Best Guitar Pedal Power Supply (our top Pick)
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus
An incredibly versatile and valuable power source with attention given to every detail, making its price tag entirely reasonable. Zero concerns or hesitation with this one, regardless of situation (unless you simply need more power ports).

For most of these roundups I simply avoid products I can't or wouldn't recommend. However, considering the variance in quality of pedalboard power supplies, I can't treat this list the same way. Instead, I've gone through 19 of the best guitar pedal power supplies and provided an actual 0 - 100 rating for each one. The ratings system is explained in detail at the bottom of the power supply list. If you're interested in starting with the board, checkout our best guitar pedalboards roundup. Here are all the pedalboard power supplies I covered, with the rating for each one in the right-most column:
Best Guitar Pedal Power Supply Recommendations
Power Supply | Title | Rated | Browse |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Voodoo Lab Mondo Power Supply | 99 | |
![]() | BBE Supa Charger Power Supply | 96 | |
![]() | Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 | 95 | |
![]() | Accel Audio FX Eight | 93 | |
![]() | Voodoo Lab ISO 5 Power Supply | 90 | |
![]() | Voodoo Lab 4x4 Power Supply | 90 | |
![]() | MXR CAE Power System | 89 | |
![]() | Truetone 1 SPOT CS12 Power Supply | 81 | |
![]() | Walrus Audio Phoenix 15 | 79 | |
![]() | T-REX Fuel Tank Chameleon | 76 | |
![]() | MXR ISO Power Brick | 76 |
1. Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus


Voodoo Lab pioneered the pedalboard power supply industry back in the late 1980s and they're still one of the most recognizable and reputable brand names in electronics for professional musicians. They're the gold standard when it comes to power supplies. The Pedal Power 2 PLUS is their Hallmark product and the most popular of the bunch, having graced countless professional and amateur pedalboards since its inception. There are a total of eight power outputs, all of which are completely isolated to eliminate ground paths which reduces hum and excess noise. There's also an auxiliary AC output on the supply's back panel. It's the "anti-daisy chain."
Keep in mind, you can use each output as a traditional 9V power source, though the DIP switch provides plenty of additional functionality, should you need higher voltage outputs or a different current. This allows for the use of Line 6 modeler pedals (like the DL4), EHX and larger Boss pedals.
Both in terms of the brand reputation and the individual product, there's simply nothing that beats Voodoo Lab's offering. Even the details that are difficult to notice and non-aesthetic, like the type of transformer, have been given a tremendous amount of thought and attention. If Voodoo Lab took any shortcuts with the PP2 PLUS, I can't find them. It's one of the best guitar pedal power supply options on the market.
IDEAL FOR: All pedal power, noisy rigs, performing and studio work.
POWER
95
SCALABILITY
90
PRICE
85
OVERALL
95
THE PROS
THE CONS
2. TrueTone 1 SPOT PRO CS12 Power Supply


The TrueTone 1 SPOT CS12 is designed to power 9, 12 and 18V pedals (with an AC power output as well) and is ideal for those who might have a wide variance in voltage and milliamp requirements in their effects chain.
The CS12 provides 12 total power sources with five switchable outputs (three thru seven in the diagram below). Four of these outputs (3 thru 6) can power a 9 or 12V pedal while the seventh can jump between 4 and 9V. The first two outputs are 18V and 100mA, while the last five are a variance of 9V with 250 to 800mA with the 12th being a 9V AC option. With the diagram below (screen grab from the user manual) you can easily match up your pedal voltage list with the CS12 capability.
Even for simpler rigs, the price of the CS7 isn't much higher than the Fuel Tank Junior. Particularly if you have some of the pedals mentioned in the notes section, the 1 SPOT is worthy of serious consideration.
IDEAL FOR: Larger pedal chains with variations in voltage requirements and milliamp ratings.
POWER
80
SCALABILITY
85
PRICE
82
OVERALL
81
THE PROS
THE CONS
3. MXR Isolated Power Brick


