PedalBoard Power Supplies

[Basslice]

I am building my first pedalboard. I will want to power six (6) 9v devices.
Looper
Overdrive
Compressor
Chorus
Octaver
Tuner
I have been looking into a power supply. I see that Voodoo Labs and CIOKS both sell units that meet my demands. There are a lot more user ratings on Voodoo than CIOKS. Voodoo units seem a little more pricey than CIOKS and the fact that anyone is charging >$100 for a 9-12V power supply seems ridiculous. These things are anywhere from $120 - $240!

 

[Hypocrite]

You get what you pay for. Seriously, you don't want to cheap out on power supplies. I'll recommend the VoodooLabs PP2+ and the Cioks DC7

 

[Wretched Banana]

I've used the Cioks DC7 and Truetone CS7 & CS6. There was absolutely no difference between them in terms of noise or any other perceivable quality matter. Cioks DC7 is objectively the more flexible one with plenty of mA on tap and 9-18V options.

Also the flat size & power outlets being on the sides (rather than front/back) of the box is crucial if you want to fit it under most board without added brackets and such. Compare CS7 vs CS6; the CS7 is a non-starter for many boards.

And yes, the prices are ridiculous.

 

[Killing Floor]

I use the Walrus supply. Super quiet. Doesn't get hot. And the coolest feature is the 120V 3-prong outlet on one end. So if you have a very high power device like a preamp or micro amp or an old pedal with a connected plug now you have a place to shove it.

 

[2saddleslab]

Strymon Ojai due to it's size. It's also scalable with a similar sized expander.

 

[Hendricks97]

Ihave the Cioks dc7 after i sold off my VL mondo. The flexibility of the Cioks is amazing

 

[BaltBass5]

+1 on Strymon. I’ve use Cioks, Voodoo and Others. Strymon are light, small, ultra quiet and the have the best draw per port.

 

[catcauphonic]

My Voodoo PP2 served me very well.

Sold it after I got a good deal on a Strymon Zuma, which offers a lot more mA capacity per port, and 2 of them are switchable from 9v to 12v or 18v!

I believe the Strymon was the Cadillac of power supplies until the CIOKS DC-7 came on the scene. I haven't owned one, and I forget the specs right now, but everybody raves about it.

The Voodoo PP2 should suit your needs just fine.

 

[two fingers]

I have a CIOKS AC10. That sucker is rugged, dead quiet, and versatile. I used to run the EHX Black Finger on the AC socket. Now I run a JoeMeek Floor Q compressor in that spot. Love it.

 

[two fingers]

Strymon Ojai due to it's size. It's also scalable with a similar sized expander.
View attachment 4065503

What's the tube pedal in the middle? (Brief derail)

 

[jebmd]

Love the DC5 but if I had it to do over again I’d get the DC7.

 

[Mr. Business]

If you only need to power 9v, I’d look at the Outlaw Effects Iron Horse. It’s a tuner and power supply that can power up to 8 9v effects.
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/acc...MI-OiPvdSd7QIVTtyGCh3nyQQTEAQYASABEgK0vPD_BwE

For two fingers, that’s the Edison tube pre by Night Owl Industries.

 

[mdesjardins68]

The key is not to look at what power supply you should get, but more of what power and current your pedals need or will need.... futur use is key.

Make a spreadsheet and put all the pedals you wish or planning to buy.
Then look at the specs for each pedal, if they can operate on higher voltage to get more headroom, it does sound better for some.

Once done, put columns with different voltage that your planning for and then summerise.

At that point you will know how much outputs and curent draw for each you will need.

Now start shopping,
-Make sure you get separate isolated output
-Avoid power supply that gets power from a DC wall wart (potato adapter) get a IEC AC cable instead
-Plan for expansion

Have fun

 

[Bolsyo]

I don't think you can go wrong with a nice isolated power supply from either Voodoo, Cioks or Truetone. I'd just get the cheapest from either that fits my requirements.

Personally I ended up with a Voodoo Lab 4X4 because I got it dirt cheap barely used with receipt and warranty.

 

[2saddleslab]

I have a CIOKS AC10. That sucker is rugged, dead quiet, and versatile. I used to run the EHX Black Finger on the AC socket. Now I run a JoeMeek Floor Q compressor in that spot. Love it.

As @Mr. Business stated above, it's a Nightowl Industries Edison. An amazingly simple yet affective pedal. It's got the overdrive I've always been seeking.

Per the suggestion from Seth [the bulider], I added an NOS Tesla tube and well worth it.

 

[two fingers]

As @Mr. Business stated above, it's a Nightowl Industries Edison. An amazingly simple yet affective pedal. It's got the overdrive I've always been seeking.
View attachment 4065627
View attachment 4065628

Per the suggestion from Seth [the bulider], I added an NOS Tesla tube and well worth it.
View attachment 4065629

Thanks!

Sorry for the derail!

 

[jkazam]

If you want something reasonably priced, small, and solid, try the MXR mini iso brick. 5 isolated outputs and comes with a splitter so it could power your 6 pedals. I used one without incident for years until I had > 6 pedals and then switched to the DC7.

 

[Claymore]

MXR Iso-brick user here. No issues with it as long as I've owned it. I'm sure lots of others are equally good.

 

[2saddleslab]

View attachment 4065612 If you only need to power 9v, I’d look at the Outlaw Effects Iron Horse. It’s a tuner and power supply that can power up to 8 9v effects.
https://www.musiciansfriend.com/acc...MI-OiPvdSd7QIVTtyGCh3nyQQTEAQYASABEgK0vPD_BwE

For two fingers, that’s the Edison tube pre by Night Owl Industries.

Besides having great taste in pedals, I never knew of a tuner/ power supply. That's a great idea!

 

[Mr. Business]

Besides having great taste in pedals, I never knew of a tuner/ power supply. That's a great idea!

The Edison is so cool! I actually have 2 of them. The Iron Horse caught my eye when I was looking for a power supply. It’s very convenient and just as quiet as the mxr mini iso I was using. I dig how both our boards are minimalist and simply going for killer tone!