NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE - Line 6 and Neural DSP NEED To Change This

[@PsionicAudio]

Any 1A supply with a 2.5mm tip negative plug will power the HX. The thing that gets me is they used 2.5mm instead of 2.1mm, and most prefab 2.5mm plugs/cables are wired tip positive. I’m using a single output of a Truetone CS6 and only had to solder on a 2.5mm plug. Most people do not want IEC connections on a “pedal” for a board. A big point many miss is if you have a device like the Fractal that has a built in supply, that device must be tested and certified, which is expensive. Vs designing a product to use a pre-existing separate power supply that has already been tested and certified.

[@frama7844]

Even the 660mA of a Cioks works. But I have a current doubler added just to be safe.

[@joshuacervenkamusic327]

I did this recently with getting the true tone CS6 power supply as well. I've used it for plenty of gigs and it's worked out super well and it isn't a pain in the butt carrying around the HX power supply and being worried if it's going to break or not.

[@nickgriffis3405]

I hear what you're saying john, but as a mechanical design engineer who does a lot of electronics packaging...A/C to DC power supplies take up a lot of space, and generate a lot of heat. They'll get bigger if you add them into the electronics you're talking about. I don't think the stomp is possible in its size if you add the power supply. I do think neural needs to fix the durability of it's power connector.

[@vintagetelefly]

You got the point straight! It would increase the size of the case and it would no longer be as compact as we love it.

[@NFMorley]

Plus interference/electrical noise issues become more likely with integrated power supply - not impossible to overcome, but adds more complexity given the need to convert voltage and rectify to dc. Although with respect to the power connector coming loose, a small cable guide to give some ‘relief’ on cable being strained or pulled out like the older boss ME series multi effects had would be ideal and easy enough to add.

[@tonystartup3817]

True for the hx stomp, though John was kind of suggesting the standard Boss barrel connector for that as much as anything else. It's less forgivable for something like the neural DSP that's bigger, more expensive and supposedly a premium piece of kit

[@nihilistlivesmatter]

but they don't.. switch modes PSU's are discrete and have been for at least a decade...

[@josephkung9143]

The replies here are spot-on. Having the AC/DC PS external allows for a smaller case without any heat generation, noise isolation, but more importantly, if the PS goes bad, you just buy a new one. It's much harder to fix or replace it inside. Maybe an idea is to standardize on an AC/DC converter module that accepts an AC cord and just pops in a design -- like a battery -- and have chassis standardized to that.

[@vincelupone]

A sound guy at a gig once told me “If it doesn’t have an IEC port it’s just a toy.”

[@thepedalreview]

Dude my Dad told me the same thing! ARE THE BOOMERS RIGHT?!

[@FabrizioPeretti]

True. Floor rules.

[@turunturun]

I was this sound guy and I remember telling you this. I stand by my words. It either has an IEC power input, it works with a 9V barrel connector, OR it has “pro” written on it somewhere and it’s pro in name only.

[@bernie_smith]

​@@turunturunPowercon on the side of your board even better. This is why I like the fact that the QC doesn't have an IEC. I power all my stuff with one supply and one easy power cable to the board. The QC's format is ideal for integration with other gear on a board. An IEC input on the QC would just complicate the situation in such a scenario.

[@BeachJazzMusic]

Totally agree. The reason is because to have an internal power supply the main units have to be UL and CE approved in the USA, Asia and Europe and that's a major pain in the ass for most manufacturers that produce tons of pedals. In other words, that means that every single pedal that has an AC input and internal transformer has to be sent in for approval so they circumvent this by just putting a power input jack in it and buy crappy power supplies that are already approved. Even if you use a really good power block like a Cioks or Strymon it's still a pain in the ass because it's just more shit to bring to a gig. It's one of the reason's I'd never use my QC on a gig. I hate pedalboards and the problems that arise from having to use power supplies and every single pedal has to have a a power cable not to mention the connection cables (what could possibly go wrong.) I love my QC but if I ever play out again on a regular basis I'm going to get a Fractal FM9 because it's got an AC chord.

[@xycl2008]

Bullshit, for a CE approval you send them one device. Afterwards you print the CE on all others.

