The Pedal Power 2 Plus is a high-end power supply designed for guitar pedals, offering reliability and versatility. It provides isolated outputs, variable voltage options, and high current capacity, making it ideal for modern pedalboards. This manual guides users through its features, configuration, and troubleshooting, ensuring optimal performance for their effects pedals.
1.1 Overview of the Pedal Power 2 Plus
The Pedal Power 2 Plus is a professional-grade power supply designed to meet the diverse needs of guitarists and pedalboard enthusiasts. It offers isolated outputs to eliminate ground loops and noise, ensuring clean power delivery. With variable voltage options (9V, 12V, and 18V) and high current capacity, it supports a wide range of pedals, including modern digital effects. The unit features DIP switches for voltage selection and polarity adjustment, providing flexibility for different pedal requirements. Its robust design and reliable performance make it a trusted choice for musicians seeking consistent power supply for their effects.
1.2 Importance of Proper Power Supply for Pedals
Proper power supply is crucial for optimal pedal performance and longevity. Incorrect voltage or insufficient current can damage pedals or cause malfunction. Matching the pedal’s required voltage (e.g., 9V, 12V) and ensuring adequate amperage prevents under-powering, which can lead to noise or failure. Digital pedals, in particular, often demand higher current, making a reliable power supply essential. Using the wrong polarity or voltage can irreparably harm your gear. A high-quality power supply like the Pedal Power 2 Plus ensures clean, stable power, preserving tone and functionality while protecting your investment in pedals.
Key Features of the Pedal Power 2 Plus
The Pedal Power 2 Plus offers isolated outputs for noise reduction, variable voltage options, and high current capacity, ensuring reliable power delivery to modern and demanding guitar pedals.
2.1 Isolated Outputs for Noise Reduction
The Pedal Power 2 Plus features fully isolated outputs, eliminating ground loops and hum. This ensures clean power delivery to each pedal, preventing interference and noise. Isolation is crucial for maintaining a quiet signal chain, especially in pedalboards with multiple effects. By isolating each output, the Pedal Power 2 Plus avoids the common issue of tone-robbing interaction between pedals. This design makes it ideal for professional setups where sound quality is paramount. The isolated outputs are a key feature that sets this power supply apart from others in its class.
2.2 Variable Voltage and Polarity Options
The Pedal Power 2 Plus offers adjustable voltage and polarity settings, accommodating a wide range of pedals; Using DIP switches, users can switch between 9V and 12V outputs, ensuring compatibility with various effects. The standard center-negative polarity aligns with most pedals’ requirements. However, incorrect voltage or polarity settings can damage pedals, so careful configuration is essential. Always consult the pedal’s manual to match the correct voltage and polarity. This flexibility makes the Pedal Power 2 Plus versatile for diverse pedalboard setups, catering to both classic and modern effects.
2.3 High Current Capacity for Modern Pedals
The Pedal Power 2 Plus is designed to meet the demands of modern, high-current pedals. With outputs capable of delivering up to 250mA, it ensures reliable operation for power-hungry effects. This is particularly beneficial for digital pedals, which often require more current to function optimally. The high current capacity prevents under-powering issues, such as poor performance or unexpected shutdowns. While older pedals may not need this level of power, the Pedal Power 2 Plus future-proofs your setup, accommodating both current and future pedal needs. This makes it an excellent choice for musicians with expanding or complex pedalboards.
Understanding the Manual
The manual provides a detailed guide to navigating and configuring the Pedal Power 2 Plus, addressing common confusions and ensuring proper setup for optimal performance and safety.
3.1 Navigating the Pedal Power 2 Plus Manual
The manual is structured to help users easily find information. It starts with an overview, followed by key features, configuration guides, and troubleshooting sections. Each chapter is clearly labeled, ensuring quick access to specific topics. The manual also includes diagrams and tables for better understanding. By following the manual, users can optimize their pedalboard setup and avoid common issues. Proper navigation ensures safe and effective use of the Pedal Power 2 Plus, enhancing overall performance and longevity of connected pedals.
3.2 Common Confusions and Clarifications
Users often confuse DIP switch settings and voltage requirements. The manual clarifies that DIP switches adjust voltage and polarity, not current. Combining outputs for higher current is possible but requires specific cables. Voltage mismatches can damage pedals, so matching pedal requirements is crucial. The manual also addresses ground loops, explaining how isolation reduces noise. Clarifications emphasize proper amperage needs, as insufficient current can harm pedals; Understanding these points ensures safe and effective use, avoiding common pitfalls and optimizing pedal performance. Always refer to the manual for specific pedal configurations and troubleshooting guidance.
