One or several AC adapters for multiple guitar pedals in the studio?

blackcom · 20th March 2009

I have several guitar pedals in my studio. Is the best solution to power all these with one powerfull AC adaptor, or will I gain less noise with one AC adaptor for each pedal?

qsblues · 20th March 2009

It's tough to say ... some pedals actually sound better with batteries rather than with an adapter. Depending upon the type of pedal, and where they're used within your setup, you can get a better sound using batteries.

As a general rule, be prepared. Use both. What if the adapter shorts out? Then, you have a backup. If the batteries die in the middle of a take, you can rest assured that you have a backup as well.

If you can give a list of what you're using, the type of amp, and how they're chained together, I can make some recommendations.

Peace.

blackcom · 20th March 2009

Yeah, I know batteries are better....but IF using adaptors, I still wonder if using only one AC adaptor with a high mA rating is better then using multiple ones?

JR11 · 23rd March 2009

You could buy something like a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power for your pedals. It has 8 individual circuits and you can pretty much power anything (you can buy different adapters from them for some obscure pedals). Also has a "sag" feature to simulate dying batteries. I use mine for live settings but I see no real issues for using it in the studio.

20th March 2009	#1
blackcom Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 985 Thread Starter	One or several AC adapters for multiple guitar pedals in the studio? I have several guitar pedals in my studio. Is the best solution to power all these with one powerfull AC adaptor, or will I gain less noise with one AC adaptor for each pedal?

20th March 2009	#2
qsblues Gear maniac Joined: Jun 2008 Location: Camp Hill, PA Posts: 220	This falls into the category of, "Not enough information" It's tough to say ... some pedals actually sound better with batteries rather than with an adapter. Depending upon the type of pedal, and where they're used within your setup, you can get a better sound using batteries. As a general rule, be prepared. Use both. What if the adapter shorts out? Then, you have a backup. If the batteries die in the middle of a take, you can rest assured that you have a backup as well. If you can give a list of what you're using, the type of amp, and how they're chained together, I can make some recommendations. Peace. __________________ "First learn the changes, then forget 'em." - Charlie Parker

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23rd March 2009	#4
JR11 Gear nut Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 90	You could buy something like a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power for your pedals. It has 8 individual circuits and you can pretty much power anything (you can buy different adapters from them for some obscure pedals). Also has a "sag" feature to simulate dying batteries. I use mine for live settings but I see no real issues for using it in the studio.