Power Supplies - Which one?

Genericbassname · #1 10-08-2010, 02:48 PM

Hey,

I'm finally upgrading my pedal power from "tangled web of one-spots" to an actual power supply. I've got it down to two options, and I was wondering if anyone could offer some opinions/experience about/with these power supplies. The two I'm looking at are the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 and the T-Rex Fuel Tank. Any opinions/dire warnings before I drop the cash?

cybersnyder · #2 10-08-2010, 02:54 PM

I've had my Pedal Power 2 for several years and had absolutely no issues.

scotch · #3 10-08-2010, 03:08 PM

I own & use both (on 2 different boards). Both are excellent overall units.

Both are in the same ballpark cost-wise.

T-Rex Classic advantages:
-dual input voltage (good for State-side or Japan/Europe, etc...)
-12v ac output (for many tube-driven pedals)
-smaller footprint

PP2+ advantages:
-isolated outputs (never been an issue for me, but is for some people)
-voltage 'sag' feature for fuzz pedals

Honestly, I need the T-Rex to power my Valve-Drive and tour Europe frequently - so it's my best option for the price. For most people (who don't require dual voltage or have an ac powered pedal), the PP2+ is probably the best option for the price.

bassman1185 · #4 10-08-2010, 03:15 PM

Not to muddy the waters more, but why are you looking to change from the one-spot? The T-Rex's 9-volt section is essentially just a glorified one-spot. I can see if you need isolated outputs for noise issues (I was getting an annoying digital ringing from my SMMH when I also had my tuner plugged in, but my Supa Charger fixed that) but if you don't need isolated outputs, then you're not gaining much with an expensive power supply.

rockstarbassist · #5 10-08-2010, 03:16 PM

^^ Trut.

If your 1-Spot web is tangled, some zip ties and about 30 minutes fixes that right up quick and in a hurry!

newbold · #6 10-08-2010, 10:01 PM

Wish there were an AFFORDABLE, cost-EFFECTIVE power supply for AC and DC so i could get around 2 wall warts (powerall and pigtronix EP-1)

Munjibunga · #7 10-08-2010, 11:12 PM

I use a Fuel Tank, and it's perfect for me. Lots of 9-volt outlets, but the 12VDC and 12VAC clinch it for me. Built like the proverbail tank, too. All that, and "only" 200 bucks.

Slackerprince · #8 10-09-2010, 01:07 AM

Been happy with my Bricks. My second one was $60, shipped, on e-bay. Do the math.

S.

scotch · #9 10-09-2010, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slackerprince

Been happy with my Bricks. My second one was $60, shipped, on e-bay. Do the math.

S.

Yup- the Dunlop Brick works great! As long as you're 9v pedals don't need more than 375ma (not a lot of juice if you have something like a POG2 + other pedals) and you don't need any 12v dc or ac power.

scotch · #10 10-09-2010, 06:19 AM

For the op, this chart may be of assistance to ya':

http://www.stinkfoot.se/andreas/diy/power/psu.htm

Bassmike62 · #11 10-09-2010, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotch

For the op, this chart may be of assistance to ya':

http://www.stinkfoot.se/andreas/diy/power/psu.htm

Great link !

I've been using a DC Brick and a Boss powered daisy chain, no issues. Looking to upgrade the chain, though.

BassInUrFace · #12 10-10-2010, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassman1185

Not to muddy the waters more, but why are you looking to change from the one-spot? The T-Rex's 9-volt section is essentially just a glorified one-spot. I can see if you need isolated outputs for noise issues (I was getting an annoying digital ringing from my SMMH when I also had my tuner plugged in, but my Supa Charger fixed that) but if you don't need isolated outputs, then you're not gaining much with an expensive power supply.

I have a feeling Genericbassname was referring to standard wall warts as 1-Spots because on his profile he only has 3 pedals listed. You definitely don't need multiple 1-Spots for 3 standard 9v pedals.

It annoys me so much when people do that.
When will they learn that that 1-Spots are is an individual product and not a broad name for wall warts!!

I love my 1-Spot

bassman1185 · #13 10-10-2010, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassInUrFace

I have a feeling Genericbassname was referring to standard wall warts as 1-Spots because on his profile he only has 3 pedals listed. You definitely don't need multiple 1-Spots for 3 standard 9v pedals.

It annoys me so much when people do that.
When will they learn that that 1-Spots are is an individual product and not a broad name for wall warts!!

I love my 1-Spot

If that's the case, then getting an actual 1-Spot with a daisy-chain adaptor is going to work just fine, unless the pedals don't get along on one ground.

