EBS Multicomp Power Adapter

[DeLucha]

Hey all. I just got an EBS Multicomp and have it hooked up in my pedalboard setup. It doesn't have a power supply, thus, it is running off of a 9 volt battery. However, if permanently plugged in, the power of this 9 volt will continuously drain, even when it's not in use, so I want to use a power adapter instead, as it is more reliable and cheaper in the long run. I decided I wanted to look around my house for a generic one that I might already have. So, I have found one, but I am unsure of whether or not it is safe to use it because I don't know much about polarities and proper voltages, etc. The power supply I have found says the following:

INPUT: AC120V 60Hz 18W
OUTPUT: DC9V 600mA
POLARITY: - -------O------- +

The EBS manual states that I am only to use their adapter (go figure). The power requirements for the pedal state:

9V DC regulated, 15 mA max.


So, is it safe to use this pedal over an extended period of time? Also, if possible, could anybody explain how I could figure this out on my own next time?

Thanks in advance!

-DeLucha

[fightthepower]

Find any standard BOSS style adapter. If it was used for a Boss pedal, it will be safe for your Multicomp. Not knowing where that powersupply that you're looking as comes from, I can't tell you if it would be safe or not- Must be well regulated!

Also a tip for future pedal use- All pedals with batteries in them will drain the battery, unless you unplug the input jack. If you are using a powersupply, the battery will not drain even when plugged in, as long as the powersupply is plugged into the pedal- So you can keep a battery in there for backup, and it won't drain if you keep a powersupply plugged into it (even when the powersupply isn't plugged into the wall)

[DeLucha]

Originally Posted by fightthepower

Find any standard BOSS style adapter. If it was used for a Boss pedal, it will be safe for your Multicomp. Not knowing where that powersupply that you're looking as comes from, I can't tell you if it would be safe or not- Must be well regulated!

Also a tip for future pedal use- All pedals with batteries in them will drain the battery, unless you unplug the input jack. If you are using a powersupply, the battery will not drain even when plugged in, as long as the powersupply is plugged into the pedal- So you can keep a battery in there for backup, and it won't drain if you keep a powersupply plugged into it (even when the powersupply isn't plugged into the wall)

Thanks for your reply, fightthepower. The original purpose of the power supply I have was to power a set of computer speakers. Does that help any with answering my first question?

-DeLucha

[RCCollins]

I've got a couple suitable adapters, including an EBS adapter I'm not using. PM me if you want one.

[DeLucha]

Originally Posted by RCCollins

I've got a couple suitable adapters, including an EBS adapter I'm not using. PM me if you want one.

Hey RCCollins. Thank you for the offer, but I'm just trying to find out if the one I've got is suitable. Does your offer imply that it's not suitable, or is that just an assumption on my part?

-DeLucha

[fightthepower]

Originally Posted by DeLucha

Thanks for your reply, fightthepower. The original purpose of the power supply I have was to power a set of computer speakers. Does that help any with answering my first question?

-DeLucha

I wouldn't risk it personally, as the general consensus around here is that if it wasn't made to power pedals, you shouldn't use it because they aren't always as well regulated and could fry your pedal.

I would hit up RCCollins for one his adapters if you just need to power a single pedal- good guy to deal with.

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by DeLucha

INPUT: AC120V 60Hz 18W
OUTPUT: DC9V 600mA
POLARITY: - -------O------- +

That is exactly what you need. The one stipulation- does it say "regulated" on it? Because an unregulated one will work as a short-term emergency thing, but a regulated one will be safest and lowest-noise for longer-term use.

Originally Posted by DeLucha

The EBS manual states that I am only to use their adapter (go figure). The power requirements for the pedal state:
9V DC regulated, 15 mA max.

Most manufacturers put that warning in their manuals, just to protect them legally in case somebody does some totally foolish thing, wrecks the pedal, and then sues them or tries to get a free replacement.

When picking a power supply, here are the considerations:
-Amount of voltage: must be the exact number the device states, although with most 9V analog pedals you can get away with anywhere from 6 to 12V for short term use. Digital pedals tend to mess up if you give them the wrong voltage.
-Type of voltage: AC or DC, must be the same type stated on the pedal.
-Polarity: must match the pedal. "0" means negative or ground, "+" means positive or hot. Center negative is the Boss standard, but there are many center-positive pedals out there too. "Center" refers to the hole in a barrel-type plug, or the tip of a male-type plug. The outside part in both cases is called the "sleeve".
-Amperage: AKA current, labeled "mA" for milliamps; the supply can be the amount stated on the pedal or any amount greater. The pedal will only draw as much current as it needs, it will not be hurt by a supply that can provide more current. Too little current means the pedal won't work; but note that manufacturers usually just say to use a 200 or 300 mA supply even though many analog pedals (especially OD/distortion) only need a tiny amount of current, like 5 to 35 mA. Digital pedals often require very high amounts of current.

[DeLucha]

Originally Posted by bongomania

That is exactly what you need. The one stipulation- does it say "regulated" on it? Because an unregulated one will work as a short-term emergency thing, but a regulated one will be safest and lowest-noise for longer-term use.


Most manufacturers put that warning in their manuals, just to protect them legally in case somebody does some totally foolish thing, wrecks the pedal, and then sues them or tries to get a free replacement.

