[Carefully Selected] Top 10 Recommended Power Supplies! How to Choose an Effector Power Supply Explained [Noiseless Isolated]

As you start collecting more and more effects pedals, you may be considering purchasing a power supply.

The power supply isThis is an item that you will likely regret later if you choose it based solely on price.

This time,We will introduce our carefully selected recommended models, along with the points to look for and how to choose a power supply!

Click here for recommended effect boards

[Effects Pedal] The Role and Importance of Power Supplies

It is a major source of noise

Sometimes the effector itself can be the source of noise, but when investigating the source of the noise, it is often found that there is a problem with the power supply.

Even if you use your favorite effects and put together a beautiful board, it would be a waste if the sound is full of noise due to the power supply.

In particular, using analog and digital pedals together can easily cause noise (this can be solved by isolating the pedals, as described below).

Bringing out the best in your effects

The power supply affects not only noise but also whether or not you can bring out the inherent performance of your effect pedal.

The electrical signal emitted by a guitar is extremely weak.

A sufficient power supply from the power supply is essential.

No matter how high-quality the pedal you use, if the amount of power required by the effector is not met, you will not be able to produce a "good sound."

Some effects pedals can produce a thicker sound by boosting the voltage (raising the voltage from 9V to 12V or 18V).

Don't compromise on power supplies

In conclusion, rather than adding new effects, we recommend choosing a power supply without compromising.

Unlike effects pedals, power supplies do not need to be replaced frequently, so once you purchase a high-quality one, you can usually use it for a long time.

Even if the output number does not match, high-quality power supplies can be sold at a high unit price.

[Effects] How to Choose a Power Supply

Number of outputs

In the board,What is the maximum number of effects pedals you will use?Let's check it out.

If you run out of power, you may need to install a second power supply, but it is generally better to have enough output power on one unit (except for large boards).

Some power supplies are equipped with linking functions, assuming that multiple units will be used.

The need for isolation

"Noise" that occurs when using digital and analog pedals together

To solve this problem,Independent type (isolated)A structure called.

In an isolated power supply, each terminal has one regulator, so the currents are not mixed and no digital noise is generated.

Current consumption (single/total)

You need to pay attention to the current draw of both the effector itself and the total current draw.

In the case of analog circuits such as distortion effects, only a few tens of mA is required, so there is little need to worry about this.

However, many digital circuits, such as those for spatial effects or multi-effects, require 500mA.

If the power supply cannot meet the output requirements, a separate power source connection is required.

Compatible voltage/boost function

Most effects pedals generally run on 9V, but some require 12V or 18V.

Like the Xotic EP booster mentioned above, there are many effects that perform even better when used with a boosted voltage.

The power supply also takes these functions into consideration.Models with adjustable output voltage.

Be careful not to apply 9V or 12V to an effect pedal that only supports up to 18V, as this may cause it to malfunction.

Size

Not only does the power supply fit on your pedal board,If you are thinking of installing it on the back of the board, it is recommended to choose something that is relatively thin.

On the other hand, when choosing a pedal board, it will be more flexible if you choose one that has a certain height.

[Carefully selected] Top 10 recommended power supplies!

CAJ / DC・DC Station II

Isolate	(I.e.
Output terminal	9V・150mA × 6 9V・500mA × 2 Number: 8
Total Current	2,000 mA
Size	197(width)mm x 34.2(length)mm x 27(thickness)
weight	210 gr

This model is in a relatively affordable price range and offers excellent cost performance in terms of output and quality.

It is quite thin for a power supply, making it easy to install behind a pedal board.

