using batteries with effects

[VoodooBlues]

I was messing around tonight and discovered that batteries make my Clyde wah and MJM Blues Devil sound better than the One Spot adaptor I had been using. The wah had more high end and the sweep was more full. Using a battery with the Blues Devil made it sound a bit more toneful as well. Why is it that batteries seem to work better than power supplies with some effects?

[Ned]

I use carbon zinc batteries in my Lovepedal FAB50, and though that might have to due with the fact that it does not have a 9V AC jack, but also I have yet to hear a pedal sound more amp like and wonderfully harmonic than all the rest of my other power adapted pedals.

[Old Tele man]

using batteries with effects...can become EXPENSIVE in a hurry!

[Shnook]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

using batteries with effects...can become EXPENSIVE in a hurry!

Not if you find some ProCell's. Last much longer than the standard batteries. I've had one in my Tim, which I use all the time, for 2 years now and still going strong.

[markom89]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

using batteries with effects...can become EXPENSIVE in a hurry!

Truer words have never been spoken here......its soooo true. Ask John Frusciante...I have 2 PP2+'s but I use batteries instead!!! I think they sound alot better with batteries in them. Frusciante changes his batteries before EVERY SINGLE GIG!!! :NUTS

[Gas-man]

I like batteries, but having to unplug my pedals every time an plug them back in so the batteries don't drain is a pain.

Fuzz of course is always battery.

[Tuberattler]

I use cheap carbon batteries from the Dollar store, two for a dollar and they last fairly well and sound good too.

[Matt Gordon]

I love carbon type, and usually get them like everyone else, at Target or Dollar General Stores, etc. Usually pay $1 for two. Not really expensive.

[bluesdoc]

I use an 8 space AA holder and made a 9v to power plug adaptor. I load it up with NiMH rechargeables and have plenty of juice for lots of pedals for a number of sessions. After the initial cost, it's free power, more or less. Actually 7 batteries puts out exactly 9v and I did make a dummy conductor space filler but having 1.2V over is fine. I have a few of these so there's always a backup. No more alkalines.

jon

[dividedsky]

Originally Posted by markom89

Truer words have never been spoken here......its soooo true. Ask John Frusciante...I have 2 PP2+'s but I use batteries instead!!! I think they sound alot better with batteries in them. Frusciante changes his batteries before EVERY SINGLE GIG!!! :NUTS

You'd have to if you are gonna be playing in front of thousands of people. Not a good time for a pedal to die. I'm sure he can afford it though.:AOK

[Phil M]

I've always used batteries, but recently got the VS Onespot + daisy chain. I know it doesn't get along with germ. pedals, but it seems good so far with my other stuff. Definitely does NOT work with my Carb. I have a Huckleberry on the way that I'm told should not be a problem, despite the germ. tranny...we shall see.

[Old Tele man]

...batteries CAN have much lower internal impedance than electronics supplies, which means decoupling capacitors actually do a better job of getting rid of "noise" and artifical high-frequencies where they're not wanted.

[Tuberattler]

Some effects sound good with Power supplies but a lot of my old ones sound much better with plain old batteries. Newer mass produced effects seem less sensitive to batteries vs power supplies.

[nashvillesteve]

That's what I like about the Pedal Power 2 I have... two of the power outputs have little controls that you can roll off to send a lower draw of power to the pedals. Basically, it adds some of the characteristics of the sound batteries impart on the sound of a pedal when it has less power. I'm sure it's not exactly the same as using batteries, but the unit is really quiet, functional and this is a nice feature to have for a couple of pedals.

[bluesjuke]

t they don't get up to where a new 9V battery does.
On some effects that is OK because they sound better (some different) with a slightly discharged battery.
I was surprised to find that a Bad Monkey with a battery a little over 7 volts sounds surprisingly like an OCD but not with a new battery.