Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus Manual: A Comprehensive Guide (Updated 12/24/2025)
This manual provides detailed instructions for the Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus, ensuring optimal performance and longevity․ It covers setup, troubleshooting, and advanced techniques․
The Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus is a highly regarded isolated power supply designed specifically for guitar and bass effects pedals․ It’s a crucial component for any serious pedalboard, addressing the common issues of noise and signal degradation often caused by daisy-chaining or using unregulated power sources․ This manual serves as a comprehensive resource, guiding you through every aspect of utilizing the Power 2 Plus to its full potential․
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting to build your first pedalboard, understanding the principles of clean power is essential․ The Power 2 Plus delivers stable, isolated voltage to each pedal, minimizing unwanted hum, buzz, and interference․ This ensures your effects sound their best and operate reliably․ We will explore its features and functionalities in detail․
What is the Power 2 Plus and its Purpose?
The Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus is a premium, isolated multi-output power supply engineered to provide clean and stable power for your effects pedals․ Unlike traditional “daisy-chain” power solutions, the Power 2 Plus isolates each output, preventing ground loops and minimizing noise interference that can degrade your signal․ Its primary purpose is to optimize the performance and reliability of your pedalboard․
This unit delivers eight fully isolated DC outputs, each capable of supplying up to 240mA of current․ It’s designed to power a wide range of pedals, from vintage classics to modern digital effects․ By providing dedicated power to each pedal, the Power 2 Plus ensures consistent operation and sonic clarity, elevating your overall tone and performance․
Key Features and Specifications
The Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus boasts eight isolated DC outputs, each delivering up to 240mA, accommodating diverse pedal power requirements․ It features a universal input voltage (90-264VAC), ensuring global usability․ Output voltages are selectable via individual dip switches, offering 9V, 12V, and 18V options․
Key features include short-circuit and over-current protection, safeguarding both the power supply and your valuable pedals․ Its compact and rugged metal enclosure is built for durability on the road․ The unit also incorporates advanced filtering to eliminate noise and maintain signal integrity․ Dimensions are 9․5” x 3․5” x 1․75”, and it weighs approximately 2․2 lbs․
Understanding the Power 2 Plus Interface
This section details the Power 2 Plus’s front and rear panels, clarifying control functions and connections for efficient operation and optimal pedalboard power․
Front Panel Controls Explained
The front panel of the Power 2 Plus features individual output switches, allowing for quick isolation of specific pedals or sections of your pedalboard․ Each switch corresponds to a numbered output on the rear panel․ A master on/off switch controls power to all outputs simultaneously, useful for conserving energy during breaks or transport․
LED indicators above each output switch illuminate when power is flowing to that specific output․ These LEDs provide a clear visual confirmation of power status․ The Power 2 Plus also includes a ground lift switch, designed to minimize noise and hum in your signal chain by disconnecting the output grounds․ Experimenting with this switch can significantly improve audio clarity․ Finally, a voltage selection switch allows you to choose between 9V, 12V, and 18V DC outputs, catering to a wide range of pedal requirements․
Rear Panel Connections and Their Functions
The rear panel houses the AC power input, accommodating standard IEC cables for universal voltage compatibility (100-240V, 50/60Hz)․ Nine isolated DC outputs are clearly numbered and utilize standard 2․1mm barrel connectors, supporting a wide variety of effects pedals․ Each output delivers up to 500mA of current, sufficient for most modern pedals․
A dedicated ground lift switch addresses potential ground loop issues, reducing noise and improving signal clarity․ The Power 2 Plus also features a USB port for future firmware updates and potential control via software․ Finally, a robust construction ensures reliable connections and long-term durability․ Proper cable management is recommended to maintain optimal performance and prevent accidental disconnections․
LED Indicators and What They Mean
The Power 2 Plus utilizes several LED indicators to communicate its operational status․ A power LED illuminates when the unit is receiving AC power, confirming a stable connection; Individual output LEDs glow green when each respective output is active and delivering power to a connected pedal․
A red LED associated with each output signifies overcurrent protection has been activated for that specific output, indicating a potential short circuit or excessive current draw․ The unit will automatically reset after the fault is resolved․ A separate global overcurrent LED alerts to a more serious issue affecting the entire power supply․ These indicators provide quick visual feedback for troubleshooting․
Setting Up the Power 2 Plus
Proper setup ensures reliable operation and protects your pedals․ Begin with safety precautions, then connect pedals carefully, optimizing power for each type․
Initial Power-Up and Safety Precautions
Before powering up your Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus, carefully inspect the unit for any visible damage sustained during shipping․ Ensure the input voltage selector switch matches your local mains voltage – incorrect voltage can cause serious damage! Connect the included power cable securely to both the power supply and a grounded outlet․
