18-volt operation
Powering a pedal from eighteen volts rather than the usual nine, which increases its internal headroom and can change its response.
Many overdrive and boost pedals use the supply voltage directly as their internal rail, so doubling it raises the ceiling at which the circuit clips and gives a cleaner, louder and less compressed sound with more dynamic range. Not every pedal tolerates eighteen volts, and applying it to one that does not can destroy its components, so the manufacturer's rating matters. Players often keep two supplies available so they can compare the same pedal at both voltages.
Example: An overdrive pedal that becomes noticeably clearer and less compressed when run from a higher-voltage supply is benefiting from 18-volt operation.
See also
Related
- PagePower supply
- PageHeadroom
- PageOverdrive pedal
- PageAnalogue delay
- PageAuto-wah
- PageBarrel plug
- PageAaron Dessner
- PageAce Frehley