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1 spot vs. isolated power supplies

B

BassMonstrum

Mar 7, 2008
1,016
33
#1
It's a long time since I've used anything but my Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2+ to feed my pedals. However, I am in the process of getting another board ready and therefore I need juice. Not a lot, yet I need it.

I found a used T-Rex Fuel Tank Jr. (five isolated outs, enough for my current needs), but I also have the option of buying the 1 spot brand new for a lower price.

So... how important are isolated outputs? How much noise do they really reduce? Or does the 1 spot have everything I need?
 
#2
Hey Monstrum. I am running 12 pedals with one 1 Spot. No noise issues at all, dead quiet. Some pedals are noisy when engaged, but those mostly gain effects, nothing to do with power. Standard 1 Spot is 1700 mA(miliamper i assume), and for example Visual sound J&H takes 20 mA. In fact, i bought another one, but only then realized that i need only connection cables from this combo pack. I can higly recommend 1 Spot and i saw some videos on youtube regarding how is its noise level compared to other makers. Greetings from Finland
 
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#3
Isolated Power Supplies > 1 spot. IMO

Whether or not the 1 Spot will give you noise problems is hard to say until you get every thing plugged in.

Right now I'm using a glorified daisy chain in a box and dealing with noise issues. I need to replace it in a big way but for my needs I would need a PPII+ and an ISO 5 to get everything powered.

It's a tough call,...anything from RF interference to grounding issues to shoddy electrical work in whatever room you are in can cause noise problems,...if you decide to go the 1spot route try to buy from a dealer with a good return policy; that way if problems crop up you are out a couple trips to guitar center.

Read Up on these Stinkfoot Articles,...

"Simple Version": (daisy chains) Invalid Link Removed
"Techie Version": (isolated power supplies) Invalid Link Removed

While I agree that batteries are good for noise issues,...they rape the earth.
 
#9
I used to use the One Spot and it was fine. Then I added a few more pedals and it became really noisy. I flipped pedals around to find the source, but it seemed like as soon as I added the nth pedal, the noise started. I have no problems with the Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2 Plus. I still use the One Spot here and there, but I'll probably pick up another Pedal Power as the board grows.

I guess it all depends on your particular effects, wiring, etc.
 
#11
BassMonstrum said:
...daisy-chaining your pedals can get rid of hum...
Click to expand...

it depends on what is causing hum. If hum is caused by EM induction in ground/conductive loop, daisy chained PSU connection could have (on paper at least) much smaller loop area and thus cause less hum (induction is directly proportional to loop area).

Problem with daisy chain could come up with devices with poor power supply noise rejection. Transistor muffs (and pretty much all transistor fuzzes and distortions) doesn't have much of PSRR, so if some device in daisy chain is putting lot of crap on PSU lines it will creep into output in some high gain single-ended device down or up the chain. BTW old transistor muffs should not consume more than 2-3mA unless it's faulty (or has high current LED inside, which is fixable/modable).
 
#14
I'm working on setting up a new board w/Morley Fonk Wah, two TC Electonic Nova's, BBE Soul Vibe, MXR Blowtorch maybe an EBS Octabass, TC Polytune etc. About 7-8 pedals total. I've never used the One Spot so any these pedals or voltage issues with 9v 12v and 18v pedals?
 
#15
My gigs are churches some of which are little more than converted meeting halls. Never had any problems with 1Spot.
The current draw is additive and 1700 mA can power a LOT of pedals. Since I use an active bass and only have four to five pedals at a time, my backup is to just run 9V batteries if a venue gives me problems.
 
#16
The best reason for me to get an isolated supply was that I didn't have to worry about power supply when I picked up a pedal. If I wanted something that required an isolated output, no problem. 24 volts, done. I did notice a drop in the amount of noise in my chain, but it was subtle.

If you are sure that you won't ever want or need any of those things, then a one spot is fine.
 
#20
The Gator G-Bus-8 does not have isolated outputs. It's essentially a daisy chain in a box. It's a more elegant solution to the 1spot but the ends do not justify the cost. (Why pay 90 bucks for the G-Bus-8 when the 1spot does the same thing at a quarter of the cost?).

I think the Dunlop DC Brink is also doesn't have isolated outputs but that's just based on a quick google search.

By all accounts the BBE Supa Charger is isolated but I only saw ~$90 new but from an unknown (to me) and seemingly less than reputable dealer (Link Removed).

$150 new seemed to be closer to the going rate.

I think the VL PP2+ and the ISO5 are worth the investment if you have elaborate plans for your boards. IMO YMMV Yadda Yadda.
 

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