Dunlop DC Brick
Introduction
I generally like Dunlop products. I’ve been using a couple of their pedals and accessories for a while and consider them to be quality products with a good price. When I started looking into pedal power supplies, Dunlop was one of the first brands to check out. I found a great deal on used DC Brick without cables and adapter and bought it for 30$ (costs over 150$ new in my country). 15$ and an hour later I had another adapter to use as a replacement and a couple of home-made cables. Add shipping to that and it sums up to 57$. Sounds like a good deal…or is it?
As soon as I got it I opened it up to see what’s inside, expecting some fancy circuitry. Instead, I found a 9V regulator using MAX830 chip and a couple of filtering caps. It turns out that it’s not much more than a glorified daisy chain in a box. Compared to my MXR 6 Band EQ, it’s built in the same enclosure, much simpler circuit and less parts. So why does it cost twice as much as the EQ?!
I was skeptical about it because non-isolated outputs can cause ground loop noise, but luckily it was noise free with my pedals (MXR 6 Band EQ, Boss DD-20 Giga-delay and Hardwire RV-7).
What I like about it?
- It’s well built, nothing sticks out so there’s nothing to break.
- No noise with my setup but it could be noisy with other pedals, since it has non-isolated outputs. Make sure to try it with your setup before buying.
- It has enough current to power my effects, but add one or two current thirsty digital pedals and you’re in trouble.
What I don’t like about it?
- Outputs are not isolated.
- A bit expensive for what it is.
- I’d prefer if jacks were enclosure mounted instead of PCB mounted. It’s still sturdy enough, but it’d be even better.
What would you get instead?
If I didn’t buy this for peanuts I’d definitely go with BBE Supa-Charger – it can be found cheaper, it has isolated outputs and better current capability.