付属のケーブルでで9V出力を2端子使い18Vに昇圧できたり、供給電流150mAx2を300mA x 1、500mAx2を1Aへと合算できたりと、機能性も申し分ありません。

Fender / Engine Room LVL12/8/5

	LVL12	LVL8	LVL5
Isolate	(I.e.	(I.e.	(I.e.
Output terminal	9V・500mA × 10 9/12/18V・500mA x 2 USB-A + USB-C Number: 12	9V・500mA × 6 9/12/18V・500mA x 2 USB-A + USB-C Number: 12	9V・500mA × 5
Total Current	-	-	-
Size	328 x 93 x 42 mm	244 x 91 x 42 mm	131.3 x 85 x 42 mm
weight	-	-	-

The world-famous brand Fender also offers power supplies.

There are three types available depending on the application.

Lightweight and durable anodized aluminumAdopted.

Another notable feature is that it is equipped with multiple high current terminals of 500mA.

Fender quality means you can trust it in terms of noise and other aspects.

The thickness is over 4cm, so be sure to check before installing it behind the board!

One Control / Distro Minimal All In One Pack

Isolate	incompatible
Output terminal	9V x 8 (total 800mA) 18V・100mA × 2 Number: 10
Total Current	1,000 mA
Size	38 x 92 x 36 mm
weight	225 gr

A very compact, minimalist model with 10 outputs.

The power supply can be installed even if it is not behind the board, saving space.

Although there are no output limitations for each terminal, it is best to avoid using digital and analog signals together as they are not isolated.

One Control / Minimal Series Distro MKII Isolated 

Isolate	(I.e.
Output terminal	9V・80mA × 4 9V・500mA × 4 9V・250mA × 1 9V・250mA ~ 18V・125mA × 1 piece Number: 10
Total Current	-
Size	120 x 70 x 35 mm
weight	393 gr

Compact, isolated, and equipped with a wide range of terminals

Yet, it is a cost-effective model priced at less than 2 yen.

The compact, low current consumption analog distortion effector connects to the 9V/80mA terminal.

For effects that consume a large amount of current, such as reverb effects, connect them to the 250mA/500mA terminals.

We can respond flexibly to suit your needs.

It also comes with a Y-shaped terminal that combines two 2V terminals to boost the voltage to 9V.

Further expansion with optional branching cables (also usable with other companies)

Free The Tone / PT-3D

Isolate	◯ (2 terminals only)
Output terminal	9V・500mA x 2 (isolated) 9V・100mA × 6 Number: 8
Total Current	2,000 mA
Size	120 x 55 x 35 mm
weight	185 gr

Free the Tone: Highly trusted by professionals

It boasts top-class quality and noise resistance.

The output voltage is set to 9.8V, which is roughly the same as using a brand new battery.

Not only is it noiseless, but you can also expect improved resolution and sound quality.

Free The Tone / PT-5D

Isolate	◯ (※2 terminals only)
Output terminal	9V・500mA x 2 (isolated) 9V・100mA × 6 DC total: 8 AC100V: 3 ports
Total Current	6,000 mA
Size	256 x 55.2 x 37.6 mm
weight	485 gr

In addition to the functions of the PT-3D, this model also has the functions of a power tap.

This single unit can also handle effects that support DC9V and require large currents (DigiTech® WHAMMY DTTM/WHAMMY 5TM, Eventide® TIME FACTOR/MOD⦆FACTOR/PITCH FACTOR/SPACE/H9, LINE 6® DL4TM/MM4TM/FM4TM, Strymon® TIMELINE/MOBIUS, etc.).

Strymon / Ojai・Ojai R30

	Ojai	Ojai R30
Isolate	(I.e.	(I.e.
Output terminal	9V・500mA × 5	9V・500mA × 3 9/12/18V・500mA x 2
Total Current	2,600mA (at 9V)	2,600mA (at 9V)
Size	81 x 58 x 33 mm	130 x 58 x 29 mm
weight	133 gr	171 gr

Strymon is a popular top-class spatial effector

The power supply's noise resistance quality is also top class.

The design is such that you can use the company's own digital effects and multi-effects units, which consume a lot of power, without any worries.

Also, there are only five terminals per connector, so it's not a lot.You can expand your system by connecting two Ojai devices with one power adapter.