the guitar room
the amp room
the effects room

 

 

adapters / power supplies

 

Here's a list of some of the more common psu's we can use to provide power to pedals. I've only listed psu's that are non-specific - i.e. meant to be used with different brands of pedals. This is why almost all of these supplies have DC voltages only. There are pedals out there that use 9 or 12 volts AC, and in general you're best off using the adapter that pedal came with. However, a couple of the power supplies listed can provide AC voltage alongside DC voltages, and then there's the Pedal Power AC, which has AC voltages only.

Disclaimer: Keep in mind that I most certainly don't recommend all of these power supplies for use - partly because it depends heavily on your particular rig and needs, and partly because there are several of them I simply wouldn't even want to poke with a stick... This is simply a run-down of what's available out there. The Stinkfoot site has a page where I go through which ones I recommend based on personal experience, but this page is for information purposes only.

 

Unit
Type
Isolated outputs
mA capability
Acc mains outlet
Notes
Picture
ADL / Pedalgear Juice Box 3

Toroidal transformer
Yes, in groups

Iso 1,2: four outputs each. 500mA total @ 9vDC for each group. One output in each group has V-bat "dying battery simulator" circuit.

Iso 3: 1 output with 250mA, adjustable from 4.6 to 18vDC

Iso 4: 1 output with 250mA, adjustable from 6.5 to 24vDC

Iso 5: 1 output with 1500mA at 12vAC
Yes

New version of the ADL Juice Box. Input voltage is selectable 120/240 volts, so it works in Europe as well!
Alctron AC2DC
?
Common ground for the 9vDC outputs, 12vDC and 12vAC outputs may be isolated.
?
?

Looks like a copy of the T-Rex Fuel Tank Classic
Amperor Voltz/MilliVoltz
Li-Ion battery pack, switching type charger
Yes
6000mAh battery. Uses separate isolated converters for various voltages, at approx 500mA max each.
No
Provides 100% ripple-free DC voltage, as the power source is a battery. Just keep the battery charged, and you're set!
Artec SPB-8 Power Brick
Digital switching adapter
No
8x9vDC @ 100mA each; 2 of them are adjustable 0-12vDC.
No
Top-loaded connections, so it will not allow pedals placed on top of it. 8 cables included, with right-angle plugs. Each output is individually regulated, but not isolated.
BBE Supa-Charger
Toroidal transformer
Yes
Six outputs switchable 9/12vDC, and two switchable 9/16vDC. Outputs 1-4, 7-8 are 100mA, while outputs 5-6 are 200mA. No word yet on if the 16 volt setting is unregulated (like the PP2+ "L6" mode).
No
Similar to the Pedal Power 2+, but without the "sag" function. Input voltage is selectable 120/240 volts, so it works in Europe as well.
Belcat PST-10 Power Station
?
No (most likely)
8x9vDC + two adjustable 6-12vDC
No
Powered from a 15vDC adapter (1000mA). No info on output mA capability.
Biyang Pedal-Power
?
?
2x9vDC, 1000mA total
3x9vDC, 100mA (total?)
2xACA (12vDC?), 1000mA total
2x6vAC, 1000mA total (for Biyang tube pedals)
No
From/for the Biyang "Tonefancier" series. The various groups of jacks should be isolated, as they have different mA ratings, but I don't know.
? (although I'm guessing transformer)
Yes, in groups
2x250mA @ 9vDC
No
Danish unit with two isolated groups, each with 4 outputs and 250mA. No info on availability, I'm afraid.
? 
Boss PSA / ACA
Transformer
No
200mA @ 9vDC
No
The standard in transformer adapters. Comes in regulated (PSA) and unregulated (ACA) 9vDC versions. Sadly, no 12vDC unreg (ACA) to use with pre-1997 Boss ACA pedals.
Boss PSA-120S
Digital switching
No
500mA @ 9vDC
No
New version of the PSA. More current available from digital switching technology. Seems to only be available in the US at the moment.
Boss PSC
Transformer
No
1000mA @ 9vDC
No
Originally designed to power the BCB-60 pedal board. It is regulated and has the correct plug polarity, so it should work if you need more power than the PSA can deliver.
Burkey Flatliner PRO
Toroidal transformer
Yes
9 individually isolated outputs: 5x9vDC 200mA each, 1x12vDC 200mA, 2 adjustable "sag" type outputs, 1x9/12vAC 1000mA
No
A power supply with something for almost any pedal on the market, and at a good price too! Make sure you have room for it, though - it is quite big.
  