[@BeachJazzMusic]

​@@xycl2008 I seriously doubt you could legally put CE on another device that was different. I probably should have stated that for every model you have to get it approved, not every singe pedal. So for example, a Line 6 Helix needs CE UL approval and then all other Helix's are approved.

[@picksalot1]

The thing that surprises me most about many Power Supplies is that there are often no locking/securing mechanisms to prevent them from being accidentally disconnected from the device. You really don't want your Power Supply to to be jostled lose when performing or recording. It really shouldn't be all that hard to make a clip or latch. 🤷

[@bernie_smith]

I power all my pedals and QC with a CIOKS and use a Powercon locking power connector on the side of the board. Problem solved and this is why I like the fact the QC does not have an IEC. Looking at the comments here, I seem to be in the minority.

[@fcariani]

My tech changed the input on my Stomp to accept a standard 9v DC center negative adapter. It was an expensive repair but the power input jack had broken anyway. There really is no excuse for Line 6 to not simply do this out of the box.

[@89digits59]

Agree - there should be a standard power supply that can run most processors - these power supplies sooner or later just give up, and then they are pretty expensive to replace and sometimes hard to come by, so it's about time these companies come together and decide a wattage and a plug that can be standard across the board.

[@jamesbennettmusic2154]

Something really did change with the HX Stomp though. They put the retail price up by a few hundred quid.

[@MaddMag]

Couldn’t agree more! Either dc9 or iec should be the standard. When my line6 power supply died it was a pain finding a replacement.

[@frankifran5335]

IEC should be a must, specially in pro and expensive gear like Kemper or Quad Cortex

[@bernie_smith]

I like the Quad Cortex precisely because it doesn't have an IEC. I love the form factor of the QC as it perfectly lends itself for integration with other equipment on a board, unlike a Helix for example with its large footprint. Placing a QC on a board with other equipment and having all the items powered from one power cable is my requirement. So in conjunction with a CIOKS supply, powering everything I use on my board, I have a Neutrik Powercon locking connector on the side of my Temple Audio board securely providing the power in. In my opinion a far superior system than having to contend with potentially multiple IEC inputs. In my opinion a Powercon connector is pro, an IEC is just a wobbly kettle lead connector, the input for which can get damaged over time by repeated insertion and removal. So a non IEC input really works if you want to conveniently integrate multiple items on a board, which perhaps many of us QC users want to do, because of its brilliant form factor.

[@stoneyroberts9118]

30 seconds into this video and I’m already with you on this. I have a stomp xl that has already developed a short right where the end plugs into the unit. Not only is it annoying to have to remember the dongle power adapter but the stomp plugs in to close to the bottom of the unit making the cable bend and cause issues. My fractal fm3 is done right and never has issues. Probably the reason I don’t spend time with the stomp anymore

[@AlecBourneMidiMadScientist]

I can well imagine the pure havoc line6 would have faced putting in a standard 2.1mm neg center barrel vs purposely using the 2.5mm. People almost never bother to look up power draw required or even the polarity, it’s grab cables and shove them together and hope for the best. How many posts with people asking about hacking up the existing supply because it is labeled as 3A supply where they figure to daisy chain a few pedals together without any isolation. This was done on purpose to stop pure stupidity on our part. When first released it was made VERY CLEAR that this wasn’t a normal pedal draw and attention must be payed. The use of current doublers is now fairly commonplace yet people still starve their pedals . An IEC lead and you’d never have had a stomp in the dimensions we do now. I think it’s worthy enough compromise the setup as is. People have pause to think a bit before starving and destroying over time a 600quid bit of kit and then complaining about it.

[@andybimson-sp2fx]

If it’s to be used on its own, then an IEC makes sense. If it’s on a board then pedal supply makers just need to provide the adaptors (not combining 3 like with the CS12) I have the Harley Benton Powerbar and it’s one cable from the 3A output for the Stomp. So it’s just an IEC to the Powerbar and you’re good to go. They do a Powerplant PSU that has the same setup.

[@unknownmusicman]

I'm not sure what the correct solution is, but I hate this trend of USB powered everything. It's super convenient, and it works well...until you trip over the cable and the connector is ruined forever. In my experience microUSB and USB-C connectors break very easily, and although you can replace the cable itself you can't replace the connector as easily. I've ruined multiple MIDI controllers (looking at you Arturia) because of flimsy microUSB connections. Luckily both of those devices also had optional 9V power, so I didn't have to just toss them. I just picked up a Tonex One pedal, and I was happy to see that it also has a 9V DC connector. I'll use the USB-C to transfer my amp models and the 9V for when I gig, thank you very much!