When picking a power supply, here are the considerations:
-Amount of voltage: must be the exact number the device states, although with most 9V analog pedals you can get away with anywhere from 6 to 12V for short term use. Digital pedals tend to mess up if you give them the wrong voltage.
-Type of voltage: AC or DC, must be the same type stated on the pedal.
-Polarity: must match the pedal. "0" means negative or ground, "+" means positive or hot. Center negative is the Boss standard, but there are many center-positive pedals out there too. "Center" refers to the hole in a barrel-type plug, or the tip of a male-type plug. The outside part in both cases is called the "sleeve".
-Amperage: AKA current, labeled "mA" for milliamps; the supply can be the amount stated on the pedal or any amount greater. The pedal will only draw as much current as it needs, it will not be hurt by a supply that can provide more current. Too little current means the pedal won't work; but note that manufacturers usually just say to use a 200 or 300 mA supply even though many analog pedals (especially OD/distortion) only need a tiny amount of current, like 5 to 35 mA. Digital pedals often require very high amounts of current.

Thanks, Bongomania. I heard you were good. Unfortunately, the adapter does not state "regulated" on it. So I suppose I could use it when at home learning the ins and outs of the pedal until I find a suitable one for long-term use.

In terms of AC vs. DC, a pedal's voltage type has to match the output section of the adapter, correct?

Also, where would I discover the necessary polarity for a pedal if it is not stated in the manual or on the pedal itself?

Thanks for your in-depth reply!

-DeLucha

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by DeLucha

In terms of AC vs. DC, a pedal's voltage type has to match the output section of the adapter, correct?

Right, an adapter will usually have two voltages written on it-- the AC voltage it expects from the wall outlet, and the AC or DC voltage that the adapter puts out. You want the second one.

Originally Posted by DeLucha

Also, where would I discover the necessary polarity for a pedal if it is not stated in the manual?

It's usually marked on the pedal itself. If not, ask here on TB or call the manufacturer. It's also handy to have a good Boss adapter around, because so many pedals are designed to run off the same type of supply, that if you find some home-brewed or exotic pedal with no polarity markings, odds are good that a regulated 9VDC supply will work. And if it doesn't work, it probably won't hurt anything.

[DeLucha]

Originally Posted by bongomania

Right, an adapter will usually have two voltages written on it-- the AC voltage it expects from the wall outlet, and the AC or DC voltage that the adapter puts out. You want the second one.



It's usually marked on the pedal itself. If not, ask here on TB or call the manufacturer. It's also handy to have a good Boss adapter around, because so many pedals are designed to run off the same type of supply, that if you find some home-brewed or exotic pedal with no polarity markings, odds are good that a regulated 9VDC supply will work. And if it doesn't work, it probably won't hurt anything.

Okay, thanks so much for your help! You're like a never-ending well full of knowledge, haha.

Take care!

[Sinclair]

The EBS will also drain battery, if switched off but plugged in. I would pull the battery, even when used with an adapter.

[niftydog]

If an EBS pedal is doing that for you, Sinclair, I'd suggest that it's faulty.

[Sinclair]

Originally Posted by niftydog

If an EBS pedal is doing that for you, Sinclair, I'd suggest that it's faulty.

No, it's not faulty. I stood in contact with the EBS support concerning this "problem" and they've stated, that it's normal.

The input plug switches the battery on/off, no matter if the effect is turned on or not.

If you use an adapter, the unit is always on and doesn't drain battery.

[niftydog]

That's the exact opposite of what you said in the previous post!

Originally Posted by Sinclair

I would pull the battery, even when used with an adapter.

Originally Posted by Sinclair

If you use an adapter, the unit is always on and doesn't drain battery.

?!

[DeLucha]

Hey everyone. I've got a new power supply that I was considering using a daisy chain with in order to cut down on the amount of PSUs I need. The specs are 9V DC output, 1500 mA, + to - polarity. Is this safe? Also, if the polarity of a PSU is not the correct polarity, will the pedal just not work? The previous PSU I asked about at the beginning of this thread was supposed to be fine in terms of specs; however, it didn't even turn the pedal on. Lastly, how do I know if a PSU is regulated or unregulated if it is not stated on the PSU itself?

Thanks!

[bongomania]

The only ways to know if it's regulated are if it's written on the unit itself, or if it says so in some document from the manufacturer, or if you perform a lab test and determine that it puts out a stable unchanging voltage very near to 9V.

[niftydog]

Originally Posted by DeLucha

...+ to - polarity...

What you've written above, and how in your first post in this thread, doesn't describe the polarity accurately - you need to know which contact on the plug is positive and which is negative.

If the power supply you mentioned earlier does not work with your pedals, then I'd hazard a guess the polarity is wrong.

How a pedal reacts to a wrong polarity power supply depends on the pedal. Some have protection circuits, others don't.

[DeLucha]

Originally Posted by niftydog

What you've written above, and how in your first post in this thread, doesn't describe the polarity accurately - you need to know which contact on the plug is positive and which is negative.

If the power supply you mentioned earlier does not work with your pedals, then I'd hazard a guess the polarity is wrong.

How a pedal reacts to a wrong polarity power supply depends on the pedal. Some have protection circuits, others don't.

I think I understand the polarity diagrams on the PSUs now. The + sign has a line that goes to an out ring on a circle, and the inner circle has a line going to a - sign.. So, if I understand correctly, the outer contact is positive and the inner is negative, yes?

If this is the case, how do I know which polarity the pedal requires?

[bongomania]

Originally Posted by bongomania

It's usually marked on the pedal itself. If not, ask here on TB or call the manufacturer.

^^^^

[DeLucha]

Originally Posted by bongomania

^^^^

Riiight, hahaha. Sorry about that one! Any idea on the EBS Multicomp and Tech 21 Bass Driver DI? I checked the manuals for both, but didn't find any information about polarity