Boss AC adapter(?)

Midfour · #1 09-04-2010, 08:33 PM

I recently purchased a Boss DS-1 distortion pedal and in the manual it says that I must "be sure to use the specified unit (BOSS PSA-Series). Use of any other adapter may result in damage, malfunction, and electric shock". Sounds like BS to me, and I don't want to lay down US$20 for a new adapter when it seems like I could just use the one I have (even if it isn't the mythical "specified unit"). No big deal because I have a 9-volt in it now and that works fine, but I'd rather be able to plug it in and not worry about the battery dying. So what do you guys think, could I actually damage something by using the wrong adapter, or is this just some BS marketing scam on Boss' part?

LarkinLondon · #2 09-04-2010, 08:40 PM

You can use adapters that aren't Bosses, but if you don't make sure it's the right one it could hurt it. Boss uses Regulated 9VCD power supply's with a 5.5mm x 2.1mm Barrel with Center Negative.
Incidentally, it's about the most common you can find.
A Visual Sounds 1 Spot will work, but it costs about a dollar less then then Boss Adapter.

**Staccato** · #3 09-04-2010, 09:16 PM

Nah, my dedicated 'new' boss adapter sits in a box, and the generic chain works the pedals.

ggunn · #4 09-05-2010, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midfour

I recently purchased a Boss DS-1 distortion pedal and in the manual it says that I must "be sure to use the specified unit (BOSS PSA-Series). Use of any other adapter may result in damage, malfunction, and electric shock". Sounds like BS to me, and I don't want to lay down US$20 for a new adapter when it seems like I could just use the one I have (even if it isn't the mythical "specified unit"). No big deal because I have a 9-volt in it now and that works fine, but I'd rather be able to plug it in and not worry about the battery dying. So what do you guys think, could I actually damage something by using the wrong adapter, or is this just some BS marketing scam on Boss' part?

Mostly marketing scare tactics. Reverse biasing can certainly fry electronic parts, so you want to make sure the polarity is correct, but other than that 9V is 9V.

MIJ-VI · #5 09-05-2010, 08:23 PM

If you buy the correct adaptor then your pedal will work correctly.

MEKer · #6 09-06-2010, 08:59 AM

I have yet to have any problem with generic adapters. I've used all sorts of them with no problem.

The main thing is that the amps equals or exceeds the pedal requirement. If the pedal needs 200mA, as does the Boss Tuner TU-12, then you can use an adapter rated at 200mA or higher. I always keep some 500mA or larger around in case I need one , can't find the proper one and want to ensure I am not going lower in mA as required by the pedal (as THAT {AFAIK} is what can harm the pedal).

I have never, say again never, in over 25 years, had a problem following that rule.

bassophil · #7 09-06-2010, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarkinLondon

You can use adapters that aren't Bosses, but if you don't make sure it's the right one it could hurt it. Boss uses Regulated 9VCD power supply's with a 5.5mm x 2.1mm Barrel with Center Negative.
Incidentally, it's about the most common you can find.
A Visual Sounds 1 Spot will work, but it costs about a dollar less then then Boss Adapter.

hmm...my impression is that the most common come with Center Positive. Any way, it's important to have a Center Negative, because otherwise you will experience a nice 60Hz hum with Boss pedals. At least it was like that 10 years ago...

john m · #8 09-06-2010, 09:23 AM

+1

1.) Besure POLATITY is correct.
2.) VOLTAGE is correct.
3.) Current that the adapter can supply is equal to or greater than that required by the pedal (usually in mA).

ggunn · #9 09-06-2010, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MEKer

I have yet to have any problem with generic adapters. I've used all sorts of them with no problem.

The main thing is that the amps equals or exceeds the pedal requirement. If the pedal needs 200mA, as does the Boss Tuner TU-12, then you can use an adapter rated at 200mA or higher. I always keep some 500mA or larger around in case I need one , can't find the proper one and want to ensure I am not going lower in mA as required by the pedal (as THAT {AFAIK} is what can harm the pedal).

Actually, using a too small power supply is more likely to damage the supply than the electronics you are powering with it.

bassophil · #10 09-06-2010, 09:55 AM

yep, the pedal will only be damaged when the voltage is higher than required.

laklandplayer · #11 09-06-2010, 09:56 AM

Some BOSS power supplies are shielded others are not.
I found that out with an EBS Chorus pedal.
The more expensive BOSS is the shielded one, get it and save yourself some hum and noise trouble later.

Gord_oh · #12 09-06-2010, 09:58 AM

if its the right specs itll be fine. it doesnt have to be a boss brand adapter.
radioshack carries universal adapters but they are probably about the same price, maybe a little cheaper. (im an employee)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassophil

yep, the pedal will only be damaged when the voltage is higher than required.

+1
voltage has to be dead on.
has long as you have the minimum number of amps to power it, youll be fine.

ggunn · #13 09-06-2010, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassophil

yep, the pedal will only be damaged when the voltage is higher than required.

Actually, most chips have a fairly wide range of voltage they can operate under. 12V probably won't hurt a 9V device. 100V probably will.

The most important thing is polarity. Reverse biasing will kill an IC pretty quickly.

Midfour · #14 09-10-2010, 05:06 PM

Thanks guys, great advice, but...

I'm gonna need a new adaptor anyway the one I have is only 5v.

seanm · #15 09-10-2010, 06:57 PM

Quote:

"be sure to use the specified unit (BOSS PSA-Series)."

They probably say this so you don't use the older Boss ACA series. It has noise problems with many of the Boss pedals. I believe the PSA is regulated but the ACA is not? Don't quote me on that though, I have never opened an ACA.