[@ksharpe10]

You should see the monster one i have that came with the Vox tonelab se, it was and looks stupid. Love the Fractal proper power cord, power supply inside unit.

[@AC9ZR]

It's one of the reasons I don't bother with them, too many cables and not a standard. You're spot on with all this

[@pedalzone]

I absolutely hate wall warts, but they are a necessary evil sadly. As I understand it after asking a few manufacturers why they use them, all the new safety rules in recent times and the amount of testing and shielding for putting stuff that is more than 50V inside a custom chassis, for relatively small amount of products in the marketplace (yes the music industry is absolutely tiny in reality), is insane. Therefore if any of these small devices had IEC mains AC direct, which on the floor is also not great as that socket can fall out too, it would increase the cost of lots of these boxes massively - probably by 20-30+%. No brand is ever going to do that if they want to be competitive or unless they don't care about volume and are aiming their products to be a higher price in the first place (like the AxeFX or big Helix). I always use a couple of pedals with my mini modeller, even on a fly rig, so a Cioks DC7 does wonders to be honest.

[@itzfinners7458]

As a QC user and gigging guitarist I completely agree. The issue is that the physical size of the unit would have to increase to accomodate the extra circuitry. I think most modern units have 'style' in mind and robustness for cabling/power as an afterthought.

[@PuRe_AdDicT]

Tonemaster Pro - IEC or “kettle lead” as we used to call it 😂

[@yoshowa]

I love that you can power the hx stomp with a couple of different power supplies, but the only one line 6 backs is the mission 529x. The 529x uses 4 outputs to get the power the stomp wants, and can barely power anything else once the stomp is powered. To step up to a cioks you are at 260$ before tax. I know music gear is way overpriced for the tech we are getting, and I’m willing to pay a premium for it but I feel like trying to power the stomp is one of those things where we as consumers are really being taken advantage of. 1spot, mission, not enough overall ma to power a board with a stomp and 2 other high draw pedals, cioks dc7 260$, which is just too expensive, so until there is a 150-180$ power supply, that will do what I need I will continue to use my 20$ hiree supply I got off of Amazon that has 3 outlet spots on top, and just use the stomps wall wart. Sorry for the long comment, but this has frustrated me for years. Thanks for the video.

[@landon.cunningham]

Thanks for making this video! I've been thinking about all these things exactly for a while now and you outlined it just as I would have. Line 6 and Neural - pay attention - he is right on the money.

[@kenphillips3282]

Absolutely agree with you and everyone else. A universal input that will take 100 - 240v mains AC power. Please!!! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@robinr.2233]

Totally agree, I always keep a spare power supply with me on a gig. I reinforced the original cord where it exits the power supply but it's still not great. Also, the worst part of the HX Stomp's enclosure design is where the on/off switch is located right next to the power plug.

[@tonystartup3817]

That would be a fairly standard engineering design approach. Not sure it's the best solution for gigging redundancy though as John pointed out

[@ZaneQuebec]

Having an IEC implies that you have an internal power supply wich can make the stomp quite a bit bigger. I believe that Thoman sells the Harley Benton PowerPlant that has a IEC for input, a few outputs with more than 1000A and the "HX Stomp converter cable" included for something like 120$. This could solve your problem.

[@nihilistlivesmatter]

It doesn't make it that much bigger...the victory & blackstar pedal amps have an internal PSU for example & they drive a cab...the size increase would be marginal

[@jaltsch1]

IEC port I think would require internal PS, HX Stomp would have to be larger? Agree with this video BUT one solution is a one spot with the line 6 converter cable, or another is get a 2.1mm to 2.5mm cable and use any Truetone CS6 port, there seems to be plenty of capacity for this despite the CS6 labelling, I ordered a 2 pack for $8 on Amazon. Agree we shouldn't have to do this, but there are easy solutions out there.

