Pedals need power. For those that still run on 9-volt batteries, or at least provide the option, nothing could be more of a hassle for a gigging guitarist or bassist than maintaining fresh batteries for every performance. The simple solution is investing in a dedicated power supply, often called a “brick,” with a set number of DC outputs to wire your board. According to our review, juice in the form of the MXR DC Brick power supply is a slick and reliable way to fire up your pedalboard.
What Is a Guitar Pedal Power Supply & When Would You Use One?
A guitar pedal power supply is a singular unit with multiple DC outputs (usually 9V, 12V, or 18V, sometimes combined or selectable) used to connect and send power to pedals. It eliminates wildly inconvenient wall-wart style supplies, which, in many cases, offer only one connection for a single pedal.
You should consider a sturdy and reliable brick with clean, noise-free power to run your pedalboard. In fact, it’s pretty much a necessity. Without a dedicated power supply, you’d find yourself using multiple 9V power adapters, having to plug those into a power strip with their bulky connectors, and ultimately fussing around with a lot of extra equipment, extra cable tangles, and extra hassle — for nothing!
What Are the Different Types of Power Supplies?
Power supplies of the brick variety are all relatively similar. One feature to keep an eye on is whether the supply is isolated or not, meaning each individual DC output is its own self-contained power source. This drastically reduces the potential for noise/hum in your signal chain.
Most basic power bricks contain multiple 9V outputs and perhaps one or two 18V outputs for power-hungry pedals. Some give players the option to switch voltages depending on their pedals and power needs. Also, certain pedals rely on voltages lower than 9V to achieve a particular sound, so occasionally a supply “sags” for those instances.
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The final feature to be aware of is how many milliamps (mA) a pedal draws and the maximum milliamperage an output provides. Truthfully, any reputable power supply is built to be a near-universal match for the majority of pedals/pedalboards. Unless you have some oddball boutique pedals with strange power requirements, you likely don’t have to worry about a brick’s compatibility with your gear.
These are most of the defining factors that separate the different types of power supplies.
MXR DC Brick Power Supply Review: Does It Deserve a Spot on Your Board?
It only makes sense that the Jim Dunlop company — the brand responsible for numerous classic pedals under both Dunlop and MXR headers — knows a thing or two about DC power supplies. The MXR DC Brick is a no-frills pedalboard companion designed to withstand the rigors of the road, reliably supplying the juice your effects require.
Specs & Construction
The MXR DC Brick includes eight 9V outputs and two 18V outputs. Each input has its own LED that lights red to indicate a short in the circuit. The Brick comes with the necessary AC adapter to plug it into the wall, as well as all of the associated cables to run from the power outputs to the pedals themselves.
The unit has a rugged brushed metal enclosure to ensure reliable functionality for years to come. It’s also smaller than many competitors, so it doesn’t have to take up a lot of valuable pedalboard real estate.
How Quiet Is It?
The baseline MXR DC Brick is surprisingly quiet for an entry-level, beginner supply. This is a non-isolated brick (more on that below), so it isn’t completely immune to noise. There’s always the potential for interference, especially when playing live where there are a lot of unpredictable factors, such as bad electrical wiring. You might also run into problems with noise if you have multiple gain staging pedals, particularly high-gain distortions.
However, the DC Brick withstands most offenses within average use.
Is It a Versatile Option for Most Guitar Players?
Yes, the MXR DC Brick power supply is definitely a versatile product for most guitar and bass players. A total of 10 outputs is enough for small to mid-sized boards, and the unit itself is designed to provide clean, reliable power to the vast majority of pedals on the market.
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The MXR DC Brick is also extremely affordable — it should be an easy choice for any first-time power supply shoppers.
MXR DC Brick vs. ISO-Brick: What’s the Difference?
MXR’s ISO-Brick ups the ante with some key features not found in the standard Brick. For one, it consists of six 9V outputs at various mA, two 18V outputs, and two selectable outputs ranging from 6V to 18V. The other main feature is that each of the 10 power outputs is completely isolated, which means there’s absolute zero chance of a ground loop and obnoxious noise or interference.
In short, the ISO-Brick is an upgrade from the regular DC Brick. Naturally, the price reflects it, but thankfully it isn’t a drastic enough jump to totally rule the ISO out if you’ve already had your eye on the entry-level Brick.
How Can I Know Which Is Better for Me?
An isolated power supply can be a lifesaver for gigging musicians who play out a lot and frequently contend with all of the shortcomings of various venues. It’s protection from ground loops and hum, which is a big deal live. There’s also the chance your pedals themselves start interfering with each other, and again, an isolated supply can remedy that.
Professional users would likely opt for the additional protection the ISO-Brick offers, while more casual players can absolutely get away with the standard MXR DC Brick.
Closing Thoughts: Once Again MXR Proves They Are the King of the Pedalboard
The MXR DC Brick isn’t the fanciest piece of gear on the planet, but it does a job and does it well. This entry-level power supply for effects pedals is affordable, reliable, solidly constructed, and fully equipped with all of the cabling to wire up a pedalboard straight out of the box. You really can’t ask for much more!