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Average Price: $40

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$60

$176+

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Description

The Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch is more than just a power supply, it's a piece of history. Born in the '80s, this robust powerhouse was the first power supply ever produced by Boss. It is renowned for its durability, cost-effectiveness, and vintage charm. This compact unit is capable of powering up to seven effects, a real game-changer for the busy musician. But it doesn't stop at power supply, it doubles as a master switch, adding to its versatility and value.

Key Features:

  • Power supply and master switch in one
  • Capable of supplying power to up to seven effects
  • Sturdy Boss chassis, ensuring durability
  • Compact size, perfect for saving pedalboard space
  • Vintage Boss design with a touch of '80s flair
  • Cost-effective solution for powering your pedals

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch (Black Label)
Finish Red
Year 1982 - 1983
Made In Japan
Categories Controller, Expression and Volume Pedals, Pedalboards and Power Supplies
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What is the main function of the Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch?

The Boss PSM-5 serves as both a power supply and an effect loop switch. It can power up to seven 9V pedals and allows you to bypass or engage an effects loop, sending your guitar signal directly through or through connected effects.

Can the Boss PSM-5 power non-Boss pedals?

Yes, the Boss PSM-5 can power any pedal that is compatible with a 9V power supply, provided it uses the standard 2.1mm center-negative plug.

How does the Boss PSM-5 integrate into a pedalboard setup?

The PSM-5 acts as a master switch for your pedalboard, allowing you to easily toggle an entire effects loop on or off, while simultaneously supplying power to your pedals.

Is the Boss PSM-5 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Boss PSM-5 is designed for both studio and live use, providing reliable power and an easy way to manage effects loops during performances.

What type of power adapter is recommended for the Boss PSM-5?

It is recommended to use a Boss PSA series adapter, which provides the necessary 9V power with a center-negative polarity to ensure proper functionality.

celtusfergus

celtusfergus

BOSS - Power Supply-Master Switch Pedal PSM-5 (PSM5)

Video thumbnail for BOSS - Power Supply-Master Switch Pedal PSM-5 (PSM5) by celtusfergus

BOSS - Power Supply-Master Switch Pedal PSM-5 (PSM5)

celtusfergus

celtusfergus

Video thumbnail for BOSS PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch by james Cooper

BOSS PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

james Cooper

james Cooper

Video thumbnail for Boss PSM-5 Power Supply and Master Switch Pedal Demo by Isurus

Boss PSM-5 Power Supply and Master Switch Pedal Demo

Isurus

Isurus

Video thumbnail for BOSS PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch by Cryptic Mask Guitar

BOSS PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Video thumbnail for 0149_BOSS PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch by Marián Marko testy LMSK

0149_BOSS PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

Marián Marko testy LMSK

Marián Marko testy LMSK

Video thumbnail for Boss PSM-5 by YGT

Boss PSM-5

YGT

YGT

Reviews

PROS

  • Solves power issues effectively for multiple pedals

  • Offers a cool, retro look

  • Enables zero noise operation with several pedals connected

  • Allows cutting out of unused pedals from the signal path

  • Supports daisy-chaining power to other pedals

  • Provides a functional effects loop

  • Rugged construction withstands abuse

  • Can power antique ACA 12v pedals safely

  • Functions as a line selector, amp switcher, and kill switch

  • Compatible with both Boss and non-Boss 9V pedals

CONS

  • Outlet placement blocks indicator light and jacks

  • Mute mode is not user-friendly compared to modern pedals

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch.

Features and functionality

  • The Boss PSM-5 allows turning a pedalboard into an effects loop with a bypass switch to go directly into the amp, effectively acting like an A/B box.

    Source
  • It features two jacks on top for guitar input and amp output, and side jacks for routing through pedals, providing a flexible effects loop configuration.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the PSM-5's ability to easily switch pedals in and out of a loop, acting as a budget-friendly solution for this functionality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The PSM-5 is essential for setups with long cable runs, offering a buffered bypass that helps maintain signal integrity.

    Source
  • Ideal for players needing a quick switch between a full pedalboard and a clean signal, particularly useful in live settings.