[@moogsick]

I use the Harley Benton power spaceship with the stomp, the integrated power supply runs the HX stomp and pedals

[@derrickshultz6800]

Have you seen the ripcord? It allows you to power gear via usb. I currently use one to power my HX stomp from Ian power adapter and have also run it live via large usb battery. Have also used them to power my in ear transmitter. There is absolutely no reason they couldn’t power all of these multi effects with an onboard usb-c port. They need to get with the times.

[@st1969]

I can’t second this enough. I switched to an FM3 for my small fly rig for exactly this reason. I’d have happily used a stomp xl if the power supply wasn’t total shit.

[@dongonzulman6478]

preach, brother

[@frayman]

The quad cortex also has a major issue with the power supply. Try connecting it to the power and connect only a headphone and nothing else (ofcourse your guitar goes in as well). You will notice some sort of buzzing when you brush your finger along the unit. This is a ground loop issue which neural had promised to fix with a floating ground power supply but they haven't done that yet. Basically they rely on you connecting the unit to some other larger unit (PC, audio interface, mixer etc) for it to not have that ground loop issue. Honestly at that price point, this is unacceptable and should be fixed. I wonder if you get the same issue with FM9/3. The fractal unit is probably the most complete amp modeller out there now.

[@kylefletcher8489]

I agree but I Just put them on a board with a Cioks DC7…

[@TJEvans98]

for an additional $200+ ddollars. I'm using one, and a Crux to power my QC board (yes, there is more stuff on the board as well)....$300 JUST to ensure I can power one pedal.

[@trickfall8752]

I power the Stomp with a Cioks supply, but I totally agree. It's the only negative thing I can say about the Stomp is that I hate the power supply.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Please post something on how to perform that 'harmonic sweep' effect you used .

[@DanCrowley-xh9qo]

I agree completely!

[@davidjoel111]

This is what annoys me the most about most units, if I was a touring musician would stick to either the helix, a kemper or an axfx. Just for the power cable.

[@rhythmguru1]

Truetone Onespot Pro does come with the cables to power a HX stomp (mine is powering a HX Stomp XL). My pedalboard has a single power cable for going to the Onespot and it handles the HX and another 6 or so other pedals. It's fairly expensive and not exactly small, so there is that.

[@fredero76]

T'as raison ...... trois alimentations standards pour tous les produits sur le marché serait vraiment génial .... et je suis certain que c'est faisable 😉

[@ThePlanarchist]

Please not an IEC for the Stomp but yes to a standard sized connector! An IEC would mean I'd need to have two running across the floor, one for my minimal pedalboard which the Stomp currently runs from and one the Stomp itself. There must have been a reason for choosing a different size connector but can't think what it could have been?

[@andywoodmusic]

Preach!

[@jrgutierrez316]

The guitar music gear industry has their own type of planned obsolescence. I was a Digitech fanboy for awhile until I had to replace a power supply that was a crazy irregular volt and then AC. AC!!!! That was crazy. Some churches I played would druve my pedal bonkers cause the voltage was maybe a bit wonky. I agree IEC as a standard would be great!

[@GitShiddy]

Completely agree. I feel the form factor would dictate the supply system. An HX/QC/Kemper "big unit" ought be IEC; as that's likely your whole rig. HX Stomp and the like 9 or 18v 500ma standard. If that low an amperage is not possible, or the standard BOSS adapter style off a power supply is not possible I'd rather see a USB-C port (as they're becoming more & more common on power supplies & are ubiquitous in any shop) than some bizarre adaptor system.

[@jarrydwilliams237]

I think the standard barrel plug is suitable. Especially when the unit can be integrated on to a pedalboard. Current hungry stuff like a QC etc could/should have both options. But I agree that the HX Stomp connector is an absolute pain.

[@tonymcawesome]

Luckily companies like Cioks make adapters that work for the Quad Cortex and such (the Crux is the cioks product) that work with the pedal out of their power platform without using the weird adapters.

[@DarthV506]

Probably really difficult to fit IEC connector let alone the transformer into the HX Stomp. Inexcusable for NDSP to go down the cheap PSU route on their 'flagship' device tho.

[@dragonheartstudio]

and thats the reason I moved on from my old hx stomp and went to fractal :-)

[@Andreas_Straub]

You could use a high quality universal power supply and just select the right plug (watch polarity!) for the HX Stomp.

