In this guide, I'll break down the best power supply options for a 5-pedal setup, focusing on size, isolated power, and reputable brands that I know and trust
What to Look for in a Power Supply (for any number of pedals)
Before we get into the recommendations, here are some key features to consider when buying a power supply for a smaller pedalboard:
- Number of Outputs: You’ll need at least five outputs to power your pedals independently. Isolated outputs are ideal to prevent noise and ground loops.
- Voltage Compatibility: Ensure the power supply can handle 9V, 12V, and 18V pedals if your setup includes mixed voltages (most guitar pedals are 9V).
- Current Output: Check the mA (milliampere) rating of each output to ensure it meets or exceeds the requirements of your pedals.
- Size and Portability: A compact power supply is ideal for smaller pedalboards.
- Isolated Power: We want the power supply to provide isolated power, which means power is not shared between each output. This will reduce electrical noise from your pedals, almost entirely.
Top Power Supply Options for 5 Pedals
Here are our top picks for powering a 5-pedal setup. My favorite recommendation is the TrueTone 1 Spot. Considering price, it's one of the highest-value options on the market.
1. Truetone 1 Spot Pro CS6 or CS7
It's also compact, perfect for smaller pedalboards, yet houses six isolated outputs giving you plenty of flexibility for five pedals. As always, you need to check wattage availability and make sure it matches with the pedals you have.
Key Features:
- 6 isolated outputs (4 x 9V, 1 x 12V, 1 x 18V)
- High current capacity (up to 500mA per 9V output)
- Compact and lightweight design
- Quiet operation with no noise or hum
2. MXR M238 Iso-Brick
The MXR Iso-Brick has ten outputs, but its compact size and flexible voltage options make it ideal for smaller boards, especially if you might expand in the future. Even if you only have five pedals, it's a good idea to be prepared for a scenario where you'd like to add more.
Key Features:- 10 isolated outputs (6 x 9V, 2 x 18V, 2 x variable 6V-15V)
- High current output (up to 450mA per 9V output)
- Durable metal casing
- Includes all necessary cables
3. Voodoo Lab ISO-5
The ISO-5 actually has six outputs, though the fourth and fifth are combined into a higher mA load with a 9V and 12V option. This is what I use for one of my pedalboards, which has four pedals and a powered DI box.
Key Features:
- More affordable than the Pedal Power 2 (and most other Voodoo Lab power supplies)
- All isolated outputs
4. Cioks DC Series (DC-7)
The Cioks DC-7 is a low-profile, high-performance power supply designed for small to medium-sized pedalboards. Like the MXR ISO, it's higher on the output side with seven, but again will give you some room to grow and add if you so desire.
Key Features:
- 5 isolated outputs (all 9V, but compatible with 12V/18V pedals using adapters)
- High current output (up to 660mA per output)
- Ultra-compact design
- Quiet and efficient operation
5. Strymon Zuma
The Zuma is a bit more expensive, but higher capacity and switchable wattage make it worth the investment. Switchable wattage gives you the option to swap pedals in at out that maybe be a mix of wattages.
Key Features:
- 9 isolated outputs (all 9V, but expandable for 12V/18V with Ojai expansion)
- High current capacity (up to 500mA per output)
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Modular design for expansion
Why It’s Great: The Zuma is perfect for players who want a future-proof power supply with room to grow.
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Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Effects & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Effects & Questions
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