Cali76 9v/18v: is anyone actually using it at 9v?

Oct 7, 2019
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Quick question: for those of you using/have used the original Cali76 Compact Bass, is anyone actually using it at 9v? Are there any benefits to running it at 9v if I get no clipping? Any tone differences between the two power options? Thanks and all the best!
 
I've owned two of these units and found the clipping with even moderate output basses to be unacceptable at 9V. For me it was a pedal that basically demanded it be run at 18V. If yours is not clipping at 9V then you should be fine. You could always test it by powering it with 18V and then switching back to just 9V and see if you can tell the difference. If you can't, then you're good. If you can, it's up to you to decide which you prefer, or if 9V is suitable for your needs.
 
I've owned two of these units and found the clipping with even moderate output basses to be unacceptable at 9V. For me it was a pedal that basically demanded it be run at 18V. If yours is not clipping at 9V then you should be fine. You could always test it by powering it with 18V and then switching back to just 9V and see if you can tell the difference. If you can't, then you're good. If you can, it's up to you to decide which you prefer, or if 9V is suitable for your needs.
Thanks! I can get it to clip under extreme settings at 9v, like bass fully boosted onboard and input at full, but I would never actually play at those levels. I basically run my passive/active modes near the same volume by turning the internal trim pot down. I also run my input below noon. I didn’t want to purchase anything to test out 18v but I just might have to.
 
The best choice is to try it both ways and evaluate which voltage works best for your application. The answer can vary with your setup, the gain staging you use, and your tone goals.

I don't have a Cali but I do have other pedals that can run at 9V or higher voltages. At least one produced noticeably more hiss and had a lower S/N Ratio at the higher voltage. So I set up the power supply to deliver 9V.