[@sonidojamon]

That's one thing the Helix and Helix LT do right

[@swardmusic]

ive permanently attached a laptop charger with iec to the side of my pod go lol. also ordering the new mxr iso pro block to run the stomp and a 1.0 amp yammy mixer on my pedalboard so i have 1 iec to power everything

[@justinhaught]

they just need to change to a standard size, 2.1mm then you can use any 1spot, godlyke, etc which are awesome

[@jarnohopponen]

Yes. Mine broke a while ago...

[@michaelwilliamson248]

Usbc should be able to power ant of these. Widely available, easily replaced. Else I agree that a kettle lead is also acceptable

[@ShreddingFinn]

One time I forgot my Stomp wallwart, by the grace of God another guy had an HD500x there and the supplies are interchangeable. But going to the standard size, polarity of most pedals would be great.

[@jaysmoreymusic]

With many of these units, I assume it will go on a board with a power brick like the CS6--which I'm good with. But if it isn't compatible with a brick, then IEC.

[@uwedasler425]

I can make do with almost everything if needed, I just really hate the wall-wart style junk that is always designed to occupy at least three outlets... And one thing has to be said for the Line 6 guys - their Stomp / Stomp XL power supply is decent quality, even when comparing it to far more expensive stuff, with Neural and RME being the worst. My (fantastic) RME interface (over $2k) is on its 5th replacement power brick now - Japanese companies are too mindful of harakiri requirements to ship total junk like that I guess. On my board the problem is easily solved, just combine two 9V outlets from the Cioks DC7 using their parallel adapter and add the yellow flex cable with the 2.5 mm (Line 6) plug for a combined cost of 9 Euros.

[@charlie007r3]

I like the look of the Quad Cortex but I won't buy one with that power supply....our singer would just stand on it after about 5 minutes.🙄

[@timchalmers1700]

Yep!! Power supplies are junk - maybe not right now, but they will be junk at the most critical time.

[@theelderskatesman4417]

All devices should have the same supply where possible. Think of the waste when you have 2O instead of 1

[@MrFrankie4700]

The tuner needs to change

[@alexjenningstones]

Agree agree agree!

[@tetejambon1]

Long time lurker, 1st time comment (I think…). I’ve had the HX stomp and still have the GTCore and QC, both of which I’ve invested in high quality 3rd party power solutions at significant cost, and that galls the sh*t out of me. The Boss proprietary one ain’t too weak but as you say, Tis a bit awkward. The HX & QC ones are sadly a joke considering the cost of these “pro” and “touring” units. I carry the OG power units as back ups but how far do you go with the “back up for a back up” scenario. I suspect the IEC avoidance is down to space inside the unit as it’s not just the interface but happens in the proprietary plug. I maybe wrong on that but I suspect it’s part of the reason. I for one would be happy with a slightly larger unit and a more common and robust power solution.

[@janures]

power chord is actually the (not so little) reason I went for Helix LT instead of any of the others

[@TJEvans98]

Technology has actually surpassed the hardware that is "standard." My theory, however would turn the entire effects industry upside down. Why can't we power...AND connect the signal of every device we use via USB?

[@davidyelland908]

Small devices haven’t got room for a power supply inside. The other excuse is a PSU can add noise…..at least before switch mode ones. BUT (are you listening to us Neural) I will not buy a QC without an IEC!!! Pro devices should automatically come with a 9G screen. If only someone could consider the problems sunlight causes….ARGH!

[@barendandrebooyens937]

Only reason why I have not bought a QC

[@Shadowcruise99]

What is really being discussed, is whether the power supply is external or integrated into the unit.

[@BluNoseReindeer]

Either iec or do a usb c that fits standards that laptops use nowadays

[@andypeacockmusic]

We can start with the Line 6 plug size….. the rest of the industry works just fine on a 2.1mm plug….

[@NedJeffery]

I think external PSU is OK. But the problem is there are too many variations. They should be standardized to 18V, 12V, or 9V. with 2.5mm pin plug. Wall plugs should be BANNED as they don't fit in power boards.

[@jameslanclos568]

So what is the solution to the power supply. Is there an alternative power supply and where is the links? Or is this just a platform to promote your guitar skills and merch?

[@Tino5150VH]

❤ thank you so much!

[@BdotRASS]

The non 2.1 barrel jacks are really infuriating, especially when you can now get a thing from mission engeneering that allows you to pull pedal power from any USB C charger.

