So when it comes to pedalboard power supplies, it seems to be Voodoo Labs and everyone else. Sure I see the occasional Fuel Tank and One-Spot (though the One-Spot being pure daisy-chain I'm not sure it really belongs in the discussion), but the Pedal Power 2 seems to dominate. There's got to be other options... other favorites.
So what's your favorite power supply? Most coveted features? I only have a One Spot right now but am looking for options for when I finish my full board. It seems like compare/contrast articles out there are thin on information and thick on advertising/marketing.
Or... would you strongly consider a DIY option? I've read that the limiting factor seems to be power transformers and keeping a DIY project feature-packed within a small enclosure. So maybe it's not even feasible to go DIY on a project like this and come close to something premanufactured.
I have been using the BBE Supa Charger for a few years now with no issues.
I use a Voodoo Labs 4X4 on my main board due to the high mA output I can run my Strymon Timeline & BigSky on it.
My bass board is a One-Spot since its only 4 pedals and pretty low draw.
Cody
I originally used a couple of 1-spots and they were ok, but I was having a lot of hiss. I was hounding for a Decimator PCB or the like so I could put together a noise gate. Finally I snagged a Voodoo 2 and my signal is clean as a whistle.
My first build was the BYOC 5-knob compressor and I never really got along all that well with it because of all the hiss I was getting. Now with the Voodoo it's totally quiet.
Palmer PWT-12. Tons of outputs (6x2, 250mA each duo, various voltages and switch options), build like a brick (heavy duty and quite high, depending on your board this can be good or not), made in germany and very reliable. I think it's in the same price range as most PSUs.
all day this
http://www.musicstore.de/en_EN/EUR/Fame-DCT-200-Multi-Power-Supply-/art-GIT0019066-000
cheap as chips (3 for the price of a voodoo lab) with 2 high mA outputs that run strymon pedals no issue
I actually own three
the drawbacks are
- taller than voodoo lab
- no courtesy out plug
- yellow paintjob
one of mine developed an issue on one of the outputs; I could RMA it but I just use it as a spare. For the money, its a no brainer.
I have a BBE Supa Charger, 2 VooDoo Labs Pedal Power 2+ Supplies, an MXR MC403 and a bunch of wall warts (1spot, Dunlop, Boss, etc.).
For the money, I think the MXR is a nice power supply as it can run a large board. It has 18v supplies as well, although I would've preferred more 9v taps.
The BBE has been fine for me but it lacks the extra AC plug that the PP2+ has (if that's important to you).
The wall warts are OK in a pinch, but I prefer using better quality supplies for bigger boards.
I have 2 Pedal Power 2 + Supplies. One on my main gig board and on my practice/rehearsal board. I have owned them both for about 4 years with no issues.
Dave
Have had a BBE Supa Charger for years without issue. Recently upgaded to a Voodoo 4x4 for the 12v out to run a TC Electronics Nova Delay. Great supply so far.
Anyone ever try one of these? http://www.amazon.com/Power-Supply-JP-02-Isolated-Effect/dp/B00B5X2W4I/ref=pd_cp_MI_2
Quote from: Justus on January 14, 2015, 12:18:00 AM
Anyone ever try one of these? http://www.amazon.com/Power-Supply-JP-02-Isolated-Effect/dp/B00B5X2W4I/ref=pd_cp_MI_2
Some have questioned if it really is Isolated or just like a wall wort and cables in a box. Love to see inside.
From Comments on Amazon:
I have one of these for convenient spare/extra power, and it works reliably for what it does and is well constructed. The outputs have bypass filters, and they have current limiting sections. However, they are not electrically isolated. Joyo's product description continues to use the word 'isolated', so I'll explain.
Each of the outputs shares the same ground plane, and you can even measure this with a multimeter without opening the case. Just measure the resistance (zero ohms) between the center pin on any two outputs.
True electrical isolation requires a transformer with separate secondary windings for each output section and this is why the products from Voodoo Labs, T-Rex, and others are more expensive (and also why they are a bit bigger and heavier.) The T-Rex Fuel Tank Chameleon has a transformer with 5 independent secondary windings and 5 voltage regulators. The Joyo product in contrast has only 2 voltage regulators: One for all of the 9v outs and one for the 12v out. (The 18v out comes straight off the wall-wart voltage.)
Overall it's a nice product in a light and low profile package if you don't need isolation and you don't mind the wall-wart transformer. Joyo could improve their marketing copy by removing the word "isolated", as the description of short circuit protection would remain just as accurate without the misleading language.
I've got a VooDoo Lab Pedal Power 2+ and an ISO-5. The ISO-5 is under my PT-Jr pedal board and the PP2+ is for my basement practice space/office. All work great, nice and quiet, no issues. Love the number of outlets and varied output options. So much so, that I'm thinking of adding another ISO-5 to my PT-Jr.
