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A pedalboard is a modern convenience that any guitarist can benefit from. However, to really make the most of this, a power supply is needed to power each pedal individually.
Are you looking for the best power supply for guitar pedals? You’ve come to the right place.
The following pedalboard supplies are some of the best to be found in today’s market. Whether you need to power a few or many, there’s something here for you.
Table of Contents
Truetone CS12 – Best Overall
Looking to power a large number of pedals on your pedalboard? The Truetone CS12 (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is one of the best options money can buy.
This power supply makes it incredibly convenient to power every pedal on your board. It has the capability to power 12 different pedals, all with isolated power for each.
If you have pedals that require different voltages, the CS12 can accommodate without issue. The power supply features the following connection capabilities:
- 4 x 9V DC
- 4 x 9V/12V switchable DC
- 1 x 9V AC
- 1 x 4-9V DC variable
- 2 x 18V DC
As you can see, there is a wide range of possibilities here and your needs will likely be easily met.
What’s actually quite nice is that there are a number of connections that can switch between voltages. Many other power supplies have dedicated voltages, which could cause some outlets to go unused.
Another excellent feature is that the CS12 can provide variable power for pedals that sound better with lower voltages. Fuzz pedals are especially notorious for having different tonal characteristics related to voltage input.
No matter where you are in the world, the CS12 will be able to power your pedals. It has a switchable mode to accommodate different power standards used across the globe.
You won’t have to go out and buy anything extra to use the CS12 with your pedalboard. All of the connector cables come included, along with a connector for a 9V battery for battery-only pedals.
Along with that, the CS12 also comes with mounting brackets so you can easily install the power supply right away.
The CS12 really packs in a ton of value at a price that is more affordable than other options.
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 PLUS – Best Premium
Searching for something that offers a massive range of options, including easy linking to expansions for increased output capabilities? The Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 PLUS (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is a prime choice.
Compared to others on this list, the Pedal Power 3 PLUS does cost a bit more money. However, its options for powering pedals are nearly limitless when connecting other expansion power supplies from Voodoo Lab.
With the Pedal Power 3 Plus, you’re getting 12 different outputs, including:
- 10 x 9V DC at 500mA
- 1 x 9V/12V switchable DC at 500mA
- 1 x 9V/12V switchable DC at 200mA
- 2 x 12V DC at 1A (which must be used in tandem to power expansion units)
You won’t have any issues powering even the most power-demanding pedals with this unit. 500mA is more than suitable for most pedals produced today.
If you happen to have pedals requiring higher voltages, this power supply will easily do the trick. With an adapter, you can easily power pedals requiring up to 24V, which is quite rare for a power supply.
You won’t have any voltage problems if you play around the world. This power supply automatically adjusts to the amount of voltage being fed to it from the wall socket.
With this power supply, you’ll get 10 connector cables measuring 18”, and 2 cables measuring 24”. Powering pedals will be easy no matter what distance they might be from the actual power supply.
Overall, the Pedal Power 3 PLUS is a great choice, especially if you have pedals that have rare voltage requirements. You will need to purchase mounting brackets, which is a bit of a bummer.
However, if you have a Pedaltrain pedalboard, brackets are made to specifically fit your board.
Gator GTR-PWR-5 – Best Budget
Do you have a smaller pedalboard and need to power your pedals without breaking the bank? The Gator GTR-PWR-5 (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is definitely worth taking a look at.
As you might have guessed by its name, the GTR-PWR-5 has power output capabilities for 5 different pedals. All of these are rated at 9V with 120mA for each isolated outlet, with a combined power of 600mA.
This might not have the options as some of the others, but for certain people, this won’t be an issue. For the most part, it is about as straightforward as you would want a power supply to be.
The GTR-PWR-5 can be used around the world without any issue. This model has a switch that allows you to switch the input voltage.
Along with that, you won’t need to buy anything extra to use this power supply. It comes included with 5 connector cables as well as a cable for inverting the polarity.
