Pedal Power

When it comes to your pedalboard setup, powering your pedals is a crucial but often overlooked aspect, and it's a realm where quality truly matters. While budget options exist, they often come with downsides like noisy rigs and the potential for long-term pedal damage. Our objective here is to guide you in understanding the optimal way to supply power to your pedals while maintaining the best possible sound.

Most pedals typically require a 9V DC, center-negative power supply (think BOSS-style), although some may call for different voltage levels such as 12V, 18V, or 24V DC. There are also exceptions like the Line 6 DL4, which demands 9V AC power. Always, without exception, consult your pedal's specific power requirements to ensure you're using the correct power source. Nothing's worse than investing in a pedal only to accidentally fry it by plugging in the wrong power supply.

Additionally, take into account the current requirements when researching power supplies. Current is often measured in milliamps (mA), and the majority of standard pedals draw less than 100 mA. However, digital pedals frequently demand higher current, usually ranging from 200 mA to 1000 mA for proper operation. It's important to note that, unlike the risk of using the wrong voltage, having more current available than required will not harm your pedal. This means you can safely connect a pedal that needs 20 mA to a power source supplying 500 mA.

The most reliable way to power your pedals is through a fully isolated power supply designed specifically for pedals. Brands like Ernie Ball, Voodoo Labs, CIOKS, or Gigrig offer excellent options, especially if you're powering multiple pedals simultaneously. Alternatively, a straightforward wall-wart power supply, such as those produced by Electro-Harmonix or Boss, can also work effectively. These power supplies are fully isolated and won't introduce unwanted noise stemming from ground loops.

We strongly advise against using daisy-chained power supplies, as they can introduce noise and even lead to pedal damage over time. It's always best to stick with either genuinely isolated, multi-output power supplies or employ individual wall-wart power supplies whenever possible.

In summary, it's consistently recommended to employ clean, fully isolated power sources with the correct voltage and ample milliamps to supply your pedals. This ensures your pedals receive what they need to sound their best and perform flawlessly for years to come.