Robben Ford Discussion

[StratCat]

Just wondering if anyone has any feedback/advice/information on these.

Recently I've noticed that there are an increasing amount of wall-wart type adaptors that come in the "switchmode" variety.

These are typically lighter and more compact than the traditional bulky adaptors, but I'm wondering:
- how this works
- if it comes with any disadvantages (reliability, tone)
- why no-one's rushing to phase out the more bulky adaptors

For my mind (and for my 9V DC pedals), I figure that as long as it's 9V, DC, regulated, and capable of putting out the required number of amps, then I'm ok.



Cheers - Chris
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[Phil T]

[Aeolian]

If you measure the output of typical wall wart transformers, the voltage is usually much higher than listed. A typical 9V wart puts out closer to 12V. Some pedals like the Boss delays and Klon Centaur don't like this and want a real 9V. That's why the Boss wall warts are more expensive than Radio Shack ones. Very few transformer warts are regulated. They put out whatever they put out. It's a ratio thing.
Switch mode supplies usually still have a transformer inside but it's working at a higher frequency and so it can be smaller and more efficient. They also have the advantage of putting out the expected voltage. The OneSpot supply sold in music stores is an example of this.

Now an audiophile will tell you that there's no substitute for a stiff linear power supply for delivering instantaneous current to the gain stages. That a switcher can't react fast enough and introduces high frequency noise.

If folks like Eric Johnson can tell the difference between one brand of battery and another, or how much the battery is worn down, then the effect of a different power supply would be apparent to them. Whether it's a different voltage, more or less saggy, or has any other artifacts.

Since the only time I use pedals is with large R&B bands, any such subtleties are lost on me. I used to have a homemade regulator/filter thing that I plugged anysuch 9-12 wall wart into to run my homemade pedal board. Now I have an SKB thing which I run off a OneSpot. Hasn't made a difference to me, but maybe someone with Robben's ears and hands can tell the difference.
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[Aeolian]

Oh, how it works. It chops up the incoming power into a high frequency that doesn't need such a big transformer to convert the voltage, as a lower frequency like 60Hz would. Just like the bass response of an amp is affected by the output transformer. If you want more power down low, you have to have a pretty beefy transformer. That's why everyone was putting Bassman transformers into other Fender amps for years.
The electronics to do the frequency conversion, rectification and regulation are comparitively cheap relative to winding transformers. Computer power supplies have used these for years.
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There are no such things as wrong notes, there's only the look on your face.
My Stuff: www.stevekirbymusic.com