Plus, the GTR-PWR-5 has slots designed in its housing so you can mount it without needing any brackets. It measures 4.9” x 4.25” x 1.57”, so do be mindful of your spacing.
This power supply also has fans built into its housing to keep its internal components cool during use. You’ll want to make sure there is enough clearance for air to get into the vents.
You will want to pay close attention to the specific power requirements of each of your pedals. Because each channel has 120mA, you could run the risk of overloading the power supply.
Generally, though, the GTR-PWR-5 is more than suitable for smaller, basic boards. Plus, for the price, it's hard to pass up, especially for isolated DC outputs, and no need for a mounting bracket.
Strymon Zuma
Have a little extra to spend and need to utilize unique power voltages? The Strymon Zuma (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is the power supply you’ve been searching for.
This power supply boasts 9 output connections with dual isolation. You won’t have to worry about any noise interference, and overloading the power supply is out of the question.
For starters, the Zuma has 7 outputs supporting 9V DC connections with 500mA for each output. Even the most demanding pedals will be easily accommodated with the Zuma.
On top of that, the Zuma has 2 variable outputs that can be switched between 9V, 12V, or 18V. Both of these outputs also have 500mA, providing a consistency that makes connecting pedals incredibly convenient.
If that wasn’t enough, the Zuma also has a 24V outlet with 2000mA. So, if you have a vintage pedal with higher power requirements, the Zuma will suffice quite nicely.
Should you decide that you need more power connections, the Zuma easily connects to Strymon’s various expansion units.
The Zuma has voltage support for all worldwide regions as it automatically switches its operating mode.
All of the connection cables you need are included with the Zuma. However, you will need to purchase a mounting bracket separately.
CIOKS DC7
Have a pedalboard with low clearance to the ground and need a sleek and discreet power supply? The CIOKS DC7 (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is the best for this scenario.
This might be a thin 1” power supply, but don’t let that fool you. There is more on offer here than the basic operation of providing power for guitar pedals.
To provide an overview, the DC7 has 7 isolated power outlets, each switchable between:
- 9V at 660mA
- 12V at 500mA
- 15V at 400mA
- 18V at 330mA
The DC7 makes it extremely easy to set up your power needs. Each channel’s voltage is controlled by dip switches, with specific combinations relating to certain voltage settings.
You’ll never have to worry about whether you’re overloading the power supply, either. The DC7 actually has an LED monitor to show you how much of the total power you’re using.
On top of everything else, the DC7 also has a USB port to conveniently power/charge USB devices. You’re not going to have an excuse for having a dead cellphone battery.
Should you decide you need more outlet capabilities, the DC7 makes it easy to add expansion units. There is a dedicated 24V DC output specifically for this purpose.
You’ll get a wide range of different connector cables with the DC7, including a daisy-chain cable. Mounting equipment is also included with this unit.
Compared to other products, the CIOKS DC7 is definitely one of the best power supplies for guitar pedals.
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS
Do you have a couple of pedals that utilize less-than-ideal power voltages for a particular sound? The Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) makes for a worthwhile choice.
This power supply provides 8 DC outputs, with some flexibility to utilize according to your specific needs. These outputs include:
- 2 x 9V at 250mA
- 4 x 9V/12V at 100mA
- 2 x 9V at 100mA
The top of the power supply labels each section so you’re fully aware of what the current is rated at.
2 of the outputs in the “Sag” section have a variable knob that allows you to adjust the voltage. This is especially ideal for fuzz pedals that sound better to your ear with lower voltages.
All of the connector cables you’d need are included with the Pedal Power 2 PLUS. However, you will need to purchase a mounting bracket separately.
Overall, this is a fairly basic power supply but it is handmade and built to last. If you do have problems, the power supply does have a 5-year warranty.
Walrus Audio Aetos
In search of something reasonably affordable with power capabilities beyond guitar pedals? Be sure to check out the Walrus Audio Aetos (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon).