The MXR ISO Brick picks up a lot of the slack that was dropped by the M237. Not only are all the outputs now isolated, but you still have 10 to work with, including the same arrangement of eight 9V and two 18V sources. There's also a much wider variety of voltage and milliamp ratings. These are all the variances you'll have available:
- Two 9V outputs at 100mA
- Two 9V outputs at 300mA
- Two 9V outputs at 450mA
- Two 18V outputs at 250mA
- Two variable output adjustments from 6V to 15V at 250mA
This echoes the versatility of the Truetone 1 SPOT and gets you the isolated power missing in the M237. Here's a closer look at all the outputs on the front panel.

Front panel of the MXR ISO Brick. Image courtesy of Max Guitar Store
A blue LED for each power source is also a nice touch.
Like the M237, this box is fairly small and a great candidate for mounting underneath pedalboards or taking up a small footprint on the top.
AC Power?
While the ISO Brick does have a wide-range of outputs, there's no 9V AC for things like a Digitech Whammy pedal, which hurts this unit's scalability. This also means that something like the Line 6 DL4 and TC Electronic ND-1 Nova delay, or anything that uses the 2.5mm cable, would be ill-advised.
Conclusion and Grade for the MXR ISO Brick
You'll have to be careful about assessing your pedal's power requirements and make sure you don't have anything that requires an AC connection. If your pedal chain is in the clear (all 2.1mm connections at the applicable voltage ratings) the ISO Brick provides some important upgrades over the M237 and feels like a much safer purchase, even if it doesn't command the same respect as its comps in the Voodoo Lab and Truetone brands.
IDEAL FOR: All pedal power, noisy rigs, gigging and studio work.
POWER
79
SCALABILITY
78
PRICE
73
OVERALL
76
THE PROS
THE CONS
4. Voodoo Lab Pedal Power ISO-5


The Voodoo Lab Pedal Power ISO-5 is essentially a more compact and space-friendly version of the Pedal Power 2 PLUS, with only five outputs instead of eight. This is the power supply I use for my smaller pedalboard. For a small number of pedals, it's a good option to cut into the cost of the more expensive 2 PLUS, though it does have to be a small pedalboard.

Hangin' out on our dining room table.

Powered up.
For those who aren't worried about expanding their pedalboard and can match up the voltage requirements, the ISO-5 can save you somewhere in the $50 - $80 range. Do the homework on your pedals and make sure the ISO-5 is enough before you pull the trigger.
IDEAL FOR: Small pedalboards, 9V stompboxes and anyone who doesn't plan to expand their pedal chain.
POWER
92
SCALABILITY
78
PRICE
82
OVERALL
90
THE PROS
THE CONS
5. T-REX Engineering Fuel Tank Chameleon


The Chameleon is T-REX Engineering's larger and more versatile power supply, though it's more easily compared to the ISO-5.
T-REX Engineering's assertion that it is "built for players with a large number of diverse pedals" is one that I would only partially agree with. The "diverse" aspect, is true, as the Chameleon offers a wide range of voltage and milliamp settings that we'll get into shortly. The "large number" claim I would tend to disagree with, for the simple fact that the Chameleon has a total of only six ports, two of which cannot be used at the same time.
This gives you five total at any point. This is a number I would recommend to smaller boards, plain and simple.
IDEAL FOR: Small pedalboards, 9V stompboxes and anyone who doesn't plan to expand their pedal chain.
POWER
80
SCALABILITY
73
PRICE
70
OVERALL
76
THE PROS
THE CONS
6. BBE Supa Charger Power Supply


