Learn how to build your own custom size DC POWER CABLES for standard polarity, reverse polarity, voltage doubling, current doubling, and y-cable/splitter cable (daisy chain). SUBSCRIBE 👉 👉 👉 ua-cam.com/users/vertexeffectsinc ⬇️ CLICK BELOW FOR ALL DIAGRAMS & MATERIALS ⬇️ vertexeffects.com/diy-power-cables ⬇️ CLICK BELOW FOR RIG DR APPROVED MATERIALS & ACCESSORIES ⬇️ vertexeffects.com/rig-dr-recommended-pedalboard-materials TABLE OF CONTENTS: Intro - 00:01 DC Cable Overview - 00:55 Materials Overview - 04:36 Standard Polarity Power Cables - 04:49 Reverse Polarity Power Cables - 09:26 Voltage Doubler Cables - 11:28 Current Doubler Cables - 16:46 Y-Cable/Splitter Cables - 20:45 Outro - 24:36
@@rockinrew4925 this one will take that even further - you learn to make everything, plus all the diagrams linked in the description. You can make all your 18V, 24V doubler cables, current doublers, and more :)
@@VertexEffectsInc thanks so much for your content. In these times it's more valuable then ever. I ordered mogami 2319 and pancake and right angel ends. Made all my own patch cables. I'm not using a switcher but I gig all the time. That's probably my next upgrade. I will be adding some buffers. What do you think of the templ audio buffer mods? I have a temple board with some custom modules I made for usb power and a 10 pin din for my foot switch for my egnater tourmaster amp. And happy birthday.
@@VertexEffectsInc I was thinking of 2 bonified buffers for the easy of mounting under the board. I use a wireless so I was thinking output buffer for my front of the amp and the return of my fx loop.
Thank you Mason. You've been a big help with realizing my pedal design ideas. Many times your post deals exactly with the issues needed to resolve or expand on a configuration or issue in a better way. I have many questions about how best for me to achieve the tone and functionality that best suits my needs. Best Dean Richards
To the point and excellent instructions ! I love these DIY tutorials . Thanks Mason ! You are one of the main reasons me and a soldering iron get along much better these days ! My DYI confidence is MOBetta !
I really love your videos Mason. I am an amateur home musician who started building pedals and pedalboards for myself in 2010 and learned from making mistakes. I wish your videos would have been around then. We did not get much of the stuff you get in India so I built my own isolated linear power supply (it was heavy). Then I saw Truetones SMPS supply and was kicking myself for not thinking about the idea first. I know you like the cables from Belden and Bestroncis BPTA and they are great for pedalboards but I would also suggest considering making guitar cables using Sommer Cables Classique cables. I have made several for my friends and myself and they last forever.
Navin, so glad you dig the videos - sometimes trial and error is the best way to learn a lot of this stuff. Sommer are good cables too, I also like Gotham (I think those are made in Switzerland). I mostly use Mogami however (made in Japan) for most of the builds you see, in particular the 2319 which is under $1 per foot from most retailers, even less sometimes.
If only this video existed 20+ years ago. I had an old 80s boss power supply that had its plug cut off. I tried soldering a long cord from a random wall wart to the boss power supply but it did not work. I've got a cs12 now. I have a gcx & gcp coming tomorrow so your videos will come in handy soon. I want to rack the majority of my pedals.
Thanks for the videos! I haven't soldered in over ten years but I had to fix my bass so I bought a new iron. You've inspired me to make my own power and patch cables. I've got the power cable supplies, just waiting on the vice 😁
21:55 I can use this method to power my overdrive pedals that draw less than 20mah each! I have a 9v 500mah output on my power supply. thank you this is very very helpful and cost saving!
Working on my board and wired up the way you mention standard cables here with truetone wires and they were reverse polarity. Make sure if using the truetone cables you take black to the top, not red.
Hi, thanks for your highly informative video for the regular mortals like me. Quick question: is there any way to test this “before you plug it” to your pedal... like a meter or something, but how? What should I be looking for on the meter? I don’t know how to use a meter... just to make sure a my cable was done correctly. Thank you again.
hi Mason, thank you for the great explanations. You said that your Steel String can be operated at 18V also. I just bought one in January and I love it, but I use it with the classic 9V power. what are the advantages of operating it doubling the voltage? Thank you 💪💪💪
Been having some trouble trying to figure out exactly how to wire up custom length cables for cioks rca to dc supplies, would you consider doing a video on this ??
I would buy the individual pre-made cables from Strymon or Voodoo Lab in the 36" or 42" lengths and then cut them down to size and re-terminate the end going into the Cioks. I use the mini RCA straight plugs from Switchcraft. Remember too on RCA plugs the shield goes to the tip and the center conductor to the sleeve for normal polarity (basically the reverse of what's in the diagrams in this video).
Hey Mason, thanks for the tips! I'm curious - would making a custom daisy chain/Y-cable with more than two plugs, would the concept basically be the same? I have three OD's I'd like to chain together (rather than buying a new power supply...) but don't like the messy look of an off-the-shelf daisy chain.
Hey Mason! If most pedal takes center negative plug, shouldn't you wire the red(tip) to the outside and the black to the inner tab? Im not sure how power works. please enlighten me
Mason! Loving the videos, keeps me inspired and love your work. Got a weird one for you, you mentioned the current doubler? What would happen if I wanted to double current from two mismatched outputs, say one 9v and one at 12v both at 500ma to make 1a. Is it possible? I read voltage leaking can occur but I don't trust random comments on old forums haha. All the best!
Did I miss something, or was the voltage doubler wired backwards? At 13:30, it looks like the tips are being wired together, rather than the tip of the first being wired to the sleeve of the second. Did I miss something? Doesn’t the diagram show the tip (red) of the first to the sleeve of the second jack?
It's correct on both, I just can't make the diagram cables 3D to the point where you can match how I overlapped them in the video without looking like they're soldered together in a Y cable or paralleled. Both video and diagram are correct.
I paused at 13:47 and the red from the short connector appears to be connected to the tip of the adjacent plug. That is tip to tip, right? And at 13:58 you state that the red connector (of the longer cable) goes to the ground lug. Seems like it doesn’t match the diagram, unless I’m missing something.
I keep finding more and more gems on your channel - thank you so much! A quick Q, would you be able to combine the above techniques to make a current doubler that has reverse polarity? Trying to power an Effectrode PC-2A compressor and it’s been a nightmare. Excellent and informative video, thanks again!
Nothing beyond 500 degrees is really necessary for most circumstances. Usually I adjust the heat depending on the tip. The larger tips take longer to cool down, so they don't need a lot of heat to maintain temp. Smaller tips might require more heat because they loose heat very quickly when in use.
Great tips! I have a mxr pedal m300 reverb (9v 240mA) that not function with a power supply T rex Fuel tank junior (5 outputs/9v 120 mA). Cable#4 (current doubling, keeping the same voltage) would allow to resolve this problem?? that's to say using two outputs of the power supply for this pedal?
Great Vid, slightly unrelated but I can't find the answer anywhere. Is it better to mount a power supply on the top of the board or the bottom? if space isn't an issue on top and there is plenty of room underneath. Is it just convenience or is there more to it?
