Gear article
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 PLUS
The Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 PLUS is a professional-grade power supply designed for guitar effect pedals, featuring a high-performance Hybrid DC Transformer design. It provides twelve galvanically isolated outputs to eliminate ground hum and deliver low-noise performance for complex pedalboard configurations.
See live pricesOverview
The Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 PLUS represents a significant advancement in power supply technology for musicians. Utilising a proprietary Hybrid DC Transformer design, the unit is engineered to meet the high-current demands of modern digital effects while maintaining the quiet operation required for sensitive analogue circuits. Its architecture focuses on high-tech components, linear regulation, and computer-optimised filtering to achieve what the manufacturer describes as zero-noise output.
Key Features and Operation
The unit is equipped with twelve DC outputs, each of which is galvanically isolated. This isolation is critical for preventing ground loops and unwanted interaction between pedals, which can often result in audible hum or digital interference.
Standard operation provides 9V DC across all ports, but the unit includes versatility for specialized gear. Two outputs feature a switch to toggle between 9V and 12V DC. Furthermore, the Pedal Power 3 PLUS is adaptable for pedals requiring 18V or 24V when using appropriate voltage doubler cables, making it compatible with a wide array of equipment including modern digital delays and vintage distortion units.
Sound Character and Performance
While a power supply does not generate an audio signal itself, its impact on the 'sonic potential' of a rig is substantial. By providing clean, filtered power, the Pedal Power 3 PLUS ensures that the signal chain remains transparent. This helps in maintaining the integrity of effects ranging from high-gain units like the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff to precise digital units like the Boss DD-3T. The absence of noise allows the true character of the connected pedals to emerge without the coloration of mains interference.
Target Audience and Compatibility
This unit is particularly suited for professional guitarists and hobbyists with medium-to-large pedalboard setups. Its twelve outputs can accommodate a diverse range of pedals, from simple flangers like the Fender Hammertone to power-hungry pitch shifters like the DigiTech Whammy Ricochet. Because it offers both standard 9V and higher voltage options, it serves as a universal hub for players who mix and match brands such as Boss, Behringer, and Dunlop.
Comparison to Alternatives
Compared to budget power bricks or daisy-chain solutions, the Pedal Power 3 PLUS offers superior noise rejection through its galvanic isolation. While basic supplies may suffice for a few analogue pedals, the Hybrid DC Transformer in the Voodoo Lab unit is better equipped to handle the high-speed switching noise found in digital pedals. Unlike some competitors that use standard switching supplies, the linear regulation and computer-optimised filtering here are specifically tuned for audio fidelity.
Related gear
£97.00 ($123)Electro Harmonix
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£129.00 ($164)Digitech
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£85.00 ($108)Fender
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£19.90 ($25)Behringer
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£259.00 ($329)Dunlop
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£77.00 ($98)Yamaha
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£175.00 ($222)Boss
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£99.10 ($126)Boss
Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor Guitar Pedal
Frequently asked questions
- How many outputs does the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 PLUS have?
- The unit features twelve galvanically isolated DC outputs, allowing it to power a large number of effects pedals simultaneously.
- What is a Hybrid DC Transformer design?
- It is an innovative power architecture used by Voodoo Lab that combines high-tech components with linear regulation to provide high current and zero-noise performance.
- Can it power 12V pedals?
- Yes, two of the twelve outputs include a switch that allows the user to select between 9V DC and 12V DC operation.
- How does galvanic isolation benefit a pedalboard?
- Galvanic isolation ensures that each output is electrically separate, which prevents ground hum and eliminates unwanted electrical interaction between different pedals.
- Can the Pedal Power 3 PLUS handle 18V or 24V pedals?
- Yes, the unit is adaptable to 18V and 24V requirements. This typically involves using the appropriate voltage doubler cables across two outputs.
- Is this power supply suitable for digital effects?
- Absolutely. Its computer-optimised filtering and high-current capability make it ideal for modern, power-hungry digital pedals that require clean energy.
- What is the typical price for this unit?
- In the UK market, the Pedal Power 3 PLUS typically retails for approximately GBP 289.
- Does the unit help reduce noise in a signal chain?
- Yes, it uses linear regulation and computer-optimised filtering to deliver a zero-noise output, helping to maintain the integrity of the audio signal.
- Can I use it with a Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor?
- Yes, it is compatible with standard 9V pedals like the Boss NS-2, providing the stable power required for noise suppression circuits to work effectively.
- Will it work with the DigiTech Whammy Ricochet?
- Yes, the Pedal Power 3 PLUS provides sufficient power and isolation to handle the specific needs of pitch-shifting pedals like the Whammy Ricochet.
- Is the unit portable for gigging?
- The Pedal Power 3 PLUS is designed for professional use on pedalboards, offering a compact yet robust solution for touring and live performances.
- How does it compare to a standard daisy-chain power cable?
- Unlike a daisy chain which shares a single ground, this unit provides isolated outputs that prevent the noise and interference often found in shared power setups.
