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DC Power Bricks?

RickyWoo

RickyWoo

May 26, 2016
1,924
2,332
#1
I don't know where to turn for DC power brick options, as I've never owned one. A different thread has me inspired to build my own board. I've checked out Voodoo Lab, MXR & Truetone offerings, as they're readily available to me but I know nothing of their quality or value. Their (different brands) prices are quite varied, for similar offerings, and I honestly don't have the experience to know why. I'm not looking to spend a whole lot, though I do want quality without power loss and will shell out for it if I have to.

I currently run 3 pedals:

1) TU-2 tuner
2) LPB-1 clean boost
3) SGFX Beta OD

I NEED at least 3 outputs but I fear I might fall down the rabbit hole for a few more pedals, so a few extra outputs wouldn't hurt. Maybe 6-8 total? Any experienced suggestions to consider, so I don't over spend or end up buying something I'll have buyer's remorse for? I'm taking the "big box" route here, so not looking for boutique. Any thoughts or direction?
 
#4
vivaknoxvegas said:
I first started out with a MXR Power Brick and had noise issues. I was running about 6 pedals at the time. I sold it and got an iso power Voodoo PP2 and I have been very happy with it. No noise issues, even with a bit of daisy chaining.
Click to expand...
Any audible signal loss in your chain with the Voodoo Lab, aside from the perk of no noise? It's what I have my eye on the most. Glad you posted your thoughts on the MXR... The price had me leaning to it but the last thing I need is more noise.... You know.... The Rick thing.
 
#5
You can certainly spend a lot of time and money researching some very nice power bricks and I don't mean to downplay them or their quality. However, if it were me (and I'm speaking from experience as a former owner of one) I would get the Joyo power supply. It doesn't have all the protection and filtering that others advertise. But what it does is provide plenty of taps at a variety of draw and voltage for a VERY reasonable price. If you don't mind scouring ebay a company called Cadine (or is it Caline?) will sell you an identical item at an even lower price with a different graphic on it.
 
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#8
I have had a Dunlop DC Brick for 8-10ish years, still running strong. I don't remember having noise issues, but anything is possible.

Another option: your TU-2 will power other pedals. You could get a OneSpot adapter and a daisy chain to power the others.... probably cheaper than a brick, but I haven't priced the newer ones like the Joyo.
 
#9
seedokebass said:
I have had a Dunlop DC Brick for 8-10ish years, still running strong. I don't remember having noise issues, but anything is possible.

Another option: your TU-2 will power other pedals. You could get a OneSpot adapter and a daisy chain to power the others.... probably cheaper than a brick, but I haven't priced the newer ones like the Joyo.
Click to expand...

It's an option, though it's what I already do. I just find daisy chaining is too polluted. Looking to tidy things up a bit. Especially if I'm thinking about expanding.

Edit: Isolated outputs is also important to me, as pointed out by another poster.
 
Last edited:
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#10
RickyWoo said:
It's an option, though it's what I already do. I just find daisy chaining is too polluted. Looking to tidy things up a bit. Especially if I'm thinking about expanding.
Click to expand...

Gotcha!

That's kind of why I went back to Brick, but it's still a bunch of cables with 5 pedals. Granted, I haven't tidied it up since I may build my own (smaller) board. I'm not too hung up about it though :woot:
 
#11
Just purchased a
Truetone 1 Spot Pro CS12 - with 12 Isolated Outputs. Comes with a variety of cables. The main reason for my choice are the two 12 volters I have. LeBass and Ethos. Also be sure and check on the fit of any brick to the underside of your board if that is part of your build. Enjoy the trip!
 
#13
at home , ... i started out with a One-Spot few a few pedals ... but adding more/different pedals required ISO ... now using a T-Rex Fuel Tank Jr. for 5 pedals ... things are steady and quiet .. !!

and now i use the 1-spot on a tiny practice rig w/3 pedals ... ordered a 3 outlet cable on ebay or amazon .? works great for my small TC pedals ... HOF mini, Ditto type things ...
 
#18
Josh Kneisel said:
The brick says it wants 2amps though... (2000mA)
Click to expand...

You are correct on the new silver/MXR version needing 2000mA.

To clarify, I have an older black model that uses this guy:
4588430.jpg
 
#19
RickyWoo said:
I don't know where to turn for DC power brick options, as I've never owned one. A different thread has me inspired to build my own board. I've checked out Voodoo Lab, MXR & Truetone offerings, as they're readily available to me but I know nothing of their quality or value. Their (different brands) prices are quite varied, for similar offerings, and I honestly don't have the experience to know why. I'm not looking to spend a whole lot, though I do want quality without power loss and will shell out for it if I have to.

I currently run 3 pedals:

1) TU-2 tuner
2) LPB-1 clean boost
3) SGFX Beta OD

I NEED at least 3 outputs but I fear I might fall down the rabbit hole for a few more pedals, so a few extra outputs wouldn't hurt. Maybe 6-8 total? Any experienced suggestions to consider, so I don't over spend or end up buying something I'll have buyer's remorse for? I'm taking the "big box" route here, so not looking for boutique. Any thoughts or direction?
Click to expand...

Man, just get a 1spot kit and be done with it...... $30 and done. Seems like you may WANT to slide down that rabbit hole ;)
 
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