What power supply do I need for guitar pedals?
Voltage (9v, 12v, 18v, 24v) If your power supply has 18 volts, you can use this converter to bring it down to 9 volts. Although 9-volt power is the most common, there are tons of pedals that require more. The important thing to remember is to only use the exact voltage specified by the pedal. You cannot plug a 9V pedal into an 18v output. That will 100% fry it. Some pedals are able to handle either 9 or 18v but make sure you double-triple check that before you plug it into an 18v.Most guitar pedals on the market use a 9V power supply. Luckily, they will (mostly) all use the same sized power adapter, meaning purchasing a power supply is easier than ever. Some vintage or higher-powered pedals will use other voltages such as 12V or 18V, however.Often a 12V device may work ok on 9V, but you may get reduced headroom/distortion due to 0 to 7V or -5 to 5V. A built in 12V battery will not charge with 9V. Generally you can safely plug an 18v pedal with 9 or 12 V but there is a good chance that it will work poorly.If you are using an effects pedal of any description, then it needs to get power from somewhere in order to function. Back in the day, pedals used 9v PP3 batteries and whilst that’s still an option for most pedals, power supplies have become the most reliable and practical method for bringing your pedals to life.Most pedals require 9v DC power and have a very low current requirement but pedals to watch out for include powerful digital pedals like the Strymon or Eventide pedals.
Can I use a 12V power supply on a 9V guitar pedal?
No, you shouldn’t use a 12V power supply for a 9V pedal. It can cause overvoltage damage, overheating, and erratic behavior. Always match the voltage to keep your pedal safe. Key Takeaways. No, don’t use a 12V power supply on a 9V guitar pedal. Overvoltage can damage critical components, generate excessive heat, and cause erratic behavior or pedal failure. Using the wrong power supply voids most warranties, leaving you responsible for repairs or replacements.The great majority of pedals require 9 volts (9v) to operate, though you’ll also find certain pedals want to have 12v or 18v. Not all power supplies can offer multiple voltages, so do look out for that.Most guitar pedals can use a dedicated power supply, and very few of them are battery-powered only. Although, I’ve read elsewhere that some guitar pedals do rely on only batteries but I’ve never seen such a pedal before. On the other hand, I have seen an adapter-only pedal.Never use an output that has a higher or lower voltage than the pedal is intended for. Using a higher voltage might fry the pedal and using a lower voltage might fry the power supply.You can often buy a single, generic 9v power supply and that’ll do the trick. Alternatively, you can buy the recommended supply for the pedal by the company that makes the pedal, especially if the power required is different from the standard 9v power. Plug it in and watch as your pedal powers up.
Are guitar pedal power supplies universal?
Do Guitar Pedals Need a Specific Type of Power Supply? Yes. Most guitar and bass pedals run on 9V, 12V, or 18V DC power and require a specific current rating (measured in milliamps, or mA). Using the wrong supply can cause noise or permanently damage your gear. Typically, Alkaline batteries can last dozens of hours in analog pedals, so you won’t need to replace them constantly. Saving you a bit of time and money. Always go for well-known, quality brands such as Duracell and Energizer. This way, you can trust that you’re putting a good-quality battery in your effects pedal.On average, a standard alkaline 9V battery can power a guitar pedal for anywhere from 4 to 30 hours. However, this range can vary greatly depending on the specific pedal and its power demands.
Can I use an 18v power supply for a 12V pedal?
Never use an output that has a higher or lower voltage than the pedal is intended for. Using a higher voltage might fry the pedal and using a lower voltage might fry the power supply. The pedals will draw as much amperage as they need, up to the stated limit. Higher AMPS = OK, higher volts = BAD.Never use an output that has a higher or lower voltage than the pedal is intended for. Using a higher voltage might fry the pedal and using a lower voltage might fry the power supply. Make sure the voltages match to be safe and sound.Most guitar pedals on the market use a 9V power supply. Luckily, they will (mostly) all use the same sized power adapter, meaning purchasing a power supply is easier than ever. Some vintage or higher-powered pedals will use other voltages such as 12V or 18V, however.Although 9-volt power is the most common, there are tons of pedals that require more. The important thing to remember is to only use the exact voltage specified by the pedal. Some pedals (overdrives in particular) are built to accept 9 volts or 18 volts.
Is it okay to use 12V instead of 9V?
No, a 12 Volt adapter will damage the 9 Volt apparatus due to overvoltage. Thus, a 9 Volt adapter should be used with a 9 Volt device. Sit down and write the power requirements for each pedal and then ensure the power supply you’d like to buy will match those requirements. Most pedals require 9v DC power and have a very low current requirement but pedals to watch out for include powerful digital pedals like the Strymon or Eventide pedals.Voltage. Most guitar pedals on the market use a 9V power supply. Luckily, they will (mostly) all use the same sized power adapter, meaning purchasing a power supply is easier than ever. Some vintage or higher-powered pedals will use other voltages such as 12V or 18V, however.Can you use a 12V power supply for a 9V pedal? No, you shouldn’t use a 12V power supply for a 9V pedal. It can cause overvoltage damage, overheating, and erratic behavior. Always match the voltage to keep your pedal safe.