Can you use any 9 volt AC adapter for a guitar pedal?

While most guitar pedals only run on 9V, some pedals are designed to accept higher voltages. The pedal will either label what voltage range it can handle on the pedal, or you might need to check out the manual. That means you can use a 9V power supply, a 12V supply, or an 18V supply without any problems.

Can I use a 9 volt adapter on a 12 volt?

It depends on whether your power supply is regulated. If you need regulated (stable) 12V, and the 9V supply is unregulated, it could give you up to 14V or slightly higher when not loaded.

Can I use 500mA instead of 1000ma?

If the device requests 500ma and the power supply can handle up to 1000ma, it’s fine. The device will only draw what it needs and no more. If the device demands more ma than the power supply can deliver, it will force the power supply to deliver it anyway thus frying the power supply.

Can you use 500mA instead of 100mA?

For example, putting a 500mA pedal on a 100mA power tap would cause it to act erratically and probably shut down — it might even damage the pedal. Conversely, sending more milliamps than needed to a pedal is fine. Putting a pedal that draws 20mA on that same 100mA tap is no problem.

Can you use any 9V power supply for Boss pedals?

Most guitar effects pedal these days are powered with 9V, however there are a few exceptions, as some require 12V, 18V or even 24V. Most pedals, such as BOSS and MXR, require regular 9V power so pretty much any pedal supply will do.

What is the difference between 9V and 12V?

However, there is not much difference between 9V and 12V. It does not take much current to be drawn from the battery before it drops 2V at its terminals. A small mount of extra drop in the wiring and the internal 9V supply drops. After that, the available current from the controller drops quite quickly!

What size power adaptor do I need for my pedals?

An adaptor rated up to 400 mA will be have reached its rated operating limit powering all those pedals. Depending on the design of the adaptor it may switch off, overheat, or fail to maintain the voltage we need. In this example where we need approx 400 mA of current, I would choose an adaptor rated to at least 800 mA.

What polarity power supply do I need for my Pedal?

Most pedals require a power supply with negative (-) polarity, and they should only be powered by a power supply with a matching (negative) polarity. Using a positive (+) power supply with a negative (-) pedal could prevent it from powering on (if you’re lucky) or (if you’re unlucky) permanently damage the pedal.

Can you use a negative power supply with a positive pedal?

Using a positive (+) power supply with a negative (-) pedal could prevent it from powering on (if you’re lucky) or (if you’re unlucky) permanently damage the pedal. Most pedals and power supplies have a diagram showing the polarity. If the diagram on your pedal matches the power supply, you’re good.

Do guitar effects pedals use AC or DC power?

Most guitar effects pedals don’t use AC power. DC voltages are labelled V DC, or with DC symbol of a broken line under a solid line, like this: 9 V ⎓​.