If you have a switching power supply, you can get away with putting any place on the board for the most part without issue. If you have a linear supply, you need to be careful as many digital effects will have some noise issues in this environment, also some pedal with clocks in them, like phaser, flanger, chorus. Also, Wah pedals with inductors and have issues if it gets too close to the transformer. You can look at my recommended power supplies in the links and most of those are switching power supplies as opposed to linear supplies.
Great video! 🙂 question: can the current doubler combine different current outputs? Eg an 800ma and a 300ma to make 1100ma? Or would it need to be two identical outputs (like the 2x 500ma you mentioned) Thanks so much!
Hi Mason! Im just curious about the Current Doubler / Y-Splitter Cable.. There were Current Booster Cables available in the market.. My question is, were these current booster cables wired the same with yours? I can't make a DIY cable as of this time, so Im planning to buy a Current Booster Cable and use it as a Y-Splliter cable instead.. Is it okay if I do that? Thanks!!!
Yes and yes, or you can epoxy them shut like Best Tronics does however once you do that and you have a failure (which is more often the cable than the plug) you can reuse it. I typically re-terminate the side that connects to the power supply.
What *is* standard polarity? I see center negative more than anything else. So is standard polarity center negative or ground? That implies ground goes to what would normally be the 'hot' connection.
Love this channel--my go-to for DIY content and help. Question I have is, with the 1 Spot CS12, there is 1 9v AC outlet with 800mA output. Is it possible to make a reverse cable to run a DC pedal off of it? Specifically looking to see if I could power an Iridium off of it with the right cable? Thanks!
Great vid thank you!! On your recommendation I am using Cioks DC7, could you do a quick vid on how to make custom DC cables for Cioks since they use RCA connectors for one end? Thanks again!
I have an Hx Fx unit, in the manual says the power supply is 3A minimum, and here you mention that 1A is enough, and a friend told me that i need 2A minimum, which current should i use?
Well...if you're under the current limitations, that won't damage the pedal, it just won't work. I've powered the Line 6 HX Stomp from 1A out of a paralleling of two 500mA outputs from a Strymon Zuma and/or Truetone CS12. There are some videos from CIOKS and Truetone showing the actual draw being way below 3A, and somewhere in the 900mA to 1,100mA (1,000mA = 1A). See here: ua-cam.com/video/DccNM_5NJts/v-deo.html
is there bulk DC cable I could buy?? Much like you buy a ton of Mogami cable and the like by the foot. I don't want to spend 25 to chop up a bunch of cables and STILL have to get connectors. Is there a bulk cable I could buy?
I recommend the shielded Voodoo Lab cables I linked in the description. This isn't like audio cables where you're going to need anything crazy expensive to have quality power. You could use Mogami, but it'll be really big and not dress very well.
Hey there, thanks for the video. Wondering one thing - if you're not very experienced with soldering, is it just as good to cut apart a Daisy Chain to achieve a Y Cable? I'd prefer to construct custom cables in the long run, but I have a new build that I want to test thoroughly before a couple of return periods have ended for devices I've purchased. It seems that anywhere I can source cables from will be a week or more out for shipping.
You could but you'd have to make sure it could reach your pedals and you'd be waisting a lot of the daisy chain. If at all possible, it's better to split from the source (meaning the power supply), then from the pedals themselves.
Are there certain types of pedals you would never want to daisy chain regardless of their mA draw? My micro qtron for example only draw 2 mA so I figure I could chain that with something like the keeley compressor plus which only draws around 5 mA. Also have a walrus Julia, nano POG, and loop station I need to figure out who to chain with who for best results if you have any input. Thanks mane.
Generally things with clocks in them can be problematic, things like phasers, flangers, chorus, those can have issues in a certain context. I generally would only do low current overdrive devices, boost, distortion.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks! Just to clarify: the RCA connectors are wired for reverse polarity (center positive), but the 2.1mm DC connectors are still wired for standard polarity (center negative) in the same cable?
Thanks for the zip-tie tip. Have you considered using color-coded zip ties to identify things like reverse-polarity cables? Maybe even the doubled cables in case the actual power supply is not visible when attaching the cables to the effect.
Great video! Question: Can I use 24awg stranded 2 core wires instead of 22awg? I've read that 22awg is the standard used in power cable connectors. Thanks
This is great info I have a whammy and it’s 1300ma and it hates anything but a proper power supply it goes out of tune and needs calibration this is great news
Hi Mason, i find your videos extremely useful, thanks. I have 2 pedalboards with cioks power units. Now, if i want to tidy my power cables i will need to cut the existing rca plugs to cut the cables to length. Ordinarily rca is used in audio. Which rca plugs are most useful for powering my pedals? Thanks in advance!
Thanks for the videos, they are some of the most informative on UA-cam. I’ve got a EHX QTron+ 24v and I need to power it with my MXR IsoBrick. I want to power with a Y-cable from the 18v jack and the variable jack next to it set to 6v. Is that safe or do I need to use two equal outputs at 12v? On the ISOBrick it is possible to use the 2 variable jacks set @ 12v but they are on opposite sides of the pedal and the cable management won’t be as clean so I’d prefer the 18&6. Your guides have really improved my board, thank you!
You shouldn’t have a problem, you should just use a multimeter to make sure that it’s getting the voltage that you need, because sometimes there are some tolerance differences. Also make sure that you check with the polarity matches what’s on the provided power supply of the device
Hi Mason, quick question, I have a pedal that needs 24v, 1A and center positive, is there a way use voltage doubler and current doubler at the same time?
Hey Mason - wondering if you have plans for, or would consider doing a video dealing with custom cables for Cioks if you haven't already (how to make, lengths, best materials, keep it all tidy etc)? Would truly appreciate that! Love the channel and just subbed. Cheers from Australia 👍
Thanks for the information. If my intention is to make my power cables from scratch is it possible to use 2 of these right angles and a regular cable 21awg? Thanks in advance!
Hi Mason, thanks for the great content. If I need to shorten the main power cable for a MXR iso-brick, how would I go about that? I’m curious about the ferrite bead at the end of the cable. How do I retain that, or is it necessary to retain it? Thank you.
This video is great. Thank you. Just a question about the current doubler as I am needing to build a reverse polarity current doubler. I presume I would make the cable as directed but then reverse the + and - at the connector going into the device being powered? Cheers!
You can make the cable exactly as you see it here and then inverted the trip and sleeve on the side the plugs into the pedal. You can test it with your multimeter before you plug it into the pedal to make sure it matches the pedal provided power supply polarity as a check.
Thanks so much for this video. One question regarding power supplies. I have a Strymoin Ojai, can you tell me if its ok to dress the EIAJ cable together with the audio cables ? Or will that cause noise ?
I bought the CIOKS DC-7 and need to power a HX STOMP and a EFFECTRODE LA-1A leveling amplifer. Each pedal needs two jacks from the DC-7 to power them ( 900mA -- 1A). As you know the CIOKS uses RCA instead of the barrell connector. How would you do that? Can I take two provided RCA jacks from the CIOKS and combine them to 1 as a current doubler? I would keep the RCA connectors from both cables and the cut off the barrell plugs and combine them into one barrell plug?