The Aetos has isolated power outlets for 8 different pedals. These are separated into different sections, each with its own power attributes, including:
- 6 x 9V DC at 100mA
- 2 x 9v DC at 300mA
As each outlet has isolated power, you won’t have to worry about any noise interference.
What’s quite interesting about the Aetos is that it has a 120V AC plug socket for a 3-prong electric plug. You can use this to power external things, such as your cellphone or anything else that might require power.
All of the cables you’d need to use with the Aetos are included in the overall package. You will need to supply your own mounting bracket.
Overall, this is a worthwhile power supply if you need something basic. There are no alternative voltages here, which may be a dealbreaker for some and not a big deal for others.
Mission Engineering Inc 529x
Do you have a pedal that might require quite a bit of power, in addition to your main staples? The Mission Engineering Inc 529x (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is a noteworthy and affordable option.
This power supply is able to power up to 8 different guitar pedals, each with a 500mA current. The outputs are situated on both sides of the power supply to accommodate pedals anywhere on your pedalboard.
Should you have something that has a hefty power requirement, the 529x can easily accommodate. You can use up to 4 power outputs in combination to provide up to 1000mA for a single 9V connection.
The 529x includes an assortment of connector cables to suit your every need. An adapter is also provided for those who need a specific plug type for a wall socket.
Plus, the 529x can be easily combined with other products from Mission Engineering Inc for expanded use.
MXR M239
Do you have a smaller budget and need to power a smaller pedalboard? The MXR M239 (see price on Sweetwater, Amazon) is a solution you should seriously consider.
This power supply has the capability of powering 5 different guitar pedals. It is incredibly small, making it suitable for any pedalboard, even if you have to mount it on the topside.
Each output has isolated power to prevent any noise from interfering with your signal. The different connections the M239 can support include:
- 4 x 9V DC at 300mA
- 1 x 9V/18V switchable DC at 800mA
However, if you wanted to, you could easily daisy-chain another pedal on each output for expanded use. All of the necessary cables come included with the M239.
Also included are 3 different adapters for the various wall sockets found around the world. You can truly go on a worldwide tour without having to worry about whether you can power your pedals.
It must be stated that the M239 is about the size of a miniature guitar pedal. This feature, coupled with its extremely affordable price, makes this a no-brainer for any small pedalboard.
What To Look For When Buying A Pedalboard Power Supply
If you’ve never bought a power supply for your pedalboard, it can be confusing to know what to look for. As you’ve seen by now, power supplies come in all sorts of varieties, each with its own selling point.
How does one know what exactly they should be looking for? By keeping the following points in mind, you’ll find the best power supply for guitar pedals, suitable for your needs.
Outputs And Voltages
Perhaps the biggest thing to be paying attention to is the number of outputs available on a power supply. This is what is going to determine exactly how many pedals you can connect to the unit.
Most power supplies will tell you exactly how many outputs it offers. However, you shouldn’t always take this at face value.
You need to be aware of the specific power requirements of each of your guitar pedals. If you have a pedal that requires a specific voltage beyond 9V, you may have to adapt.
The majority of pedalboard power supplies are equipped with 9V DC connections. These have a current flow rating that ranges between 100mA and 500mA or above.
However, many pedalboard power supplies have capabilities of providing 12V, 18V, and 24V. You may need to combine the power from 2 different outputs to do this.
Because of this, you might end up losing the ability to connect the maximum number of pedals.
A general rule of thumb is to purchase a power supply that can power what you have, and then some. This gives you some extra space in case you decide to add an extra pedal to your pedalboard.
Power Source Type
Another thing to be on the lookout for is whether the pedalboard power supply offers isolated power. This is an incredibly important aspect, especially if you are using a large number of pedals.
By having isolated power, each individual connection has its own circuitry independent of the other connections. Without isolated power, you run the risk of introducing noise interference into your signal.
For the most part, pedalboard power supplies tend to offer isolated power more often than not. However, one should not automatically assume that this is the case at first glance.
Size
You will also want to take note of the size of the pedalboard power supply. No matter where you’re mounting the power supply, this is an important thing you shouldn’t ignore.
