Visual Sound 1 Spot Combo pack
Originally named because it takes up just one electrical output spot, the 1 Spot offers a 9V DC output, with 1700mA of current available. It lacks multiple isolated outlets like the rest on test, but this useful wall wart
will power multiple pedals if you daisy chain them.Five-way and eight-way daisy chain connectors are available, as are plug adaptors – the system is probably best bought in the Combo pack version,which pairs the 1 Spot with a selection of cables.The 3m cable on the 1 Spot means you could keep it out of the way, next to your amp,minim ising stage cabling.
Verdict:
A simple, useful and cost effective piece of gear.
ORIGIN: China
TYPE: Universal 9V power adaptor
FEATURES: 1 outlet (1700mAtotal)
OUTLETS: 9VDC 2.1mm connector
SUPPLIED CABLING: Numerous
POWER: Mains, universal (115V–240V automatic sensing)
DIMENSIONS:48(w) x 50 (d) x 85mm (h)
T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior
The Junior is the smallest of the four units in the T-Rex Fuel Tank range, but we’ve chosen to spotlight it, as it seems the perfect no-nonsense choice for a small board of up to five pedals.You get five isolated 9V outputs, each capable of putting out 120 mA, so it will easily power a set of five standard pedals. In addition, you can use two of the outputs to power an 18V pedal via a serial cable (sold separately), or power five
pedals from one output (max 24 mA each)witha daisy chain cable (sold separately).
Verdict:
If you have high-current pedals,maybe look elsewhere, but if you use standard pedals this is an elegant choice.
ORIGIN: China
TYPE: Multiple-outlet power supply
FEATURES: 5 isolated outlets (600mA total)
OUTLETS: Numerous
SUPPLIED CABLING: 5 x 50cm with 2.1mm to 2.1mm connectors
POWER: Mains (proprietary figure-ofeight cable) switchable 115V or 230V
DIMENSIONS: 105 (w) x 78 (d) x 35mm (h)
Cioks DC10
Based in Denmark, Cioks has several power supplies inits own range, and also makes the Power Factor for Eventide. The DC 10 is the sort of supply that would be well suited to a medium-sized pedal board. It has no fewer than 10 outlets in eight isolated sections– outlets seven and eight share the same ground,as do nine and 10.We like the Swiss army knife approach of the DC 10, in that it seems to be designed to take on any pedal (including 15 V Radial Tone bones), and comes with all the cables you need–so it’s ready for action straight out of the box.
Verdict:
An extremely versatile power supply that will suit most pedal boards. If you have a massive ’board, check out the Ciokolate (£324).
ORIGIN: EU
TYPE: Multiple-outlet power supply
FEATURES: 10 outlets configured in 8 isolated sections (1600mAtotal)
OUTLETS: Numerous
SUPPLIED CABLING: Numerous
DIMENSIONS: 158(w) x 98 (d) x 35mm (h)
Pedaltrain Volto
The Volto will give you an uncluttered stage, because it’s a rechargeable unit that doesn’t require a mains power cable. What’s more, it’s not much bigger than some smartphones, so it’s easily portable. Powered
from a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged from a computer’s USB port or the supplied charger, the Volto has two 9 V outlets with a combined power capacity of 2000 mA, which can power as many pedals as they will support via daisy chain cables.How long the power lasts will depend on the number of pedals you’re connecting (36 hours for one to five;9 hours for 11-plus).
Verdict:
You won’t need to sort out mains power for the front of the stage, but you will have to remember to charge it.
ORIGIN: China
TYPE: Rechargeable pedal power supply
FEATURES: 2 outlets (2000mA total), 3-bar LED to show amount of charge, on/off switch
OUTLETS: 9VDC x2
SUPPLIED CABLING: Numerous
POWER: USB (supplied charger or 5V bus power), 6 hours recharge time from zero
DIMENSIONS: 120 (w) x 85 (d) x 18mm (h)
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus
Voodoo Lab was the first mainstream company to provide high-quality isolated power supplies for pedals, and the PedalPower 2 has become the go-to device. The latest version, the Pedal Power2Plus, has plenty of juice for a medium-sized pedal board, and some useful features not found elsewhere – such as a ‘sag’knob on two of the outlets, for turning down the juice to simulate alow battery–useful for transistor based fuzz circuits. There’s also an IEC output socket for adding another unit or a mains-powered pedal.
Verdict:
A solid choice, unless you have lots of high-current pedals. Ifso, try the Pedal Power 4x4.
ORIGIN: USA
TYPE: Multiple outlet power supply
FEATURES: 8 isolated outlets (1100 mAtotal)
OUTLETS: Numerous
POWER: Mains (IEC cable) 240V
DIMENSIONS: 152 (w) x 86 (d) x 44mm (h)
TheGigRig Generator
Known for pedals and switching,TheGigRig also offers its Modular Power Supply system,with the Power Path Diagram service, where it will design a system for your specific pedals.For a challenge,we put together an 11-pedal array,with some singular requirements (18V,Boss ACA, high-current, battery connector only, reverse polarity)–and the company built a complete solution.At its heart is the Generator,which supplies 5 amp sofpower–you then add Distributors, Isolators and Adaptors, and you can trim cables to length.
Verdict:
Costsmount as you expand, but this is a perfectly tailored and future-proofed option.
ORIGIN: UK
TYPE: Custommodular power supply
FEATURES: Multiple outlets (5000mA total)
POWER: Mains (IEC cable), universal (110V to 250V automatic sensing)
DIMENSIONS: 105 (w) x 60 (d) x 30mm (h)