Power Requirements for Different Pedals
Different pedals require specific voltage and amperage. The PP2+ manual details how to match these needs, ensuring proper power delivery without overloading or under-powering your effects.
4.1 Voltage and Amperage Needs for Specific Pedals
Matching the correct voltage and amperage to your pedals is crucial. For example, the Iridium requires 9V DC at 500mA, while others may need higher currents. Outputs 5 and 6 on the PP2+ deliver 250mA each, requiring a current-doubling cable to combine for 500mA. Always check the pedal’s specs to ensure proper power delivery. Incorrect settings can damage pedals or cause under-performance. The manual provides detailed guidance to configure outputs correctly, ensuring optimal power supply for each effect. Proper configuration prevents damage and ensures reliable operation, especially for high-current digital pedals.
4.2 Matching the Right Power Output to Your Pedal
Matching the right power output ensures optimal performance and prevents damage. For pedals requiring higher current, like the Iridium (9V DC, 500mA), use outputs 5 and 6 on the PP2+. These outputs provide 250mA each, and a current-doubling cable can combine them for 500mA. Always check the pedal’s voltage and amperage requirements, as specified in the manual or on the pedal itself. Incorrect settings can lead to under-powering or damage. Proper matching ensures reliable operation and preserves tone quality, especially for digital pedals with higher power demands. This step is critical for building a stable and efficient pedalboard setup.
Voltage and Polarity Configuration
Voltage and polarity configuration is crucial for optimal pedal performance. Use DIP switches to set the correct voltage, ensuring compatibility and preventing damage to your pedals.
5.1 Using DIP Switches for Voltage Selection
The Pedal Power 2 Plus uses DIP switches to adjust voltage settings for each output. These switches allow users to select between 9V and 12V DC, ensuring compatibility with various pedals. Proper configuration is essential to avoid damage. Refer to the manual for specific instructions on switching configurations. Always match the pedal’s required voltage to prevent overvoltage issues. DIP switches are located on the underside of the unit, providing easy access for adjustments. This feature ensures flexibility and precise power delivery for diverse pedal requirements.
5.2 Avoiding Damage from Incorrect Settings
Incorrect voltage or polarity settings can damage your pedals. Always match the pedal’s required voltage and polarity using the DIP switches. Refer to the manual for proper configuration. Never exceed a pedal’s voltage rating, as this can cause permanent damage. If unsure, consult the pedal’s documentation or manufacturer. Using the wrong settings can result in malfunction or irreversible harm to your equipment. Proper setup ensures safe and optimal performance of your pedals. Double-check all configurations before powering up to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
Ground Loops and Noise Elimination
Ground loops cause unwanted hum in pedalboards. The Pedal Power 2 Plus eliminates noise through isolated outputs, ensuring clean power delivery to all connected pedals effectively.
6.1 Causes of Ground Loops in Pedalboards
Ground loops occur when multiple pedals share a common ground path, creating unwanted electrical circuits. This often happens when pedals are powered from different sources or have varying ground potentials. The Pedal Power 2 Plus addresses this issue by providing isolated outputs, ensuring each pedal has its own independent power supply. This isolation breaks the ground loop, eliminating hum and interference. Proper power supply configuration is crucial to maintain a noise-free signal chain, especially in complex pedalboard setups with multiple effects.
6.2 How Isolation Reduces Hum and Interference
Isolation in the Pedal Power 2 Plus eliminates ground loops by creating independent power circuits for each pedal. This prevents unwanted electrical paths that cause hum and interference. By isolating outputs, the power supply ensures that each pedal receives a clean, noise-free power source; This design minimizes electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), which are common issues in pedalboards. The result is a quieter signal chain and improved overall tone quality, making the Pedal Power 2 Plus an essential tool for maintaining audio clarity in complex setups.
Comparing Pedal Power 2 Plus to Other Models
The Pedal Power 2 Plus stands out for its isolated outputs and high current capacity, offering more versatility than the Voodoo Lab Iso 5 but less than the 4X4.