Burkey Flatliner SIX
Toroidal transformer
Yes
6 individually isolated outputs, each with 100mA and selectable 9/12/15/18 volts DC.
No
New product for 2008.

Burkey PRO Rectifier n/a n/a (although the output that powers it is isolated)
 12vDC 700mA
or
9vDC 800mA
 n/a Add-on unit for the Flatliner PRO, which uses its AC output to provide power to Eventide and Nova pedals.
Carl Martin Big John
Transformer
No
7 outputs with a total of 600mA @ 9vDC
No
Same unit as the Cioks below, but in a different package. Output connectors are gold plated.
Cioks AC Rider
Transformer
Yes, in groups
2 groups of 2 9vDC jacks each, 75mA max per group
9 and 12vAC, 800mA (use either the 9 or 12vAC jack)
No
A simple solution if you need AC voltages, but don't have too many other pedals
Cioks Baby 2
Transformer
Yes, in groups
5 outputs with a total of 300mA @ 9vDC
Outputs 1-4 common ground, output 5 isolated
No
18vDC possible via special cable (either Booster Flex or Split Flex).
Cioks Big John
Transformer
No
7 outputs with a total of 600mA @ 9vDC
 No
18vDC possible via Booster Flex cable.
Cioks Double Jack
Transformer
No
5x9vDC, 2x12vDC - 600mA total
No
18vDC (24vDC from the 12 volt outputs) possible via Booster Flex cable.
Cioks Power Bitch
Transformer
Yes, in sections
3x9vDC, 150mA total
1x18vDC, 80mA
1x24vDC, 60mA unregulated
1x40vDC, 60mA unregulated
No
Great unit if you have a few 9vDC pedals and one of the oddball powered Electro-Harmonix ones
Cioks Schizophrenic
Transformer
Yes
5 outputs selectable 9/12vDC, 75mA each
1 output selectable 18vDC, 40mA or variable 4-14vDC, 60mA
No
Basic 9/12vDC unit with isolation and one special output
Cioks DC10 Toroidal transformer Yes 10 outputs total, in 8 isolated sections.

Outputs 1-4: 9vDC / 100mA each
Outputs 5-6: 9/12vDC / 200mA each
Outputs 7-8:
9 and 12vDC / 400mA
Outputs 9-10:
9 and 12/15v DC / 400mA 		No New for 2010 - capable of running both normal 9vDC pedals and power-hogs like Eventide, TC nova series, Tonebones etc. Comes with mounting kit for Pedaltrain boards.
Cioks AC10 Toroidal transformer Yes 10 outputs total, in 6 isolated sections.

Output 1-2:
9V DC / 100mA each
Output 3-4:
9/12vDC / 200mA each
Output 5-6:
9 and 12/15vDC / 600mA*
Output 7-8:
9 or 12vAC / 800mA*
Output 9-10:
9, 12 or 16vAC / 800mA
* only one of these two sections can be used
 No New for 2010 - capable of running both normal 9vDC pedals and power-hogs like Eventide, TC nova series, Tonebones etc, plus 9vAC pedals like the Digitech Whammy and some tube pedals.
Cioks TC10 Toroidal transformer Yes 10 outputs total, in 8 isolated sections.

Output 1-4:
9vDC / 100mA each
Output 5-6:
12vDC / 300mA each
Output 7-8:
9 and 12vDC / 300mA
Output 9-10:
9 and 12vDC / 400mA
 No New for 2010 - specially designed to run both normal 9vDC pedals and TC electronic pedals
Collins Power Station
Transformer (?)
No
8 outputs @ 9vDC - 800mA total
No
The Collins version is sold via www.musik-produktiv.de. The same unit is sold in other parts of Europe, under different names.
Danelectro Zero Hum (DA-1)
Transformer
No
200mA @ 9.6vDC
No
Has been reported as having 300mA, but on the adapter itself it says 200, so...
Diago Powerstation
Digital switching
No
1500mA @ 9vDC
No
Transformerless design. Looks very much like the laptop power supplies you can buy at electronics supply stores.
DNA Analogic Mr. Eight
Battery pack
No
6 outputs @ 9vDC, 2 "dry" outputs simulating a worn battery. 300mA max total.
No
Designed to provide up to 300mA for 4 hours on a single charge. 100% ripple-free power, as the power source is a battery.
Toroidal transformer
Yes
8x9vDC, 80mA
4x18vDC, 125mA
2 variable 6-15vDC, 200mA
2 9vAC, 800mA
Yes
Designed by Bob Bradshaw. Rackmountable - it's wide, but not as big as it would seem.
Dunlop/MXR DC Brick
Digital switching (the adapter that powers the Brick, that is)
No

7 outputs @ 9vDC, 375mA max
3 outputs @ 18v DC, 625 mA max

No
 Runs off its own adapter, so if you are replacing an adapter/daisy chain setup with this, you still have to wrestle with a wall wart
Eagle FeedFX
?
?

