The Exception to the Rule
3. Exploring Higher Voltage Options
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Some pedals, particularly those designed for high-gain applications or those that incorporate vacuum tubes, require higher voltages to operate properly. These pedals often use internal voltage converters to step up the 9V input to a higher voltage, such as 12V, 18V, or even higher. This allows them to achieve greater headroom, increased dynamics, and a more powerful sound.
Some manufacturers also offer pedals that can be powered by higher voltages directly. For example, you might find an overdrive pedal that can be powered by either 9V or 18V. In these cases, the higher voltage often results in a more open, dynamic sound with increased headroom. However, it's crucial to check the pedal's specifications carefully before using a higher voltage, as exceeding the maximum rated voltage can damage the pedal.
Certain digital pedals, especially those with complex processing requirements, might also benefit from higher voltages internally. However, these pedals typically handle the voltage conversion internally, so you can still power them with a standard 9V power supply. The voltage boost occurs within the pedal itself, allowing it to perform its digital magic without requiring an external high-voltage power source. So you probably won't need to worry about this.
The trend of running pedals at higher voltages is something that is being explored more as time goes on, with pedal makers aiming to recreate the sounds of tube amps, which can operate with much higher voltage for a different response and sound. Many of these pedals though still can be powered at 9V, but some only run at 18V or even 24V. These pedals are usually overdrive pedals, to get a more dynamic response, or fuzz pedal to get a more aggressive sound. So keep in mind if you are planning to buy some pedals, to keep a power supply that also can output more voltage, in the case if you are looking to experiment with these kinds of pedals.