Basically do what we show here for current doublers but you'll reverse the tip and the sleeve as RCA jacks the center is the shield and the sleeve is the hot.
@@VertexEffectsInc so I soldered two CIOKS black RCA cables to a 2.1mm plug. The hots going to the tip and the grounds going to the shields and it burned up a effectrode LA-1A limiting amp I have to send back. The LA-1A uses 12 V and I had it set at that and they say you can power with the CIOKS. I guess I better order the adapter not sure what I did wrong. Hopefully I can get the compressor repaired quick…😫
@@VertexEffectsInc thankfully I was I was send back my Effectrode for repair. It was reverse polarity and I soldered normal with the negative center. Now that I know NOT to do that again, I am soldering my own power cable from the CIOK to my Peterson Strobostomp and Sansamp. Are the RCA’s center negative or positive for this?
If I wanted to build my dc cables from scratch, what cable do you recommend? Please tell what diameter or characteristics should it have. Should it be shielded in any way or a normal cable should do?? I am not a pro in this matters...any info is appreciated! Thank you very much.
I don't recommend it, it's not an advantage like for your instrument or patch cables. The molded ends are usually more robust than the DIY ends from KobiConn that I use. If you were looking for a DC cable, any coax will work that meets the voltage and current requirements of the pedal. I'd look for something around maybe 1A of current and 18VDC for the specs.
Amazing content brother! I have a question. Would it be just as effective to snip down the wire length and just re-solder the red and black wires back together without having to do anything to the DC ends of the wires that came with my power supply? If so, are there any extra tips you might have? Thank you!
You could do that too but I don't think it will be as stable - long term - compared to re-terminating the ends. The other complication is it would be difficult to do the parallel cables or voltage doublers in that fashion. But, YES, that will work as you've described, it just won't be as clean. You'll want to head shrink the inner conductors as well as the outside to be sure you don't get a short.
I will update my pedal board shortly, but i don't have enough power outlets on the supply. If my two ODs won't work well together with in y-cable setup, could I try to y-cable two true tone buffers?
hey, im having trouble figuring out how to power my EHX MicroQtron. it is 24v and requires a 2.5 mm plug with center pin positive, which if i understand correctly means reverse polarity? im trying to power it off of a TrueTone CS6. i want to power it off of one connector so i purchsed the Voltage Doubler cable from truetone but am not sure if this will even work out, any suggestions? im new to these applications
Wire two 12V outputs in series. You can check the polarity with your multimeter and make sure it matches the supply to ensure you've done it correctly. Kobiconn also makes a 2.5mm barrel option you can purchase from the same website.
Hi Mason, thank you for the video. I wonder could I use the same method on the cable coming from a transformer> For example, by Boss Gx-100 has it's own PSU but the cable is too long - could I shorten like this?
So I bought a current doubler for my whammy. I use a cioks dc 7 with the 8 expansion and it’s not enough current to power the whammy correctly. What now?
This really helps me. I appreciate it. One quick question, how do you test your cables effectively before plugging them into the power source? I want to make sure everything is spot on before a chance ruining a pedal.
Would the same logic apply to quadrupling the current? I have a power supply with 8x 500mA, 9v outs. I want to power up an Ampero II Stage, which sucks up 1.4A at 9v or 700mA at 18v.
You can do this with RCA plugs as well, just check the polarity as I think they're opposite of what I did in this video and diagram. You could also leave the RCA plugs as is, and cut the side that connects to the pedal down to length, but again, check the polarity. Any multimeter could tell you this.
I’ve been using temple audio boards as i wanted the power underneath but maybe the best feng shui is everything on top rather than diving through holes and what nots
Hey Mason, I just got a Big Muff Pi with a 1/8" Positive-Tip plug. If I wanted to power this from a Cioks DC-7, could I solder a 1/8" plug to the Cioks cable using the reverse polarity diagram, or would it be standard? Thanks!
Hi Mason, I was just wondering, for the OneSpot CS12, in one of your replies, you mentioned that the power cables that came with the pack can sometimes be inconsistent when it comes to the wiring of the hot and ground. meaning to say, some power cable was wired red to the tip (the way it suppose to) where as some were wired black to the tip (on both ends). is it true? And also another thing, as for the AC wire where they barrelled it in RED, was it meant for AC only? or it is just like any of the other coloured cables? Cos I am planning to shorten them up and attach a Kobiconn in one end, and plug it to my whammy. Can I do that? Sorry for the number of questions.
I've only found this to be true on Truetone, it's always a good idea to check. For the color coding refer to the manufacturer - there's not a standard. For some it's just taking 2.1mm to 2.5mm, others it's 2.5mm and reverse polarity.
Hi Mason, I tried my best looking through the comments to find the answer to this question, so my apologies if you’ve already answered it. Would it be possible and safe to use the current doubler method on more than just two power outputs? I have a pedal that can be powered with 300mA, BUT has a feature that is only usable when powered by 1500mA. I have a Zuma so I was wondering the likelihood of it working if I were to try and combine the current from three of the 500mA outputs. Thanks!
Hey Mason! building a lil rig based on all your awesome vids. I'm wondering how you end up measuring your cable lengths? assuming youre tying down the cables to the board with zip ties, how do you practically measure and cut to length accurately?
Hey Mason, thanks a lot for making these fantastic videos! So many great tips! One question: I want to build my own custom dc cables and use those with a Strymon Zuma power supply. However, I'm a bit worried: What if there happens to be a short in one of the soldered connectors (for example if somebody accidentally pulls at the cable)? Could that damage the power supply? Greetings from Germany!
A short actually just shuts the output down and the LED goes out. You can always test you DC cable with a multimeter first to make sure it's reading properly before adding it to your board.
A question I keep meaning to ask you, regarding power, but especially audio cables - how do you get the lengths perfect? More than once, I've measured twice then cut and soldered and cut and soldered and cut and soldered to get it perfect. You may have a video on this issue, but in all the best practices and build videos that I've seen, there's never been a 'here's how I measure all of those cables before I make 'em' segment. I mean, with the long wire chases you make with all of those tie-wrap adhesive blocks, how do you accurately measure the exact length of the run? Also - do you leave free-play on both sides for installing/deinstalling/reinstalling? Would love some close ups of board installs with switchers too. Keep up the great work!
Hey man! I have a strymon zuma and I need to make a 12v 700 mil center positive cable for my k&k quantum blender. I know switching to 12v is only 375 mil per output so I could double the current but I'm not sure about the center positive part and I definitely dont want to nuke my preamp. Any thoughts?
You can parallel them at 12V and then reverse the tip. You can measure the polarity with your meter an compare it to the provided power supply with your K&K to ensure they match up before you power up your unit.