9vDC: eight outputs divided into two groups, 1000mA for each group
12vDC, 300mA
18vDC, 300mA
12vAC, 300mA
No
Runs off 220vAC. No info on transformer type or if the groups are individually isolated or only individually regulated. Weighs 1,8kg (!)
EBS AD-9
Digital switching
No
630mA @ 9.3vDC
No

2,4,5 & 6-way daisy chains (DC-x) also available.
Gator Cases G-BUS 8
Digital switching (separate power supply for the G-BUS)
No
1700mA total - 8x250mA @ 9vDC, 3x350mA @ 18vDC
No
Runs off a separate power supply.
Toroidal transformer
(?)
10 DC outputs, individually adjustable 1.2-18vDC. 100-200mA each, depending on voltage setting. Also 1x9vAC and 1x12vAC, both 500mA each.
No
Cool VU-style voltage meters and sleek brushed aluminium design - if looks are important, this one rules! Comes with 80 cm DC cables for all outputs.
Godlyke Power-All

Digital switching
No
1700mA @ 9vDC
No
Comes with daisy chain (5 outputs) and 4 cable adapters
Harley Benton Power Plant
Transformer
Common ground for the 9vDC outputs. Don't know if the 12vDC and 12vAC outputs are isolated or not.
8x9vDC, 500mA total
12vDC + 12vAC, 250mA each
No
Looks like a copy of the T-Rex Fuel Tank Classic. Sold by Thomann in Germany.
HEXE Power Supply
Toroidal transformer
Yes, in groups
2x800mA @ 9vDC
No
Two isolated groups, with 4 output wires for each (no jacks in the box, thus).
coming...
Lazeman Toroidal Power
Toroidal transformer
Yes
8 isolated outputs, each with 80-100mA max @ 9vDC. Outputs 1-4 switchable to 12vDC. Outputs 5-6 switchable to unreg(?), 250mA each for Line 6 modelers. Outputs 7-8 adjustable 4-9vDC.
?
The specs on this unit are very similar to the Pedal Power 2. The box itself is a little taller, though.
Lee Jackson Power I/II/II
Transformer
Yes
Custom units, built to spec. The base model (I) has 8 isolated 9vDC outputs
Yes
The Power II model can be ordered with selectable voltages, and the Power II is a full-on custom unit.
Masotti Feed Box
Separate power supply (not suppiled)
No

4 outputs @ 9vDC, 600mA total

1 variable 7-12vDC, 100mA max
No
Use any power supply with 13-20 volts DC or AC, 800mA or bigger (13.5vAC/1000mA nominal). Unit is MXR-sized.
Masotti PW-4
Transformer
Yes, in groups
4 isolated groups with 2 outputs each. Groups 1-3 are 9vDC/100mA, while group 4 is 9vDC/250mA.
No
Unit can be ordered with custom voltage (5/9/12/15/18vDC) in one group, and/or one group with variable voltage.
Maxon AC210N
Transformer
No
200mA @ 9vDC
No
Standard transformer based adapter - similar specs as the Boss PSA, but cheaper
Maxon PD-01 Power Distributor
Separate power supply (Maxon AC210N) included
No
7 outputs wired in parallel, 200mA max (if used with Maxon adapter above)
No
Not a power supply per se - this one is basically a daisy chain in a box.
Modtone Power Plant Toroidal transformer Yes 5 selectable 9/12vDC, 150mA
2 variable 4-9vDC, 150mA
1 9vAC, 1000mA		 Yes No 250mA outputs, but a 9vAC output is more than welcome. Also, the input voltage is selectable 115/230vAC.
MTR DC8DPR
Transformer
?
8 outputs with 4.2A (yup, 4200mA) total @ 9vDC. No word yet on individual limits (if the outputs are isolated or not)
No

