GET A PROPER POWER SUPPLY

“The effect that good power has on a pedalboard is commonly undervalued. But unless you get that right, nothing else really matters,” says effects guru Daniel Steinhardt of TheGigRig and That Pedal Show. Adrian Thorpe of Thorpy FX concurs. “Batteries are fine for one or two pedals. But a well-thought-out pedalboard needs a sorted power-supply solution. Especially for pedals that have high current requirements, typically digital pedals. I personally use both the Voodoo Labs Mondo and TheGigRig’s Generator system.” Your power supply needs to deliver enough current for all of your pedals together. It’s worth allowing some extra current capacity so the supply isn’t working at the peak of its ability all the time. Note that starving a pedal of voltage won’t harm it. It may stop working, but you won’t blow it up. This can mimic a dying battery, which can make the pedal compress or sound darker. Depending on the pedal, some people like that. Conversely, assuming the pedal is designed to take it, and you’re certain it’s safe, increasing a pedal’s operating voltage can return a palpably stronger, bolder sound with more headroom and dynamic range.