VOODOO LAB Pedal Power 2 Plus User Manual
- June 13, 2024
- VOODOO LAB
Table of Contents
- Important Safety Instructions
- Introduction
- Unpacking
- System Unit Description
- About Pedal Boards
- Connections
- Voltage Selector DIP Switches
- Boss Pedals
- Line 6 Modeling Pedals
- TC Electronic Nova Pedals
- Eventide Pedals
- SAG Output
- Voltage Doubler and Current Doubler Cables
- More About Cables
- Operation
- Positive Ground Effects
- Reversed Polarity
- About Power Requirements
- Specifications
- Warranty
- How to Reach Us
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
PEDAL POWER®
2 PLUS
User’s Manual Conforms to UL STD
60065
Certified to CSA STD C22.2 No. 60065
Important Safety Instructions
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this
apparatus to rain or moisture.
WARNING: This apparatus shall be connected to a mains socket outlet
equipped with a protective grounding connection.
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- The unit should be positioned so that the plug or cord are easily accessible.
- Not for use near water, beer, or other splashing conductive liquids. Mains powered apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids (such as vases) shall be placed on the apparatus.
Copyright ©1998-2018 by Digital Music Corporation.
This publication is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved.
Voodoo Lab and Pedal Power are registered trademarks of Digital Music Corp.
VOODOO LAB PEDAL POWER
Introduction
The Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus is the finest power supply available for
guitar effects.
It’s eight 9V outputs will power any type of battery operated effect. Each
output is completely isolated, short-circuit protected, highly filtered and
regulated. This insures reliable operation, free of hum and noise.
Pedal Power 2 Plus includes two high current outputs, capable of properly
powering newer high power effects such as Boss Twin, Line 6 modelers, and TC
Electronic Nova pedals. It also features two variable voltage outputs to
simulate worn batteries. Using an optional voltage doubler cable, you can
power many 18V and 24V effects as well.
Please take the time to read this entire manual before operating your Voodoo
Lab Pedal Power.
This will eliminate the possibility of damage to your effects from improper
usage. You can also visit our web site at
www.voodoolab.com for the latest information on
this and other products.
Important: Pedal Power units purchased in North America should only be
powered from 120VAC. Attempting to use 220-240VAC mains directly without an
appropriate stepdown transformer will cause permanent damage!
Unpacking
Your Voodoo Lab Pedal Power box should contain the following:
Pedal Power 2 Plus system unit
Warranty card
AC power cord
DC Power cables
Please take a moment to fill out and mail your warranty card. This will
register your warranty, make you eligible for technical support, and allow us
to notify you with updates and new product information. Don’t worry, we
respect your privacy and never sell our mailing list.
System Unit Description
-
AC auxiliary. This is a courtesy AC outlet for convenient powering of AC powered effects or a MIDI foot controller.
Note the 200 watt maximum rating. Do NOT plug in your amp here! -
AC power input jack. This is a standard “IEC-type” connector.
-
Power indicator. This LED indicates the Pedal Power system unit is operating.
-
DC output jacks (8). Each output provides 9 volts of isolated, filtered and regulated DC power for your pedal effects.
-
SAG controls. Next to output jacks 7 and 8 are controls to vary the voltage from 4V to 9V.
-
Voltage selector DIP switches. These switches select the output voltage. Switches 1-8 correspond to DC outputs 1-8. Normal 9V operation is with the switch in the NORMAL (OFF) position.
About Pedal Boards
Before connecting the Pedal Power to your pedals, let’s talk about pedal
boards. The best installation is to mount your pedals and power supply to a
suitable pedal board. You can use anything from a piece of plywood, or a
professionally built board from most flight case manufacturers, Pedaltrain
and others. Securely mounting your effects and power supply will make it easy
to transport without damage and eliminates excessive flexing of cables which
will cause their premature failure.
Most devices (pedal effects, power supply, tuner, volume pedals, wah, etc.)
can be mounted to the pedal board using an industrial adhesive-backed velcro
such as 3M dual lock. Audio cables should be as short as possible. You can use
off- the-shelf patch cords, or better yet, make your own exactly to length.
Once the cables are all neatly routed, finish the job by securing them with
nylon cable ties and cable tie mounts. If you constructed the board itself,
heavy duty rubber feet and metal handles are useful and will give a
professional appearance.
Voodoo Lab can supply you with most necessary materials including dual lock,
power cables, many professional wiring accessories, and Pedaltrain mounting
brackets. Contact us for availability and pricing.
Connections
The Voodoo Lab Pedal Power has eight DC output jacks. These accept barrel type
connectors. Notice that each of your DC power cables have a barrel connector
on at least one end. The other end has either another identical barrel
connector, a 5.5×2.5mm RED barrel, a 3.5mm mini-plug, or a battery snap.
