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1 spot vs. isolated power supplies

#21
Plays_For_Dog said:
I use the Dunlop DC Brick. The only pedals that have had issues with it has been EHX. Other then that, it's worked perfectly for me and produces no noise.
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lowfreq33 said:
All of them. EHX pedals all have a very high current draw.
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Chrisk-K said:
I am running 8 pedals with one 1 Spot. No noise. No issues.
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I have been running 8 pedals with a 1-spot as well. I just added a EHX Deluxe Memory Boy and the noise (including pulse) is unbearable. It's extremely quiet when it's on its own power supply, but in the daisy-chain it's crazy. Would I be better off looking for a power supply with isolated outputs, or finding a different delay (with tap tempo and modulation) ?
 
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#23
A lot has to do with the venue/rehearsalspace, etc... I use a PP2+ to power a Boss TU-3, Boss LS-2, MXR BOD, MXR BEF, EHX Russian Big Muff, Zvex Woolly Mammoth, Sansamp VT Bass and an ISP Noise Decimator. Without the Decimator the noise is extreme. However, I used almost the same setup at another rehearsalspace and it wasn't that bad. I could even turn off the Decimator...
 
#25
kai_ski said:
I have been running 8 pedals with a 1-spot as well. I just added a EHX Deluxe Memory Boy and the noise (including pulse) is unbearable. It's extremely quiet when it's on its own power supply, but in the daisy-chain it's crazy. Would I be better off looking for a power supply with isolated outputs, or finding a different delay (with tap tempo and modulation) ?
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I think clock noise is pretty much par for the course with analog delay-based effects (My EHX Small Clone causes noise with some outlets as well), and one of the main reasons for isolated power supplies. I had the same problem running my Deluxe Memory Boy off a 1-Spot vs. a seperate adaptor. If you really like the DMB, in my opinion it makes more sense to invest in a nicer power supply that will allow you to work with it and similar pedals in the future without need to worry about noise issues rather than investing in new pedals and possibly facing the same problem down the road...
 
#26
sunbeast said:
I think clock noise is pretty much par for the course with analog delay-based effects (My EHX Small Clone causes noise with some outlets as well), and one of the main reasons for isolated power supplies. I had the same problem running my Deluxe Memory Boy off a 1-Spot vs. a seperate adaptor. If you really like the DMB, in my opinion it makes more sense to invest in a nicer power supply that will allow you to work with it and similar pedals in the future without need to worry about noise issues rather than investing in new pedals and possibly facing the same problem down the road...
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yeah, that's a good point. the thing is, that I bought it on a whim, don't love it enough, and my guitarist is finding it very useful, so if he doesn't buy it I'll probably just send it down the proverbial river.
 
#28
kai_ski said:
yeah, that's a good point. the thing is, that I bought it on a whim, don't love it enough, and my guitarist is finding it very useful, so if he doesn't buy it I'll probably just send it down the proverbial river.
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I sold mine to save up for either the newer Deluxe Memory Man w/ tap tempo or the Malekko 919 when either of those are released. They are both going to be analog delays with tap tempo and modulation, though I can't speak as to their power requirements. I think the Memory Man uses a higher voltage requirement though for better headroom, so that might not work for you. I have hopes that it is like a blend of the sound quality of the original Memory Man and the functionality of the Deluxe Memory Boy, but we will see. The Malekko should be fantastic based on my experience with the Malekko 616 delay...
 
#29
im running a 1 spot for 17 pedals no problem! the only 1 that is touchy (noise issues) is my strymon el capistan (hi-pitched low volume feedback without its own). besides that they are all fine. havent got the ehx freeze and i heard it needs its own but we shall see....
 
#30
Chronicle said:
it's not an opinion. isolated > 1 spot.
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Although this is true, the real question I think he is after is how much of a difference is there. Does it justify the difference between $160 and $30.

I did the reverse. I had a PP2 with a Pedal Train 2 board. I recently bought a Gator board to downsize with a 1spot. I just sold my PP2 and PT2 to fund a new cab. Now, I'm not running as many pedals as a lot of people are. I'm almost bare boned and I like it. I have to get an adapter for my Markbass compressore as the Vs are higher. I have the EHX Big Muff. And for some reason it doesn't sound as good coming though as it did on the PP2, but I'm gonna put an adapter on it and see how much of a difference it is.

I'm happy to downsize. I'll get what I want all the way around. If I had the cash to do it, I would probably eventually go back to the PP2. But, right now, I am more than happy with the 1spot. I recommend it. If anything, order it from Amazon. Hook it up and try it. If it doesn't sit well, contact them and send it back.
 
#31
After I built the board I am using right now and got ready to power it, I wanted to go with the PPII. So I did. At first. I got it home and started hooking things up and started asking questions here on TB. I have worked with 1spots before to good effect mind you. Anyhow, someone suggested to go the way of two 1spots and be done with it. First, I thought the PPII was really expensive for what I was getting, some Im sure disagree, but I thought it looked a lot cooler and cleaner underneath my board. Well, make a long story short, I took the PPII back and get two 1spots instead. I am powering 16 pedals with teo of them and I havent had any problems whatsoever. Other than one show a few weeks ago my lead singer was jumping up and down on a plywood stage and it caused my board to cut in and out a few times. I just learned how to secure my plugs better on the bottom after that. I think the PPII would be better if you had an array of different regulated pedals, ie EHX and Eventide, but if you have a lot of 9 votls, I think the 1spot is the way to go. Its a lot more inexpensive as well.
 
