Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $39
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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
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What is the main function of the Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch?
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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.
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Can the Boss PSM-5 power non-Boss pedals?
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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.
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How does the Boss PSM-5 integrate into a pedalboard setup?
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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.
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Is the Boss PSM-5 suitable for live performances?
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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.
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What type of power adapter is recommended for the Boss PSM-5?
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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.
Videos
celtusfergus
BOSS - Power Supply-Master Switch Pedal PSM-5 (PSM5)
Reviews
PROS
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Solves power issues effectively for multiple pedals
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Offers a cool, retro look
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Enables zero noise operation with several pedals connected
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Allows cutting out of unused pedals from the signal path
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Supports daisy-chaining power to other pedals
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Provides a functional effects loop
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Rugged construction withstands abuse
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Can power antique ACA 12v pedals safely
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Functions as a line selector, amp switcher, and kill switch
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Compatible with both Boss and non-Boss 9V pedals
CONS
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Outlet placement blocks indicator light and jacks
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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The PSM-5 is essential for setups with long cable runs, offering a buffered bypass that helps maintain signal integrity.
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Ideal for players needing a quick switch between a full pedalboard and a clean signal, particularly useful in live settings.
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Utilizing the PSM-5 with a wah pedal in the loop can achieve distinctive on/off cocked wah tones, adding versatility to sound options.
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Value and pricing
Comparisons
4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings
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!
435
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
According to Analogman's pedalboard photo, Anastasio used Boss PSM-5 power supply in his pedalboard.
In the YouTube video titled "Guitar pedals Mike Stern 'Guitar Instructional Video (Equipments)'," there is a brief glimpse of the Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch on Mike Stern's pedalboard. Additional photos of this setup can be found on other sites, such as the Musette Japan blog.
According to the Reverb's website, Felder's pedalboard for "Hell Freezes Over" also included the Boss PSM-5.
"Efrim uses a Boss GE-7 and Boss TR-2. He uses a volume pedal (possibly an Ernie Ball or Morley), along with a Maestro Fuzzstain, and Boss PSM-5 power supply. If that were not enough, he also uses an unknown green colored pedal and an old Boss multi-effects unit that he only uses for distortion. We cannot forget to mention that he operates the tape deck for the monologues, and his excellent skills with a screwdriver on the guitar strings! Recently it appears that he may be using a Z.Vex Tremolo Probe & Super Hard On, as well as a Line 6 DL-4, and a vintage Mutron Phasor."
According to Reverb's website, Frey's pedalboard for the "Hell Freezes Over" tour also included the Boss PSM-5.
In this video Dave Kilminster shows the gear he is using on The Wall tour, and the BOSS PSM-5 is clearly visible at 10:19.
A fan-uploaded photo shows Peter Holmström's Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch in the lower right corner.
Rodrigo Amarante uses the Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch, as detailed on the Pedalmaniacs blog, which covers gear used by Los Hermanos.
At 7:43 in this Rig Rundown for G.E. Smith of Moonalice, Saturday Night Live Band, Hot Tuna, and Hall& Oates, displayed is a BOSS PSM-5 Power supply & master switch.
Stein’s effects for this tour are very minimal. He says he really only uses the Seymour Duncan Deja Vu Tap Delay, an Ibanez Tube Screamer, and a Boss CS-3 Compressor/Sustainer. When we talked to him he was trying out a DigiTech Hardwire Metal Distortion, and he also had a Hardwire Stereo Reverb, Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch, Boss TU-2 Tuner, Boss SD-2 Dual Overdrive, and Boss DD-5 Digital Delay on his board.
Album Usage
The Boss PSM-5 Power Supply & Master Switch has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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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