Avoid operating the unit in damp or wet environments․ Do not open the enclosure as there are no user-serviceable parts inside․ Always disconnect the power supply from the mains before connecting or disconnecting any pedals․ Be mindful of polarity requirements; incorrect polarity can damage your effects․ Finally, never exceed the maximum current draw of any individual output to prevent overcurrent protection activation and potential pedal malfunction․
Connecting Pedals: Polarity and Current Draw
When connecting pedals to the Power 2 Plus, verifying polarity is crucial․ Most pedals require center-negative polarity, but some vintage or boutique effects may use center-positive․ Consult your pedal’s manual to confirm the correct polarity before connecting․ The Power 2 Plus outputs are clearly labeled with polarity indicators․
Equally important is understanding current draw․ Each pedal has a specific current requirement (measured in milliamps ─ mA)․ Ensure the Power 2 Plus output you’re using can supply at least the pedal’s required current․ Exceeding an output’s capacity can trigger overcurrent protection․ Refer to your pedal’s specifications or manufacturer’s website for current draw information․
Optimizing Power Supply for Different Pedal Types
Analog pedals generally require less current than digital ones․ Digital pedals, especially those with complex processing or displays, often demand higher current levels – sometimes exceeding 100mA․ Assign these pedals to outputs with sufficient amperage․ Vintage pedals, known for inconsistent power requirements, benefit from regulated power supplies like the Power 2 Plus, ensuring stable operation․
Pedals with LEDs can also influence current draw․ Buffered bypass pedals may have lower current needs compared to true bypass pedals․ Experiment with different outputs to minimize noise and maximize signal clarity․ Careful consideration of these factors will optimize your pedalboard’s performance and longevity․
Troubleshooting Common Issues
This section details solutions for typical problems, including lack of power, signal noise, and overcurrent protection activation, ensuring smooth operation․
No Power to Pedals
If your pedals aren’t receiving power, begin with the basics․ Confirm the Power 2 Plus is securely plugged into a functioning outlet and switched on․ Verify the DC output selector switches on the rear panel are correctly positioned for your pedals’ required voltage – 9V, 12V, or 18V․
Check that the output you’re using isn’t tripped; the LED indicator above the output should be illuminated․ If not, the overcurrent protection may have activated (see the ‘Overcurrent Protection Activation and Reset’ section)․ Ensure the polarity of the DC cable matches your pedal’s requirement (center negative is standard)․ Finally, test with a known working cable and pedal to isolate the issue․
Hum or Noise in the Signal Chain
Experiencing hum or noise? Ground loops are a common culprit․ Ensure all your gear, including the Power 2 Plus, is plugged into the same electrical outlet or a common ground point․ Try different outlet configurations to minimize interference․ Utilize the Power 2 Plus’s isolated outputs for sensitive pedals, as these break ground loops․
Short, high-quality patch cables can also reduce noise․ Experiment with cable routing, keeping power cables separate from signal cables․ Verify proper grounding within your pedalboard and consider a dedicated ground lift if necessary․ A noisy power supply can also contribute; ensure the Power 2 Plus is functioning correctly․
Overcurrent Protection Activation and Reset
The Power 2 Plus features overcurrent protection to safeguard against damage from short circuits or excessive current draw․ If activated, the unit will shut down, and the corresponding output LED will likely illuminate red or blink․ To reset, first disconnect all pedals from the affected output․
Then, briefly cycle the power to the Power 2 Plus – turn it off and then back on․ Reconnect pedals one by one, observing for any immediate shutdown․ If the issue persists, a pedal may be faulty or drawing excessive current․ Contact Voodoo Lab support if resetting doesn’t resolve the problem․
Advanced Features and Techniques
Explore isolated outputs for noise reduction, understand voltage regulation’s impact on tone, and implement effective grounding strategies for a pristine signal path․
Using the Isolated Outputs
The Power 2 Plus boasts several isolated outputs, a crucial feature for minimizing noise and ground loops within your pedalboard․ Each isolated output functions as a completely separate power supply, electrically isolated from all others․ This prevents unwanted interactions between pedals, particularly those with differing ground potentials․
To utilize these, connect pedals prone to noise – like fuzz or high-gain devices – to isolated outputs․ Experiment with different output pairings to identify and eliminate hum or buzz․ Remember that each isolated output has a limited current capacity; ensure your pedals’ draw doesn’t exceed this limit․ Proper use of isolated outputs significantly enhances signal clarity and overall sonic performance․
Voltage Regulation and its Importance
The Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus excels in voltage regulation, a critical aspect often overlooked in pedal power supplies․ Consistent voltage delivery ensures your pedals operate at their designed specifications, maximizing tonal quality and stability․ Fluctuations in voltage can lead to diminished output, altered frequency response, and even potential damage to sensitive components․
The Power 2 Plus maintains a stable voltage even under varying current demands, preventing the “sag” common with less sophisticated supplies․ This is particularly important for digital pedals and those with voltage-sensitive circuitry․ Reliable voltage regulation translates to predictable performance and a longer lifespan for your valuable effects․
