We get it, researching the best pedalboard power supply for your stompboxes may not be the most exhilarating part of assembling your dream guitar rig. But much like finding the perfect pair of socks, choosing wisely makes everything more enjoyable regardless of how unglamorous it is. Plus it'll go a long way toward helping you achieve an out-of-this-world guitar tone.
The more pedals you amass, the more you'll come to realize that a quality power supply is absolutely essential. Of course, by increasing the number of stompboxes on your 'board, you open up the sonic possibilities of your rig, but you also increase the likelihood of the dreaded buzzsaw hum that can ruin your carefully crafted tone.
A good pedal power supply – particularly a supply with isolated outputs – results in noise-reduction in your signal chain and a cleaner, more intuitive pedalboard operation overall. And we’re pretty sure if you’re reading this, that’s exactly what you’re aiming for with your setup.
Right now, there are a lot of options vying for your hard-earned cash, delivering a range of outputs and configurations at wide-ranging price points. From well-respected brands like Strymon and Ernie Ball, to lesser-known gems, there's a range of options ready to energize your pedalboard. We've explored the market to compile this guide to the best pedalboard power supplies available today.
Right now, our top recommendation is the Truetone 1 Spot Pro CS12 for its sheer versatility – no matter the types of pedals you use and whether they’re modern, or more vintage, you should have no problem powering them with this supply.
We’ve also clarified the technical aspects of pedalboard power supplies – like voltage, current, and other jargon – in a helpful buying advice section at the bottom of this page.
This true powerhouse supply boasts 12 fully isolated outputs which should cover all your needs. plus a 9V AC output, which we used to power older Whammy and DigiTech pedals. You also get a variety of cables lengths, three adapters for pedals with reversed polarity or different jack types and a 9-volt battery adapter cable.
Measuring in at just 90 x 59 x 23mm – smaller than a pack of Super Slinkys – the super affordable Volt will happily fit on the smallest of 'boards. This pocket-size pedal power unit includes five 9/18V isolated DC outputs - at 300mA - and you can also daisy chain units together to expand the number of pedals you can power.
A powerful, compact box offering five high-current outputs that offer a massive 500mA on each output. There’s also two stages of isolation, eliminating ground loop and AC line noise issues, as well as automatic worldwide power compatibility for ease of use on stages anywhere in the world.
The 10 outputs on this stylish brick are fully isolated and we found them to be extremely quiet, accommodating a variety of voltage and current requirements. Additional touches we love include a recessed, right-angled power cable for easy 'board placement and glowing LED indicators on each output to keep the user up to speed on the status of the connected pedal.
The Macro Power S8 boasts a combination of eight isolated and non-isolated outputs – one switchable 9V, 12V, 15V and 18V at 200mA, three independent 9Vs at 200mA and four parallel 9Vs that share a total of 400mA. As for build quality, the Macro Power S8 is as sturdy and durable as they come.
There are a dozen isolated outputs on this baby, and every one of them is rated up to 500mA. With all these fantastic attributes, it’s no surprise that it’s a bit pricey, and beginners will need some convincing. But if you’re a pedal addict looking for a power supply that quietly does its job while letting your pedals shine, accept no substitutes.
A small and simple power solution boasting five isolated 9V DC outputs, with all necessary cables included. Overall, this is a great – and affordable – unit, especially if don’t need to power more than a few pedals at once. If those pedals are high-current pedals, however – this might not be the best buy.
Mission Engineering’s 529i lets you power a pedalboard via battery power – up to six pedals at 300mA each and two higher-current pedals at 500mA each on a single battery charge. The internal battery lasts 4 hours on a single charge, and handy LED indicators let you know its current state. Anxious about battery life? It can also run off a USB battery pack.
We love the look of Fender's Engine Room. Its clean, brushed aluminium casing, with those softly curved edges, looks too good to Velcro to the underside of a pedalboard! It boasts eight ground-isolated outlets and there are even 5v USB-A and USB-C sockets for charging tablets and mobiles.
