NAMM 2016: Two new high current DC pedal power supplies from Strymon
Video: Analog experts deliver Ojal And Zuma ultra low noise units
Strymon to the power of two
NAMM 2016: Despite its relatively short existence - the company was founded in 2008 - the name Strymon already commands plenty of kudos in pedal-loving circles.
Thanks to sophisticated effects such as the El Capistan, TimeLine and Flint, the Californian company has become synonymous with unparalleled attention to detail and tonal integrity.
NAMM 2016 sees the company focus on power supply, with two new analog, and therefore apparently ultra low noise units. Step forward Zuma and its more compact little brother Ojai. For more details and specs, read on.
PRESS RELEASE: Over the last few years our analog design team (Gregg and Josh) have been diligently working on technology that dramatically enhances the way pedals can be powered. We're happy to announce our Zuma and Ojai high current DC effects pedal power supplies!
Zuma and Ojai - High Current DC Pedal Power Supplies
Like everything we work on—we only want to develop and release products where we truly believe we're bringing something new to the world of musicians. And it helps if these projects are incredibly fun to work on! We're still a super small group of engineers and music nerds, and like you we're fanatical about sound and the creation of music.
Why Power?
Over the last several years, some of the most common questions we've been asked are related to power. How do I properly power my pedals? Why am I getting this strange noise? What's isolated power? Should I daisy chain my pedals? What outlet should I use? Why can't my power supply handle all of my pedals? Why did I just blow up my pedal?
We learned that many of our customers were not entirely happy with the power options that are available. We felt it was time for us to try something new and bring some different ideas and fresh technology to this arena.
You may not know this, but Strymon analog design gurus Gregg Stock and Josh Forbes collectively have an incredibly rich history designing power supply systems for a wide range of industries. From mission-critical power systems for the aerospace industry, to best-in-class power supplies for top-selling power amplifiers, studio monitors, guitar amplifiers, and more. Power is one of their true passions, and we want to bring this passion to the world of effects pedals.
This is an incredibly exciting intersection for us. To bring our power expertise the world of pedals, to eliminate the worry that goes into powering pedals properly, and to allow you to focus on being creative rather than thinking about power.
Pricing and Availability
Ojai will be available in Spring of 2016, for US $149. Zuma will be available in Summer of 2016, for US $249. International pricing is not yet announced.
Zuma
Zuma is the highest horsepower, most technologically advanced effects pedal power supply of its kind. You get 9 high-current, individually isolated, ultra-low-noise outputs, each providing a massive 500mA of current.
The dual-stage topology, pre-regulated outputs, optically isolated feedback, and advanced multistage filtering allow your pedals to achieve their highest possible dynamic range.
With automatic international power compatibility built-in, you can take Zuma to any stage in the world. Zuma is also part of an expandable system—you can add more outputs by connecting an Ojai (or even more than one Ojai) to the 24V Out jack.
Ins & Outs
- 9 high-current, fully isolated outputs
- 9 outputs offer 9V DC option
- 500mA per 9V DC output powers nearly any pedal
- 2 selectable outputs offer 9V, 12V, or 18V DC options
- 12V option provides 375mA, 18V provides 250mA
- 9 pedal cables included (5.5mm x 2.1mm barrel connectors, center negative, right angle to straight cables)
- Detachable IEC power cable included
- 24V OUT jack allows connection to additional outputs via Strymon Ojai (sold separately)
Technology
- Nine individual custom transformers (one per channel) deliver clean, consistent power
- Worldwide power compatibility insures no-hassle international touring
- Energy efficient, compact design
Construction
- Lightweight and rugged anodized midnight blue aluminum chassis
- Fits under most pedalboards
- PedalTrain mounting bracket available (sold separately)
- Designed and built in the USA
Ojai
Ojai is the highest horsepower, most technologically advanced effects pedal power supply of its size. You get clean, rock-steady power in a lightweight and expandable package, giving you flexibility and room to grow.
Ojai has five high-current, individually isolated, ultra-low-noise outputs—each providing a huge 500mA of current.
The breakthrough power technology within Ojai will allow your pedals to achieve their highest possible dynamic range. Like Zuma, Ojai can work on any stage anywhere in the world, and is part of an expandable and modular system.
Ins & Outs
- 5 high-current, fully isolated 9V outputs
- 500mA per output powers nearly any pedal
- 5 pedal cables included (5.5mm x 2.1mm barrel connectors, center negative, right angle to straight cables)
- Power adapter and IEC power cable included
- 24V Thru jack allows connection to additional Strymon Ojai (sold separately)
Technology
- Five individual custom transformers (one per channel) deliver clean, consistent power
- Worldwide power compatibility insures no-hassle international touring
- Energy efficient, compact design
Construction
- Lightweight and rugged anodized midnight blue aluminum chassis
- Fits under nearly any pedalboard
- Designed and built in the USA
MusicRadar is the number one website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers...
- GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.
- TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.
- STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the craft of music-making that no other music website can.
“Honestly I’d never even heard of Klons prior to a year-and-a-half ago”: KEN Mode’s Jesse Matthewson on the greatest reverb/delay ever made and the noise-rock essentials on his fly-in pedalboard
“A wealth of features not seen before in a Klon-style pedal”: Walrus Audio’s Voyager MKII overdrive/preamp takes Centaur stage – equipped with footswitchable parametric mids, it promising “mythical magic” and absolute clarity
“Honestly I’d never even heard of Klons prior to a year-and-a-half ago”: KEN Mode’s Jesse Matthewson on the greatest reverb/delay ever made and the noise-rock essentials on his fly-in pedalboard
“A wealth of features not seen before in a Klon-style pedal”: Walrus Audio’s Voyager MKII overdrive/preamp takes Centaur stage – equipped with footswitchable parametric mids, it promising “mythical magic” and absolute clarity