For its price (typically south of $99) the BBE Supa Charger is a remarkable value. It follows the pattern established by the Pedal Power 2 PLUS, with eight isolated outputs and wrapped Toroidal transformers for each one. In this particular unit, the input is switchable between 110 and 220 volts, depending on which country you're in. Fuse protection and a five year manufacturer warranty are also included. It also comes with the following cables:
- 8-2.1mm (Boss-type) black cables
- 2-2.5mm red cables reversed polarity (Line 6 type)
- Supports 9, 12 and 16 (18) volt connections
The BBE Supa Charger is too good of a value to split hairs over voltage ratings. And if BBE is saying it supports 18V pedals, I believe them. Besides, it still provides eight 9V power outputs, which is likely all you'll need. Even if you have a couple high voltage pedals, the DIP switch makes it easy to include them. There's plenty here to like for most situations and scenarios.
IDEAL FOR: Mid to large pedalboards, 12V pedal requirements and noisy signal chains
POWER
92
SCALABILITY
80
PRICE
100
OVERALL
96
THE PROS
THE CONS
7. Accel Audio FX 8 Power Supply


Accel Audio's FX Power Source 8 turned heads at the 2016 NAMM show taking home a "Best in Show" and "Gotta Stock It" award. Eight ports are provided, where all eight can be used as 9V DC power sources, if necessary. Alternatively, there are two ports (the first and second) that can have voltage adjusted. The first port can be adjusted anywhere between 9 and 18V. The second can simulate low power or the "dying battery" effect, going down to 5V and back to 9. The next four outputs, rated for 100mA each, are selectable between either 9 and 12V, via an individual switch allotted for each port.
The NAMM recognition this unit received was well-deserved, both for the device itself and for the culture of the company (at least what little exposure I've had to it). With plenty of voltage and current variety, the FX 8 puts up a fight when measured against the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS. Whether Accel Audio uses individual transformers for each power source is unclear, and it's tough to decipher the quality of electronic components.
But, it does come to you for a slightly better price, with all the features and versatility you'd get from power supplies in much higher tax brackets.
IDEAL FOR: All pedal power, noisy rigs, gigging and studio work.
POWER
95
SCALABILITY
90
PRICE
87
OVERALL
93
THE PROS
THE CONS
8. Walrus Audio Phoenix 15 Pedal Power Supply


The Walrus Audio Phoenix 15 is not only the largest power supply we've looked at so far, but it's also the most expensive hovering around $280 retail.
The challenge for a pedalboard power supply encroaching $300 is to justify the hefty investment beyond simply providing more power sources. To this point in our list, it does hold the title of having the most ports, while the next closest is the Truetone 1 SPOT with 12.
However, the 1 SPOT can be had for $100 less. That's a big number and a tough sell for just three more power sources. The key in determining the Phoenix 15's value to you is firmly based in whether or not you'll actually need/use all these power sources. Answering that question will determine whether or not the price tag is justified. You've got a total of 15 isolated power ports on the Phoenix 15 with two internal "wound" toroidal transformers, giving you an electronics spec sheet that's similar to what Voodoo Lab offers.
I would say that if you need to extra ports or you plan to expand your pedal chain, it's a solid and reliable option that doesn't have a lot of parallels. However, for most pedalboards, it's going to be overkill and perhaps more expensive than what you're wanting to pay.
IDEAL FOR: Larger pedal chains or those who plan to expand to 12 pedals or more.
POWER
95
SCALABILITY
95
PRICE
72
OVERALL
93
THE PROS
THE CONS
9. Voodoo Lab 4x4 Power Supply


The Voodoo Lab 4x4 is a contextual power supply that is essentially split in half with four outputs for high current pedals (Strymon, Line 6, etc.) and four for normal current pedals (100mA max). All the other features you would expect from Voodoo Lab are also there: Isolated power, toroidal transformers, and a five-year warranty.
Despite being specifically tailored for a more narrow lineup of pedals (equal parts high and low milliamp rated stompboxes) it still has some versatility to it, as you can go exclusively 9V DC if needed. It's a bit on the pricey side at $190 retail, though for folks with three or four high current pedals, it's one of the most ideal power suitors you're going to find.
No complaints here.
IDEAL FOR: Those who have equal parts high and low current pedals.
POWER
95
SCALABILITY
85
PRICE
82
OVERALL
90
THE PROS
THE CONS
10. Voodoo Lab Mondo Power Supply