We have to say, we were mighty impressed with the Truetone 1 Spot Pro. This true powerhouse supply boasts 12 fully isolated outputs – six 9V outputs from 100mA - 250mA, one 4-9V variable output, two high-draw 9V outputs, and two 18V outputs. Additionally, there’s a 9V AC output, which in our testing, we used to power older Whammy and DigiTech pedals.
Furthermore, outlets three through six are switchable between 9-volt and 12-volt operation, and individual toggle switches on the bottom of the power brick allow the user to set up any combination of power values.
You also get a variety of cables in lengths from 21” to 26,” three adapters for pedals with reversed polarity or different jack types and a 9-volt battery adapter cable. A pedal power supply that should cover all your needs.
Best budget
(Image credit: Ernie Ball)
2. Ernie Ball Volt
Affordable and expandable option from the string legend
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Isolated
Isolated outputs: 5
Switchable voltage: Yes
Reasons to buy
+
Small footprint
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Affordable
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Expandable
Reasons to avoid
-
Feels a little cheap compared to the premium options
There is nothing more important than extra space on your pedalboard, and the thought of giving up that prime real estate to an oversized power supply can drive some guitar players crazy. Luckily Ernie Ball has a solution – the Volt power supply.
Measuring in at just 90 x 59 x 23mm - smaller than a pack of Super Slinkys - the Volt will happily fit on the smallest of 'boards. This pocket-size pedal power unit includes five 9/18V isolated DC outputs - at 300mA - and if that isn’t enough, you can also daisy chain units together to expand the number of pedals you can power.
The inclusion of LED status indicators for each input and output is a nice touch – allowing you to see the status of each outlet on a dark stage.
Best portable
(Image credit: Strymon)
3. Strymon Ojai
A small box offering big power
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Isolated
Isolated outputs: 5
Switchable voltage: Automatic
Reasons to buy
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500mA current on each output
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Ojai units can be chained together
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Automatic worldwide power compatibility
Reasons to avoid
-
Separate, laptop-style power supply
The Strymon Ojai is a powerful, compact box offering five high-current outputs that offer a massive 500mA on each output. The five outputs are also individually isolated, ultra-low-noise and have their own dedicated regulators and custom transformers. And if five isn’t enough, additional Ojai units can be added on via a 24V Thru jack, without the need to plug into a wall outlet.
There’s also two stages of isolation, eliminating ground loop and AC line noise issues, as well as automatic worldwide power compatibility for ease of use on stages anywhere in the world. What’s more, the Ojai comes in a low-profile R30 version for smaller boards, as well as a larger, nine-output Zuma model (the Zuma, meanwhile, also comes in its own low-profile iteration, the R300).
Best isolated
(Image credit: MXR)
4. MXR Iso-Brick
A fully isolated version of the MXR DC brick
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Isolated
Isolated outputs: 10
Switchable voltage: N/A
Reasons to buy
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Compact/quite portable
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Outputs are fully isolated
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LED indicators
Reasons to avoid
-
Outputs have specific uses that might not be ideal in every situation
The Iso-Brick boasts 10 outputs, making it possible to run a wide range of pedals with noise-free DC power. The outputs are fully isolated and we found them to be extremely quiet, accommodating a variety of voltage and current requirements, too.
Featuring two 9V outputs at 100mA, two 9V outputs at 300mA, two 9V outputs at 450mA, two 18V outputs at 250mA and two 6-15V variable voltage outputs that can emulate voltage “sag”, this really is a "do it all" power supply.
Beyond just doing its job – and rather well, we discovered – the Iso-Brick offers additional thoughtful touches, including a recessed, right-angled power cable for easy pedalboard placement and glowing LED indicators on each output to keep the user up to speed on the status of the connected pedal.
Best for touring
5. Mooer Macro Power S8
A versatile and durable option for life on the road
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Partially isolated
Isolated outputs: 4
Outputs: 4
Switchable voltage: Yes
Reasons to buy
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Competitively priced
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LED indicators
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Voltage switching for worldwide use
Reasons to avoid
-
Only four isolated outputs
The Macro Power S8 boasts a combination of eight isolated and non-isolated outputs – one switchable 9V, 12V, 15V and 18V at 200mA, three independent 9Vs at 200mA and four parallel 9Vs that share a total of 400mA.