7.1 Voodoo Lab Iso 5 vs. Pedal Power 2 Plus
The Voodoo Lab Iso 5 and Pedal Power 2 Plus are both high-quality power supplies, but they cater to different needs. The Iso 5 offers a dedicated 500mA output, ideal for high-current pedals like the Hyper Luminal, while the Pedal Power 2 Plus provides more flexibility with isolated outputs and variable voltage options. The PP2’s outputs 5 and 6 can deliver 250mA each, which, when combined using a current-doubling cable, match the Iso 5’s 500mA capacity. However, the PP2’s additional outputs make it better suited for larger pedalboards with multiple pedals requiring lower currents. For smaller setups, the Iso 5 is a cost-effective choice, but the PP2’s versatility makes it a better investment for future expansion, especially with digital pedals that demand higher power;
7.2 Pedal Power 2 Plus vs. Voodoo Lab 4X4
The Pedal Power 2 Plus and Voodoo Lab 4X4 are both premium power supplies, but they differ in output capabilities. The 4X4 offers four 400mA outputs, providing higher current per outlet, which is advantageous for power-hungry digital pedals. In contrast, the PP2 Plus has eight outputs, with two capable of 250mA and the rest at 100mA, making it more versatile for smaller or mixed pedal setups. While the 4X4 is more powerful, the PP2 Plus is more flexible, especially for pedalboards with a variety of low-to-moderate current requirements. Both units excel in noise isolation, ensuring quiet operation for professional-grade tone.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Identify under-current feeding by checking amperage requirements. Ensure correct voltage and polarity settings to avoid damage. Verify DIP switch configurations and cable connections for proper functionality and noise elimination.
8.1 Diagnosing Under-Current Feeding Problems
Under-current feeding occurs when a pedal’s amperage needs exceed the power supply’s output. Check the pedal’s manual for required current. If using the Pedal Power 2 Plus, ensure the selected output matches the pedal’s needs. Outputs 5 and 6 provide 250mA, while others offer 100mA. For high-current pedals like the Iridium, combine outputs 5 and 6 using a current-doubling cable to achieve 500mA. Failing to meet current requirements can cause malfunction or damage. Always verify the pedal’s specifications to prevent under-powering issues.
8.2 Resolving Overvoltage and Polarity Issues
Overvoltage and polarity issues can damage pedals. Always verify voltage and polarity requirements in the pedal’s manual. Use DIP switches on the Pedal Power 2 Plus to adjust voltage settings. Ensure the center-negative plug is correctly oriented. Avoid switching outputs 5 and 6 to 12V for 9V pedals, as this can cause damage. If unsure, consult the manual or contact support. Proper configuration prevents overvoltage, ensuring safe and optimal pedal operation. Double-check settings before powering up to avoid potential harm to your equipment.
Upgrading Your Power Supply
Upgrading your power supply ensures reliable performance for high-current pedals. Consider higher-capacity units if using multiple digital pedals, as they often require more power than standard setups.
9.1 When to Consider Upgrading Your Power Supply
Upgrade your power supply when your pedalboard demands exceed current capacity. If using multiple high-current digital pedals, ensure your supply can handle the load. Low power can cause poor performance or damage. Consider upgrading if you plan to add more effects or digital pedals, as they often require higher amperage. A higher-capacity power supply ensures stable operation and prevents under-powering issues, safeguarding your pedals and maintaining optimal tone quality. Upgrading is a proactive step to future-proof your setup and avoid potential damage from insufficient power delivery.
9.2 Benefits of High-Current Power Supplies for Digital Pedals
High-current power supplies are essential for digital pedals, which often require more amperage to operate effectively. These supplies ensure stable power delivery, preventing issues like voltage drop or inconsistent performance. With sufficient current, digital pedals can function at their best, delivering crisp, clean tones without distortion. High-current supplies also future-proof your setup, accommodating additional pedals or upgrades. They protect your investment by providing the necessary power without risking damage from under-current conditions. This makes them a critical choice for modern pedalboards with multiple high-demand effects.
The Pedal Power 2 Plus is a reliable and versatile power supply, ideal for modern pedalboards. It ensures optimal performance and is a critical choice for high-demand effects.
10.1 Summary of Key Takeaways
The Pedal Power 2 Plus is a robust power supply designed to meet the demands of modern pedalboards. It offers isolated outputs to reduce noise, variable voltage options, and high current capacity for power-hungry pedals. Proper configuration using DIP switches ensures safe operation, while matching the right output to each pedal prevents damage. Ground loops are effectively managed through isolation, eliminating hum and interference. Upgrading to a high-current supply is recommended for digital pedals. This manual provides clear guidance for optimal performance, making the Pedal Power 2 Plus a reliable choice for musicians seeking versatility and reliability in their power supply.
10.2 Final Thoughts on Using the Pedal Power 2 Plus
The Pedal Power 2 Plus is a reliable and versatile power supply, ideal for modern pedalboards. Its isolated outputs reduce noise, while variable voltage and high current capacity support demanding pedals. Proper configuration is crucial to avoid damage and ensure optimal performance. For those with digital pedals, upgrading to a high-current supply is beneficial. The manual provides clear guidance, making it user-friendly. Many users have upgraded and are satisfied, highlighting its value. The Pedal Power 2 Plus remains a top choice for musicians seeking a dependable power solution.