AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Tone City Guitar Effect Power Supplies 2026
The top pick is Tone City Power Stick ($43). Tone City Substation Multi-Power Supply leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 7 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 7
Full detail for the 7 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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This small power brick fits neatly into tight pedalboards without getting hot. It gives you plenty of current for many pedals and protects each one individually. It is a solid, budget-friendly choice for keeping your setup running quietly.
Pros
- Ultra-compact size fits tiny pedalboards perfectly.
- Each output has its own short-circuit protection.
- Runs very quietly with minimal heat generation.
Cons
- Only accepts 9V DC input voltage.
- No power switches for individual pedals.
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The Tone City TPS-05 is a solid, affordable solution for pedalboard power. It's a great entry point for players who want to ditch wall warts and clean up their rig, especially those with a moderate number of pedals. Just be mindful of the amperage limits on some of your higher-demand stompboxes.
Pros
- Five isolated outputs eliminate noise and interaction between pedals.
- The UHS IC provides stable voltage, preventing pedal malfunctions.
- Compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for gigging.
Cons
- Limited to 9V DC outputs; lacks flexibility for other voltage needs.
- Plastic enclosure feels budget-oriented, lacking premium durability.
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The Tone City TPS-06 is a solid, budget-friendly option for pedalboards needing multiple voltages. It's a great solution for players with a mix of standard 9V and 18V power requirements, especially those who frequently travel and need a compact power supply. Just be mindful of the current limits if you’re running particularly hungry pedals.
Pros
- Multiple voltage options cater to a wide range of pedals' power needs.
- UHS IC provides stable voltage, minimizing noise and interference issues.
- Compact design and lightweight build make it travel-friendly for gigging musicians.
Cons
- Limited current per output might restrict powering high-demand pedals.
- 12V DC input necessitates a specific power adapter, not universal.
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The Tone City TPS-08 is a solid, budget-friendly option for guitarists building a mid-sized pedalboard. It’s a great way to get reliable power without breaking the bank, perfect for players just starting out or those who don't need to run a ton of high-current boutique pedals. Just be mindful of its limitations regarding true isolation and current per output.
Pros
- Six outputs provide ample power for a sizable pedalboard setup.
- UHS IC voltage compensation ensures stable power delivery even with fluctuating input.
- Double short-circuit protection offers a good layer of safety against pedal damage.
Cons
- Tone City’s build quality can feel a bit plasticky compared to premium brands.
- Limited current per output restricts powering high-draw boutique pedals.
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The Tone City TPS-12 is a solid, budget-friendly option for pedalboards needing diverse voltage requirements. It’s a great choice for gigging musicians or those just starting out who need a reliable, compact power solution without breaking the bank, but be mindful of the current limits on some outputs.
Pros
- Multiple voltage options cover a wide range of pedal needs.
- Dual-stage filtering noticeably reduces noise and hum.
- Compact design makes it easily portable for gigging musicians.
Cons
- 200mA output on some voltages may limit power for high-draw pedals.
- Plastic enclosure feels less premium than metal alternatives.
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This unit gives you four standard 9V outputs plus two higher voltage slots for tube amps. It keeps noise down with special filters and tells you instantly if a pedal is shorting out. While it packs a lot of power into a small box, it is a bit heavy and comes with only one power cord.
Pros
- Four 9V outputs with 200mA load each for standard pedals
- Two 9-18V outputs with 200mA load each for tube pedals
- Advanced filter technology keeps noise levels very low
Cons
- Heavy 904g weight might be cumbersome for some players
- Only one 24V input power brick included in the box
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The Tone City TPS-10 is a solid, budget-friendly power solution for pedalboards. It's ideal for players with a decent number of pedals who need a few different voltage options, but aren't looking for the ultimate in isolation or premium build. It’s a great starting point for those getting serious about their pedal setup.
Pros
- Multiple voltage options cover a wide range of pedal needs.
- UHS IC compensates for voltage fluctuations, ensuring stable power.
- Compact and lightweight design is great for gigging musicians.
Cons
- Build quality feels a little plasticky, not as robust as premium options.
- 200mA output on some voltages might limit power for hungry pedals.
Guitar Effect Power Supplies by the numbers
Measured across all 198 models we track, not a sample.
median of 18 models · 0.12 kg–1.54 kg
How to choose the best guitar effect power supplies
Noise & Ripple
Tone City's biggest win. They've managed to keep noise and ripple surprisingly low, especially considering the price point. It's not going to be as pristine as a Cioks, but it's noticeably quieter than many other budget options - meaning less hiss and hum muddying your overdrive or boosting your clean channel.
Current Delivery
These things can actually deliver the amperage you need. Many cheaper power supplies lie about their current output, leading to dropouts and weird behavior with hungry pedals like fuzzes and chorus. Tone City's generally honest, and you can usually run a decent-sized board without issues, although pushing it to the absolute limit might introduce some noise.
Voltage Regulation
Consistent voltage is key for stable pedal operation. Tone City supplies hold their voltage reasonably well under load, which means your delay times won't drift and your distortion won't get wonky when you stack multiple effects. It's not rock-solid like a Strymon, but it's good enough for most applications.
Build Quality & Longevity
Let's be real - they're not built like a tank. The enclosures are fairly basic stamped metal, and the internal components are decent but not top-tier. Expect a few years of solid use before needing a replacement.
Value Proposition
This is where Tone City shines. You get a good amount of performance for a price that won't break the bank. It's the sweet spot for players who need a reliable power supply without wanting to shell out hundreds of dollars.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk power supplies. You're chasing that perfect tone, spending big bucks on pedals, but plugging everything into a noisy, unreliable brick? That's like putting premium fuel in a rusty engine. Tone City Guitar Effects has quietly become a go-to for a lot of us, offering a surprisingly solid and often underrated solution for powering your pedalboard - especially if you're on a budget but don't want to sacrifice too much.
If you're running a mostly digital pedalboard or a few low-current analog pedals, a Tone City unit is a no-brainer. But if you're rocking a full-on fuzz-laden doom machine, you might want to consider stepping up to something with even better regulation and noise performance. Watch out for the cheaper, unbranded versions - those are often knock-offs with even lower quality components.
Pay a little more for the genuine Tone City, it's worth it.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 7 guitar effect power supplies from the Thomann catalogue (of 198 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Tone City power supplies truly isolated?
Mostly. They're not fully isolated like some high-end units, but they do a decent job of preventing ground loops and noise transfer between circuits. It's usually enough to avoid major issues, but if you're experiencing persistent hum, try different outlet configurations.
What's the difference between the different Tone City models?
Mostly the number of outputs and wattage. The higher-end models offer more current per output and sometimes include features like voltage adjustment, but the core performance is generally similar across the range.
Can I use a Tone City power supply with a Strymon or other high-end pedal?
Absolutely. As long as the current draw is within the power supply's limits, you should be fine. Just be mindful of the overall load.
Do I need a voltage regulator pedal if I use a Tone City power supply?
Probably not, unless you're chasing absolute pristine tone and are hyper-sensitive to noise. The voltage regulation is decent enough for most players and applications.
Are these power supplies safe?
Yes, they're built with standard safety certifications, but as with any electronic device, it's important to use proper wiring and avoid overloading the power supply.
