The SANYO Pedal Juice KBC-9V3U

The Pedal Juice is a rechargeable 9V Lithium-Ion battery for analog, digital and multi-effect pedals. It is made by SANYO North America Corporation, a leader in rechargeable battery technology. With a list price of $199, it can be purchased in stores or online for approximately $149. The Pedal Juice can also be used to power other devices like multi-track recorders, synthesizers, mini amps (think Roland Micro Cube), and electronic drum kits.

It is very easy to use out of the box. It has one single ON/OFF button and two 9V DC outputs, fully recharges in 3.5 hours and can be recharged hundreds of times. When in use, the remaining charge/discharge power is shown via a 3-stage LED indicator. The unit feels and looks pretty durable and is water and shock resistant.

These are the standard usage times for effects (may vary depending on connected devices and usage conditions):

– 1 Analog effects unit (10mA): Approx. 50 hours.
– 1 Digital effects unit (50mA): Approx. 27 hours.
– 1 Digital multi-effects unit (100mA): Approx. 17 hours.

If you only use 3 analog pedals or one multi-effect unit, then you’ll be good for 17-20 hours or so. Plenty of time for rehearsals, jams and gigs.

Now, let’s say we have a basic 6 pedal setup (with both analog and digital effects):

1 Wah Wah + 2 Analog Distortions + 1 EQ + 1 Digital Delay + 1 Digital Reverb

Give and take, the Pedal Juice should be able to last about 5-6 hours with a setup like this. Still plenty of power for a rehearsal, jam or a 3 set gig. It’s also ideal for the recording studio since it eliminates noise interference created by electrical outlets. Probably not the best option if you have a much bigger pedalboard, specially if you own several digital effects.

All in all, the KBC-9V3U SANYO Pedal Juice is a great device, a very useful and handy addition to any guitarist’s setup.

PROS:

• Battery saver. If you are the kind of player that buys a battery for every gig, then this device will pay for itself in a matter of a few months.
• Design. The same footprint as standard effects pedal, it will fit perfectly in your pedalboard. It’s also very light.
• Wireless. No need for extension chords or plugin in your effects to the wall, which also eliminates issues that result in unwanted noise (AC ground loops, spurious noise, hum, etc.).
• Ideal for smaller-medium size boards. A great option for the studio, rehearsals or gigs where 1-6 pedals are needed. Could work great as a backup to bring to gigs as well.

CONS:

• Price. Although it will pay for itself in the long run, the $149 price will make some players hesitate about trying it (or getting a regular power supply instead). Not for everybody in this price range, but a good investment if you have the money.
• No extra cables. It only has two DC 9V ports, which keeps the unit small and portable, but it also means that daisy chain cables will need to be purchased separately if you want to plug more than two devices at a time (comes with only 2 DC output cables).