Godlyke Power-all, and a 11port daisychain. No problems so far, but I'm not huge on digital pedals. Lowest profile out of all of the stuff here :P
The other one is my Cioks AC10. Built like a tank (you could jump up and down on it, as long as you missed the plugged in cables), lots of outputs (if you want AC, their DC10 is similarly loaded for bear but for more normal people.) I bought it primarily for my "weird stuff" -- the Infinitphase, Schumann PLL, and the mighty Eurorack modular synthesizer.
Quote from: blearyeyes on January 14, 2015, 12:57:28 AM
Quote from: Justus on January 14, 2015, 12:18:00 AM
Anyone ever try one of these? http://www.amazon.com/Power-Supply-JP-02-Isolated-Effect/dp/B00B5X2W4I/ref=pd_cp_MI_2
Some have questioned if it really is Isolated or just like a wall wort and cables in a box. Love to see inside.
From Comments on Amazon:
I have one of these for convenient spare/extra power, and it works reliably for what it does and is well constructed. The outputs have bypass filters, and they have current limiting sections. However, they are not electrically isolated. Joyo's product description continues to use the word 'isolated', so I'll explain.
Each of the outputs shares the same ground plane, and you can even measure this with a multimeter without opening the case. Just measure the resistance (zero ohms) between the center pin on any two outputs.
True electrical isolation requires a transformer with separate secondary windings for each output section and this is why the products from Voodoo Labs, T-Rex, and others are more expensive (and also why they are a bit bigger and heavier.) The T-Rex Fuel Tank Chameleon has a transformer with 5 independent secondary windings and 5 voltage regulators. The Joyo product in contrast has only 2 voltage regulators: One for all of the 9v outs and one for the 12v out. (The 18v out comes straight off the wall-wart voltage.)
Overall it's a nice product in a light and low profile package if you don't need isolation and you don't mind the wall-wart transformer. Joyo could improve their marketing copy by removing the word "isolated", as the description of short circuit protection would remain just as accurate without the misleading language.
Thanks for quoting that. I kind of figured it was not really isolated.
Cody
I am really happy with the "flatliner six" by Burkey.
Mich P.
Quote from: LaceSensor on January 13, 2015, 10:28:09 PM
all day this
http://www.musicstore.de/en_EN/EUR/Fame-DCT-200-Multi-Power-Supply-/art-GIT0019066-000
cheap as chips (3 for the price of a voodoo lab) with 2 high mA outputs that run strymon pedals no issue
I actually own three
the drawbacks are
- taller than voodoo lab
- no courtesy out plug
- yellow paintjob
one of mine developed an issue on one of the outputs; I could RMA it but I just use it as a spare. For the money, its a no brainer.
Yep, I've got one. Great price and does the job.
For those with a Pedal Train it won't fit underneath though. There's a tutorial over at DIYSB by someone that modded his/hers to fit.
Edit: Here's the link.
http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=95588.0
I also have the Fame DCT 200 and confirm that it really is good, for the money.
Needing other options though, I had been pondering getting 2 of these for a while: http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_powerplant_junior.htm
Which are similar to the T-rex fuel tank junior. 5 Isolated outputs.
But right now i'm gathering parts to build my own from several 2x12v transformers. Need to find a suitable enclosure now ...
Quote from: drolo on January 14, 2015, 10:13:07 AM
I also have the Fame DCT 200 and confirm that it really is good, for the money.
Needing other options though, I had been pondering getting 2 of these for a while: http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_powerplant_junior.htm
Which are similar to the T-rex fuel tank junior. 5 Isolated outputs.
But right now i'm gathering parts to build my own from several 2x12v transformers. Need to find a suitable enclosure now ...
the outputs are quite low mA otherwise nice
QuoteThe other one is my Cioks AC10
I really want one of these to replace SLOPPy. Unfortunately they're on the expensive side.
I run my bass board off one of a Joyo JMP01. Works pretty well, and if it goes flat you can still run it off a wall wart - it's wont charge while it's powering pedals, but it'll get you through.
I have a 1 Spot for my main board, and a 'Power Bank' DC9 (which you often see on eBay and Amazon etc) which has 5 outs for my testing boards.
Of themselves I find neither noisey, it does however depend on what you plug into them, particularly DIY stuff with LFO's or pumps and converters etc, sometimes it's individual pedals, sometimes combinations. I've never had sag issues with either. I find the 1Spot very convenient, just a plug and leads, it's very easy to swap out pedals as the connectors are daisy chained with enough length to accommodate most power jack placements. With the multi outlet PSU you alway find you need more different length leads that you have :D
I don't gig electric so it's just home use for me, the 1Spot is great value, if you don't go for it for your main supply, I'd definitely spring for it for a second board.
Methinks the reason the PP2 dominates is because for the price its probably the best you can get. There are cheaper ones but their mileage may vary. There are better ones but they're more expensive. With the PP2 you know you will get every volt that you need for your money.
Quote from: drolo on January 14, 2015, 10:13:07 AM
Needing other options though, I had been pondering getting 2 of these for a while: http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_powerplant_junior.htm
Which are similar to the T-rex fuel tank junior. 5 Isolated outputs.