@@VertexEffectsInc As far as I can recall, he started as guitarist of Whiteheart (a Christian version of Toto) started working with Amy Grant on Straight Ahead album. He is first heard with this WICKED guitar solo on Where Do You Hide Your Heart. After leaving Whiteheart and gaining exposure with Amy Grant, he became like the Steve Lukather of Nashville during the 80s, though he also worked with Michael Jackson and some other recordings in California. His work with David Benoit on the album Freedom At Midnight is one of my favorite works of Dann Huff.
If I was going to buy the power cable in bulk, what would I be looking for exactly? The link you provided is a product that is no longer available. Would the 12V DC cable for camera power cables work?
Typically just get the provided DC Power cables from your power supply manufacturer of choice and just cut them down, this isn't like a guitar cable where you need "Mogami" or something like this.
Oh great and mighty Rig Dr. I need some help. I've been trying to find a low profile IEC cable to use the courtesy outlet on my PP2 to power a second power supply on my Pedaltrain pt3. All of the cables I've bought, don't fit in the gap on the front so I've been trying to find the materials to make the cable myself. I've had no luck so far because I don't know where to start looking for parts. I thought about just getting a cable with a rotating male end and replacing the female end with a right angle plug but I can't for the life of me find the right angle connectors so that I can make them. Do you have any advice?
Question about this! If we don’t have red and black, just an inner wire in shielding and then wire surrounding that that isn’t shielded, which do we use for red and black? I’ve made the cable and it doesn’t provide power
The shield is typically the same as the black, the center conductor would be the same as the red. If you have a multimeter you can check this for sure. On the Voodoo Lab cables, for example, this is how they're wired.
Ideally you just re-use existing ones, there's really no benefit to making them from scratch. The molded end on these is more robust than a soldered version for this application. I would look for a coax that can handle the voltage properly of your pedals and go from there.
Is it possible to use two-wire acoustic cable as DC power cable for standard 9V 120 mA PSU outputs? Power cables that are available in nearby stores are designed for 300V load so they are not as flexible and thin as I need for cable routing inside my rack pedalboard.
@@VertexEffectsInc Sorry, I called it wrong. I meant the speaker cable that is commonly used to connect speakers to cheap hi-fi systems. It is flat and consists of two wires. I guess there's no problem to use it for powering pedals. Just wanted to find out the opinion of professional.
@@UltraDrumAddict I wouldn't use speaker cable for this application. I would stick with a small diameter coax or just re-purpose the provided cables with your power supply and cut them down to length and re-terminate. This isn't like a guitar cable where there is a 'tone' happening. So long as you meet the minimum size wire to reproduce the voltage without any loss across the cable, it's all the same with the DC power stuff.
Learn how to build your own custom size DC POWER CABLES for standard polarity, reverse polarity, voltage doubling, current doubling, and y-cable/splitter cable (daisy chain).
SUBSCRIBE 👉 👉 👉 ua-cam.com/users/vertexeffectsinc
⬇️ CLICK BELOW FOR ALL DIAGRAMS & MATERIALS ⬇️
vertexeffects.com/diy-power-cables
⬇️ CLICK BELOW FOR RIG DR APPROVED MATERIALS & ACCESSORIES ⬇️
vertexeffects.com/rig-dr-recommended-pedalboard-materials
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Intro - 00:01
DC Cable Overview - 00:55
Materials Overview - 04:36
Standard Polarity Power Cables - 04:49
Reverse Polarity Power Cables - 09:26
Voltage Doubler Cables - 11:28
Current Doubler Cables - 16:46
Y-Cable/Splitter Cables - 20:45
Outro - 24:36
I just watched your maximize your power supply video. Built a couple y cables. Thanks my friend
@@rockinrew4925 this one will take that even further - you learn to make everything, plus all the diagrams linked in the description. You can make all your 18V, 24V doubler cables, current doublers, and more :)
@@VertexEffectsInc thanks so much for your content. In these times it's more valuable then ever.
I ordered mogami 2319 and pancake and right angel ends. Made all my own patch cables.
I'm not using a switcher but I gig all the time. That's probably my next upgrade. I will be adding some buffers. What do you think of the templ audio buffer mods? I have a temple board with some custom modules I made for usb power and a 10 pin din for my foot switch for my egnater tourmaster amp.
And happy birthday.
@@rockinrew4925 Thanks again for watching! I have my list of recommended buffers in the description. Thanks for the birthday wishes!
@@VertexEffectsInc I was thinking of 2 bonified buffers for the easy of mounting under the board. I use a wireless so I was thinking output buffer for my front of the amp and the return of my fx loop.
Thank you Mason.
You've been a big help with realizing my pedal design ideas.
Many times your post deals exactly with the issues needed to resolve or expand on a configuration or issue in a better way.
I have many questions about how best for me to achieve the tone and functionality that best suits my needs.
Best Dean Richards
That is the exact info I was looking for right now and it appeared to me without searching! :) Thanks from Spain!
I’m so glad!
To the point and excellent instructions ! I love these DIY tutorials . Thanks Mason ! You are one of the main reasons me and a soldering iron get along much better these days ! My DYI confidence is MOBetta !
Wow, thanks! So glad you find it helpful!
This is teaching mad game for people who cant get this info else where. Bless your soul brother!
Thanks for watching!
Great video. This was perfect timing. I have to make two splitters so I can take the second power supply off my son's pedalboard.
Yessir! Be sure to reference those wiring diagrams and materials list, it has everything you need!
This video is pure gold. Thank you!
I really love your videos Mason. I am an amateur home musician who started building pedals and pedalboards for myself in 2010 and learned from making mistakes. I wish your videos would have been around then.
We did not get much of the stuff you get in India so I built my own isolated linear power supply (it was heavy). Then I saw Truetones SMPS supply and was kicking myself for not thinking about the idea first.
I know you like the cables from Belden and Bestroncis BPTA and they are great for pedalboards but I would also suggest considering making guitar cables using Sommer Cables Classique cables. I have made several for my friends and myself and they last forever.
Navin, so glad you dig the videos - sometimes trial and error is the best way to learn a lot of this stuff. Sommer are good cables too, I also like Gotham (I think those are made in Switzerland). I mostly use Mogami however (made in Japan) for most of the builds you see, in particular the 2319 which is under $1 per foot from most retailers, even less sometimes.
Hi Mason, can you do a video soldering the Ciosk ones? they look weird with the RCA plug.
@Vertex Effects Agreed, can you show us how to solder our own for the Ciosk supplies??
Same as what I did here, just reverse the leads - or do the opposite of how I wire things for the RCA plugs (red to the sleeve, black to the tip).
Vertex Effects thank you!
Great, I have a CIOKS CIOKOLOLATE and I’m confused by what reversing or doing the opposite means
@@Dogger1230 probably a good idea to not wire things yourself then.
If only this video existed 20+ years ago. I had an old 80s boss power supply that had its plug cut off. I tried soldering a long cord from a random wall wart to the boss power supply but it did not work. I've got a cs12 now. I have a gcx & gcp coming tomorrow so your videos will come in handy soon. I want to rack the majority of my pedals.
Very helpful! Thank you for sharing this information. Its really cool to learn how to sort out my own modifications.
🥳🥳🥳
Thanks for this video, Mason! And thanks for the recommended parts list.
Any time!