The Mondo is Voodoo Lab's largest power supply and is essentially a combination of the Voodoo Lab Digital and the 2 PLUS. On the left side you've got six high-current outputs, while the right side houses eight 9V DC outputs that have the same features as the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS. This gives you a total of 12 power sources on the Mondo, all of which can be used as typical 9V ports.
While it certainly isn't "cheap," it's an extremely good deal for someone who needs all the outputs. Because you can't buy the 4x4 and 2 PLUS for $250 (together they'd easily exceed $300 retail). Thus, you can think of the Mondo as a kind of discounted "bulk" product. For larger pedal chains there's nothing better.
IDEAL FOR: Mid to large pedal chains, noisy rigs and nearly any amateur to professional guitarist situation.
POWER
97
SCALABILITY
99
PRICE
86
OVERALL
99
THE PROS
THE CONS
11. MXR CAE Guitar Pedal Power Supply


The CAE Power System is the MXR (Jim Dunlop) version of the Voodoo Lab Mondo. And it actually outruns the Mondo in terms of raw outputs with 16 total, all of which are isolated and run of Toroidal transformers, meeting our threshold for high-end electronic components. What makes it a little less flexible than the Mondo is that it has four dedicated 18V power sources, which can't be downgraded to 9V ports. This means the CAE Power System is a better fit for someone who must have at least some of the additional 18V options.
IDEAL FOR: All pedal power, noisy rigs, gigging and studio work.
POWER
92
SCALABILITY
96
PRICE
72
OVERALL
89
THE PROS
THE CONS
Power Supply Value
This graph that plots our retail with the approximate retail cost of each power supply is a helpful visual for identifying where the most value can be found.

When we plot the approximate cost with our rating, we get an idea of which power supplies are the best value options. In the above graph, lower and further to the right is better. Thus the Voodoo Lab Mondo, Pedal Power 2, and BBE Supa Charger are all great options.
What is an isolated power supply?
The single, most important feature in a pedalboard power supply is whether or not it provides isolated power. This basically simulates having a 9V battery on each individual pedal, meaning they get their own circuit of "clean" power and don't have to share it with any other pedals. In fact, you might even say that a daisy chain power supply is a step down in quality from individual 9V batteries.
Isolated Power Sources

A diagram of an isolated power supply and a daisy chain. Image via Ovnilab
As you can see from the diagram, a "daisy-chain" type of power supply simply shares the same circuit across multiple pedals, each consuming the same amount of power. This is problematic because it can often be noisy. At the same time, 9V batteries are inconvenient and don't last very long before needing replaced. Isolated power supplies solve both of these problems.
Can I plug a 9V pedal into an 18V power supply?
In simple terms, don't do it. When it comes to voltage, I do not recommend deviating from what the manufacturer suggests for the pedal. If that's 9V, make sure it's a 9V power source. If you do plug a 9V pedal into a power source that exceeds that rating, one of two things are almost certain to happen.
- You'll trip a protective mechanism in the pedal that will shut it off.
- You'll "fry" the capacitors and permanently damage the pedal.
The reason this happens is because voltage in electrical devices behaves very much the same as water flowing through different containers. For example, I have a downspout on the side of my house where rainwater is drained from the gutters into a pipe that runs underneath the ground and away from my house. That pipe is sized to handle a certain amount of water from the downspout. However, if that amount were to double, the pipe would either spill over or crack.

