An ISO (isolated) power supply, in the context of guitar effects pedals, is a multi-output power supply designed to provide clean, independent power to each connected pedal, eliminating ground loops and reducing noise. The ISO Power Blocks 6, 6+, 10, and 16 exemplify this type of power supply.
Here's a breakdown of what that means and why it's important:
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Isolation: Each output on an ISO power supply is electrically isolated from the others. This prevents the formation of ground loops, which can introduce unwanted hum and noise into your signal chain. Ground loops occur when multiple pieces of equipment share a common ground, creating a circular path that can pick up interference.
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Clean Power: ISO power supplies typically include filtering circuits that remove unwanted noise and ripple from the incoming power. This ensures that your pedals receive a stable and clean voltage, which can improve their performance and reduce noise.
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Multiple Outputs: ISO power supplies provide multiple outputs, allowing you to power several pedals from a single unit. This simplifies your setup and reduces the number of wall warts you need.
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Voltage and Current Compatibility: Different pedals require different voltages (typically 9V, 12V, or 18V) and current (measured in milliamperes, mA). ISO power supplies often offer a variety of voltage options and sufficient current to power most pedals.
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USB Power: Some ISO power supplies, like the ISO Power Blocks, also include a 5V USB connection for powering other devices like smartphones or small USB-powered accessories.
Benefits of using an ISO power supply:
- Reduced Noise: The primary benefit is a significant reduction in noise and hum, resulting in a cleaner, clearer tone.
- Improved Pedal Performance: Stable and clean power can improve the overall performance and responsiveness of your effects pedals.
- Simplified Setup: A single ISO power supply can replace multiple wall warts, decluttering your pedalboard and making setup easier.
- Protection: Many ISO power supplies include short-circuit protection, which can protect your pedals from damage.
Example:
Imagine you have a distortion pedal, a delay pedal, and a reverb pedal. If you power them with individual wall warts plugged into the same power strip, you might hear a noticeable hum. This could be due to a ground loop or noise introduced by the power strip. By using an ISO power supply, you can eliminate these problems and enjoy a cleaner signal.