Use the standard black barrel connector cables with Boss, Ibanez, Voodoo Lab,
and most common pedals. If you have a pedal from another manufacturer which
appears to use the same connector, you should verify that the polarity is
“center negative” to prevent damage to the pedal. This is the standard
polarity and virtually all pedals are wired this way. Exceptions are the
Fulltone ‘69, SoulBender, and Octafuzz pedals and Moogerfoogers, which have
their power jacks wired for “center positive”. If you have these or other
pedals which require reversed polarity, see “More About Cables” below.
When using the cables with 3.5mm mini plugs, you should verify that the
polarity is “tip positive”. This is the standard polarity for pedals which use
the 3.5mm mini plug for power. If you have a pedal which has no power jack at
all, but it runs on a single 9V battery, you can still power it using your
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power. Use the cable with the 9V battery snap on one end.
This will mate with the battery snap inside your pedal once its battery has
been removed.
Voltage Selector DIP Switches
On the bottom of the Pedal Power is an 8 position DIP switch with switches
numbered 1-8.
These switches correspond to outputs 1-8 and select the output voltage.
Normally, the switches should all be in the NORMAL position for 9 volt
operation.
Boss Pedals
There are two types of Boss pedals. These are identified by the type of power supply specified, either PSA or ACA. Almost all Boss pedals specify the PSA type adapter and operate at 9V like most other pedals. Boss pedals which specify the ACA type adapter operate at a higher voltage. When powering Boss pedals that require ACA adapters you must use outputs 1-4 only and switch the corresponding voltage selector DIP switch away from NORMAL.Boss Twin pedals, like the DD-20, have a higher current requirement and will operate from outputs 5 and 6 only. Leave the corresponding switch in the NORMAL position.
Line 6 Modeling Pedals
You can power the Line 6 modeling pedals (but not POD) using outputs 5 or 6
and setting the corresponding switch away from NORMAL. Remember to use the RED
5.5×2.5mm barrel cable for these pedals.
Line 6 Tone Core pedals can be powered from any output with its switch in the
NORMAL position, using the black 5.5×2.1mm barrel cable.
TC Electronic Nova Pedals
The Nova series pedals from TC Electronic, such as ND-1 Nova Delay and NM-1
Nova Modulator, should be powered from outputs 5 or 6 only. Set the
corresponding switch away from NORMAL and use the black 5.5 x 2.1mm barrel
cable.
The exception is the NDR-1 Nova Drive, which requires higher current and can
only be powered by combining both outputs 5 and 6 using a current doubling
cable. Set switches 5 and 6 both away from NORMAL and use the black 5.5 x
2.1mm barrel cable.
Eventide Pedals
You can power an Eventide Stompbox, like TimeFactor or PitchFactor, using a special “current doubling” cable. This is a parallel Y-cable used to combine both outputs 5 and 6 to double the available current. Set switches 5 and 6 both away from NORMAL and use a current doubler adapter (not included) with the red 5.5 x 2.5mm barrel cable.
SAG Output
Outputs 7 and 8 permit you to adjust or SAG the voltage from 9V down to about 4V. To enable this feature you must set the corresponding switch away from NORMAL. This allows you to simulate worn batteries. This is mostly useful for transistor-based fuzz and distortion circuits, as modern pomp designs are minimally affected by variations in supply voltage. It is not recommended for digital pedals.
Voltage Doubler and Current Doubler Cables
There are two types of Y-cables which will combine a pair of Pedal Power
outputs for additional capability. We call them voltage doubler and current
doubler cables. They are available as a complete cable, or an adapter which
you connect to an existing Pedal Power cable. You can purchase these cables
from your dealer or directly from Voodoo Lab. The voltage doubler cable
combines two Pedal Power outputs in series. When outputs are combined in
series, you get the combined voltage of both outputs. For example, if you
connect this cable to two 9V outs, you will get 18V. If you connect it to two
12V outs, then you get 24V. This does not change the current capability. If
you use 100mA outputs, you still get a maximum of 100mA combined.
The current doubler cable combines two outputs in parallel to increase the
current capability.
Using this cable on outputs 5 and 6 with both switches set away from NORMAL
will provide approximately 12V at 400mA. That’s the correct setting for pedals
that come with a 9V unregulated adapter, such as the Eventide TimeFactor.
More About Cables
The DC power cables supplied with your Voodoo Lab Pedal Power are suitable for most common pedal effects. If you need additional cables they are available from your dealer or directly from Voodoo Lab. If you need cables of a different length, with reversed polarity, or with a special connector, contact us and we can provide them for you. Visit www.voodoolab.com/cables for more information.
Operation
Using the above information, connect the DC power cables between the Pedal Power outputs and the power jacks on your pedal effects. Now connect the AC power cord from the AC power input jack on the Pedal Power to a suitable AC outlet. The Pedal Power’s red LED power indicator will light, telling you that it’s working properly.
Positive Ground Effects
Almost all DC powered effects are negative ground. This means that the
negative terminal of the battery or power supply is connected to audio ground.
