Pre amp power question

jklotz · #1 04-10-2021, 07:42 AM

I'm using a Sunnaudio MS-2 as my live preamp. It's being powered by my pedal board power supply. I currently have it powered by a 9v output on the ps. I have 12v and an 18v output as well. Should I be using one of those? If so, what benefit would I get? I've never plugged it in that way, as I wouln't want to damage the unit. Is it safe to do that?

I ask because on Kuki's preamp list, it says 9-14v, which I did not know.

pieterh · #2 04-10-2021, 07:55 AM

Check the manuals for your preamp and power supply. The preamp will want a certain amount of current. Your power supply might deliver that on the 12v output and not on the 9v. If this is the case your preamp will work on the 9v supply but might not be delivering the best performance.

I had this on my Cioks DC10 where different outputs delivered different current. When I realised this I moved my delay pedal to the output with the right current (and correct voltage) and the performance improved directly.

Don’t plug it into the 18v output though.

jamison162 · #3 04-11-2021, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jklotz

I ask because on Kuki's preamp list, it says 9-14v, which I did not know.

As I commented in Cuki's post, the power specs can be confusing. The first is the voltage that the preamp can provide to a signal source, as in an internal mic. The second power spec (furthest to the right) is for powering the preamp itself. See Cukis comment that was added to the two channel preamp listing.

jklotz · #4 04-11-2021, 05:07 PM

Thanks guys. I emailed sunnaudio and asked:

"Yes running from 12V will provide additional headroom. Ensure the isolated voltage is regulated and will not exceed 12.3V.

18V will burn out components!"

pieterh · #5 04-11-2021, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jklotz

Thanks guys. I emailed sunnaudio and asked:

"Yes running from 12V will provide additional headroom. Ensure the isolated voltage is regulated and will not exceed 12.3V.

18V will burn out components!"

More or less what I said but more concise[emoji3]

jonfields45 · #6 04-12-2021, 06:07 AM

12 volts vs 9 volts is only another 2.5 dB of headroom out of a pedal that should be approaching 100 dB of SNR at its price point. You can do it but it's not worth the trouble IMO for an inaudible difference. No venue you will play in has anything near that much room between the noise floor and the pain threshold.