KarateKid25 · #14 10-10-2010, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slackerprince

Been happy with my Bricks. My second one was $60, shipped, on e-bay. Do the math.

S.

Presuming you mean the Dunlop Brick, unless you specifically need the 18V outlets, the math is pretty average on it...

The 9V ports offer a maximum current of 375mA. A 1-spot will give you 1700mA, and only cost you $25 - $30. The ports on the brick aren't isolated so it is essentially just a daisy chain anyway.

Headless Llama · #15 10-10-2010, 08:32 AM

heres another vote for the 1-spot. I love mine. It is not as sexy as the other power supplies out there, but it works. With no issues.

**kenstee** · #16 10-10-2010, 01:30 PM

You don't mention which pedals you want to power. That makes a ton of difference vis-a-vis recos - as each have different capabilities and differences.

Genericbassname · #17 10-10-2010, 03:15 PM

Thanks for all the responses. My reasoning for getting a power supply as opposed to a daisy chain one spot attachment thing is twofold - one, I have $200 musiciansfriend certificate to burn, and two, I have five pedals, am planning to upgrade and add five more, and want a neater setup overall. Right now, I'm running a Boss ODB-3, Bass Big Muff, Boss DD-3, Ibanez Weeping Demon Wah, and a Korg Pitchblack Tuner, with a VT Deluxe on the way. I'm also going to be buying a Boss OC-2 soon, and once I sell my Big Al, I'm going to be replacing my distortions with a Fulltone Bass Driver and a Russian Sovtek Big Muff, in addition to buying a LS-2, an Akai Deep Impact, and either a HOG or a Pitchfactor. I'm pretty sure none of those require the 12v outputs on the Fuel Tank, so right now, the Voodoo Labs power supply seems like a better idea. Based on that information, would you guys say I'm on the right track?

**kenstee** · #18 10-10-2010, 03:47 PM

Definitely! If they were all 9v with maybe 1 18v I might feel differently and I'd reco you look at the TRex Fuel Tank Jr too. Looks like you have more than that to deal with. Another suggestion worth seriously checking out would be the TRex CHAMELEON http://t-rex-effects.com/Default.asp...D249&VariantID. Carefully read the specs for all of these they do differ in terms of total ouput per connection, voltage capabilities, etc. Don't forget you can daisy chain several pedals on a single output connection as long as total power draw (mA) of all the pedals on the chain does not exceed the power of that particular output which is typically 150mA or as high as 300mA on some units. Depending on the draw of the specific pedals (in mA) that means you might be able to put 5 or even 6 pedals on a single output. Saves a ton of space on your power supply so you can put more total pedals on it. What pedalboard you using BTW?

EDIT: My mistake I had "mH" should have read "mA"

scotch · #19 10-10-2010, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Genericbassname

Thanks for all the responses. My reasoning for getting a power supply as opposed to a daisy chain one spot attachment thing is twofold - one, I have $200 musiciansfriend certificate to burn, and two, I have five pedals, am planning to upgrade and add five more, and want a neater setup overall. Right now, I'm running a Boss ODB-3, Bass Big Muff, Boss DD-3, Ibanez Weeping Demon Wah, and a Korg Pitchblack Tuner, with a VT Deluxe on the way. I'm also going to be buying a Boss OC-2 soon, and once I sell my Big Al, I'm going to be replacing my distortions with a Fulltone Bass Driver and a Russian Sovtek Big Muff, in addition to buying a LS-2, an Akai Deep Impact, and either a HOG or a Pitchfactor. I'm pretty sure none of those require the 12v outputs on the Fuel Tank, so right now, the Voodoo Labs power supply seems like a better idea. Based on that information, would you guys say I'm on the right track?

Based on that, I think the PP2+ is what I would recommend.

smeet · #20 10-10-2010, 05:35 PM

I have some oddball pedals I guess:
* DoD FX35 (9v DC)
* VT Bass (9v DC)
* Small Stone Nano (9v DC)
* Loopmaster switcher (9v DC)
* Blowtorch (18v DC)
* ValveDrive (12v AC)
* Whammy (9v AC, maybe reverse polarity)

I'm currently using a PP2+ and cable-tying two wallwarts to my pedaltrain. Inelegant for sure.

At some point I will probably retire one of the dirt boxes and add a delay and an envelope filter.

Is there one power supply which will cover all my fx boxes? And fit in the pedaltrain?

I guess the Pedal Power Versa never happened, right?