Dive deeper into the EBS RUNSTEN power supply!
Creating space-saving pedalboard accessories that secure a neat setup and provide a high-quality, noise-free signal path has been the superior goal of EBS accessories since the introduction of the original flat patch cables. The same goals guided them in the creation of the RUNSTEN. Let's dive deeper into the reasoning behind it.
Why separate the PSU and distribution unit?
At one point in time, all computers were stationary. Then, someone came up with the idea to separate the computer from the power supply (PSU), which made the first laptop possible.
When EBS thought about how to limit the space needed on a board for the power distribution, they did the same thing and separated the PSU from the distribution unit. It made it possible for those who want as neat a setup as possible, to just put the distribution hub on the board. At the same time, the PSU can easily fit between the joists beneath a Pedaltrain board (or similar), if preferred.
The separation also made it possible to feed RUNSTEN with all the power we wanted without adding mass to the unit that must be on the pedalboard.
Why so much current per output?
Most power supplies for pedalboards offer between 100 - 500 mA per output. So, why make one with close to 1A per output?
As you may know, the EBS product line includes three pedals that need more than 500 mA. These are the MicroBass 3, the Stanley Clarke Acoustic Signature Preamp, and the ValveDrive DI.
If EBS was going to make a multi-output power supply, it needed to be able to feed any of these pedals from a single output. That's why we made RUNSTEN with such a high current per output.
By connecting two outputs in parallel with an included adaptor, the RUNSTEN can power nearly any pedal, even a thirsty Quad Cortex or Helix Stomp. Most of these units work fine with close to 2 A, though some say they need 3 A. If you don't trust 2 A will be enough, a little hack allows connecting up to 6 outputs in parallel if necessary.*
*To connect more than two outputs in parallel, use an EBS DC-4 (or 6)-90F split cable and attach the male contacts to as many outputs needed to build up the total current you need, and then connect a DC1 cable to the female contact to connect your pedal. The sum of the current from each output of the RUNSTEN you connect will make the total current feeding the pedal.
What if I need 24V DC power?
Advanced digital pedals with extended features such as amp cloning, IR, and various combinations of effects in one unit are increasingly popular. Some of these require more power or other connections than you may get from your current pedalboard power supply. We wanted to give the RUNSTEN the capacity to cover all your needs, so you don't need separate power supplies for some units.
That is why the RUNSTEN package includes various adapters for changing polarity, adapting to a 2.5 mm input, and more. One adapter lets you utilize two outputs in series to double the Voltage (see image above).
By setting two outputs to 12V DC and connecting them with the serial adapter, you can achieve 24V DC for devices requiring that much power.
Note that you can not combine a 9 V with a 12 V output. They both must be set to equal output voltage when utilized in series. That means the RUNSTEN, with its adapters, can deliver 9, 12, 18, or 24 V DC power.
What about the name "RUNSTEN"?
During the Viking era, it was a common practice to raise a stone and write on it with Runes to tell a story about some significant person or place. Often including something about their deeds, adventures, and travels. These stones are called "Runstenar" in Swedish and are found in many places in Scandinavia.
The EBS RUNSTEN tells the story of how we conquered new territories with the space-saving original EBS flat patch cables and following accessories, hence the name RUNSTEN. It is the latest step on the mission of helping musicians clean up and make space for more pedals on their pedalboards.
Here is what we have learned about the RUNSTEN:
By separating the distribution unit from the PSU, EBS reduced the space needed for DC power distribution on a pedalboard to a minimum.
The massive current per output makes it possible to power units like the EBS MicroBass 3, Stanley Clarke Preamp, and Valve Drive DI without the need of additional power supplies or adaptors, and to power even more "thirsty" units by using an included adaptor.
By using the adaptor for serial connection of outputs, it is possible to get up to 24V DC.
The name comes from a type of stone the Vikings used to set up to tell stories about their life and adventures. The EBS RUNSTEN tells the story about the companies mission to create space on musicians pedalboards.