Q. What if I'm using multiple pedals? Do I need to buy a power supply for each?
A. You have some different options when it comes to powering multiple pedals.
You don't necessarily need individual power supplies for each pedal.
Below are some options to explore for powering multiple BOSS pedals/pedalboards.
First option: There is the daisy chain solution.
The PCS-20A allows for powering multiple BOSS compact pedals from a single pedal like the LS-2, TU-3, or NS-2, for these specific BOSS stompbox models, you only need to power this first pedal in your chain with a PSA or PSB-1U power supply connected to the power INPUT.
See photo below of LS-2, TU-3, NS-2 BOSS pedal power IN and OUT specialized option.
**NOTE** The PSA Series will only be able to power approximately 3-5 pedals, depending on their individual draw. To power any more than this, it's advisable to use a PSB-1U power supply, which can power about 8-10 pedals, depending on the total mA current draw.
- PSA Specs: 500mA, 9V, center negative, sleeve positive.
https://www.boss.info/us/support/knowledge_base/201953449/
- PSB-1U Specs: 2000mA, 9V, center negative, sleeve positive.
- BOSS - PCS-20A | Parallel DC Cord
Second option: Some of the pedalboards for BOSS, such as the BCB-90X, feature a built-in junction box for power and instrument input.
The BCB-90X is capable of powering up to 10 individual pedals with it's included daisy chain cabling and includes a PSB-1U power supply.
**NOTE** always make sure to add up the total mA / milliamp current draw for every pedal.
mA current draw specs are documented in ever pedal manual Specification section, or on the pedal specification web page. It is necessary to total up the current mA pedal draw of all pedals on your pedalboard, so that you can use the correct power supply that can provide enough mA power and not under power any pedals. Under powering pedals can lead to odd pedal behavior and temporary/permanent malfunctions.
Third option: You can use either a PSA or PSB-1U power supply with a 3rd party other brand,
"9V power daisy chain lead", with a 9V female connector with several male power lead ends.
These are commercially available and will work connected with a PSA or PSB-1U. The connected power daisy chain will allow for multiple pedals to be powered in series.
Fourth option: Use an individual PSA or PSB-1U power supply for each pedalboard or pedal.
Powering each stompbox or pedalboard with an individual power supply is also acceptable.
Usually this will lead to less potential power issues and power management/organization.
We recommend using individual power supplies for the larger devices like our GT-1000, GT-1000CORE, RC-600, RC-505MKII, SY-1000, BOSS 500 series or 200 series pedals, etc. This will insure the pedal/pedalboard is not starved of adequate power.
However, more power leads for each pedal and power supply will necessitate the use of a power strip and better board layout organization so that the power lead is not accidentally disconnected during performance.
**NOTE** When using a pedalboard or group of pedals, make sure to power the effect chain/pedalboard and amp/monitor from the same power strip or source power outlet. This will help eliminate potential ground, hum and buzz issues.