Start by listing every pedal’s required power type, voltage, polarity, connector and current draw from its manual or specification page. Choose an adapter or multi-output supply whose available outputs meet those requirements; a plug that fits is not enough to confirm compatibility. If you plan to daisy-chain pedals, check the maker’s instructions and the combined current draw before connecting them.
A pedalboard power supply should match the requirements of every pedal on the board. Write down each pedal’s power type, voltage, polarity, connector and current draw first, then compare that list with the supply’s output labels and manual.
Make a power list before you shop
For each pedal, record:
- Power type and voltage: Use the value and AC or DC marking in the pedal manual or beside its power input.
- Polarity and connector: Check the power symbol and connector details in the manual. A connector that physically fits may still be wired differently.
- Current draw: Record the milliamp requirement for each pedal. If pedals share a supply, add their current draws and compare the total with the supply’s stated capacity.
- Output arrangement: Note how many separate outputs the board needs and whether each output can provide the voltage and current required by its pedal.
Roland’s BOSS guidance says to check the current draw for every pedal on a daisy chain. It also says a compatible 9-volt supply with more current capacity is acceptable for the BOSS pedals covered by that guidance, while a higher voltage is not. Treat that as model-specific advice and follow other makers’ manuals for their products.
Daisy chain or separate outputs?
A daisy chain can power multiple compatible pedals from one supply connection. It is a practical fit when the pedal makers allow it and the combined load stays within the supply limit. A supply with separate outputs gives you more ways to match different pedal requirements, but check each outlet’s stated current capacity instead of relying only on the total printed on the unit.
Some BOSS pedalboards and effects support daisy-chain power; Roland also advises using separate power for certain larger devices. If the board behaves unusually or a manual specifies a dedicated supply, follow that model’s instructions. Do not put a pedal that requires a different voltage on an output that does not provide it.
Check the whole board layout
Count outputs for your current pedals, then leave room for any near-term additions. Check cable direction and connector sizes, where the supply can mount, the board’s available clearance, and whether its mains adapter fits your outlet location. Keep the power plan beside your pedal list so you can recheck it when a pedal changes.
Our guitar pedal order guide covers signal routing, and the guitar amp guide explains how the pedalboard connects to an amp. Browse the guitars and bass category for more setup guidance.
Sources
- Roland BOSS Support: Powering Multiple Effects Pedals (accessed November 5, 2026)
- Roland BOSS Support: Will my BOSS pedal board provide sufficient power to all my pedals? (accessed November 5, 2026)
Common questions
How much current does a pedalboard power supply need?
Add the current draw of the pedals connected to each shared supply and compare it with the supply’s specified capacity. With individual outputs, check each output’s stated current capacity as well as the unit’s total limit, then follow the pedal makers’ instructions.
Can I use a power supply with more milliamps than a pedal needs?
Roland says a BOSS pedal can use a compatible 9-volt supply with equal or greater current capacity, but the voltage must not exceed the pedal requirement. Check the exact pedal manual for voltage, power type, polarity and connector before applying that guidance to another model.
Do guitar pedals need isolated power outputs?
Not every pedalboard requires isolated outputs. Roland documents daisy-chain options for certain BOSS pedals and recommends separate power for some larger devices, so use the exact maker instructions and isolate a pedal when its manual calls for it.