Running a Pedal at 9v or 24v - what are the benefits?

[JazzyJ]

I'm just about to receive a Diamond CPR1 Compressor pedal and it can run on a 9v to 24v power supply with a negative tip.

My two questions are:

1) Are there any beneifts to running a pedal at a higher voltage?

e.g. A CPR-1 review I read stated: The input gain control allows this pedal to be useful with an instrument of any output level, which is a valuable feature. However, a very high-output instrument (or very aggro playing) can cause clipping at the input stage. This can be completely fixed by powering the Diamond with a supply of higher than 9VDC, up to 18V. But a more normal-level signal will not have problems even with 9V powering.

2) On a multi power supply like a T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior which has 5 x 9v outputs, could/can I use a 'Y cable' and combine two 9v outputs to run a pedal at 18v without any problems?

(update) It would seem that 'Y Cables' can be in 'Series' or in 'Parallel'. In series would double the voltage, whilst in parallel would double the mA?

Thanks for your insight

[pieterh]

It might be worth checking out what current the unit needs. I use a Chioks DC10 which has 9v, 12v and one 15v output. The 9v outputs have different current ratings and the red LED on each output shines brightly when the unit is getting the current it needs.

I can’t remember which pedal it was (possibly TC Flashback x4) that seemed to be struggling but I checked the ratings and realised it only needed a 9v supply but needed more current than the output it was connected to. I moved it to one of the stronger outputs and it’s been fine since then.

[jonfields45]

Originally Posted by JazzyJ

I'm just about to receive a Diamond CPR1 Compressor pedal and it can run on a 9v to 24v power supply with a negative tip.

My two questions are:

1) Are there any beneifts to running a pedal at a higher voltage?


2) On a multi power supply like a T-Rex Fuel Tank Junior which has 5 x 9v outputs, could/can I use a 'Y cable' and combine two 9v outputs to run a pedal at 18v without any problems?

(update) It would seem that 'Y Cables' can be in 'Series' or in 'Parallel'. In series would double the voltage, whilst in parallel would double the mA?

Thanks for your insight

1) If you are clipping (distorting) the input stage of the pedal with a really hot signal. Alternately you turn the volume control down on the driving instrument/pedal. Most mixers have a mic trim and many acoustic guitar pedals have an input trim pot for these situations. Given the very high SNR of modern electronics, getting a little more with a higher power supply (6 dB for each power supply doubling, out of something on the order of 80+ to start with) seems like something truly inaudible.

2) Depends on the design of the power supply, but I think it is safer to say NO for both options in the general case. However, for the T-Rex Fuel Tank Jr, they spec that it can be used this way and sell the appropriate cables.