Voodoo Lab Pedal Power - worth it?

[Presc]

I am considering purchasing a PP2. I've got a modest board - tuner, RMC Wah, BYOC Tri-Boost, A/B switch, Barber Direct Drive, and a Guyatone delay. Right now I am using a daisy chain and I do run into a bit of noise, particularly with the overdrive and the boost in germanium mode. Additionally, I'm one jack short, so I was thinking now might be a good time to upgrade...

For a board of this size, how much difference does the PP make? I'm using the Pedaltrain Jr. and I know it will be cool that it fits right in underneath.

Also, what are the differences between the PP2 and the PP2+? Worth getting one over the other?

Thanks!

 

[stinkfoot]

If you're experiencing noise issues when daisy-chaining, the PP2+ will solver them for you. It is essentially 8 separate power supplies in one box, so each pedal (or group of pedals, if you run more than one from the same output) won't know about the others.

The PP2+ is the model they make now - the regular PP2 was discontinued when the "+" was released.

/Andreas

 

[mcdonaldkd]

Worth it. Worry free. Previous post describes difference between PP2 and PP2+. This purchase generally solves your power problems and is very durable and reliable. The price of one decent pedal is worth it, in my view.

 

[andy888]

completely worth it, do it because it kills the noise completely and is very flexible with powering different types of pedals. really makes the board more sleek and easier to deal with aswell. I also ordered a few custom cords to channel one socket to power two 9v pedals, which is really nice. Im doing this for 2 channels and I have not noticed a drop off in power or tone. One (or two, cant remember) outputs gives you the sag option which is great with stuff like fuzz.

Another great thing is that it mounts nicely on the bottom of my pedaltrain to give me more space. Highly recommended!

 

[Alter]

worth it.. solved a bunch of noise problems for me. i also use it on a pedaltrain jr, but with more pedals..

 

[Passenger84]

Yes. Definitely agree with the above posts, and I put off this purchase for a long time, not wanting to put $150 into a power supply. But the noise reduction is worth the price and tone of another pedal.

 

[Irreverent]

I am glad I saw this thread. I have been researching these, but there's nothing like the recommendations of experienced users of a product.

Thanks to all you guys for your kind input. I love this place!

Peace.

 

[jharpersj]

For me not worth it, I had one switched over to a Vsound one spot for $30 and have had no issues running my board

 

[squeally dan]

I like the PP2 for the conveneince it provides but I just can't think it is accurate to say it gets rid of all noise. Thats about what I'm hearing on this thread. You may have less noise, but I don't think it gets rid of all noise. I know it didn't for me. I think its hard to avoid some noise when you have multiple effects with short chords running between them. JMO.

 

[TooManyHobbies]

If I can spend a few hundred dollars on a pedal.. I can spend the same on a power supply with individual channels to separate potential damage, noise, etc.

 

[sub rosa]

Worth it without a doubt. Solid unit.

 

[dap9]

Can the PP2+ also power my EH DMM & H & K Tube Factor? I think each requires 12 volts. And does the PP2+ have a dedicated 18v output? I'd like to try running my OCD at 18v.

Right now I'm using one Boss ps with a daisy-chain cable for five pedals, there is no noise.

It doesn't have a dedicated output, but they make a cord that allows this function. Unfortunately, it requires 2 of the outputs. It's wired up so two plugs are in series and go to other end to power your pedal. I'm running my OCD and my BYOC 5 knob comp this way. Stinks about the extra outs, but I'm really happy w/ the way those pedals sound at 18v.

FWIW, you could daisy chain pedals that use lower mA from one output.

 

[Loud Librarian]

I've got one mounted under my pedaltrain 2. The best thing I can say about the PP is that I kind of forget that it's there...in other words, all my pedals get power all the time, no noise problems, and everything works. I'm gigging regularly and it's been very much worth it to have the peace of mind with no issues.

 

[Presc]

Cool. Seems like a worthwhile purchase. The reason why I ask about the PP2 vs. the PP2+ is that I will be buying used. I understand the + is the "new" one but what are the actual differences in spec?

Thanks guys...very helpful

 

[stinkfoot]

Can the PP2+ also power my EH DMM & H & K Tube Factor? I think each requires 12 volts. And does the PP2+ have a dedicated 18v output? I'd like to try running my OCD at 18v.

The PP2+ will power the DMM. You combine two outputs (from 1-4, set to their 12vDC setting) in series, and the end result is 24vDC, 100mA - just what the DMM wants to see. I believe www.stompin-ground.com even carries a special cable just for the DMM (link), as the plug at the pedal end also needs to be center positive (reverse from normal). But it can't power the Tube Factor - it wants to see 12-13 volts AC, 750mA, which the PP2+ can't provide.

18vDC is just like dap9 described - you combine two of the regular 9vDC outputs in series (using a special series Y-cable), and end up with 18vDC, 100mA.

Right now I'm using one Boss ps with a daisy-chain cable for five pedals, there is no noise.

If that setup works fine for you, spending the $$ for a different power solution may not be that tempting...

You may have less noise, but I don't think it gets rid of all noise. I know it didn't for me. I think its hard to avoid some noise when you have multiple effects with short chords running between them. JMO.

True - you still have take some care when wiring the board up (where the power and signal lines cross etc), and sometimes the layout of the board and/or the pedals used just won't allow for a completely quiet setup. Any noise that is due to daisy-chaining (ground loop hum, weird interaction between pedals etc) will be taken care of, however.

 

[dap9]

For me not worth it, I had one switched over to a Vsound one spot for $30 and have had no issues running my board

Yeah, FWIW, a One Spot powered this board below w/ no issues. I switched over to the PP2+ for the 18v capabilities, but also just figured it was time to 'upgrade'. I can't say I hear a huge difference, but the peace of mind is nice. YMMV. I'm keepin the One Spot, though. Great unit!

 

[kev324]

My original model Pedal Power(no 2 or +) iis still a great investment. I had 2 outputs go bad about 2 years ago that I diagnosed the transformer was the culprit. VL said $35 to fix it but ended up replacing free. Even at 9 years old it's still a great product. I don't the price has increased terribly either. Definitely worth it.

 

[Wheeler004]

The PP2+ is great if your having noise issues. Plus, it's incredibly reliable.

 

[blackba]

If you are having noise issues its worth it. But I have multiple Pedalboards so for me I went with the power-alls. I haven't had any noise issues and its alot quieter than the Signal Flex Ps-9 I used to use.

The Voodoo Labs pedal power is a nice unit. If I just had one pedal board I would get one.

 

[thetangmang]

I'd say it's always worth it. Unless you have a 2-pedal board and neither of them is a modeler pedal.