Have you ever plugged in your pedals and heard an annoying buzz or hum? That frustrating noise often comes from a bad power source. A great guitar tone starts with clean power. Your pedals need the right juice to sound their best, just like your amp needs the right tubes.
Choosing a pedalboard power supply feels tricky. Do you need isolated outputs? How many amps does it need to supply? Picking the wrong one can cause noise, damage your gear, or leave you short on power mid-gig. These decisions stop many guitarists from building the perfect pedal setup.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly what you need to look for in a power supply. You will learn the key terms and find the perfect match for your collection of stompboxes. Get ready to silence that noise and power your tone reliably.
Top Pedalboard Power Supply Recommendations
- 10 ISOLATED OUTPUTS:Donner DP-1 9V Guitar Pedal Power Supply has 10 outputs ,which includes 7 ways 9V 100mA, 1 way 9V 500mA, 1 way 12V 100mA, 1 way 18V 100mA
- NOISE REDUCTION CIRCUIT DESIGN：Donner Guitar Pedal Power Supply Quality is made of aluminum alloy material, which makes it light, and portable. It has a noise reduction function, low noise gives you a better experience, and direct current increases the stability of the power supply during use
- SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION:Independent short-circuit protection, when one output is short-circuited, other outputs can still work
- BLUE LED LIGHT FOR INDICATE：Bright blue LED for pedal board lighting and short circuit indicate
- 10 Isolated Outputs and USB Port: Mosky pedal power supply designed for guitar effect pedals. 10 isolated output: 9V 300mA port x 7, 9V 500mA port x 1, 9/12/18V 500mA adjustable output port x 2. Adjustable DC outputs provides premium performance and expanded use.USB port is compatible with charging mobile phones, tablets and other devices
- Short Circuit and Over Current Protection: The Mosky isolated pedal power supply with 10 independent output, and each channel has separate short-circuit and over-voltage protection. Short circuit in one port will not affect other ports' normal work
- Lower Noise: The guitar pedalboard power supply isolated with built-in powerful noise filter, denoising built-in chip, which can greatly reduce the noise problem and provide a stable signal performance. It is so quiet either on their own or combined at the same time. you can enjoy playing music with clear and crisp sound
- LED Indicator Light: Each output DC output has a LED indicator light, all lights will normally go on after power connected and LED light goes out in the case of a short circuit, which helps locating faults among many effect pedals when there were short circuits
- 10 INDEPENDENT OUTPUTS: STRICH guitar pedal power supply include 6 x 9V 100mA, 2 x 9V 500mA, 1 x 12V 100mA, and 1 x 18V 100mA
- 4 TOP AC OUTLET SOCKET HOLES: 4 double-ended socket holes of guitar pedalboard power supply, output the same voltage as the external voltage Eg: 4 outputs which can charge speakers, musical instruments, and withstand a maximum power of 600w
- 1.0 INDEPENDENT POWER CONTROL TECHNOLOGY: This system employs individual positive supply control for each output port, enabling fully isolated outputs with built-in noise reduction. It ensures that if one or more channels short-circuit, the remaining channels continue to operate normally, guaranteeing each port provides clean, regulated DC power
- LOWER NOISE SUPPLY: STRICH pedal board power supply built-in with a powerful noise filter, using high-quality heat-dissipating aluminum alloy materials, generating less heat, which makes it light, and portable
- Eight (8) 9V high current isolated outputs supply up to 500mA each
- Revolutionary hybrid DC transformer design delivers audiophile-quality performance with zero added noise
- Ultra compact for mounting below low-profile pedalboards like Pedaltrain Nano and Metro
- 100-240VAC operation for international touring
- [Stable Power, Pure Tone] Rigorous durability tested — delivers stable output even after 72+ hours of continuous power, giving you total confidence in every performance.
- [Multiple Outputs] Equipped with 10 outputs, it is perfectly suited for building most pedalboard setups and can power all the pedals in one go.
- [Isolated Outputs] Lab-designed circuitry with transformer + voltage regulation ensures each output delivers precise, fully isolated voltage, while keeping heat generation safely under control.
- [Flexible Voltage Options] The DP-3 Includes 6×9V 100mA, 1×9V 300mA, 1×9V 500mA, plus high-power 12V 100mA and 18V 100mA outputs — delivering reliable power for all types of pedals, from standard to high-demand multi-effects units.
- 5 WAY DAISY CHAIN：You can run 5 pedals on your pedal board at the same time.Package includes one 9V Power Adapter and 5 way Daisy Chain
- DETAILS:OUTPUT: 9V DC, 1A (1000mA), Tip Negative (-) design;INPUT: AC100V-240V, 60Hz, 6.5W
- PROFESSIONAL NOISE ISOLATION PERFORMANCE:High-quality copper core daisy chain cable with special anti-hum. The professional noise isolation performance ensures you a quiet pedal chain condition while playing
- FIT FOR GUITAR EFFECTS:Fit for most brands of guitar effect pedals.It can also be used for other manufacturers' electronics such as its adapter can also be used to power tip negative keyboards
- Please be advised that the effect pedals shown in the images are for display purposes only and are not included with the actual product.
- 【Integrated Design, Hassle-Free Performance】STRICH pedalboard combines a built-in power supply with a compact design, offering unmatched convenience for on-the-go setups. The internal power supply delivers clean, noise-free power to your pedals, while each channel is equipped with independent short-circuit protection for reliable performance.
