The D’Addario XPND Pedal Power Kit is a versatile solution designed for musicians who need a reliable power source for their effects pedals. This kit simplifies the attachment process and provides ample power for a variety of setups.

Setup Process

Setting up the adapter is straightforward. By aligning the color-coded sections of the adapter with the corresponding cable parts, users can securely fasten everything. A small plastic guide, although helpful, can easily detach and be misplaced if not handled with care. However, aside from that minor issue, the overall experience of connecting the 9-volt adapters to the power cable is hassle-free.

Powering Your Pedals

The kit includes a converter box measuring 2” x 1.5”, which connects to the 9-volt input of the power supply chain. The other side connects via USB-C to a D’Addario power bank, comparable in size to an iPhone 13 Pro. Notably, this name-brand battery is essential, as it successfully powered two different chains of pedals, unlike other power supplies that failed to deliver sufficient power.

Testing with a Basic Setup

The first setup involved six essential pedals that most performing musicians consider crucial for achieving quality sound: a Jackson Bloom, an Xotic Effects BB Preamp, a Boss Xtortion, an MXR Analog Chorus, a Walrus D1, and a Chase Bliss Dark World. This configuration powered up seamlessly, with the power bank sustaining them for an average of five hours across five testing sessions. However, it’s worth noting that the digital gauge displayed a sudden drop from 25% to dead at the end of the fifth hour, which could pose an issue for performers at extensive events.

Testing with a Complex Setup

The second configuration catered to shoegaze enthusiasts, featuring a range of effects like delays, reverbs, and modulations. The setup included pedals such as the Chase Bliss Mood v2, which couldn’t power up alongside the Walrus M1 and Mercury X. After removing these, running a loop through the remaining pedals yielded an average operational time of 2.5 hours, sufficient for casual performances without interruptions.

Noise Performance

Noise is a critical factor for portable power supplies, and the XPND kit handles both digital and analog pedals effectively. The kit includes a converter box to manage connections between high-draw digital pedals and lower-draw alternatives. During initial tests, the isolator box caused a disruptive screeching noise when used with certain pedals, but removing it solved the issue instantly.

Conclusion

The D’Addario XPND Pedal Power Kit showcases efficient design and impressive reliability, making it a valuable addition to any musician’s gear. With an easy setup process and solid power management for both simple and complex pedal configurations, it addresses various performance needs seamlessly.