Beepster
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Power for FX pedals in the studio: Rechargeable, non-rechargeable or adapters?
Wasn't sure where to put this but seeing as how the CH has a plethora of guitar players I figured there'd be some good knowledge/suggestions on this.
I hate adapters for stomp boxes. They are extra cabling, take up much needed outlets and are noisy. I stopped using them live AGES ago. Instead I just bought 9v batteries and it made everything much easier live. I tried using rechargeables but they always seemed to drain way too quick and they seemed to make the pedals not get enough charge. So expensive arsed non- chargeable batteries it was. I'd buy cheapos to power things in rehearsal or just non crucial local gigs at our usual dives and good brand name 9v (Energizer, Duracell, etc) if we were touring or playing a big show.
Currently I am broke as hell and can't toss 5 bucks here and there to power my pedals in my little home studio. I have a big bag of semi used batteries, most of which still have juice, that I'm going through for the moment BUT I'm going to have to find a solution eventually. Also considering these batts are all of various charges and the only way I have to test them is the check light on the pedals (very inaccurate) or jamming them onto my tongue (gross, inaccurate and... well it doesn't feel nice) I can't be certain I'm getting the most out of my pedals as I track.
So... what I am hoping is that somehow with the ever plodding progress of technology and power storage that maybe... just MAYBE rechargeable batteries and their corresponding chargers have stop sucking arse so much and I might be able to find a long term solution to this minor but important issue.
If so... what brand of chargers/batteries should I be looking at and what should I expect to spend?
Alternately regale me with tales of your pedal powering successes, failures or encounters with various monkeys and/or apes (but not erotic ones because this is a family site).
kthx
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spacealf
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Re: Power for FX pedals in the studio: Rechargeable, non-rechargeable or adapters?
2014/08/05 19:00:19
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Maybe just get a battery tester, but I am not using a bunch of stomp boxes.
One such example (link too long to give) is the Amprobe-BAT-200-Battery-Tester
I am sure there are others.
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Beepster
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Re: Power for FX pedals in the studio: Rechargeable, non-rechargeable or adapters?
2014/08/05 19:09:11
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Well I do certainly need a battery tester (and thanks for the suggestion) but eventually this bag of batteries is going to get used up (half of them are probably dead already based on the success rate I've been having so far). I will need a more permanent solution and I've got about a half dozen pedals I anticipate using on a semi regular basis.
I have some multi adapters that will probably work in an emergency but again there is the issue of line noise and limited outlets.
If it comes down to it I'll drop some coin on a bulk pack of good brand name 9volts (which last a loooong time for me even when I was using them far more than I do now) but I'd really rather have a rechargeable solution.
I also have some other devices that require AA's (and now that I think of it one of the pedals takes AA's) so it'd be nice to have a multi charger setup.
Just figured things had improved in recent years considering so much crap people use nowadays need batteries.
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sharke
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Re: Power for FX pedals in the studio: Rechargeable, non-rechargeable or adapters?
2014/08/06 01:26:50
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I don't think rechargeables are ever going to give you as much juice as regular batteries, but having said that phone batteries seem to have improved a lot over the last few years so maybe the rechargeable 9V's have as well (although not necessarily). But even if they haven't, wouldn't having a couple of changes of fast draining rechargeables (have one set charging while using the other ones) still work out infinitely cheaper than buying regular batteries in the long run?
JamesWindows 10, Sonar SPlat (64-bit), Intel i7-4930K, 32GB RAM, RME Babyface, AKAI MPK Mini, Roland A-800 Pro, Focusrite VRM Box, Komplete 10 Ultimate, 2012 American Telecaster!
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Beepster
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Re: Power for FX pedals in the studio: Rechargeable, non-rechargeable or adapters?
2014/08/06 11:06:56
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sharke
I don't think rechargeables are ever going to give you as much juice as regular batteries, but having said that phone batteries seem to have improved a lot over the last few years so maybe the rechargeable 9V's have as well (although not necessarily). But even if they haven't, wouldn't having a couple of changes of fast draining rechargeables (have one set charging while using the other ones) still work out infinitely cheaper than buying regular batteries in the long run?
Exactly my thinking. I don't mind swapping the batteries out every session or so just as long as once they are charged they a) are giving FULL power to the pedals so they are outputting the signal as designed and b) they last at least long enough for a 2-3 hour session. In the past I've found when using re chargeable batts, even after sitting in the charger all night, they still give a weak signal and drop down to the unuseable range (check batt light on the pedal lights up) far too quickly. A good brand name 9v on the other hand would last for months of constant rehearsals and gigging... however I'm not the type to leave the patch cable plugged in when going for a smoke break or whatever and they all get turned off in between songs (as opposed to some guys who seem to enjoy a bunch of hum and squealing when they aren't actually playing... ugh). Not sure if they have lithium based 9v or if those are acceptable for powering stomp boxes but I guess I should just do some googling. Maybe some of the manufacturers have come up with an appropriate (but likely unnecessarily expensive) solution. Cheers.