I have one, can't say anything bad about it.
Other than that, for the small boards I use a One-Spot, the big one has the Thomann one and an older Cioks Schizophrenic. Bought that one back in the days before DIY to have all the positive ground and 12- and 18-V options that I don't need anymore because I build these into the pedals now. If I need another power supply, I'd buy the Thomann one again. Or two.
Quote from: Justus on January 14, 2015, 12:18:00 AM
Anyone ever try one of these? http://www.amazon.com/Power-Supply-JP-02-Isolated-Effect/dp/B00B5X2W4I/ref=pd_cp_MI_2
I actually have one of these, and while I don't have a voodoo lab to compare it with, I have not had any trouble with it. I did have a 1 Spot before the Joyo, and I have noticed better performance with the Joyo. I don't know much about Joyo's quality control, but I'd suspect you might get some varied opinions from owners. My personal experience has been positive. I'm also just a bedroom rocker with no need for pro gear. Hope that helps!
I have had one of these on my board for a bit. http://www.ebay.com/itm/171245139596?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Looks like it may be identical to the Joyo. I haven't had any trouble with it, it's quieter than my 1Spot and it has 12 and 18v outputs. I haven't had it quite a year yet, but no problems with it so far.
Gut shot of the Joyo from the 'net:
(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/SuneAndersson/JoyoPowerSupply2D.jpg) (http://s678.photobucket.com/user/SuneAndersson/media/JoyoPowerSupply2D.jpg.html)
My board has 2 supplies underneath. I have a CIOKS DC10 and then a Voodoo Labs 4x4. It's excessive, but I needed the 4x4 to run the current hungry TimeLine, BigSky, and Mobius. I'm really, really happy with both.
(//)http://obrazki.elektroda.net/93_1211660670.jpg
Quote from: irmcdermott on January 14, 2015, 05:18:12 PM
...TimeLine, BigSky, and Mobius.
Ya ya ok, I'm jealous now. Quite, infact
Mine is a home made supply... due for a rebuild since I er... dropped it ;D. Linear, 4x isolated variable DC outputs courtesy of LM317T.
I went the diy route. Used the weber transformer for 8 isolated 9vdc outs @300ma, and 1 @2A.. I don't think I'll ever need another power supply.
Quote from: slimtriggers on January 14, 2015, 05:08:58 PM
I have had one of these on my board for a bit. http://www.ebay.com/itm/171245139596?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Looks like it may be identical to the Joyo. I haven't had any trouble with it, it's quieter than my 1Spot and it has 12 and 18v outputs. I haven't had it quite a year yet, but no problems with it so far.
Gut shot of the Joyo from the 'net:
(http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv141/SuneAndersson/JoyoPowerSupply2D.jpg) (http://s678.photobucket.com/user/SuneAndersson/media/JoyoPowerSupply2D.jpg.html)
That Ebay PS looks like a great deal. Have a question though. It claims to be isolated outputs, but if it's like that JOYO (and I'm sure it is) doesn't isolated outputs require separate transformers.?
4x4 all the way....
Quote from: aballen on January 14, 2015, 11:04:06 PM
I went the diy route. Used the weber transformer for 8 isolated 9vdc outs @300ma, and 1 @2A.. I don't think I'll ever need another power supply.
I would second the DIY route. I basically used a higher-mA wallwart that I found to be quiet, dremeled it open, and added in another circuit board with a 12v regulator for my delay, flanger, chorus pedals (all the power hungry ones). It looks like garbage (black electrical tape), but it does the trick
very quietly. For overdrive/fuzz/distortion, I strictly use batteries. A 9v battery in something like a Big Muff or Fuzz Face seems to last forever, and it's impossible to get any noise from dirty power.
Quote from: aballen on January 14, 2015, 11:04:06 PM
I went the diy route. Used the weber transformer for 8 isolated 9vdc outs @300ma, and 1 @2A.. I don't think I'll ever need another power supply.
"weber transformer"? Link, or shed some more light on this project? I'm interested...
Quote from: Justus on January 15, 2015, 02:30:41 PM
"weber transformer"? Link, or shed some more light on this project? I'm interested...
https://taweber.powweb.com/store/pdlxfmr.gif (https://taweber.powweb.com/store/pdlxfmr.gif)
it's pretty big. i think i have one laying around, meant to build one but never got around to it. i can look around my bench later. but they are only like $25 new. they make both 120V and 240V versions.
Quote from: irmcdermott on January 15, 2015, 02:50:51 PM
Quote from: Justus on January 15, 2015, 02:30:41 PM
"weber transformer"? Link, or shed some more light on this project? I'm interested...
https://taweber.powweb.com/store/pdlxfmr.gif (https://taweber.powweb.com/store/pdlxfmr.gif)
it's pretty big. i think i have one laying around, meant to build one but never got around to it. i can look around my bench later. but they are only like $25 new. they make both 120V and 240V versions.
But this doesn't get you 12 or 18 volts right?
Road rage