It is quite large and weighs 2.6kg - worth mentioning, I think. The polarity on the outputs is center positive, but can be reversed to normal Boss standard polarity (in groups of two).
Musicom Labs Power Station 2 Toroidal transformer Yes 6 or 8x9/12vDC, 100mA
2x9/12vDC, 400mA
2 variable, 100mA		 No
The website says 6 9vDC/100mA outputs, while the manual says 10. On the unit pictured, I see 8, plus the two variable... Unit is 77mm high, so it may not fit on every board.
Pedal Pad Power Pad II
Digital switching
No
8 outputs @ 9vDC, 1670mA total
Yes
Digital switching power supply with daisy chain-style outputs (common ground).
Power Bank
Transformer
No
5 outputs @ 9vDC, 450mA total
No
Most likely the same unit as the Signal Flex PS-9 (se below). This one is sold in the UK by Maplin.
Rocktron DC OnTap
Digital switching
No
1670mA @ 9vDC
No
Comes with daisy chain and cable adapters. Specs are very similar to the 1spot and Godlyke Power-All.
Rothwell Stompjuice
Transformer
No
6 outputs with a total of 600mA @ 9vDC
No
Switchable 110/220v
Sherlock Amplifiers 9 volt regulated
Transformer
No

2x9vDC, 1000mA total

1x9vAC, 1000mA
No
Australian made, can be had with 18vDC output as well
Signal Flex PS-9
Transformer
No
5 outputs @ 9vDC, 450mA total
No

Plenty of reports of noise issues, as well as some damaged pedals. Damage could be down to user error, of course, but the noise...?

The same unit seems to appear under several different names ("Power Bank" and "Sound Lab", among others)
SKB PDU12
Transformer
All outputs individually isolated
2x9vAC/1300mA
2 variable 4-12vDC
4x9vDC
2x18vDC
2 selectable 9/12vDC
All DC outputs 100mA
No
1HE rack unit, same as the power section on the PS-55 pedalboard. Accepts multiple input voltages. All outputs selectable polarity. Unit also contains a cable tester.
Transformer
No (?)
6 outputs @ 9vDC, 75mA each and 450mA total
No
Sold by Maplin UK - possibly replacing the "Power Bank" mentioned above
Skrydstrup PBP Pedal Board Power
Toroidal transformer
Yes
4x9vDC/100mA, 1x9vDC/250mA, 1x9vDC/500mA
?
115/230vAC input. Custom output voltages available. Please note that the PBP may be discontinued (it's no longer listed on the website).
no pic yet
The GigRig Generator
Digital switching
No
9vDC/5000mA
No
2 Boss-style daisy chains provided with the unit.
The GigRig Virtual Battery
N/A
Yes
Isolation box for daisy chain use - provides an isolated output. Not a power supply, but rather a handy tool to use with an existing power supply/daisy chain setup.
No
Models with 2.1mm barrel plug and battery clip available. About the same size as a 9v battery.
T-Rex Fuel Tank Cameleon ? Yes All outputs are 300mA.

1-3: 9/12vDC
4: 9/18vDC
5: 9/12vDC
6: 12vAC.
 No Outputs 5 and 6 should not be used simultaneously. Mains voltage is switchable 115/230vAC.
T-Rex Fuel Tank Classic
?
Common ground for the 9vDC outputs, 12vDC and 12vAC outputs are isolated
9 outputs @ 9vDC, 500mA total, isolated 12vDC and 12vAC outputs w/ 500mA each
No
All 9vDC outputs are wired in parallel.
T-Rex Fuel Tank Juicy Lucy
Transformer
Yes
5 outputs w/ 12vDC, 300mA each. Supplied "current doubler" cable combines two outptuts for 600mA.
No
Designed to run the more power-hungry T-Rex pedals (Replica, Roommate etc), but will work with anything that can handle 12 volts DC.
T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior
?
Yes
5 outputs with 9vDC, 120mA each. Supplied "voltage doubler" cable combines two outputs for 18vDC, 120mA.
No
Smaller and less powerful than the regular Fuel Tank, but with isolated outputs.
T-Rex Power Tool 9
Digital switching
No
9vDC, 500mA
No
Switching type supply with travel adapter converters. Works worldwide.
VHT Valvulator I
Transformer
Yes
4 isolated outputs, each with 80mA @ 9vDC max
No
Tube signal buffer and power supply. Two 9vDC power outputs wired in series can provide 18vDC
Vinteck L'overpowersupply
External transformer
No (?)
10 individually regulated outputs, selectable 9/12vDC, 2 12vAC. 3000mA max total.
No
No mention of isolation (which, since the transformer is in a separate box, would be hard to do). Also available with a buffer/line driver section.
Digital switching
No
1700mA @ 9vDC
No

