Dood

[quote name='Jack' timestamp='1497562065' post='3319188'] Modern crap, they don't sound the same those magnets. Not enough heft. Give me heavy duty ceramic magnets any day. [/quote] Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!! Awesome Post of the day!

I really like the truss rod covers on both of my Ibanez guitars. They don't unscrew, they slide to one side to open then back to close. So simple I wonder why it hasn't caught on elsewhere! I love also that a couple of my basses use rare earth magnets to hold the battery compartment covers on. No screws to drop and lose in a darkened venue!

There are different ways of creating an isolated power supply. Just a few examples using my limited understanding: 1. Literally the equivalent of having a bunch of wall warts in one box. Each power supply is completely independent. If they have a mains transformer in the design to drop the mains voltage down from 240v to say 12v, then each has it's own. 2. The same, but there is one mains transformer, but the transformer has multiple parallel windings on it's output side (Secondary) each supplying individual circuits that feed separate outputs. 3. Some clever stuff that I haven't had time to study yet, often involving Switch Mode Power Supplies (Not using mains transformers). Cheap, reliable and sometimes a good choice if nearby pedals are prone to electromagnetic interference.

[quote name='cheddatom' timestamp='1497540605' post='3318982'] right but you'd up your game for the Tickled Trout I'm sure! What got me thinking is that a guy who came across as an "expert" told me ages ago that the noise on my pedalboard was all due to grounding problems, and that he would make me a power supply to give all the pedals a "common ground". He never did it, and I never really understood what he was on about, but once I got a decent supply my noise problems disappeared and I never thought about it again until the recent spate of posts about isolated supplies [/quote] The guy was 'partly right', but it's knowing where that common ground is. I can understand where he is coming from when looking at a basic schematic diagram. The ones in some of my old books always have a single line at the bottom for 0v and thus it's easy to assume that it is the only and common ground path. For DC, fine. However, it doesn't take in to account the path the AC (audio and noise) signal goes on when using patch cables and other leads. So, you have a 'ground' going down the cables and then, when you start using a daisy chain power supply, well, that's another ground path. Two paths, which is where the problems can appear. I'll quickly insert that some pedals really aren't bothered and you might not ever have any noticeable noise problems from them when daisy chained together, but certainly some, like a pair of mine that both use a fair amount of DSP do seem to dump (AC) noise on to the daisy chained power supply output. This is where isolated power supplies come in. A daisy chain power supply only has one '+' and one '-' for supplying all pedals. The isolated supply 'decouples' so each pedal sees a completely independent power source, breaking the 'common shared' '+' and '-' connections - which would be the equivalent of using multiple adaptors plugged in to a long trailing socket blah blah, nobody likes that. A singe box that can mimic separate power supplies is tidier and far less hassle. After a long day working, I hope this makes sense!

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1497537509' post='3318957'] This is the power supply on the pedal board, with everything powered. Need to retidy the power cables as I have moved stuff around The AA battery doesn't live there, it is just for scale [/quote] Tidy! - I also didn't realise the supply was that small! Great. Looking forward to getting all the pedals and supply on one board... even if the one I am using at the moment is home made! (I said I was on a budget ha ha ha!!)

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1497519012' post='3318783'] The seller I got it from doesn't seem to be doing any any more, and they seem to have gone up a few quid, but this is the type it was [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301907679302"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301907679302[/url] that is just one of the links I found, not a recomendation of seller - several people doing it around the £50 mark. Comes with the usual collection of cables, and is bolted to the bottom of my pedaltrain. Took a while working out the connections as I had some that needed isolation and some that needed high power (and a VoiceLive that needed 12V) but has been working well for quite a few gigs now. [/quote] Thank you a huge amount. I'm gonna take a punt on it based on how you ahem got on and the reviews I've read about these which all look favourable for me needs. I'd have loved the Ojai for sure, but cash is a constraint. So, we shall see how we get on with this one! I will report back for everyone after it has arrived and been taken for a test drive! Cheers

[quote name='v8bass' timestamp='1494629653' post='3297535'] All of the above is true Tony is a true gentleman to deal with Clearly fabulous taste in anything bass too ! Super communication and ultra fast shipping ( another packaging demon ) Many thanks for a swift smooth BC Deal Tony Deal with absolute confidence Gary [/quote] He he! There's nothing I need to add here! Tony has just sent me a new preamp and I echo the sentiments above. Always in touch with updates, packs items so carefully and made sure I knew what it was I was getting in detail. A+++++ as they say on eBay!

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1497516460' post='3318740'] Yes, I recon looking at your requirements that the cheap chinese power supply would work fine - it has 2 isolated 9/12/18v at 1A supplies, and then 6 300ma 9v supplies - that would cover everything would it not? [/quote] It certainly looks like it might! Do you have a link to it my good man?

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1497479603' post='3318628'] Yeah sorry, thought you were trying to contact Digitech to confirm the current draw! [/quote] He he! Not to worry! Kinda right though, contacting Strymon to find out if Ojai could handle the current draw of the Digitech. Still no reply.

[quote name='dannybuoy' timestamp='1497441440' post='3318149'] I think they have a support rep who's very active on Talkbass, user name is along the lines of DigitechRep. Bound to find them lurking in a Digitech thread! [/quote] Oh Digitech look after Strymon too? That's very handy!

[quote name='dave_bass5' timestamp='1497450077' post='3318276'] Can anyone comment on how the DarkGlass BK7 sounds? I appreciate its not going to have the warmth of the real thing, but ive been wanting to add more dirt to my tone for a while, and while i like my DG VMT id like something that can get dirtier when needed, at the press of a button, whilst also staying on to give some warmth all the time. I was going to use my 60B along side of the VMT, but it looks like the B3n could well be the one box solution, especially as i was also going to start using my TC Corna as well. [/quote] I saw a rough video of the comparison on YouTube a while back, but yeah I think it's something lots of people would be interested in hearing!

