Pedal Power - Block vs Individual Supplies

[Parzival]

I have a few of these under my board. Works great for my situation and I can put my pedalboard anywhere without worry of where I will plug the power supply. It works great in a situation where you have normal 9v pedals with anywhere from 10 to 300 mA draws. If you have 12v or 18v pedals or high draw digital pedals, not a great solution.

 

[KellyC]

I agree that a high quality isolated power source is a must.
I would also point out that there are some effects in common usage that don’t take 9v, and many premium preamps and DIs require a 12v plug in, so choosing a power block that offers these options on the front end can save you having to purchase a second one down the line.

 

[joel the bass player]

Dedicated with more outlets than you need at the moment, if you are already in here in the effects forum you are probably going to get more pedals in the future.

I don't see myself ever wanting to deal with rechargeable batteries, and don't want to deal with anything other than a IEC power cord. Places always have power, it has never been an issue.

 

[bassbrad]

Get this one!
Has more than enough for what you want to use it for. With the ability to use the internal rechargeable battery, so you don’t even have to plug it into an outlet. I love mine!

Joyo JP-05 Rechargeable Power Supply

That one looks interesting since it is also a battery power supply and has switchable 9/12/18 volt slot. Perfect for drop/rock/roll quick set ups.

 

[Luckydog]

I prefer the Cioks or similar, rather than individual power units. I sometimes use an 18v Preamp/DI along with three 9v pedals, so while I could daisy chain the 9v pedals with a 1 Spot, I still need to separately provide 18v. One thing to be aware of is the Cioks (at least the one I use) puts out some heat, so you need to be aware of where you place your pedal board. I often keep mine on top of cab next to amp head, and it gets warm enough to damage the covering on the cab.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

That one looks interesting since it is also a battery power supply and has switchable 9/12/18 volt slot. Perfect for drop/rock/roll quick set ups.

Yeah, it works great, so much so. My drummer who plays bass in another band picked one up and equally loves it. It has enough juice to hold a charge through a 3-4 hour band practice. I’m using it for almost all of the power it has as well. Keeps up, no sweat. You can also play it while it’s plugged in, so it’s really flexible.
I’ve had several joyos, and none of them have ever given me problems. Also have a Mosky ISO 10 that replaced 2 Joyo supplies, so I could use one outlet and that thing is amazing.

 

[Jayflap]

I prefer the Cioks or similar, rather than individual power units. I sometimes use an 18v Preamp/DI along with three 9v pedals, so while I could daisy chain the 9v pedals with a 1 Spot, I still need to separately provide 18v. One thing to be aware of is the Cioks (at least the one I use) puts out some heat, so you need to be aware of where you place your pedal board. I often keep mine on top of cab next to amp head, and it gets warm enough to damage the covering on the cab.

I was planning on mounting the power supply underneath the pedal board. That should not be a problem..... Correct?

 

[Michedelic]

I was planning on mounting the power supply underneath the pedal board. That should not be a problem..... Correct?

Correctamundo, that’s where it should go, to be heard(as in powering your pedals), and not seen. That then leaves more room on top for the pedals that you don’t realize yet that you’ll want.
You didn’t mention what brand of board you have, but if it’s Pedaltrain or similar, with slots/holes, you will want to run the little cables to the effects boxes from underneath through those to keep things tidy and organized. I don’t know about you, but a rat’s nest of line and power cables drives me up the wall. If you should ever have a box fail on you, it’s easier to trace and eliminate, plus help in the arrangement/spacing of the boxes on the board.
If you have issues with underneath clearance, you can fit rubber cane tips over the board feet to elevate it, but then if you do get a Cioks 7, it is designed to fit perfectly under most PT models, primarily the Metro series. All you need is velcro.

 

[Jayflap]

I'll be building my own. I have come up with a couple different plans trying to beat keep it compact but with room for expansion. I will be mimicking the slotted design for cable pulls.

I work in TV and have learned over the years that cable management is key. Trust me when I say that the mic cables at our practice space give me anxiety. Lol.

 

[socialleper]

Power block. Adapters are bulky and unpredictable.

 

[KellyC]

I'll be building my own. I have come up with a couple different plans trying to beat keep it compact but with room for expansion. I will be mimicking the slotted design for cable pulls.

I work in TV and have learned over the years that cable management is key. Trust me when I say that the mic cables at our practice space give me anxiety. Lol.

If you’re good at cable management, you could literally sell your assemblies. I know this because I would be your first customer. I feel like I’m trying to split the atom just to get my cables up to the standard of a 3rd grader’s interpretation of professional cable management.

 

[Luckydog]

I was planning on mounting the power supply underneath the pedal board. That should not be a problem..... Correct?

my power supply is mounted under a pedal train mini + or whatever it is called. It gets hot under there.

 

[Jayflap]

DC7 on order!

Thank you everyone

 

[RobertL]

I am looking to build a pedal board to help make set ups easier. Just 4 pedals, tuner, compressor, Master Effects Super 300, and Overdrive. Other than being a bit cleaner is there any benefit to using a power block (1 Spot CS6, Voodoo Lab, etc) over using a power strip (wide spaced) and individual power supplies. My thought is the power strip with individuals would be nice in case one dies it is easy to replace a single power supply vs an expensive block.

Just looking for other's thoughts.

I am looking to build a pedal board to help make set ups easier. Just 4 pedals, tuner, compressor, Master Effects Super 300, and Overdrive. Other than being a bit cleaner is there any benefit to using a power block (1 Spot CS6, Voodoo Lab, etc) over using a power strip (wide spaced) and individual power supplies. My thought is the power strip with individuals would be nice in case one dies it is easy to replace a single power supply vs an expensive block.

Just looking for other's thoughts.

I purchased a looper pedal for my guitar and a Snark power supply. Then I bought a tuner with a 1Spot power supply. Then I purchased a multi effects pedal. I already have 2 power supplies, why get another one? The multi FX has a tuner and looper on board. Not as good as the dedicated pedals, but good enough. So... should I purchase another wall wart, or an isolated power supply? I've already invested enough to have bought half a new isolated unit. I can either dump a ton on an "expandable" power supply or buy a 5-pack daisy chain cable set from Walmart and cringe when the hum kicks in. However, if I stick with the wall warts and daisy chain cables- should the 1Spot blow up on me, at least I have the Snark and a crapload of daisy chain cables. YMMV. I intend to buy an isolated multi power unit when (1) The Snark dies on me or (2) The Walmart cables become too irritating, or (3) I need more power than the surviving wall wart can supply.