High voltage flowing into a low voltage container.
Are daisy chains a downgrade from 9V batteries?
I've already mentioned that individual 9V batteries are a form of isolated power, in that each pedal has its own source of power that isn't connected with any of the other sources. This illustrates the biggest problem with un-isolated daisy chains. In terms of reducing electrical noise or ground hum, daisy chains are absolutely a downgrade from 9V batteries. However, the advantage in using them is that you no longer have to worry about buying and replacing batteries, which pedals tend to chew through really quickly.
Concluding Thoughts & Your Questions
There's a lot of information here and I understand that there are questions that arise when dealing with a topic that's so heavy on nuanced electrical issues. If you have questions, feel free to drop them in the comments section below. I'll answer what I can, and send my buddy Peter Driver over to handle those that go over my head.
Just don't buy a pedalboard power supply without at least knowing the basics about voltages and milliamp ratings. I've invested in powering my pedals first without and then with that knowledge and I was absolutely better off the second time around.
My advice to you is to know your own pedal roster and the electrical requirements thereof before you go swiping the credit card.
If you do that, you have a better shot at getting the best guitar pedal power supply for your unique situation.
Further Reading
- The Isolated Power Supply - A Tutorial: A look into some of the more nuanced electrical aspects of isolated power.
- How to Mount a Power Supply to a Pedaltrain Pedalboard: A great thread on Seymour Duncan's website that shows you in pictures how to mount a power supply to a Pedaltrain pedalboard.
- Setting Up Your Effects Chain: An article by Strymon (customer support dude named Hugo) on how to order (arrange) guitar pedals in your signal chain.
Related Articles
Written by Bobby on Pedals and Setup
Written by GC Editorial on Pedals and FAQ
I have been thinking of testing some supplies because as an EE, amp & pedal builder I find reviews like this misleading. For example I have the ISO-5. Some of the outputs have shared grounds (9V/12V 400ma). Plus what about noise at something like 25/50/75% of the rated current?
I don’t think I mentioned the 9V/12V issue one way or the other.
But, in all fairness, you would know better than I would. I’m teachable.
If you’ve got info to add, please feel free to share.
Fantastic work here!! This article sets the gold standard for gear reviews…detailed without being overly technical, useful information for practical application, opinions based on unbiased observation. Thanks!!
Wow, thanks so much, Galen. Are you the Galen Henson that worked with Joe Satriani?
Hi Bobby… Correct, sir, that was one of my former lives!!
Awesome! Well, thanks much for taking the time to comment. I certainly appreciate it.
I am curious about how your rated the 1spot. You took off the most points for price, but isn’t it the cheapest price per outlet on your list? What makes you think the price is so off?
Hey Niko – my main issue there was that I had trouble verifying the price of interior components, which I tried to do with all of these. You make a good point though about the price per outlet. The argument for the 1 Spot to get a higher score could certainly be made.
One power supply that is still around and has isolated outputs, is the Pedaltrain Powertrain 1250. Everyone seems to either not know about it or ignores it. I will guess that Pedaltrain went with different supplies. It is still around and seems to be lately, only available at CAL Creation Audio Labs.
I still own mine and is built like a tank. I would *still* recommend it to others.
This supply should still be considered.
Link: https://shop.creationaudiolabs.com/Pedaltrain-Powertrain-1250-Pedalboard-Power-Supply-PT1250.htm
Hey, this thing actually looks fantastic. I wonder why Pedaltrain wouldn’t push it out and market it a bit more?
Found it on Amazon. Wouldn’t mind trying it out: https://amzn.to/2NKsICH
Thanks for the solid info. Definitely wasn’t on my radar.
Thanks! Very helpful!
I enjoyed this article. It helped me learn a lot. My question is: Do you know if they make a power supply brick for a rack gear? I’ve a Lexicon LXP-5 that I’d like to power with an isolated power supply, not just a wall wart. I hate noise and think a brick will decrease extra noise. Let me know your thoughts…
Hey, Doug – by rack gear, do you mean something that will power multiple rack effects processors?