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1497437970' post='3318096'] For a small item I think it is £8 - but yes there will be that charge as well. [/quote] Ah yes, of course. I remember now

[quote name='fretmeister' timestamp='1497437342' post='3318086'] I was looking at the little compressor. Including shipping it is £64.75. Adding 25% (vat at 20% and then import at (I think) 4.4) makes that £81 Amazon have them for £89. [/quote] Parcel force will also levy a handling charge which has been about £13 when I have imported stuff before.

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1497175194' post='3316256'] I've sent them an email. [/quote] To which they haven't replied. I guess we'll never know lol. I just can't understand why so many companies offer 'Customer Support' but never ever reply. Nothing like instilling confidence in a product. Not. I've sent them another email.

A flawless transaction with Gilles and my (now his new) cabinet went safely to it's new home! Brilliant, great BCer and all round top chap.

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1497258774' post='3316783'] I used to have it on a HB Powerplant junior from one output and most of the time it was ok, but sometimes it produced a lot of noise. Connecting it to two outputs cured that issue. So as they are 120ma out each, somewhere around 150 I would think would do it. In the end I got a cheap Chinese isolated power supply that said DC8 (the B3 needed an isolated supply too), and I power everything off it without issue, it cost £36.95 [/quote] I'd have taken your original advice on the HB PJ too if it weren't for the big hungry Digitech on the board too, though I hadn't mentioned that at the time. I must admit, I'm really tempted to just rehouse three 1A 9v SMPS adaptors is one small box. That'd be pretty cheap and I'm pretty happy that I'd be able to do it safely. The only thing I don't really have right now is time..

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1497121140' post='3316034'] Hey Dood - what are the power requirements of the 8 pedals in terms 9V / 12V (or more) and 100mA vs 300mA etc.? My Smooth Hound wireless works fine with 9V 300mA from my Ciocks DC8 [/quote] I realised I didn't directly reply to your message. Looking at the specifications I am definitely not looking at more that 100mA for each pedal, not including the afore mentioned SmoothHound and Digitech. The TC's are DSP so I expect them to be a bit more, but the Sheehan pedal specs say 35mA only. Thank you for the suggestion

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1497174694' post='3316252'] This one has been on my radar but I wanted to find out if the outputs could handle the Digitech. I ought to drop them a line! [/quote] I've sent them an email.

[quote name='0175westwood29' timestamp='1497174114' post='3316250'] feel like i say this alot, but the stymon ojai has to be worth a shout, 5x 500ma double isolated outputs. i also use a gigrig isolator to turn one of the outs into 4x100/120ma outputs with another level of isolation, works really well and the Ojai is tiny [/quote] This one has been on my radar but I wanted to find out if the outputs could handle the Digitech. I ought to drop them a line!

[quote name='elephantgrey' timestamp='1497130436' post='3316114'] The gigrig timelord will probably do to isolate the digitech. (Specs for it below from its manual) I couldn't find the current requirement for your wireless, I just found that it's center positive. Might be able to run it of a pedal supply with an adaptor. (And isolate it if current is low enough). Should be able to fit this blow a board. Depending on brand. [/quote] Will I need one for the Digitech and one for the SmoothHound? (I have a centre positive adaptor for the SH)

[quote name='CameronJ' timestamp='1497123738' post='3316055'] My "in progress" board is being powered by a couple of Rockboard Power LT XLs. They each have 2 9v outputs which run at 1A apiece. I've dedicated one output to my Smooth Hound (with a Gigrig Timelord and polarity reversing adapter in between) and have daisy chains running from the 3 outputs I have left. I could have gotten away with just the one Power LT but I decided 2 would be best for battery life. Having 2 power sources isolates my effects into 2 completely separate groups by default which is a nice bonus even without the Timelord With my setup, [b]you could dedicate one Rockboard LT XL to just the Digitech and the Smooth Hound[/b] - The Digitech plugged straight in and the Smooth Hound with a Timelord feeding it. The second LT XL will then happily power your remaining pedals. The whole setup costs around £140 and leaves you with just a single cable running from your board to your amp. You won't look back! [/quote] I'd have to try it, but the Digitech won't play ball with any other pedal daisy chained to it, even off of a battery pack, though I haven't tried a 'semi-isolated' supply (the type that isn't galvanically isolated) .

I really appreciate all the replies, some great stuff here for me to take a closer look at and I'll reply after a geekathon. Keep 'em coming! (I've even thought about building my own PSU!)

I thought it'd be fun to make a little pedal board for gigs. My version of a 'fly rig' if you will. I started it several weeks ago but really have just been utterly frustrated and an ready to ditch the idea. The pedals are: Smoothound Wireless TC Tuner TC Compressor EBS Sheehan Deluxe TC SubnUp TC Dreamscape Digitech Solo XT Micro DI. They won't all run from one power supply. I'll need at least three. The wireless wants it's own supply and so does the Digitech. The Digitech won't play ball with most isolated power supplies because it needs nearly 1A at boot time. Find me a small distro that can do that which didn't cost a fortune lol. I want to use the XT Solo as I can save tracks and recall pre-recorded loops. Most loopers can't do this. So my fly rig has got to now include a mains brick and a few adaptors. No longer small. In my dream world, manufacturers would agree to a standard where units could all share the same supply. Oh well. Do I give up functionality to get the small board? Ideally having these pedals I don't really want to have to cough up too much more to make this work.