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Beepster
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Re: Power for FX pedals in the studio: Rechargeable, non-rechargeable or adapters?
2014/08/06 12:14:30
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So after looking around and reading some various threads on the other big music/guitar/production sites the consensus seems to be re-chargeable batteries simply suck for stompboxes. There was also a lot of talk about how different types affect the tone (alkaline vs. nimh/carbon based, etc... I really need to take an electronics course, lol). I did however find what seems to be the best rechargeable solution for guitar pedals... Sanyo Pedal Juice: http://www.amazon.com/San...ce-Black/dp/B004Z2CEUS A rechargeable lithium battery pack that you hook your pedals up to and badabing badaboom a reliable and rechargeable power source that is clean and lasts for a good while. Unfortunately out of my price range for now. A cheaper solution that is basically the same type of deal is... Pedaltrain Volto: http://www.amazon.com/Pedaltrain-PT-VT1-Volto/dp/B00FGUPE9G/ref=pd_cp_MI_1 However based on a lot of reviews there is a high defect rate and it doesn't hold its charge as well as the PedalJuice thingie. It's only $50 cheaper anyway so probably not worth it. Still out of my price range anyway. So perusing some sidebars and related products I found this line... Trex Fuel Tank: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/t-rex-engineering-9v-fuel-tank-junior-guitar-effects-pedal-power-supply?pfm=sp Not a rechargeable unit but it's supposedly a nice, flexible, conditioned power source that in theory is noiseless and with the appropriate connections can power a wide range of devices. So that might be cool. I do like the idea of just plugging pedals in so they are getting maximum power but as I said earlier I cannot tolerate any noise usually associated with even the dedicated adapters provided by the pedal manufacturers. They have a whole line of these that I guess have different perks. Again still more than I can or want to pay right now but DEFINITELY going on the Beepster wish list. In the meantime however it seems that the ever trustworthy one charge 9v can be bought in bulk for FAR cheaper than I recall... Duracell ProCell 12pack: http://www.amazon.com/Duracell-Procell-Volt-Batteries-Pack/dp/B002UGVWA4/ref=pd_cp_MI_3/181-3046299-0941955 Being in Canuckerland I don't think I could buy from that specific seller (and there would be a bunch of extra fees and taxes anyway) but that is hopeful. I may be able to get a similar deal from the music store I usually deal with (I am about to order a VRM Box from them so I'm trying to come up with a list of other things I need before they ship it) or head over to the local WallyWorld (more commonly known as WalMart who I try to avoid whenever possible but damn sometimes you just need to get some stuff cheap) and get a bulk pack. 12 fresh brand name 9v would last me a loooooong time considering the frequency I use my pedals so at least I have an interim solution until I can scrounge up the cash for those fancier doohickeys. Hooray for the internet!
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sharke
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Re: Power for FX pedals in the studio: Rechargeable, non-rechargeable or adapters?
2014/08/07 00:03:27
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That Sanyo Pedal Juice looks like a nice piece of kit, does seem a bit steep though. It's a pity you're not 30 year older Beeps - apparently senior citizens steal batteries all the time and get away with it (well according to the episode of Seinfeld I watched tonight  )
JamesWindows 10, Sonar SPlat (64-bit), Intel i7-4930K, 32GB RAM, RME Babyface, AKAI MPK Mini, Roland A-800 Pro, Focusrite VRM Box, Komplete 10 Ultimate, 2012 American Telecaster!
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Beepster
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Re: Power for FX pedals in the studio: Rechargeable, non-rechargeable or adapters?
2014/08/07 11:52:45
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Ah Morty and Helen and their pearls of wisdom. When I started hitting the "dark times" a couple friends noted I was developing the body of an 80 year old man so perhaps if I just take of all my clothes I could get away with it.
But then where would I hide the batteries?!
And just an update... it turns out I CAN get that 12 pack of batteries from Amazon in Canada for the $17 price BUT the guy is charging like $28 shipping. lol... no thanks.
I can however get the same package for around $25 at Staples (according to their website anyway but I'll have to call to make sure it's in stock). They seem to have a bunch of other stuff I need for only slightly more than Newegg so I can save on shipping if I hustle my arse over there. It would also make any returns easier... plus there are a bunch of other stores in that mall I want to check out so this is good excuse to go exploring.
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craigb
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Re: Power for FX pedals in the studio: Rechargeable, non-rechargeable or adapters?
2014/08/07 12:14:24
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 I always used one of these (comes with all the cables you'll need plus a case). Just sold mine a couple of weeks ago.
Time for all of you to head over to Beyond My DAW!
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