While the non-isolated 400mA isn’t a huge amount, we found it substantial enough to handle most digital pedals. If not, there’s a handy LED that switches off when a pedal requires more power than the output has available. There’s also overcurrent protection and voltage switching for worldwide use, making the Macro Power a versatile and extremely handy unit – especially at its price point.
As for build quality, the Macro Power S8 is as sturdy and durable as they come. If you're planning to take it on a worldwide tour, we're confident it will stand up to the rigors. While there are smaller options out there, the Macro Power S8 is compact enough to fit in without crowding your other pricey pedals.
Best low noise
(Image credit: Voodoo Labs)
6. Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3+
A high current, low noise power supply with 12 isolated outputs
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Isolated DC
Isolated outputs: 12
Outputs: 10 x 9V/500mA outputs, 2 switchable 9v/12 and 200mA/500mA
Switchable voltage: Yes
Reasons to buy
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High capacity
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500mA across all outputs
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Low noise
Reasons to avoid
-
Overkill for beginners
There are a dozen isolated outputs on this baby, and every one of them is rated up to 500mA. That may sound like overkill, but we like to think of it as future proofing.
Ten of the outputs are 9V/500mA, while the remaining two are switchable 9V/12V and 200mA/500mA. With the right voltage doubler, it can serve 18V and 24V pedals too. The Pedal Power 3 PLUS’ transformer also benefits from an ultra-smooth, 80 nanosecond polarity reversal, which is so quiet there’s virtually no noise whatsoever.
Now, with all these fantastic attributes, it’s no surprise that it’s a bit pricey, and beginners might still need some convincing. But if you’re a pedal addict looking for a power supply that quietly does its job while letting your pedals shine, accept no substitutes.
Best compact
(Image credit: T-Rex)
7. T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior V2
Streamlined and wallet-friendly – a great small-board solution
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Isolated DC
Isolated outputs: 5
Outputs: 5 x 9V DC 120mA outputs
Switchable voltage: Yes
Reasons to buy
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Affordably priced
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Good for small pedalboards
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Switchable voltage
Reasons to avoid
-
Not ideal for high-current effects
A small and simple power solution, the Fuel Tank Junior (the most compact of T-Rex’s four Fuel Tank units) boasts five isolated 9V DC outputs, with all necessary cables included.
Each output puts out up to 120mA, and you can also use two of the outputs to power an 18V pedal - or even power five pedals from one output - with a max of 24mA each. There’s also switchable 115V/230V operation for international use.
Overall, a great - and affordable - unit, especially if don’t need to power more than a few pedals at once. If those pedals are high-current pedals, however - this might not be the best buy.
Best battery powered
(Image credit: Mission Engineering)
8. Mission Engineering 529i
Bring USB and battery power to your pedalboard
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Isolated USB
Isolated outputs: 8
Outputs: 6 x 300mA 9V outputs, 2 x 500mA 9V outputs
Switchable voltage: Yes
Reasons to buy
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USB power
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Can be used with portable battery packs
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Eight isolated outputs
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8,000mAh internal battery
Reasons to avoid
-
You could run out of battery
Mission Engineering’s 529i lets you power a pedalboard via battery power. Yup, that’s right – the 529i can power up to six pedals at 300mA each and two higher-current pedals at 500mA each on a single battery charge, with no treacherous power cable in sight. The internal battery lasts 4 hours on a single charge, and handy LED indicators let you know its current state.
What’s more, if you’re anxious about battery life during a gig, the 529i can also run off a USB battery pack via the micro USB input. Additionally, the 5V USB output is a handy feature for charging mobile phones or tablets, perfect if you use devices on stage for backing tracks or other stage antics.
As for performance, the eight outputs on the 529i are all isolated, providing incredibly quiet power. Unlike Mission Engineering’s smaller 529 model, which can struggle with power-hungry digital effects, the 529i’s internal 8,000mA capacity means it is powerful enough to supply effects that draw a large amount of current. It truly is the modern pedalboard power supply for the effects-obsessed guitarist.
