simpler (i.e., cheaper) unit should be just ok. Think that the power at the input of the unit is going to be pretty stable. In addition, if you’re not going to take your pedalboard from home, you won’t probably need a very rugged unit. Now, if you’re going to take the pedalboard with you more often (to gigs, rehearsal, and so on), you better buy a more solid (i.e., more expensive) unit. And if you play live more often, you do need a reliable power supply with isolated outputs to get rid of any noise or disturbance coming from the input mains. - Size.
Size matters. You’ll have to place the power supply unit somewhere on the pedalboard. Due to the fact that the top of the pedalboard is usually very populated with all your pedals, you’ll prefer to put the power supply at the bottom. If this is the case, be sure that there’s enough room to allocate the unit, and fasten it securely.
Should I Get A Good Pedalboard Power Supply?
You have to balance the previous factors. In general, good pedalboard power supplies have the following features:
- Each manufacturer has different models featuring different amounts of outputs
- They have “special” outputs, with higher current ratings and output voltages different than 9V
- The outputs are isolated, well regulated, and appropriately filtered
- They are able to provide a high total supply of power
- They are solid and rugged (and SAFE).
- Great value. Even though you may find some of them rather expensive, they are really worth it.
And what about cheaper solutions?
Cheaper power supplies come in the form of power adaptors, with a single output that is daisy-chained. You can also find multi-output supplies from Chinese manufacturers.
In either case, use them carefully when the input mains are safe and stable and they’re going to supply just a few pedals.
Lower quality power supplies have the following general characteristics:
- A reasonable amount of outputs
- Good variety of voltage and current ratings
- The outputs are not isolated, and both load regulation and voltage filtering are poorer
- The built quality is lower, and they are less safe to use due to poorer EMC protection
- Worse value. They’re cheap but less durable and less reliable anyway.
Terms You Need To Know
There are some basic terms you need to know first.
Voltage
Voltage is the difference in electric potential between two points. It is measured in Volts (V).
Either AC or DC, any single electric (and electronic) circuit needs a voltage supply to operate. Normally, one of the points is used as a common reference and is called ground. Most of the time ground will be 0V.
Current
When a voltage is applied to any conducting material, a flow of electric charge appears. This flow of electric charge is produced by electrons moving from lower to higher voltages. It is measured in Amperes (A).
Take the gravitational field again as an example. Movement is defined as the displacement of a mass from higher to lower gravitational potentials.
Similarly, electric current is defined as the displacement of electric charge from higher to lower electric potentials. Notice that the flow of electrons is opposite to the sense of the current!
Power
Electric power is defined as the rate at which electric energy is transferred by an electric circuit. It is measured in Watts (W) and given by the product of voltage (V) and electric current (I). Sometimes you may see different power ratings concerning power supply units:
- Input power (i.e., supply power) is the electric power required for any device to operate. In the case of a pedalboard power supply, it is the power consumption taken from the AC mains supply.
- Output power is the power delivered to the load connected to its output. If the power supply has more than one output, the total output power will be the sum of all single-output powers.
The total output power will be lower than the input power. This difference is given by the efficiency of the power supply: a 100% efficiency corresponds to equal power at both input and output.
Voltage Source
Pedalboard power supplies are basically voltage sources. A voltage source is an electrical device that is capable of maintaining a constant output voltage between two terminals, no matter what load is connected to this output.
Conclusion
I hope that this post will help you decide whether you need a pedalboard power supply or not. As you’ve seen, there is plenty of options that will fit your needs, mainly concerning the number of outputs and the voltages that all the pedals on your pedalboard.
The quality of most of them is top of the range. You’ve seen a couple of cheap pedalboard power supply options too.
Think about how you use yours (from time to time at home or hardcore-like onstage), which is the best pedalboard power supply that suits your needs, the price that fits your budget, and what you feel when you look at each of them. What is your opinion? Don’t forget to drop a comment below.