Thanks for the video! Really like that Dan Huff track in the backround ✌️
You're welcome! Hope you enjoyed and and we earned your subscription.
Thanks for the videos! I haven't soldered in over ten years but I had to fix my bass so I bought a new iron. You've inspired me to make my own power and patch cables. I've got the power cable supplies, just waiting on the vice 😁
21:55 I can use this method to power my overdrive pedals that draw less than 20mah each! I have a 9v 500mah output on my power supply. thank you this is very very helpful and cost saving!
You can parallel your overdrives in most cases so long as they have the same voltage and current and don't exceed 500mA total when combined.
@@VertexEffectsInc the pedals are boss sd1 / bd2 and ehx east river drive all three don't consume 100mah😂👍🏻
Man i Did it!, reverse polarity, Your the best Dude! Thank you Sooo
Killer! Great news!
Thank you for the zip tie trick ! I hated that kind of connector because the housing did not stay in place. The zip tie will solve that issue !
Glad it was helpful!
Working on my board and wired up the way you mention standard cables here with truetone wires and they were reverse polarity. Make sure if using the truetone cables you take black to the top, not red.
If found that they can change run to run. The best way is to test them first to see where the black and red wires are.
Your answers are always spot on and to the point thanks for the content it’s actually really helpful
🙏🙏🙏
This video is pure gold!
Thanks for watching!
Excellent video!
Hi, thanks for your highly informative video for the regular mortals like me. Quick question: is there any way to test this “before you plug it” to your pedal... like a meter or something, but how? What should I be looking for on the meter? I don’t know how to use a meter... just to make sure a my cable was done correctly. Thank you again.
Yes use a multimeter set to DC and you can measure the voltage and polarity before you plug into your pedal.
This video is exactly what I was looking for!
Best!
I'm so glad!
hi Mason, thank you for the great explanations. You said that your Steel String can be operated at 18V also. I just bought one in January and I love it, but I use it with the classic 9V power. what are the advantages of operating it doubling the voltage? Thank you 💪💪💪
Only v1 can go up to 18V, MKII already is running internally at max headroom.
@@VertexEffectsInc yes, I bought a refurbished MK1. That's why I asked you. So 9V means half of the headroom?
Been having some trouble trying to figure out exactly how to wire up custom length cables for cioks rca to dc supplies, would you consider doing a video on this ??
I would buy the individual pre-made cables from Strymon or Voodoo Lab in the 36" or 42" lengths and then cut them down to size and re-terminate the end going into the Cioks. I use the mini RCA straight plugs from Switchcraft. Remember too on RCA plugs the shield goes to the tip and the center conductor to the sleeve for normal polarity (basically the reverse of what's in the diagrams in this video).
@@VertexEffectsInc y’all are bad ass thank you sm ✊🏼
Hey Mason, thanks for the tips! I'm curious - would making a custom daisy chain/Y-cable with more than two plugs, would the concept basically be the same? I have three OD's I'd like to chain together (rather than buying a new power supply...) but don't like the messy look of an off-the-shelf daisy chain.
Yes, I'd just be careful the more you add to really test it first.
Time for some cable Voodoo for my Voodoo labs supply. Great DIY!
👍😀✌
Good luck! Enjoy!
This is amazing. You always make great content.
🥰🥰🥰🥰
Hey Mason! If most pedal takes center negative plug, shouldn't you wire the red(tip) to the outside and the black to the inner tab? Im not sure how power works. please enlighten me
We provided diagrams in the video for each polarity.
Mason! Loving the videos, keeps me inspired and love your work. Got a weird one for you, you mentioned the current doubler? What would happen if I wanted to double current from two mismatched outputs, say one 9v and one at 12v both at 500ma to make 1a. Is it possible? I read voltage leaking can occur but I don't trust random comments on old forums haha. All the best!
Not advisable, the 12V one will try to source the 9V one which will try to sink the voltage.
For the current doubler (parallel connection) the outlets must be dame current?
No, but you'll only get the amount of the combined current, so if it's on 100mA output and one 200mA output, you'll only get 300mA.
Did I miss something, or was the voltage doubler wired backwards? At 13:30, it looks like the tips are being wired together, rather than the tip of the first being wired to the sleeve of the second. Did I miss something? Doesn’t the diagram show the tip (red) of the first to the sleeve of the second jack?
It's correct on both, I just can't make the diagram cables 3D to the point where you can match how I overlapped them in the video without looking like they're soldered together in a Y cable or paralleled. Both video and diagram are correct.
I paused at 13:47 and the red from the short connector appears to be connected to the tip of the adjacent plug. That is tip to tip, right? And at 13:58 you state that the red connector (of the longer cable) goes to the ground lug. Seems like it doesn’t match the diagram, unless I’m missing something.
yeah, I wired it up like In the video and it didn't work, gonna try tip to sleeve, im no electrician, but something isnt working right lol.
I keep finding more and more gems on your channel - thank you so much! A quick Q, would you be able to combine the above techniques to make a current doubler that has reverse polarity? Trying to power an Effectrode PC-2A compressor and it’s been a nightmare.
Excellent and informative video, thanks again!
I will keep everything exactly as it was except change the one on the guitar pedal input so that the black and red wires are reversed there only.
Great Video. Has anyone figured out the amp draw for the POD GO in case we want to put it on a proper power supply rather than the wall wart.
Not sure what it draws, but you could get a current reader to figure that out. Truetone makes one.
Thanks so much for this video! Curious, what setting heat do you set your Weller too?
Nothing beyond 500 degrees is really necessary for most circumstances. Usually I adjust the heat depending on the tip. The larger tips take longer to cool down, so they don't need a lot of heat to maintain temp. Smaller tips might require more heat because they loose heat very quickly when in use.
Great stuff Mason, Thanks! The fade out sounded like EJ...
Yes indeed!
Great tips! I have a mxr pedal m300 reverb (9v 240mA) that not function with a power supply T rex Fuel tank junior (5 outputs/9v 120 mA). Cable#4 (current doubling, keeping the same voltage) would allow to resolve this problem?? that's to say using two outputs of the power supply for this pedal?
hi! im planning to cut my dc cables to length but i have wires with the same color. how do you distinguish which one is positive and negative? tnx
You’ll need a multimeter
I guess you learn a lot of things while in quarantine
edit: Belated happy birthday btw!
Thank you so much!
Great Vid, slightly unrelated but I can't find the answer anywhere. Is it better to mount a power supply on the top of the board or the bottom? if space isn't an issue on top and there is plenty of room underneath. Is it just convenience or is there more to it?
If you have a switching power supply, you can get away with putting any place on the board for the most part without issue. If you have a linear supply, you need to be careful as many digital effects will have some noise issues in this environment, also some pedal with clocks in them, like phaser, flanger, chorus. Also, Wah pedals with inductors and have issues if it gets too close to the transformer. You can look at my recommended power supplies in the links and most of those are switching power supplies as opposed to linear supplies.
Excellent as always, cheers!
🙏🙏🙏🙏
Great video! 🙂 question: can the current doubler combine different current outputs? Eg an 800ma and a 300ma to make 1100ma? Or would it need to be two identical outputs (like the 2x 500ma you mentioned)
Thanks so much!