Best rugged option
(Image credit: Fender)
9. Fender Engine Room LVL8
Pristine, isolated power from the master of clean
Our expert review:
Specifications
Type: Isolated DC
Isolated outputs: 8
Outputs: 8 x 6V/500mA outputs, 2 switchable 9V/12v/18V
Switchable voltage: Yes
Reasons to buy
+
Looks a treat
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500mA outlets
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Rugged
Reasons to avoid
-
Too many outputs for some
Clearly taking its design cues from Fender’s principal line of effects pedals, the playfully named Engine Room is a bit of a looker. Its clean, brushed aluminium casing, with those softly curved edges, looks too good to Velcro to the underside of a pedalboard!
Despite its modest price tag, the LVL8’s spec is up there with the best. It boasts eight ground-isolated outlets of which six can deliver 9Vdc at 500mA. The remaining pair provide switchable voltages of 9V, 12V or 18V via two three-way toggle switches.
Two-color LEDs let you know which outlets are providing power by glowing green and there are 5v USB-A and USB-C sockets for charging tablets and mobiles. A very useful touch should you want to integrate tablet apps into your performances.
Buying advice
(Image credit: Future)
Why do I need a pedalboard power supply?
You can trust Guitar World
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
So the big question is 'why'? What are the benefits of a dedicated power supply? In a nutshell, a good-quality power supply for your pedalboard can significantly improve your setup. It ensures that each pedal receives the precise power it needs to function properly, which can result in better tone.
That said, the real magic of a dedicated power supply lies in its ability to cut down on unwanted noise and interference – a common headache with cheaper daisy-chain-style supplies. With a dedicated supply, you can enjoy cleaner and more reliable performance from your beloved stompboxes.
Oh, and let's not forget the convenience factor-with a dedicated power supply – you can say goodbye to the hassle of carrying around a stack of batteries for your pedals!
What is an isolated pedal power supply?
The most important decision you need to make when buying one of the best pedalboard power supplies is whether you need isolated outputs or not. Essentially, isolated outputs supply each pedal with its own individual power source, which removes hum from the equation – something you may experience when running digital and analog pedals together from the same daisy chain. Unless you’re only running a handful of analog units - which is highly unlikely these days - we’d always recommend an isolated pedal power supply wherever possible. Who knows how your rig might change in the future?
What power supply do I need for my pedalboard?
You need to assess your pedals’ power requirements: do they all need 9V, or are some running at 12, 15 or 18V? It's worth noting that some overdrive pedals offer the ability to run at higher voltages for increased headroom, too.
Many of the power supplies in this guide offer switchable voltages, and some can even ‘sag’ below 9V to yield dying battery sounds from fuzz pedals. Clever.
Then there are mA requirements: while some fuzz and overdrive pedals might only draw 10mA, contemporary digital and multi-effects can draw anywhere from 100-1,000mA. In these instances, you’ll need to look at power supplies that are able to output higher mA from each output.
Do guitar pedals use AC or DC power?
Most effects these days are DC, but some older pedals, most notably the now-discontinued DigiTech Whammy IV, run on AC. And finally, if you’re a touring musician who regularly travels out of the country, you’ll need to make sure you can use your chosen pedal power supply around the world – in that case, switchable input voltage should be at the top of your checklist.
Can a pedalboard power supply damage my pedal?
If you don’t match up the correct voltage, then yes, the wrong power supply can damage your pedal. Voltage is the most important thing to match with your pedal because using an output higher than what your pedal can handle can be catastrophic. Plugging a 9V pedal into an 18V output is game over. Current (mA) is less critical since your pedal will only draw the amount it needs. So, if you have a 100mA pedal and plug it into a 300mA output, it won't overload; the pedal will just take the current it requires.
How we choose products
Here at Guitar World, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything guitar related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides.
When choosing what we believe to be the best pedalboard power supplies available right now, we combine our hands-on experience, user reviews and testimonies and engage in lengthy discussions with our editorial colleagues to reach a consensus about the top products in any given category.
First and foremost, we are guitarists, and we want other players to find the right product for them. So we take into careful consideration everything from budget to feature set, ease of use and durability to come up with a list of what we can safely say are the best pedalboard power supplies on the market right now.
Read more about our rating system, how we choose the gear we feature, and exactly how we test each product.
Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and over a decade's experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.