[@DoctorMcFarlandStudios]

If QC had a IEC power supply I probably would have kept mine.

[@davidfaustino4476]

The whole point is to make the pedal as small as possible..

[@truthfactreality6814]

Powercon should be standard

[@nihilistlivesmatter]

There is no excuse to have a mains inlet in these processors & pedal amps....internal switch mode PSU's are more robust and would barely increase the size of the enclosure edit: and a usb charging socket for standalone (boos MXR etc) stopmboxes

[@ShimiHalperin]

USB-c would be an improvement.

[@christianpacode]

Guys, i now have fund to replace my hx stomp with QC. Do y’all think it’s worth it ?

[@loopie007]

I see the new word of the week has been replaced. I used to be "Literally", now it's "Frankly".

[@johanjotun1647]

TVs and game consoles, Have no wart ar all, For the price point it should have a regular cord with no converter at all PERIOD

[@Fawkes1978]

Apparently, the non-standard power jack is a safety thing. It is supposed to stop people from using any regular 9v power supply without the adequate current output and damaging the device...

[@nihilistlivesmatter]

This is non sense cooked up by manufacturers who purposefully made them centre negative so you can't use an off the shelf one & have to cough up for theirs. A circuit will only draw the current it needs & if your PSU can't deliver enough it won't damage anything...

[@thetremoloco4801]

@@nihilistlivesmatterhe’s saying if there isn’t enough which will risk damaging things

[@nikonmikon8915]

@@thetremoloco4801 if there isn't enough current the device will just not function properly. WHAT are you saying?

[@berndkiltz]

Pro Tipp: Play Fractal. They don't use that shit. 😂

[@guitargeartips1951]

Cheap chinese, kettle cable and adapter inside the best. New Laney Loud pedals 24v 2.5amp put me off completely and their support useless😢 how is pedal board friendly with an unusual power supply

[@bryantwalley]

The transformer has to go somewhere. Either in the unit or out of the unit. If they put it in the unit people say it's too big/ heavy. If they give you the transformer on a cord/wallwart people say they don't want to keep up with it. No win situation.

[@Andreas_Straub]

An onboard transformer may also cause serious noise problems ....

[@jturquoise]

Or you can buy a cioks power supply

[@FellS3raph]

Watching you dangle that power cube by the already fraying wire is horrifying honestly. Then i calm down a little and I see the load box on it's side and it's not even flat. I understand that these products should be designed for real world use, but good habits go a long way toward making this expensive stuff last. I already see some people talking about the size concerns and standards certifications, all of which is valid. With the Boss GT-1000, this is inexcusable and I hate it. The smaller boxes, this is often a reality of engineering constraints.

[@michaelschneider7590]

Interesting and useful point. Why not - If the EU can make Apple drop its lightning connector and force them to adopt USB-C? Now, if only Britain were in the EU….

[@AdamCatalyst]

With all due respect, this is possibly the most ignorant video you have ever made. First off, you have to understand that AC & DC power are in no way interchangeable. Using an IEC means AC power, which likely means the device must have an internal power transformer. This is a major engineering change, with implications for size, heat, noise, and more. Furthermore, the AC cable is more likely to bring noise and cross-talk with other cables it comes into contact with. Furthermore, now you need a separate AC cable from your other pedals power supply, and you cannot share your other pedals power supply the way you can with an HX Stomp. There is absolutely nothing proprietary rare about the HX Stomp's power supply. These are run of the mill industry standard power supplies. Any professional guitar player should have a few around with enough amperage to cover there gear, and some barrel adapters. Demanding that all devices switch to using AC power is not only unfeasible, it would require a major re-design of virtually every pedal ever. There is nothing wrong with AC powered gear, but there is a reason that NO small audio gear uses AC power, and it's not because of a lack of standardization.

[@georgemyers2683]

Ho tone 😂😂😂

[@andybimson-sp2fx]

If it’s to be used on its own, then an IEC makes sense. If it’s on a board then pedal supply makers just need to provide the adaptors (not combining 3 like with the CS12) I have the Harley Benton Powerbar and it’s one cable from the 3A output for the Stomp. So it’s just an IEC to the Powerbar and you’re good to go. They do a Powerplant PSU that has the same setup.