Yes
Hi Mason! Im just curious about the Current Doubler / Y-Splitter Cable.. There were Current Booster Cables available in the market.. My question is, were these current booster cables wired the same with yours?
I can't make a DIY cable as of this time, so Im planning to buy a Current Booster Cable and use it as a Y-Splliter cable instead.. Is it okay if I do that? Thanks!!!
A Current Doubler is the same as the Y-cable you're just doing it on the power supply end rather than the pedal end.
Mason what are the zip ties for just to make sure the housing of the jack doesn't come apart or? and have u had that problem without the zip ties?
Yes and yes, or you can epoxy them shut like Best Tronics does however once you do that and you have a failure (which is more often the cable than the plug) you can reuse it. I typically re-terminate the side that connects to the power supply.
What *is* standard polarity? I see center negative more than anything else. So is standard polarity center negative or ground? That implies ground goes to what would normally be the 'hot' connection.
Exactly, I see center pin negative on all my pedals and power supply - only exception being an old dunlop vibe. Confusing the heck out of me.
Love this channel--my go-to for DIY content and help. Question I have is, with the 1 Spot CS12, there is 1 9v AC outlet with 800mA output. Is it possible to make a reverse cable to run a DC pedal off of it? Specifically looking to see if I could power an Iridium off of it with the right cable? Thanks!
Seth, you could perhaps make or buy a converted box to do it externally, I haven't researched companies that make this for a pedalboard application.
Great vid thank you!! On your recommendation I am using Cioks DC7, could you do a quick vid on how to make custom DC cables for Cioks since they use RCA connectors for one end? Thanks again!
I have an Hx Fx unit, in the manual says the power supply is 3A minimum, and here you mention that 1A is enough, and a friend told me that i need 2A minimum, which current should i use?
Well...if you're under the current limitations, that won't damage the pedal, it just won't work. I've powered the Line 6 HX Stomp from 1A out of a paralleling of two 500mA outputs from a Strymon Zuma and/or Truetone CS12. There are some videos from CIOKS and Truetone showing the actual draw being way below 3A, and somewhere in the 900mA to 1,100mA (1,000mA = 1A). See here: ua-cam.com/video/DccNM_5NJts/v-deo.html
@@VertexEffectsInc Ok nice, thanks a lot man, i'll check it out and see how it works ;)
is there bulk DC cable I could buy?? Much like you buy a ton of Mogami cable and the like by the foot. I don't want to spend 25 to chop up a bunch of cables and STILL have to get connectors. Is there a bulk cable I could buy?
I recommend the shielded Voodoo Lab cables I linked in the description. This isn't like audio cables where you're going to need anything crazy expensive to have quality power. You could use Mogami, but it'll be really big and not dress very well.
Hey there, thanks for the video. Wondering one thing - if you're not very experienced with soldering, is it just as good to cut apart a Daisy Chain to achieve a Y Cable? I'd prefer to construct custom cables in the long run, but I have a new build that I want to test thoroughly before a couple of return periods have ended for devices I've purchased. It seems that anywhere I can source cables from will be a week or more out for shipping.
You could but you'd have to make sure it could reach your pedals and you'd be waisting a lot of the daisy chain. If at all possible, it's better to split from the source (meaning the power supply), then from the pedals themselves.
Are there certain types of pedals you would never want to daisy chain regardless of their mA draw? My micro qtron for example only draw 2 mA so I figure I could chain that with something like the keeley compressor plus which only draws around 5 mA. Also have a walrus Julia, nano POG, and loop station I need to figure out who to chain with who for best results if you have any input. Thanks mane.
Generally things with clocks in them can be problematic, things like phasers, flangers, chorus, those can have issues in a certain context. I generally would only do low current overdrive devices, boost, distortion.
Hey Mason, do these techniques work for the Cioks flex cables (on the 2.1mm ends, not the RCA ends)? Thanks for the great video!
Similar but you would reverse the wires if you were using my diagrams to retrofit for RCA for the proper polarity.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks! Just to clarify: the RCA connectors are wired for reverse polarity (center positive), but the 2.1mm DC connectors are still wired for standard polarity (center negative) in the same cable?
Thanks for the zip-tie tip. Have you considered using color-coded zip ties to identify things like reverse-polarity cables? Maybe even the doubled cables in case the actual power supply is not visible when attaching the cables to the effect.
No, usually I use heat shrink but that's a great idea.
Great video! Question: Can I use 24awg stranded 2 core wires instead of 22awg? I've read that 22awg is the standard used in power cable connectors. Thanks
Nice video. Can you recommend a bulk cable for building them from scratch?
No reason to, just use what comes with the supply and use KobiConn 2.1mm ends.
Thanks Mason!
Any time
Would the same technique work on #4 if you extended it with another plug for the purposes of making a Current Tripler?
Yes
Hi, question... Current doubler cables. Can I use 3 outputs of my Strymon Ojai to make a 9v (1500ma) to power my Line6 HX effects? Thanks!
Yes you can.
@@VertexEffectsInc this is the answer i've been looking for all night lol.
@@yurasuka8624 Perfect!!!
So it's a current tripler right?
This is great info I have a whammy and it’s 1300ma and it hates anything but a proper power supply it goes out of tune and needs calibration this is great news
Hi Mason, i find your videos extremely useful, thanks. I have 2 pedalboards with cioks power units. Now, if i want to tidy my power cables i will need to cut the existing rca plugs to cut the cables to length. Ordinarily rca is used in audio. Which rca plugs are most useful for powering my pedals? Thanks in advance!
Glad it was helpful. I use Switchcraft RCA plugs for my DC power plugs on things like Cioks supplies.
Thanks for the videos, they are some of the most informative on UA-cam. I’ve got a EHX QTron+ 24v and I need to power it with my MXR IsoBrick. I want to power with a Y-cable from the 18v jack and the variable jack next to it set to 6v. Is that safe or do I need to use two equal outputs at 12v? On the ISOBrick it is possible to use the 2 variable jacks set @ 12v but they are on opposite sides of the pedal and the cable management won’t be as clean so I’d prefer the 18&6. Your guides have really improved my board, thank you!
You shouldn’t have a problem, you should just use a multimeter to make sure that it’s getting the voltage that you need, because sometimes there are some tolerance differences. Also make sure that you check with the polarity matches what’s on the provided power supply of the device
Will do, thanks!
Hi Mason, quick question, I have a pedal that needs 24v, 1A and center positive, is there a way use voltage doubler and current doubler at the same time?
You'll need 2x 12V outputs first of all, and something that provides 1A output - what's the pedal?
Hey Mason - wondering if you have plans for, or would consider doing a video dealing with custom cables for Cioks if you haven't already (how to make, lengths, best materials, keep it all tidy etc)? Would truly appreciate that! Love the channel and just subbed. Cheers from Australia 👍
It's the same as this only the inverted polarity is standard polarity for RCA and standard polarity is inverted polarity based on my diagrams.
