You power up a pedal, typically a guitar effects pedal, by connecting it to a power source using the correct voltage and polarity.
Powering Your Pedal: The Essentials
Most guitar effects pedals require a 9V DC (Direct Current) power supply with a center-negative polarity. This means the center pin of the power connector is negative, and the outer sleeve is positive. Using the wrong voltage or polarity can damage your pedal.
Options for Powering Pedals
- Individual Power Adapter:
- The most common method. You can buy a generic 9V DC power supply (check the polarity!). Make sure the amperage (mA) rating is sufficient for the pedal. Most pedals require relatively low current (e.g., 100mA), but some digital or power-hungry pedals may require significantly more (e.g., 300mA or higher).
- Alternatively, buy the power supply specifically recommended by the pedal manufacturer, especially if the pedal requires a different voltage (e.g., 12V, 18V, or 24V) or an AC (Alternating Current) power source.
- Pedalboard Power Supply:
- Designed to power multiple pedals simultaneously. These power supplies typically have multiple isolated outputs, preventing ground loops and noise. They often offer different voltage options to accommodate various pedal types.
- Brands like Voodoo Lab, Strymon, Cioks, and MXR offer reliable pedalboard power supplies.
- Batteries:
- Some pedals can be powered by a 9V battery. However, batteries drain quickly, especially with digital pedals. Battery power is generally not recommended for regular use.
- To install a battery, open the pedal's battery compartment (usually on the bottom) and connect the battery to the battery clip.
Steps to Power Up a Pedal
- Identify the Power Requirements: Check the pedal's manual or the label near the power jack to determine the required voltage (usually 9V DC), polarity (usually center-negative), and current (mA).
- Choose a Power Source: Select an appropriate power adapter, pedalboard power supply, or battery.
- Connect the Power Source:
- Using a power adapter: Plug the adapter into a power outlet and connect the DC plug to the pedal's power jack.
- Using a pedalboard power supply: Connect the appropriate output from the power supply to the pedal's power jack.
- Using a battery: Install the battery in the pedal's battery compartment.
- Turn On the Pedal: Flip the power switch or engage the footswitch (if applicable) to activate the pedal. An LED indicator typically illuminates to show that the pedal is powered on.
Important Considerations:
- Voltage: Always use the correct voltage. Using a higher voltage can damage or destroy the pedal.
- Polarity: Ensure the power adapter has the correct polarity (usually center-negative). Using the wrong polarity can also damage the pedal.
- Current (mA): Make sure the power adapter can supply enough current (mA) for the pedal. If the adapter's current rating is too low, the pedal may not function correctly or may be damaged. It is always safe to use a power supply with a higher amperage rating than the pedal requires. The pedal will only draw the current it needs.
- Isolated Outputs: Using a pedalboard power supply with isolated outputs can significantly reduce noise and ground loops, especially with multiple pedals.
In short, powering a pedal requires selecting the right power source that matches the pedal's voltage, polarity, and current requirements, then correctly connecting it.
