Voodoo Lab Pedal Power AC User Manual

PEDAL POWER

AC

User’s Manual

Please visit our web site at:

www.voodoolab.com

Copyright 2005 by Digital Music Corporation.

This publication is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved.
No part of it may be reproduced or transmitted by any means or in
any form without the express prior consent in writing from Digital
Music Corporation.

Voodoo Lab and Pedal Power are trademarks of Digital Music Corp.

VOODOO LAB PEDAL POWER AC

User’s Manual

Introduction

The Voodoo Lab Pedal Power AC is the finest power
supply available for AC powered guitar effects and
accessories. It’s the only professional solution for
powering vacuum tube overdrives and effects, MIDI
footcontrollers, and high current digital processors-­without cumbersome and noise inducing wall warts.

The Pedal Power AC provides four isolated outputs, two
9VAC and two selectable between 9 and 12VAC. Each
output is short-circuit protected and completely isolated.
This insures reliable operation, free of hum and noise.

Please take the time to read this entire manual before
operating your Voodoo Lab Pedal Power AC. This will
eliminate the possibility of damage from improper usage.
You can also visit our web site at www.voodoolab.com
for the latest information on this and other products.

Unpacking

Your Voodoo Lab Pedal Power AC box should contain
the following:

Pedal Power AC system unit.
Warranty card.
AC mains line cord.
AC power cables:

5.5x2.5mm barrel (4) - red both ends

5.5x2.1mm barrel (2) - one end black

Please take a moment to fill out and mail your warranty
card. This will register your warranty and allow us to
notify you with updates and new product information.
Don’t worry, we respect your privacy and never sell our
mailing list.

System Unit Description

1. AC mains auxiliary. Note the 200 watt maximum
rating.

2. AC mains power input jack. This is a standard “IEC­type” connector.

3. Power indicator. This LED indicates the Pedal Power
AC system unit is operating.

4. 9VAC output jacks (2). Each output provides up to
600mA.

5. Selectable 9VAC/12VAC output jacks (2 sets). Use
either jack from each set to select the correct voltage.
Each output provides up to 1200mA.

AC vs. DC

“DC” stands for Direct Current. This means that the flow
of electricity is always in one direction. DC power
connections will always have a polarity (like “center
negative” or “tip positive”) because you need to specify
which direction the electrical current should flow.

“AC” stands for Alternating Current. This means the flow
of electricity alternates, first in one direction, then back
the other way. Since it always goes in both directions,
there is no polarity and the plugs can’t be wired
backwards.

CAUTION: The Voodoo Lab Pedal Power AC should only

be used with devices that require AC power. The
device you’re trying to power should be clearly
marked as needing 9VAC or 12VAC. If it isn’t, you
need to verify its power requirements. Attempting to
power a DC operated device with an AC power
source can cause permanent damage!!

Connections

The Voodoo Lab Pedal Power AC has four outputs and
six output jacks. These accept barrel type connectors and
have a 2.5mm center pin.

The two individual 9VAC outputs on the left will provide
up to 600mA each.

The two pairs of jacks on the right will provide up to
1200mA each at either 9VAC or 12VAC. Select the
correct voltage by using the corresponding jack. You can’t
use both 9VAC and 12VAC from the same pair at the
same time. It won’t work. Don’t even try.

Cables

Two different cable types are provided with the Pedal
Power AC. The most common type has red connectors on
both ends. The other type has red and black connectors.

Red connectors are 2.5mm center and black are 2.1mm.
Connect red ends to the Pedal Power AC.

Most AC powered devices will also use the red 2.5mm
plugs, however a few use black 2.1mm (the industry
standard is to use 2.5mm for AC and 2.1mm for DC).

Since the red plug has a hole to accomodate the 2.5mm
pin, it will also fit over the smaller 2.1mm. Don’t do this!
It will appear to work, but since the connectors do not
mate snugly, the connections will be unreliable.

How can you tell which to use? Easy! Try the smaller
black end first. If it fits, use it. If it doesn’t, use a red one.

Operation

Using the above information, connect the AC power
cables between the Pedal Power outputs and the power
jack on each device. Now connect the AC line cord from
the AC mains power input on the Pedal Power AC to a
suitable outlet. The red LED power indicator should light
telling you that it’s working properly.

Power Requirements

Generally, the power requirement marked on the device
matches the manufacturer’s supplied adapter. This does
not indicate the actual current used, only the maximum
available from the adapter. Often the same adapter is used
for many different products.

For example, the Line6 modeling pedals are marked
1200mA. In fact, all models as of this writing draw less
than 200mA.

As long as your device requires AC at 9V or 12V, just try
it. You won’t damage anything.

Protection

Your Pedal Power AC is designed to be fault tolerant.
This means that if you try to power a defective device or
use a bad cable, it will simply turn off that output until the
problem is corrected. Similarly, if you try to power
something that requires more current than the Pedal
Power AC can provide, it switches off only that output.
As they say, “the show must go on!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t my effect power up?

Many guitar effects are switched on by plugging into
the input jack. Check this first.

I bought my Pedal Power AC in the U.S. and I will be
touring Europe, will it work there?

We build different versions of the Pedal Power AC
for each mains input voltage. The U.S. model will
only work from 120V. You will need a step-down
transformer to use it in Europe at 240V.

Can the Pedal Power AC fit in a rack?

The height of the Pedal Power AC was intentionally
kept to 1-3/4 inches so that it can fit in one rack
space. This allows you to mount it on a sliding shelf
with some effects.

What if I need a special cable?

Contact Voodoo Lab for additional or custom cables.

What is a toroidal transformer and why does my Pedal
Power AC have one?

Power transformers create a magnetic field that can
induce hum and noise in your effects. A toroidal
transformer has a specially designed core that greatly
reduces this field. The Pedal Power AC uses this type
of transformer so that your pedal board is quiet.

Specifications

Input: IEC connector

Check label on base for input power:

• 100V 60Hz (Japan)

• 120V 60Hz (North America)

• 230V 50/60Hz (Europe/Australia)

Outputs: 5.5x2.5mm barrel connectors

Two 9VAC at 600mA

Two selectable 9/12VAC at 1200mA

Short circuit and overcurrent protected.

Physical: 6” wide x 3.4” deep x 1.75” tall
(152x86x45mm)

Weight 2 lbs. (0.9 kg).

Special: Toroidal power transformer.

Auxiliary AC outlet, 200 watts max.

Warranty

Voodoo Lab warrants this product against defects that are
due to faulty material or workmanship for a period of five
years from the date of original retail purchase. This
warranty does not include damage to the product
resulting from accident or misuse. This warranty is given
to the original purchaser only and it is not assignable to
any other person.

If the product should become defective within the
warranty period, Voodoo Lab will repair it or replace it
free of charge, provided it is returned freight prepaid to
Voodoo Lab with a valid RMA (return material
authorization) number.

This warranty shall not apply to any goods that have been
repaired or altered by anyone other than the
manufacturer. There are no warranties which extend
beyond the terms described herein.

Should you experience any difficulty with this Voodoo
Lab product, contact us as described below. If it is
determined that the product must be returned to the
factory for repair, you will be issued an RMA and given
shipping and packaging instructions.

How to Reach Us

You can reach us by any of the following:

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Mail: Voodoo Lab

1320A Industrial Avenue

Petaluma, CA 94952

Email: [e-mail]

Website: www.voodoolab.com