Thanks for the information. If my intention is to make my power cables from scratch is it possible to use 2 of these right angles and a regular cable 21awg? Thanks in advance!
You could make the entire thing from scratch but there’s not much of a reason if you already have existing power cable, there’s no benefit sonically.
Hi Mason, thanks for the great content. If I need to shorten the main power cable for a MXR iso-brick, how would I go about that? I’m curious about the ferrite bead at the end of the cable. How do I retain that, or is it necessary to retain it? Thank you.
This video is great. Thank you. Just a question about the current doubler as I am needing to build a reverse polarity current doubler. I presume I would make the cable as directed but then reverse the + and - at the connector going into the device being powered? Cheers!
You can make the cable exactly as you see it here and then inverted the trip and sleeve on the side the plugs into the pedal. You can test it with your multimeter before you plug it into the pedal to make sure it matches the pedal provided power supply polarity as a check.
Awesome video. How do u extend the length if the cable?
Get longer cables is the best option or you can splice two cables together
Thanks so much for this video. One question regarding power supplies. I have a Strymoin Ojai, can you tell me if its ok to dress the EIAJ cable together with the audio cables ? Or will that cause noise ?
Shouldn't be an issue. It's still low current, low voltage. Not going to be an issue like AC.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks so much for answering !
I bought the CIOKS DC-7 and need to power a HX STOMP and a EFFECTRODE LA-1A leveling amplifer. Each pedal needs two jacks from the DC-7 to power them ( 900mA -- 1A). As you know the CIOKS uses RCA instead of the barrell connector. How would you do that? Can I take two provided RCA jacks from the CIOKS and combine them to 1 as a current doubler? I would keep the RCA connectors from both cables and the cut off the barrell plugs and combine them into one barrell plug?
Basically do what we show here for current doublers but you'll reverse the tip and the sleeve as RCA jacks the center is the shield and the sleeve is the hot.
@@VertexEffectsInc so I soldered two CIOKS black RCA cables to a 2.1mm plug. The hots going to the tip and the grounds going to the shields and it burned up a effectrode LA-1A limiting amp I have to send back. The LA-1A uses 12 V and I had it set at that and they say you can power with the CIOKS. I guess I better order the adapter not sure what I did wrong. Hopefully I can get the compressor repaired quick…😫
@@VertexEffectsInc thankfully I was I was send back my Effectrode for repair. It was reverse polarity and I soldered normal with the negative center. Now that I know NOT to do that again, I am soldering my own power cable from the CIOK to my Peterson Strobostomp and Sansamp. Are the RCA’s center negative or positive for this?
If I wanted to build my dc cables from scratch, what cable do you recommend? Please tell what diameter or characteristics should it have. Should it be shielded in any way or a normal cable should do?? I am not a pro in this matters...any info is appreciated! Thank you very much.
I don't recommend it, it's not an advantage like for your instrument or patch cables. The molded ends are usually more robust than the DIY ends from KobiConn that I use. If you were looking for a DC cable, any coax will work that meets the voltage and current requirements of the pedal. I'd look for something around maybe 1A of current and 18VDC for the specs.
Hey Rig Doctor do you know where I can purchase a board like the ones you use in the uk?
We will be releasing our own shortly and will be available at GuitarGuitar and Andertons - otherwise I know that GOMC cases ships worldwide.
Vertex Effects great news on releasing the Vertex boards!
Amazing content brother! I have a question. Would it be just as effective to snip down the wire length and just re-solder the red and black wires back together without having to do anything to the DC ends of the wires that came with my power supply? If so, are there any extra tips you might have? Thank you!
You could do that too but I don't think it will be as stable - long term - compared to re-terminating the ends. The other complication is it would be difficult to do the parallel cables or voltage doublers in that fashion. But, YES, that will work as you've described, it just won't be as clean. You'll want to head shrink the inner conductors as well as the outside to be sure you don't get a short.
Vertex Effects Thank you Doc!
@@SaulRamirez-rk9nj my pleasure
I will update my pedal board shortly, but i don't have enough power outlets on the supply. If my two ODs won't work well together with in y-cable setup, could I try to y-cable two true tone buffers?
Yes, most low current analog devices are fine.
@@VertexEffectsInc Quick knowledgeable answers. That's why I really like you guys.
@@LosTroopos sure thing!
hey, im having trouble figuring out how to power my EHX MicroQtron. it is 24v and requires a 2.5 mm plug with center pin positive, which if i understand correctly means reverse polarity? im trying to power it off of a TrueTone CS6. i want to power it off of one connector so i purchsed the Voltage Doubler cable from truetone but am not sure if this will even work out, any suggestions? im new to these applications
Wire two 12V outputs in series. You can check the polarity with your multimeter and make sure it matches the supply to ensure you've done it correctly. Kobiconn also makes a 2.5mm barrel option you can purchase from the same website.
Hi Mason, thank you for the video. I wonder could I use the same method on the cable coming from a transformer> For example, by Boss Gx-100 has it's own PSU but the cable is too long - could I shorten like this?
would you recommend doing this if you had an output of 800mA and you split that to two pitch shifting pedals (Whammy V (288mA) and Pog 2 (180mA)) ??
So I bought a current doubler for my whammy. I use a cioks dc 7 with the 8 expansion and it’s not enough current to power the whammy correctly. What now?
Can a triple current cable be made. The whammy needs 1.3 ma!
is there anything i can do to lower the voltage? like from 18v and a cable that can make the output 9v?
Truetone makes this product.
This really helps me. I appreciate it. One quick question, how do you test your cables effectively before plugging them into the power source? I want to make sure everything is spot on before a chance ruining a pedal.
tester?
Would the same logic apply to quadrupling the current?
I have a power supply with 8x 500mA, 9v outs. I want to power up an Ampero II Stage, which sucks up 1.4A at 9v or 700mA at 18v.
Mason I have the CIOKS power- do you know if I can do this for that? The plugs are different for the power supply
You can do this with RCA plugs as well, just check the polarity as I think they're opposite of what I did in this video and diagram. You could also leave the RCA plugs as is, and cut the side that connects to the pedal down to length, but again, check the polarity. Any multimeter could tell you this.
@@VertexEffectsInc ah yes - thst makes sense ! Thanks !!
I’ve been using temple audio boards as i wanted the power underneath but maybe the best feng shui is everything on top rather than diving through holes and what nots
@@PeterEllmanMD that's how most of the pro rigs are, almost always top mounted flat boards.
Hey Mason, I just got a Big Muff Pi with a 1/8" Positive-Tip plug. If I wanted to power this from a Cioks DC-7, could I solder a 1/8" plug to the Cioks cable using the reverse polarity diagram, or would it be standard? Thanks!
Hi Mason, I was just wondering, for the OneSpot CS12, in one of your replies, you mentioned that the power cables that came with the pack can sometimes be inconsistent when it comes to the wiring of the hot and ground. meaning to say, some power cable was wired red to the tip (the way it suppose to) where as some were wired black to the tip (on both ends). is it true?
And also another thing, as for the AC wire where they barrelled it in RED, was it meant for AC only? or it is just like any of the other coloured cables? Cos I am planning to shorten them up and attach a Kobiconn in one end, and plug it to my whammy. Can I do that? Sorry for the number of questions.