Lots of accessories (daisy chains, various converter cables etc) available.
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2+
Toroidal transformer
Yes
8 isolated outputs, each with 80-100mA max @ 9vDC. Outputs 1-4 switchable to 12.2vDC. Outputs 5-6 switchable to unregulated, 200mA each (for Line 6 modelers). Plus version has 9vDC/200mA regulated on outputs 5-6 in normal mode.
Yes
 "Battery sag" option on outputs 7/8 simulates dying battery. Two 9vDC outputs can be wired in series to provide 18vDC, or in parallel to double the mA numbers at 9vDC.
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power AC
Toroidal transformer
Yes
4 isolated outputs. 2 x 9vAC; 2 pairs of outputs with 9 and 12vAC, respectively (choose either the 9 or 12 volt output from each pair). All outputs/pairs have 1200mA each.
Yes
Same size as the unit above.
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power ISO5 Toroidal transformer Yes 3 x  9vDC/100mA outputs (isolated)
9/12vDC, 300mA outputs (isolated from the others, but not from each other)
1 x 18vDC, 100mA (isolated)
 ? Smaller version of the Pedal Power 2+. Five isolated outputs/groups. The 9 and 12v/300mA outputs share the same source, so if you use both, the total draw can't be more than 300mA.
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power Versa
Toroidal transformer
Yes - 13 isolated outputs sections.
8 isolated 9vDC outputs, like the Pedal Power 2+. 4 selectable to 12vDC, 2 are 250mA and selectable to Line 6 mode.
3 high-current DC sections:
9/12v, 500mA
12/15v, 500mA
18/24v, 200mA
2 AC sections:
9/12vAC and 9vAC
?
When the Versa first appeared, it was basically a scaled down 2+ and AC model in one box. The production version has grown significantly, though, both in features and physical size. 

Note: all pictures are from manufacturer's websites, or as supplied by manufacturers to retailers. If you (as the manufacturer or retailer) feel a picture is misrepresenting your product and you want me to take it down, e-mail me and I'll be happy to do so. E-mail links are at the bottom of each page.

 

The golden rules of using power supplies:

Get a proper adapter. If it isn't specifially made for audio applications (i.e. if it's a generic "will replace all adapters" type), it's not made for audio applications, and shouldn't be used. Yes, the same rules still apply - get the plug polarity, voltage and current (mA) capacity right, and it will work - but it probably isn't well enough filtered. Your rig will show its dislike by humming loudly...

Get to know your pedals - before you plug in any adapter. Find out what kind of power they want (AC or DC), how much of that power they want (current draw in mA), and how it wants it delivered (plug/jack polarity). If the pedal says "9vAC" or "9v ~", you can't use the same adapter as to your Boss pedals. AC means "alternating current", which alters direction 50-60 times per second. DC means "direct current", which flows evenly from positive to negative. Also, if you plan on buying a switching type adapter, make sure it will not clash with your delay/reverb etc pedals (digital pedals and clock-based analog ones) - if you hear a faint whining sound, the switching adapter will not work for you, and the only recourse is to get a transformer based adapter.

Forget the terms "negative tip" and "positive tip" - those terms apply to the 1/8" mini tele plug that to my knowledge now only is used on the ProCo RAT, the Ibanez reissue TS-808 and the old-style DOD pedals (all of which want a positive tip, btw). You might also find one or two Electro-Harmonix pedal in this group (beware, though - not all of the E-H pedals use 9 volts DC). All other "normal" pedals use a 2.1mm barrel type plug, with the positive carried on the outside of the plug. The center pin in the adapter jack is therefore negative, and the term is "center negative". But plug polarity is one thing - ground polarity is another thing you need to know about. Again, most pedals (all "normal" effects such as Boss, Ibanez etc) are the same - they have negative ground (battery "-" goes to ground). But some effects - mainly "boutique-type" germanium fuzz pedals - have positive ground instead. On those pedals, the adapter jack polarity is normally also reversed, but they don't have to be - it doesn't have anything to do with the fact that they are positive ground. The main thing to remember is that you can't feed these pedals power from the same source (daisy chain or non-isolated psu) as you use for the others - that will short the entire power supply out, and make your pedals go quiet (at best - at worst, your gear will be damaged). For those pedals, you have to either use batteries, get a separate adapter (check the plug polarity), or get a psu with isolated outputs. Check the list above - there are only a handful of power supplies with isolated outputs.

You can never have too much power. The pedals will only draw as much as they need, regardless of the power available from the adapter. But the bigger the adapter, the less strain you're putting on it. A rig that draws 185 mA in total really needs a bigger adapter than 200mA - you don't keep your car in first gear, at 5000 rpm, just because the redline is at 6000, do you? So, basically, unless there are other limitations - such as finances, for instance, or that you're using the "power thru" jack on a Boss TU-2/LS-2/NS-2/PSM-5 (which aren't guaranteed for more than 200mA) - get as much as you can.

When buying a power supply, weigh in the following:

 

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