Yep. I like the power brick idea, because of the way they can be used to power multiple pedals and I’m wondering if there’s a brick that I can use in that fashion but for rack gear. I keep getting noise and hope to decrease the noise by using a better source of powering the racks.
For that, you should grab a Furman power conditioner, like this one: https://amzn.to/2BoFd52
Hi, I have been looking for a power supply which will supply about 10 or so 9v standard pedals and after reading your excellent article I wasn’t sure one existed which had isolated power. I did find the Palmer PWT 12 mk2 but there isn’t a lot of info on it. I’m in the UK and it is German made so easy for me to get hold of. Had you heard of it? I have heard good things about the company as a friend had a DI box. fyi I don’t have any connections with Palmer!
Hey Sam – thanks for the kind words. The Palmer is a new one to me, but it looks fantastic and should be ideal for your situation.
Ok thanks Bobby. After reading your article you were explaining how some supplies were more isolated than others and my main reason for upgrading is to get rid of hum. I just wanted to make sure the Palmer unit was up to the task – I’m not sure what I’m looking for as lots of units say they are ‘isolated’.
Yeah, it’s tough to tell sometimes. The eye-test on the Palmer is good, but I’m just not familiar enough with the brand to know for sure. Sometimes they’ll use the term “isolated” when they really mean protection against all fuses blowing at once.
If you want a sure thing, I’d go with Voodoo Lab or the Walrus Audio options.
Ok thanks Bobby.
I’m not sure there is a Voodoo unit which offers the amount of 9v outs that I need and whilst Walrus Audio look great I have trouble justifying the expense! Maybe the Palmer unit is a good middle ground?
Try it. I’d say email their support and ask them about the isolated outputs.
I don’t think that there are multiple transformers in the Pedal Power 2. I’m pretty sure that like the Aetos it has one toroidal transformer with separate balanced windings for each output. I don’t think you can fit more than one transformer in that little box. The Aetos doesn’t have the scalability (great use of that word) of the Aetos, but in terms of isolated power they’re the same. And thanks for such a great, extensive piece of research; really amazing!
Hey, thanks, Ryan. Do you have a source to support there being only one transformer? Based on my research I suspected there were tiny ones for each output. I own the Pedal Power 2, but I’ve never taken it apart to look.
Thanks again for the comment.
How is it that you managed to detail your extensive research here, even going so far as to include some obscure Israeli, and Polish brands, but failed to include the USA made Strymon Zuma and Ojai?? I don’t and probably won’t own a Strymon pedal, but as an Empress and Source Audio user, I came here hoping to read about the Strymon power supply. I’m very interested in any power supply that is sensible enough to have all outlets giving equal high current. The rest are being cheap and making it confusing. Care to update here?j
Sorry to disappoint. I try to keep it to gear that I’ve had either first or secondhand experience with. We might add the Strymon power supplies in the future. Thanks for commenting.
First, this a helluva great article. Second, for a simple four-pedal board, what are your thoughts on running a wall wart power supply such as a 1 Spot into a GigRig Isolator?
Personally, I would avoid wall warts at all costs. For four pedals, I’d go ISO-5.
just so you know, this article (and your method overall) is amazingly helpful and deserves respect. Helped me make a choice on a used power supply for home, board-building, writing-and-wiring everything scenarios.
Thanks John. I’m glad you found it helpful. Is it the rating system that was the most helpful thing?
Ratings make you feel safe. I suspect we are programmed that way, but it was the detail and, as you emphasize on this site, context that made it extra useful. While compiling lists of different effect types is often dicey when attempting to provide any sort of comprehensive sampling of types, functionality, and so priority-driven snapshots of devices, you definitely did it here. Cheers and happy holidays.
Good to know. This is one of the only ones we’ve done with this ratings system, so I appreciate the feedback. Would love to use it more in the future.
Oh yeah. Keep it. It has value and an actual rational basis.
BBE Supa Charger has a stupid name, but it’s been good to me!
I agree. Not crazy about the name. Just call it “super.”