    Source
  • Utilizing the PSM-5 with a wah pedal in the loop can achieve distinctive on/off cocked wah tones, adding versatility to sound options.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • These units are often found for around $30, making them an affordable utility pedal for complex setups.

    Source
  • Some owners found complete sets with connectors, daisy chain, and power supply for $25 on eBay, emphasizing the value in bundled purchases.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The PSM-5 is considered a sleeper pedal, providing similar functionality to modern switchers like the LS-2, though the latter is more versatile.

    Source
  • Described as an LS-2 without a second loop, the PSM-5 can connect to a power supply and daisy chain, similar to the Boss TU-3.

    Source
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings

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florian_tennstedt

80s Power Supply and FX Loop

The description says that you can power up to 7 other 9V pedals via Daisy chain. At the moment I use this as a power supply only(i can validate it powers at least 4 other pedals without any issues), but I plan on using the FX Loop for the modulation/time segment of my board. It does it's job!

sandra_lee

Basic

Made in the 80s basic Power Switch to power your Boss Pedals, or any pedals running on 9V, with a daisy chain. Also allows you to create an effects loop, which is the main reason I use the pedal. It's Boss, it's rugged, so it can take a lot of abuse. You can also set it into Mute mode but it's not very user friendly or combined with options when compared with more modern pedals.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Photo

In the attached photo, John Frusciante's Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch is labeled as #3.

See how Daft Punk uses Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

Daft Punk

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

The photo from Partyscene shows Daft Punk using a Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch, identifiable by the cable connected to the pedal's front panel.

See how Thom Yorke uses Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Thekingofgear

This article mentions Thom's use of a PSM-5 around the Kid A/Amnesiac era

See how Johnny Marr uses Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Smithsonguitar

Rare shot of Johnny's pedalboard from the '86 Nottingham gig. The pedal case is a Boss BCB-6. From right to left is a PSM-5 followed by a GE-6, OD-2, TW-1, HM-2 and the CE-2 on the end. Below is a mock-up of the pedalboard.

See how Adam Jones uses Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

Adam Jones

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tool

...
Verified via YouTube

Adam Jones' Boss PSM-5 can be seen at 1:45 in this rig rundown video.

See how Prince uses Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

Prince

Singer, Guitarist

The New Power Generation

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:40 in the music video for 'Manic Monday' by Prince, on the right hand side of his pedalboard you can see the BOSS PSM-5 Power supply in use. This pedal may have only been used in practices, or possibly also in his pre Purple Rain performances.

See how Ed O'Brien uses Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

Ed O'Brien

Guitarist, Singer

Radiohead

...
Verified via Thekingofgear

Listed under O'Brien's gear on The King of Gear.

See how Jeff Buckley uses Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

Jeff Buckley

Singer, Guitarist

Jeff Buckley(band)

...
Verified via Jeff Buckley

Listed on the official Buckley site, as stated by former Buckley tour manager.

See how Joe Walsh uses Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

Joe Walsh

Guitarist, Singer

Eagles

...
Verified via reverb.com

According to Reverb's website, his pedalboard for the "Hell Freezes Over" tour included the Boss PSM-5.

See how David Byrne uses Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

David Byrne

Singer, Guitarist

Talking Heads

...
Verified via TikTok

In this video it is said that Byrne used the pedal during stop making sense

See how Steve Stevens uses Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

Steve Stevens

Guitarist

Michael Jackson (band)

...
Verified via Photo

Steve posted the attached photo on Facebook with the following caption: “My pedalboard i built when joining Billy Idol. Used to record Rebel Yell album and touring up until 1987.”

See how Nick Reinhart uses Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch

Nick Reinhart

Singer, Guitarist

Death Grips

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Nick Reinhart showcases a Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch among his collection of guitar pedals.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
renankatz

renankatz

Gear IQ 227

filsco

filsco

Gear IQ 267

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javbos2000

Gear IQ 233

oedipoes

oedipoes

Gear IQ 1391

oedipoes

oedipoes

Gear IQ 1391

matthewjwilesmith

matthewjwilesmith

Gear IQ 398

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