SanchoPansen wrote:

RaistMagus wrote:

could you tell me some things about the 9v vs 18v power?

I don't own the Topanga, but all pedals that 'could' be run at 18V 'should' be run at 18V, IMHO. You get more headroom and the pedals seem to work smoother. I doubt that there is a noticable difference at low volume settings, but as soon as you are at live volume in a band setup you will be thankful for the more powerful tone.

RaistMagus wrote:

Would an average 18v power supply bought from the local electronics store do the job?

Yes, but ensure they supply enough mA for your pedal. Also, these electronic store power supplies sometimes don't have a proper isolation, as they are not supposed to be used with audio devices. You might get some interferences/humming.

RaistMagus wrote:

Could I daisy-chain both Catalinbread pedals on one such power supply unit?

Yes, if the power supply has enough mA for both units. Again, this might cause interference problems.

RaistMagus wrote:

Could I buy one more 1SPOT and use one outlet of each into one power plug and get 18v?

This is what you do with VoodooLab power supplies. You simply combine 2 outlets to one with a Y cable to get the power doubled. I do not know if this applies for the 1-spot supplies as well...and I wouldn' t try it, as it could fry the pedal

dont confuse Voltage and Current draw with an adaptor ..and do note that the voodoolabs has isolated power supply from each outlet.. a daisy chain on a onespot or godlyke is going to leak and signal noise is going to multiply. The topanga is going to operate at a premium if its not starved and 18volts is superb for it. 9volts is lame

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https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nocturne-Brain-Preamp-Zombies/240721872969

SanchoPansen wrote:

Tech Spec
Model Diago PS08 18V Adaptor
Input 9V DC Centre Negative
Output 18V DC Centre Negative, 30mA Max

I have never seen such an adaptor before tbh, but it might work like a step up transformer. As far as I see it, you simply plug it on to the tip of any 9V adaptor and it magically provides a level up to 18V (with a max current draw of 30mA).

Looks like a charge pump, i.e. a simple circuit to double voltage. These are usually very limited in current capacity. Some boutique effect makers include such a circuit inside their pedals.

If you have a thrift shop nearby look for 18v laptop PSUs/chargers. They are usually well filtered and regulated, have a high current capacity and are equipped with a barrel plug. Make sure the voltage is right.

Old punks never die... They just become surf rockers.

Thanks, I'll pass. I have 2 VoodooLabs PP2+ and I really dislike wall-warts.
buzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The Hicadoolas

this is what i use for power, it gives you an 18v and 12v option

http://www.amazon.com/JOYOS-IMPROVED-JP-02-SUPPLY-OPTIONS/dp/B0097WDJZA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398103555&sr=8-1&keywords=joyo+power

http://dinosaurghost.bandcamp.com/
http://sixtycyclehum.podbean.com

Insect Surfers
The Tikiyaki Orchestra
The Scimitars
Lords Of Atlantis
Fiberglass Jungle - Surf Radio

Tuck wrote:

Well, but really, how long can a discussion on the merits of a reverb pedal say on track? An eight page discussion of a pedal?

We obviously have a lot more work to do to beat the redundancy of the FRV-1 threads.

+1 on both the Topanga Reverb and the Gator PS. I'm using that combo (the Gator for over five years) and it's working great. BTW, my Gator is almost maxed out on outputs (dig and analog pedals), the 18v outs are not isolated from each other, but are from the 9v outs, which are individually filtered and well-regulated. It's def more than a glorified breakout box - I know, I've been inside it. And IMO, I consider 18v operation of the Topanga more than just an option - it makes a whole lot of difference and I won't run mine on 9v after trying it.

Last edited: Apr 22, 2014 00:58:11

Hey Tuck, I think this is the thread. We just need fill it with content...
Ill try to start (all IMHO and naturally debatable...)

FAQ:
Q: What's a better reverb pedal for Surf guitar, Boss FRV-1 or Catalinbread Topanga?
A: Catalinbread Topanga.

Q: Do I still need a real tube unit?
A: If you've already asked, then yes.

FRV-1 pros:
- Some find that the FRV-1 cuts better at a live mix since it has more pronounced drip and EQ profile;
- Quiet Boss switching;
- Cheaper;
- has Fender logo
?
?

FRV-1 cons:
- The whole signal gets digitized;
- The buffers suck;
- Harsh and one-dimensional, very trebly, Not much usable range;
- Was modeled from the Fender Reissue!
- Tiring to play for a long time, lacks drama.

Topanga pros:
- Direct signal has clean undigitized path;
- Selectalble quality buffer (that can boost)/ true bypass;
- Very sensitive to playing dynamics;
- A lot of versatility and range, 100% wet mix, sel. modulation;
- Was modeled from a vintage unit;
- Sweet sounding, very compelling, fun fun fun.

Topanga cons:
- Drip could be stronger (EQ before or after it could probably settle any stage/band presence issues);
- Can be easily clipped (to solve: watch the Dwell pot, use 18V);
- Relatively expensive;

(using AVRI Jazzmaster to Showman '65 with 15" Weber Chicago in Tone-Ring)
Played both, passive/active A\B and Y, mixed to different channels, with many different settings and routing.
Alone, when matching the sounds as close as possible, the Topanga kills.
I tried just having the Boss add something, but even together (parallel), whenever the Boss is on even slightly, it just mushes the sound more, no added value. Bad digital is an abomination.
I'm selling the FRV-1, and when a better digital pedal comes out, I'll sell the Topanga, it's the nature of these toys.

I'm not setup now to provide sound clips that will do justice, perhaps someone can fill in.

Last edited: Apr 22, 2014 05:22:30

DreadInBabylon wrote:

Topanga cons:
- Drip could be stronger (EQ before or after it could probably settle any stage/band presence issues);
- Can be easily clipped (to solve: watch the Dwell pot, use 18V);

That's the only shortcoming that I've come across too. It just doesn't quite have that "drip" that's desired and used with great effect for some surf purists. But for me, while I like that sounds, it's such a specific one to use effectively (high settings, heavy, pal-mute playing etc) I don't mind at all. In fact, the result is the Topanga sounds a little smoother for more general usage aside from OTT surf.

Competitors - none

But for what it's worth...

Strymon Flint and the Hardwire RV-7 have been my previous favourites, and the reverb on the Mr. Black Deluxe Plus is pretty good for those just needing something really, really simple. Subdecay Spring Theory is worth a mention to if the user wants an additional (uniquely voiced) Room reverb for shoe-gaze/ambient stuff.

IRRC the FRV-1 does the spring 'bounce' the best, but that's about all it does well.

"Belton Brick" pedals like the Solid Gold Surf Rider, Earthquaker Ghost Echo are also great for a spring-like feel, and the controls interact like a tanks do, but the decay has a noticeably 'grainy' sound to it instead of a 'splash/bounce', which might not be ideal for certain surf tunes.