There are a few exceptions which are positive ground, such as some vintage
germanium transistor designs and octavia-based circuits.
When you combine negative ground and positive ground effects in the same
system, you must isolate power between them. Attempting to power both types of
effects with a common ground (non-isolated) power supply or a daisy-chain
cable will short the output of the power supply causing your effects to shut
down and possibly damaging the power supply. Since Pedal Power’s outputs are
isolated, it will work fine.
Reversed Polarity
Almost all guitar pedal effects use a center negative barrel jack for power.
This is considered standard polarity. Barrel jacks wired for center positive
are considered reversed polarity. You can power reversed polarity effects with
a Pedal Power by using the correct reversed polarity cable. It doesn’t matter
that the effect is negative ground or positive ground, both types can be wired
for either polarity.
The black barrel cables included with your Pedal Power 2 Plus are standard
polarity center negative. The 3.5mm mini plug is tip positive, which is also
standard for pedals which use this connector.
About Power Requirements
Most manufacturers don’t specify the actual power usage of their effects. The
labeling on the effect and their specifications more often will match the
ratings of the supplied adapter only.
Here are some tips to help you determine if the effect can be powered by your
Pedal Power 2 Plus.
A device which can be powered by a single 9V battery will require less than
70mA and can be powered by any output with the corresponding switch set to
NORMAL.
The only thing you can determine from the current rating of the supplied power
adapter is that the effect will draw less than the specified value. For
example, if the adapter is rated for 600mA, you know that your effect requires
less than 600mA. You don’t know how much less.
Unregulated power adapters are rarely run at their full capacity, which means
that their actual voltage will typically be 20-30% higher than their rated
voltage. A 9VDC unregulated adapter will usually be closer to 12VDC. If the
effect doesn’t run from a battery, it probably requires more than 100mA and
should be operated from output 5 or 6 with the switch away from NORMAL. You
can identify a switch-mode power adapter because they are very light weight,
usually
specify a wide input voltage (90-250VAC), and output DC only. They are
inherently regulated so that if the output says 9VDC, you should run the
effect at that same voltage.
Some effects which specify AC will also operate from DC. However, since AC
voltages are specified as Vrms, the peak voltage is 40% higher and a device
which normally operates from 9VAC should use 12VDC. Line 6 Modelers (DL4,
MM4, etc.) are a good example of pedals which specify 9VAC input voltage, but
can be powered from 12VDC.
Note that many devices are designed to operate from AC only, and require the
AC voltage to drive a transformer, voltage multiplier, or derive bipolar (both
- and –) power. These will not work from DC and a Pedal Power 2 Plus can only
power them using the courtesy outlet and their supplied adapter.
If you are unsure which Pedal Power output and setting to use, or whether an effect can be powered by your Pedal Power, try searching our forum at www.voodoolab.com/forum.
Specifications
Input: IEC connector
120V 50/60Hz (North America model)
100V 50/60Hz (Japan model)
230V 50/60Hz (Europe/Australia model)
Model and input power are marked on the bottom of unit.
Outputs: 5.5×2.1mm barrel connectors center negative Short circuit protected.
DIP Switch: NORMAL
Output| DC Voltage| Max current
1-4 (ACA)| 9V| 100mA
5-6 (L6)| 9V| 250mA
7-8 (SAG)| 9V| 100mA
DIP Switch: ON
Output| DC Voltage| Max current
1-4 (ACA)| 12.3V| 60mA
5-6 (L6)| 12V| 250mA
7-8 (SAG)| Adjustable 4V – 9V| 100mA
Physical:
6.0″ wide x 3.4″ deep x 1.75″ tall (152x86x45mm)
Weight 2 lbs. (0.9 kg).
Special:
Toroidal power transformer.
Auxiliary AC outlet, 200 watts max.
Warranty
NORTH AMERICA ONLY
Voodoo Lab warrants this product against defects that are due to faulty
material or workmanship for a period of five years from the date of original
retail purchase. This warranty does not include damage to the product
resulting from accident or misuse. This warranty is given to the original
purchaser only and it is not assignable to any other person.
If the product should become defective within the warranty period, Voodoo Lab
will repair it or replace it free of charge, provided it is returned freight
prepaid to Voodoo Lab with a valid RMA (return material authorization) number.
This warranty shall not apply to any goods that have been repaired or altered
by anyone other than the manufacturer. There are no warranties which extend
beyond the terms described herein. Should you experience any difficulty with
this Voodoo Lab product, contact us as described below. If it is determined
that the product must be returned to the factory for repair, you will be
issued an RMA and given shipping and packaging instructions.
OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICA
Regions outside North American please contact your country’s distributor for
warranty information.
How to Reach Us
You can reach us by any of the following:
Tel: 707 545 0600
Mail: Voodoo Lab, 3165 Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Email: info@voodoolab.com
Forum: www.voodoolab.com/forum
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>