- 【Versatile Power Options】STRICH PB-S15 pedalboard offers 10 independent ports to meet the needs of diverse pedal setups: seven 9V outputs (five at 100mA, one at 300mA, one at 700mA), one 12V 500mA, and one 18V 500mA. An additional DC18V 2000mA adapter and a USB 5V/800mA port let you charge devices like smartphones, ensuring ultimate flexibility.
- 【Strength Meets Portability】Crafted from premium aluminum alloy, the STRICH PB-S15 pedalboard offers exceptional durability and stability without bending or warping. Despite its sturdy build, it’s compact at just 15 x 11 inches and weighs only 2.17 lbs, making it a breeze to carry for gigs and rehearsals.
- SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION: Independent short-circuit protection, when one output is short-circuited, other outputs can still work
- 10 ISOLATED OUTPUTS: STRICH 9V Guitar pedal power supply designed for guitar effect pedals, including 6 x 9V 100mA, 2 x 9V 500mA, 1 x 12V 100mA, 1 x 18V 100mA
- LOWER NOISE SUPPLY: STRICH pedal board power supply built-in with a powerful noise filter, using high-quality heat-dissipating aluminum alloy materials, generating less heat, which makes it light, and portable
- BLUE LED LIGHT FOR INDICATE: Bright blue LED for pedal board lighting and short circuit indicate
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Your Pedalboard Power Supply
Choosing the right power supply for your guitar pedals is super important. A good power supply keeps your pedals sounding great and stops annoying humming noises. Think of it as the heart of your pedalboard!
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, you need to check a few main things on the power supply box.
1. Output Voltage (V)
- Most guitar pedals need 9 volts (V). Make sure your power supply offers the correct voltage for all your pedals.
- Some modern pedals might need 12V or 18V. Check if your supply has adjustable voltage options.
2. Current Capacity (mA)
This is how much “juice” the power supply can give out. It’s measured in milliamps (mA).
- Look at the mA rating for *each* output jack.
- Add up the mA needs of all your pedals. The power supply’s total output must be higher than this total number. If it’s too low, your pedals might not work right or could even get damaged.
3. Isolation vs. Daisy Chain
- Isolated Outputs: This is the best choice. Each pedal gets its own separate power path. This stops noise and hum between pedals.
- Daisy Chain Cables: These use one output to power many pedals. This is cheaper but often causes noise issues, especially with digital pedals.
4. Physical Size and Mounting
Consider how big the unit is. Does it fit neatly under your pedalboard? Some supplies let you screw them directly onto the board.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long the power supply lasts and how safely it works.
Chassis and Housing
- Metal casings (like aluminum) are tough. They handle being bumped around well. Plastic casings are lighter but might break easier.
- Good heat dissipation is key. Metal helps the unit stay cool when it works hard.
Cables and Connectors
High-quality cables prevent signal loss. Make sure the included DC plugs are sturdy and fit snugly into your pedals.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one power supply better than another?
Quality Boosters:
- Transformers: Well-made internal transformers clean up the incoming AC power, which results in quieter operation.
- Protection Circuits: Good units have built-in protection against short circuits and over-voltage. This keeps your expensive pedals safe.
- Quiet Operation: Supplies designed specifically for low noise (often using advanced filtering) make a huge difference in sound clarity.
Quality Reducers:
- Cheap Components: Using low-grade internal parts leads to early failure and buzzing noise.
- No Regulation: If the voltage isn’t tightly controlled, it can fluctuate, causing pedals to sound weak or behave strangely.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your pedals changes what power supply you need.
For the Beginner/Small Board:
If you only have three or four simple pedals (like overdrive and a tuner), a smaller, non-isolated supply might work fine to save money. However, upgrading to an isolated supply early saves you hassle later.
For the Gigging Musician/Complex Board:
If you use many digital pedals (delays, reverbs, modelers), you absolutely need an isolated power supply with plenty of high-current (mA) outputs. Noise control is the top priority here.
A good user experience means you forget the power supply is even there. It should simply deliver clean, reliable power so you can focus on playing music.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between isolated and non-isolated power supplies?
A: Isolated supplies give each pedal its own clean power line, stopping noise between them. Non-isolated supplies share power, which often causes humming.
Q: Can I use a standard wall adapter for my pedals?
A: Sometimes, but it is risky. Standard adapters often lack the protection and current capacity needed. They can also introduce noise.
Q: What happens if my power supply has too few mA for my pedals?
A: Pedals might not turn on, they could sound weak, or digital pedals might glitch and restart unexpectedly.
Q: Do I need a power supply with more mA than my pedals require?
A: Yes, you should always have extra capacity. Having 20% to 30% extra headroom ensures the supply doesn’t strain itself.
Q: What does “center-negative” mean?
A: Almost all guitar pedals use a center-negative polarity plug. This means the center pin of the DC plug is the negative connection.
Q: Can I power a 9V pedal with a 12V output?
A: Generally, no. Putting too much voltage into a pedal will likely damage or destroy it. Always match the voltage exactly unless the pedal is specifically designed to handle higher voltage.
Q: Should I worry about the physical size of the power supply?
A: Yes. If it is too large, it won’t fit under your pedalboard, making your setup messy and harder to transport.
Q: Are expensive power supplies always better?
A: Often, yes. The higher price usually buys better internal components, more isolation, and better noise filtering.
Q: How do I know if my power supply is causing noise?
A: If you plug everything in and hear a loud hum, try powering pedals one by one. If the hum goes away when a specific pedal is unplugged, that pedal or its connection might be the issue, possibly needing better isolation.
Q: Do I need a separate power supply for digital versus analog pedals?
A: If you use an isolated supply, you can usually mix them on the same unit, provided the current (mA) is sufficient for both types.
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