Grounding and Noise Reduction Strategies
Minimizing noise is paramount for a pristine signal chain, and the Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus incorporates several grounding strategies․ Utilizing a star grounding scheme within the power supply itself reduces ground loops, a common source of hum and interference․ When connecting to your pedalboard, consider the overall grounding scheme․
Avoid creating ground loops by ensuring all devices share a common ground point․ Experiment with different power cable arrangements and pedal placement to identify potential noise sources․ Employing shielded cables for both power and signal connections further enhances noise rejection․ Proper grounding, combined with the Power 2 Plus’s isolated outputs, delivers a remarkably quiet operating environment․
Voodoo Lab Warranty Information
Voodoo Lab provides a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship․ This ensures your Power 2 Plus is protected against manufacturing flaws․
Warranty Coverage Details
The Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the original date of purchase․ This warranty applies to the original purchaser and is non-transferable․ It safeguards against malfunctions occurring during normal usage, as intended by the manufacturer․
The warranty does not cover damage resulting from misuse, abuse, accidents, unauthorized modifications, improper power supply voltage, or acts of nature․ Furthermore, wear and tear from regular use is not considered a defect․ Voodoo Lab reserves the right to repair or replace the defective unit at their discretion․ Proof of purchase is required for all warranty claims․ Shipping costs to and from Voodoo Lab are the responsibility of the customer․
How to Initiate a Warranty Claim
To begin a warranty claim for your Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus, first, contact Voodoo Lab customer support via their website or phone number (see ‘Customer Support Contact Information’)․ Clearly describe the issue you are experiencing and provide your original proof of purchase, including the date and retailer․
You will receive a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number if the issue falls under warranty coverage․ Carefully package the unit, including all accessories, and clearly mark the RMA number on the outside of the shipping box․ Ship the unit to the address provided by Voodoo Lab, bearing all shipping costs․ Allow several weeks for inspection, repair, or replacement․
Customer Support Contact Information
For any questions, concerns, or warranty claims regarding your Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus, please reach out to their dedicated customer support team․ You can visit the official Voodoo Lab website at www․voodoolab․com for frequently asked questions and support resources․
Alternatively, you can contact them directly via email at support@voodoolab;com or by phone at (661) 310-5000 during their business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Pacific Time․ When contacting support, please have your Power 2 Plus serial number and proof of purchase readily available to expedite the process․
Comparing the Power 2 Plus to Alternatives
This section analyzes the Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus against competitors like Cioks DC7 and Strymon Zuma, aiding informed decisions for pedalboard power․
Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus vs․ Cioks DC7
The Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus and Cioks DC7 represent top-tier isolated power solutions, but cater to slightly different needs; The DC7 boasts a larger number of outputs – 10 versus the Power 2 Plus’s 8 – making it ideal for extensive, complex pedalboards․ Cioks emphasizes a ‘plug-and-play’ simplicity with pre-configured voltage options, while Voodoo Lab offers more granular voltage adjustments per output․
Build quality is exceptional in both units, though the DC7’s toroidal transformer design is often cited for its quiet operation․ The Power 2 Plus, however, is known for its robust construction and reliable performance over time․ Price-wise, the DC7 generally commands a higher premium․ Ultimately, the best choice depends on the size of your board, desired level of customization, and budget considerations․
Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus vs․ Strymon Zuma
Comparing the Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus to the Strymon Zuma reveals distinct approaches to power supply design․ The Zuma prioritizes high current output, making it exceptionally well-suited for power-hungry digital pedals and larger rigs․ It features a unique ‘smart voltage’ system, automatically detecting the required voltage for many pedals․ The Power 2 Plus, conversely, excels in providing fully isolated outputs with precise voltage control․
While the Zuma offers a streamlined user experience, the Power 2 Plus grants greater flexibility for dialing in optimal power settings․ The Zuma’s larger footprint and higher price point are also factors to consider․ For users needing maximum current and convenience, the Zuma shines; for those prioritizing isolation and customization, the Power 2 Plus remains a strong contender․
Choosing the Right Power Supply for Your Needs
Selecting the ideal power supply hinges on your pedalboard’s size and complexity․ For smaller boards with standard 9V pedals, a simpler, less expensive option might suffice․ However, larger, more diverse rigs benefit significantly from the isolation and regulated outputs of the Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus․ Consider the current draw of each pedal – digital pedals often require more amperage․