#32
I want to know what adapter you're using for the Markbass. The Power Pump adapter only goes to 480 mA at 12V which is below the recommended current provided by the factory wall-wart provided by Markbass. I am using the SuperSynth, not the Compressore, but I thought they were the same.

pappas0211 said:
Although this is true, the real question I think he is after is how much of a difference is there. Does it justify the difference between $160 and $30.

I did the reverse. I had a PP2 with a Pedal Train 2 board. I recently bought a Gator board to downsize with a 1spot. I just sold my PP2 and PT2 to fund a new cab. Now, I'm not running as many pedals as a lot of people are. I'm almost bare boned and I like it. I have to get an adapter for my Markbass compressore as the Vs are higher. I have the EHX Big Muff. And for some reason it doesn't sound as good coming though as it did on the PP2, but I'm gonna put an adapter on it and see how much of a difference it is.

I'm happy to downsize. I'll get what I want all the way around. If I had the cash to do it, I would probably eventually go back to the PP2. But, right now, I am more than happy with the 1spot. I recommend it. If anything, order it from Amazon. Hook it up and try it. If it doesn't sit well, contact them and send it back.
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#33
Just for the record, the Eventide Factor series *is* 9V, but it's center-positive and high-current. My Pitchfactor works with the One Spot and the polarity switching adapter, but whines like a banshee if not by itself.

gregmon79 said:
After I built the board I am using right now and got ready to power it, I wanted to go with the PPII. So I did. At first. I got it home and started hooking things up and started asking questions here on TB. I have worked with 1spots before to good effect mind you. Anyhow, someone suggested to go the way of two 1spots and be done with it. First, I thought the PPII was really expensive for what I was getting, some Im sure disagree, but I thought it looked a lot cooler and cleaner underneath my board. Well, make a long story short, I took the PPII back and get two 1spots instead. I am powering 16 pedals with teo of them and I havent had any problems whatsoever. Other than one show a few weeks ago my lead singer was jumping up and down on a plywood stage and it caused my board to cut in and out a few times. I just learned how to secure my plugs better on the bottom after that. I think the PPII would be better if you had an array of different regulated pedals, ie EHX and Eventide, but if you have a lot of 9 votls, I think the 1spot is the way to go. Its a lot more inexpensive as well.
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#35
No worries, just trying to keep the facts straight. It is a decent example of a pedal you don't want to daisy chain with other pedals, because of the polarity. And even finding the right power supply that can handle the current is a little tricky. But the voltage isn't the issue, and you can power it with a One Spot either (a) by itself or (b) with a lot of noise.

gregmon79 said:
I just went off of what I've heard on TB. I never owned one so it was probably a bad example. Sorry.
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#36
My two cents: paying $100-200 for a power supply is ********. You're paying for a pretty enclosure and very limited improvement on functionality and convenience (aka getting a variety of different voltages out in the same box: 9v, 12v, 18v, etc).

Think about it, if you're getting dirty power that would affect the one-spot and create buzz in the pedals, why would having isolated outputs be any different? The isolated outs are still drawing from the same dirty power source that the one spot is.

Personally speaking, I've used T-Rex and Voodoo Lab isolated power supplies and haven't found any difference from the one-spot. A distortion pedal will cause buzz when in the chain, regardless of it's power source. If you do buy a pricey supply, just keep in mind: you're more so paying for the look rather than any added electronic magic.

Ok, I'll step down off my soap box now.
 
#37
Honestly, I don't have one for it yet. I just sold my board a couple days ago with the PT and PP2. I haven't set up my Gator board yet. So, I haven't had the Compressore hooked up yet. And I won't until I find the exact adapter. Any advice what to use for it?

Adamixoye said:
I want to know what adapter you're using for the Markbass. The Power Pump adapter only goes to 480 mA at 12V which is below the recommended current provided by the factory wall-wart provided by Markbass. I am using the SuperSynth, not the Compressore, but I thought they were the same.
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#39
jewbageled said:
My two cents: paying $100-200 for a power supply is ********. You're paying for a pretty enclosure and very limited improvement on functionality and convenience (aka getting a variety of different voltages out in the same box: 9v, 12v, 18v, etc).

Think about it, if you're getting dirty power that would affect the one-spot and create buzz in the pedals, why would having isolated outputs be any different? The isolated outs are still drawing from the same dirty power source that the one spot is.

Personally speaking, I've used T-Rex and Voodoo Lab isolated power supplies and haven't found any difference from the one-spot. A distortion pedal will cause buzz when in the chain, regardless of it's power source. If you do buy a pricey supply, just keep in mind: you're more so paying for the look rather than any added electronic magic.

Ok, I'll step down off my soap box now.
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"Dirty power" isn't usually the reason to use isolated power, it is clock noise and other interference from certain pedals that can be amplified when sharing a ground with other pedals. Not everyone uses effects that will benefit from isolated grounds, but if you do start using one it'll be pretty apparent. Having several isolated supplies in one box also means that one pedal or power connection going down won't ground out the whole daisy chain like i had happen a handful of times with my 1spot. And I also find the added voltage capabilities to be more than just a "limited improvement in functionality"- the main reason I invested in a nice isolated supply was that I could eliminate about 4 wall warts at the time. It's all dependent on your individual needs though! I would probably still be using a 1spot if I hadn't branched out my effects use a bunch a few years back, and still carry one as a backup, but I find my CIOKs to be an integral part of my rig these days
 
#40
jewbageled said:
My two cents: paying $100-200 for a power supply is ********. ... If you do buy a pricey supply, just keep in mind: you're more so paying for the look rather than any added electronic magic.
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Frankly that opinion is because you do not understand the electronics. Read sunbeast's post for a start; then read some of the many other threads where ground isolation has been explained.
 

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