Pedalboards come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Some have a tilted design, allowing a power supply to be mounted on the underside.
Those pedalboards with a tilted angle tend to provide the most space for a power supply. Because of this, you may not have to worry so much about this particular point.
However, if you have something that has low clearance to the ground, size plays a larger role. Depending on the clearance, you may or may not be able to mount a power supply on the underside.
This inevitably means that you might have to mount it on the top, alongside your guitar pedals. Pedalboards already have limited real estate space, and a bulky power supply could take up quite a bit of space.
Power supplies come in a wide variety of different sizes. Some are fairly large, while others have a miniature construction.
No matter what style of pedalboard you have, you will be able to find a power supply to use. It might just take a little bit of extra research to find the most ideal solution.
Extra Features
Always make note of the extra features that a pedalboard power supply has to offer. Many have capabilities beyond the simple powering of guitar pedals.
Some power supplies allow you to emulate a dying battery by adjusting the voltage on the output. Other power supplies offer USB connections as well as a 3-prong input for expanded uses.
You might also find pedalboard power supplies that have rechargeable batteries. These can be convenient when you’re performing somewhere that has minimal plug outlets, such as renegade concerts in non-traditional locations.
Additionally, you’ll want to also be aware of whether or not a power supply comes with mounting brackets included. This isn’t always the case, but it’s convenient to not have to buy anything extra to use the power supply.
Another thing to be on the lookout for is whether it can support expansion units. Many power supply companies produce expansions that can plug into the main supply without needing a separate electrical plug.
It also doesn’t hurt to seek out a power supply that comes with a warranty. This can be a lifesaver if something were to go wrong, and you’ll often get a solution free of charge.
Budget
Pedalboard power supplies can quickly become an expensive endeavor. Because of this, you will want to purchase something that respects your chosen budget guidelines.
Not sure what your budget should be when buying something like this? There are a few things to keep in mind that can help you out.
The first thing to keep in mind is where you are in your guitar journey. Are you more of a hobbyist or do you frequently perform in front of live audiences?
Along with this, if you do perform, what is the scale at which you perform? What you buy to play at a local bar might differ from what you would use on a theater tour.
Once you have a good idea of your specific needs, weigh out the power supplies in your budget’s range. Measure each one according to the number of outputs it has as well as any additional features.
It might be tempting to purchase the most expensive offering, thinking that it will have everything you need. The reality is that you could likely find a more affordable option that offers the same thing, or more.
You should think of a power supply as a long-term investment. These have the potential to be used for years, if not decades, so you want something built to last.
If you’re looking to save some money, consider searching around the used market. You’ll find used gear at a serious fraction of what the same thing would cost as new in the store.
When going this route, pay close attention to the cosmetic condition as it is a good indicator of its health. Similarly, don’t go for anything that is too old as it might not meet the demand of your newer pedals.
Best Brands For Pedalboard Power Supplies
In today’s market, there are far more pedalboard power supply manufacturers than ever before. It seems as if every company with a stake in the guitar pedal industry has its finger in the pie.
This kind of saturation can make it difficult to decipher what is worth your time. The following companies are some of the most reputable brands when it comes to this particular niche.
Voodoo Lab
Voodoo Lab has been producing items specifically for guitar pedals and pedalboards since 1986. Over that period of time, the company has become extremely trustworthy amongst guitarists for its durable and reliable products.
TrueTone
TrueTone is the manufacturer of the infamous 1-Spot, which is often a guitarist’s first foray into powering multiple pedals. This company specializes in producing quality power supplies as well as guitar pedals.
Top Pedalboard Power Supplies, Final Thoughts
The best power supply for guitar pedals will make having a pedalboard to be an extremely convenient experience. In fact, your setup and tear-down time will decrease significantly for performances, which is always a massive plus.
These types of purchases are often long-lasting, ensuring uses over plenty of years of performance. Always do your research so you know exactly which can handle the needs you need to be met.
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