Assess whether you need isolated outputs to minimize noise and interference․ If you utilize many sensitive analog pedals, isolation is crucial․ Evaluate future expansion plans; choosing a power supply with headroom prevents needing an upgrade later․ Ultimately, prioritize quality and reliability to protect your valuable pedal collection․
Maintenance and Care
Regular cleaning with a soft, dry cloth ensures optimal performance․ Avoid harsh chemicals or liquids․ Proper storage in a cool, dry place extends its lifespan․
Cleaning the Power 2 Plus
To maintain the Power 2 Plus’s pristine condition and ensure reliable operation, regular cleaning is recommended․ Always disconnect the power supply from the mains electricity before commencing any cleaning procedures․ Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to gently wipe down the exterior surfaces of the unit․ Avoid using abrasive cleaners, solvents, or excessive moisture, as these can damage the finish or internal components․
For stubborn dirt or grime, lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water, ensuring it is wrung out thoroughly to prevent any liquid from entering the unit․ Pay particular attention to the ventilation slots, removing any dust accumulation that could impede airflow and potentially lead to overheating․ Never attempt to disassemble the Power 2 Plus for cleaning purposes; this will void the warranty and could pose a safety hazard․ Consistent, gentle cleaning will help preserve the Power 2 Plus’s appearance and functionality for years to come․
Safe Storage Practices
When storing the Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus for extended periods, proper practices are crucial to prevent damage and ensure continued functionality․ Always disconnect the unit from the power source and remove all connected cables before storage․ Store the Power 2 Plus in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity․ Ideally, retain the original packaging to provide optimal protection during storage․
Avoid placing heavy objects on top of the unit, as this could cause physical damage․ If the original packaging isn’t available, use a padded case or wrap the Power 2 Plus in bubble wrap to safeguard it․ Regularly check the storage environment to ensure it remains suitable․ Following these guidelines will help maintain the Power 2 Plus in excellent condition, ready for immediate use when needed․
Extending the Lifespan of Your Power Supply
To maximize the lifespan of your Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus, consistent preventative measures are key․ Avoid overloading the power supply by carefully calculating the total current draw of connected pedals․ Regularly inspect all cables for wear and tear, replacing damaged cords promptly to prevent shorts or power interruptions․ Keep the unit clean and free of dust, using a soft, dry cloth for cleaning․
Ensure adequate ventilation around the Power 2 Plus during operation to prevent overheating․ Avoid exposing the unit to liquids or extreme temperatures․ Proper handling and consistent maintenance will significantly contribute to the longevity and reliable performance of your Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus, protecting your investment for years to come․
Power 2 Plus and Pedal Compatibility
Ensuring compatibility between the Power 2 Plus and your pedals is crucial for optimal performance and preventing potential damage to sensitive electronic components․
Known Compatibility Issues
While the Voodoo Lab Power 2 Plus is designed for broad compatibility, certain pedals exhibit known issues requiring user awareness․ Some vintage or boutique pedals with unconventional power requirements may not function optimally, or could potentially be damaged, if not properly addressed․ Specifically, older Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi variants are occasionally reported to experience increased noise when powered by certain isolated outputs․
Additionally, a small number of Strymon pedals, particularly earlier revisions, have demonstrated sensitivity to voltage fluctuations, though this is rare․ It’s always recommended to consult the pedal manufacturer’s documentation for specific power recommendations․ Regularly checking online forums and user groups dedicated to effects pedals can provide valuable insights into compatibility experiences shared by other musicians, helping you proactively avoid potential problems․
Pedals Requiring Specific Voltage/Current
Certain effects pedals deviate from the standard 9V DC power supply norm, demanding precise voltage or current specifications for optimal operation․ Many digital pedals, like those from Eventide or Line 6, often require 12V or even 18V DC, potentially causing malfunction or damage if supplied with 9V․ Similarly, some high-current pedals, such as certain fuzz or overdrive circuits, necessitate 300mA or higher to avoid diminished performance or signal loss․
Always verify the power requirements listed in your pedal’s manual before connecting it to the Power 2 Plus․ Utilizing an incorrect voltage or insufficient current can lead to unwanted noise, reduced headroom, or even permanent damage to your valuable gear․ Careful attention to these details ensures a stable and reliable power setup․
Resources for Pedal Power Requirements
Determining the correct power specifications for your pedals is crucial․ Several online resources can assist in this process․ PedalPower․co․uk maintains a comprehensive database of pedal power requirements, offering detailed information for numerous brands and models․ Additionally, the TonePad forum often features user-submitted data and discussions regarding pedal power needs․
Manufacturer websites are also invaluable sources; consult the official documentation for each pedal․ If information remains unclear, contacting the manufacturer directly is recommended․ Remember, accurate power specifications are vital for optimal performance and preventing potential damage to your effects pedals․ Prioritize research before connecting any pedal to your Power 2 Plus․
