Power requirements of GCX and SM+

Q & A for building and interfacing your rack gear with Ground Control Pro and GCX-based systems.
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gerax
Posts: 35
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2011 10:45 am

Power requirements of GCX and SM+

Post by gerax »

Hi

I'm trying to find the best way to power everything in my setup the best way possible in order to avoid noise, issues and ground loops.
If I'm not mistaken the GCX and SM+ should draw 1A each at 9VAC, is this correct or I can get away with a lesser current draw? I'm trying to choose if the best way to power them would be using their standard wall warts plugged into a power strip and outlet from a Furman power conditioner, or if I need to get myself a dedicated power supply like the Pedal Power AC or similar units (Ciok, CAE, etc..).

I also have several other pedals and devices in the rack that run on different voltages (9VDC, 18VDC and 6VDC) with different power draws (from as low as 3.1mA to 500mA), which would need a second dedicated power supply, like the ISO5...

Getting 2 dedicated power supplies is a bit of an hassle as much as I know it would be the best solution...

Is using the standard wall warts on GCX and SM+ a guarantee for noise and ground loops?

What do you think could be good compromise?

Thanx

JohnClark
Posts: 7494
Joined: Tue May 05, 2009 2:33 pm
Location: The Lab

Re: Power requirements of GCX and SM+

Post by JohnClark »

The GCX itself requires 9VAC @ 400mA. If the GCX is also phantom powering a Ground Control Pro then the GCX will require at least 800mA so the system remains reliable. So depending on the phantom power being used will dictate which Pedal Power AC outputs you can get away with using. The System Mix Plus will require 9VAC @ 1A and can be powered using either of the high current 9V outputs on the Pedal Power AC.

I hope that helps!
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gerax
Posts: 35
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2011 10:45 am

Re: Power requirements of GCX and SM+

Post by gerax »

Thanx John.

My GCX (first version, still labelled Digital Music Corp) will phantom power a first serie Ground Control (non pro) with v.1.01 software. Will the power requirement of this combination be the same? I also plan on using the Ground Control in IA mode with 2 expression pedals attached, this shouldn't make any difference to the power consumption I assume...

Thanx

JohnClark
Posts: 7494
Joined: Tue May 05, 2009 2:33 pm
Location: The Lab

Re: Power requirements of GCX and SM+

Post by JohnClark »

The current draw will be the same regardless of the Ground Control model.

I think, for me, typing Ground Control Pro has become as natural as a favorite fall back guitar rif ;)

Expression pedals will not increase the current demand.

Good Luck!
------------------====Cheers!====------------------
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---------==Voodoo Lab Magician & Tech==---------

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