I've only found this to be true on Truetone, it's always a good idea to check. For the color coding refer to the manufacturer - there's not a standard. For some it's just taking 2.1mm to 2.5mm, others it's 2.5mm and reverse polarity.
@@VertexEffectsInc Got it. Appreciate it Mason!
Hi Mason, I tried my best looking through the comments to find the answer to this question, so my apologies if you’ve already answered it. Would it be possible and safe to use the current doubler method on more than just two power outputs? I have a pedal that can be powered with 300mA, BUT has a feature that is only usable when powered by 1500mA. I have a Zuma so I was wondering the likelihood of it working if I were to try and combine the current from three of the 500mA outputs. Thanks!
this is what I was looking for also
@@illicitenergy3307 I ended up trying it and it works!
@@SaulRamirez-rk9nj thanks!
Hey Mason! building a lil rig based on all your awesome vids. I'm wondering how you end up measuring your cable lengths? assuming youre tying down the cables to the board with zip ties, how do you practically measure and cut to length accurately?
You mention the power connectors at 4:43, but I don't see the link in the description for cobican connectors.
Should be under DIY power cables. KobiConn 2.1mm x 5.5mm barrel plug.
@@VertexEffectsInc Awesome! Kobicon is out of stock but the alt should work. Keep up the fabulous work RigDr!
I have the Strymon Zuma and I have the MXR Talkbox that needs 18V - 1000mA. What cable do I make to supply it?
It actually runs on way less, your normal 18V on the Strymon will work fine.
Hey Mason, thanks a lot for making these fantastic videos! So many great tips! One question: I want to build my own custom dc cables and use those with a Strymon Zuma power supply. However, I'm a bit worried: What if there happens to be a short in one of the soldered connectors (for example if somebody accidentally pulls at the cable)? Could that damage the power supply? Greetings from Germany!
A short actually just shuts the output down and the LED goes out. You can always test you DC cable with a multimeter first to make sure it's reading properly before adding it to your board.
When making cioks Y splitter cable, will black be tip and red be ground? Or reverse? Thanks!!
For RCA the Tip and Sleeve are reversed from my diagrams on the plugs.
@@VertexEffectsInc thanks Rig Doc!
A question I keep meaning to ask you, regarding power, but especially audio cables - how do you get the lengths perfect? More than once, I've measured twice then cut and soldered and cut and soldered and cut and soldered to get it perfect. You may have a video on this issue, but in all the best practices and build videos that I've seen, there's never been a 'here's how I measure all of those cables before I make 'em' segment. I mean, with the long wire chases you make with all of those tie-wrap adhesive blocks, how do you accurately measure the exact length of the run? Also - do you leave free-play on both sides for installing/deinstalling/reinstalling? Would love some close ups of board installs with switchers too. Keep up the great work!
Route them in place and then terminate them at the power supply. We have a few videos showing this technique.
Hey man! I have a strymon zuma and I need to make a 12v 700 mil center positive cable for my k&k quantum blender. I know switching to 12v is only 375 mil per output so I could double the current but I'm not sure about the center positive part and I definitely dont want to nuke my preamp. Any thoughts?
You can parallel them at 12V and then reverse the tip. You can measure the polarity with your meter an compare it to the provided power supply with your K&K to ensure they match up before you power up your unit.
@@VertexEffectsInc thanks man!
I am hearing Dann Huff and GIant on the background NICE!
Yes! The best
@@VertexEffectsInc been a fan of CCM musicians during the late 80s....
bpabustan I think he was even doing some of the Amy Grant stuff back in the late 70s
@@VertexEffectsInc As far as I can recall, he started as guitarist of Whiteheart (a Christian version of Toto) started working with Amy Grant on Straight Ahead album. He is first heard with this WICKED guitar solo on Where Do You Hide Your Heart. After leaving Whiteheart and gaining exposure with Amy Grant, he became like the Steve Lukather of Nashville during the 80s, though he also worked with Michael Jackson and some other recordings in California. His work with David Benoit on the album Freedom At Midnight is one of my favorite works of Dann Huff.
If I was going to buy the power cable in bulk, what would I be looking for exactly? The link you provided is a product that is no longer available. Would the 12V DC cable for camera power cables work?
Typically just get the provided DC Power cables from your power supply manufacturer of choice and just cut them down, this isn't like a guitar cable where you need "Mogami" or something like this.
@@VertexEffectsInc would i save money if i bought bulk though? I am wiring up my own board and a few from a friend.
Oh great and mighty Rig Dr. I need some help. I've been trying to find a low profile IEC cable to use the courtesy outlet on my PP2 to power a second power supply on my Pedaltrain pt3. All of the cables I've bought, don't fit in the gap on the front so I've been trying to find the materials to make the cable myself. I've had no luck so far because I don't know where to start looking for parts. I thought about just getting a cable with a rotating male end and replacing the female end with a right angle plug but I can't for the life of me find the right angle connectors so that I can make them. Do you have any advice?
thanks rig doctor!
no problem! Enjoy!
If I have to power 2 or 3 pedals on one isolated power supply what types of pedals should i combine
Overdrives, Wah, Distortion, Compression, are generally the best. Analog and low current pedals preferably.
Question about this! If we don’t have red and black, just an inner wire in shielding and then wire surrounding that that isn’t shielded, which do we use for red and black? I’ve made the cable and it doesn’t provide power
The shield is typically the same as the black, the center conductor would be the same as the red. If you have a multimeter you can check this for sure. On the Voodoo Lab cables, for example, this is how they're wired.
Hi Mason...
Would a daisy Chain cable work as a current doubler?
Yes that would work if you plug multiple leads into different outputs
What size wire do you recommend, if I just wanted to buy a spool? 24 AWG ??? Thanks! Love the channel!
Ideally you just re-use existing ones, there's really no benefit to making them from scratch. The molded end on these is more robust than a soldered version for this application. I would look for a coax that can handle the voltage properly of your pedals and go from there.
Is it possible to use two-wire acoustic cable as DC power cable for standard 9V 120 mA PSU outputs? Power cables that are available in nearby stores are designed for 300V load so they are not as flexible and thin as I need for cable routing inside my rack pedalboard.
Not sure what you mean. Assign one part of a TRS cable to the DC power or to use the same cable to make DC power cables?
@@VertexEffectsInc Sorry, I called it wrong. I meant the speaker cable that is commonly used to connect speakers to cheap hi-fi systems. It is flat and consists of two wires. I guess there's no problem to use it for powering pedals. Just wanted to find out the opinion of professional.
@@UltraDrumAddict I wouldn't use speaker cable for this application. I would stick with a small diameter coax or just re-purpose the provided cables with your power supply and cut them down to length and re-terminate. This isn't like a guitar cable where there is a 'tone' happening. So long as you meet the minimum size wire to reproduce the voltage without any loss across the cable, it's all the same with the DC power stuff.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thank you for advice!
@@UltraDrumAddict anytime!
Is there an alternative to zip tying the enclosure?