Custom Boards’ guide to power supplies - Cioks

Danish Cioks makes what are probably the world’s most versatile professional grade power supply units (PSU) for guitar effects. Company's speciality are compact power supplies that even fit underneath Pedaltrain’s Metro and Nano series pedalboard frames.

Cioks’ founder, Poul Ciok, is an ambitious designer, who has together with his engineers repeatedly managed to design more features into his power supplies than perhaps any other company in the business. Custom Boards has built numerous pedalboards using company’s power supplies, which has allowed us to gain a clear picture of each model’s features, and of their best area of use.

Input voltage

Cioks'newest models, the Cioks DC7, Cioks 4 and Cioks 8 are based on switch-mode technology and can operate all around the globe with any input voltage. Even the older Cioks power supplies also work in the USA, thanks to their input voltage switch (115/230 V).

12 Volts

Even though the vast majority of pedals run on nine volts, every Cioks power supply features the option to switch outputs between nine and 12 volts, either by plugging into a separate 12 V output or by throwing a DIP-switch.

The root of this feature lies in the fact that some years ago a number of 12 V effect pedals were still in use. The best known examples are Boss’ ACA-era pedals, which run on nine volt batteries, but require a 12 volt power supply.

RCA-connectors

In contrast to all other power supply manufacturers, Cioks uses RCA-connectors as their pedal power outputs. This might make things a little puzzling for players who already own a bunch of 2.1 mm cables, but once you’ve gotten over this you will realize that RCAs are actually quite handy and mechanically reliable connectors.

The connector at the other end of the cable is dependent on the input the pedal effect provides. Cioks provides a complete selection of cables to all possible needs. All their cables are color coded, which makes identifying a right cable easy. You can dowload complete Flex-cable guide from here.

STATUS LED

One handy feature in all Cioks units is the status LED. Because all of the company’s PSUs are internally protected against short-circuits, the status LED is a good indicator for signalling that everything is working correctly.

Mains power connectors

One more feature of the older Cioks power supplies are their AC-power cables, or more specifically the connector. All other manufacturers rely on the larger IEC C13/C14 plug and socket (also called the Euro-plug), Cioks had used traditionally an IEC C5/C6 plug and socket (aka as the cloverleaf- or the Mickey Mouse-plug), used on some laptop computers and similar devices.

The original impetus for using the cloverleaf-connector has been its small size, which makes it easier to use on a compact PSUs with thinner-walled casings. The cloverleaf is a very secure and reliable connector, just as the IEC C13, but it has one definite drawback: The C5-plug is not available as a spare part, because it is designed to be molded onto a cable. This is why Custom Boards offers a ten-metre cloverleaf cable for pedalboard builders, which can then be cut to a suitable length for the pedalboard in question. This special cable can then be included in a cable snake and finalized with a Schuko-plug at the other end.

As an exception Cioks’ two latest models (the DC10 and DC7) use the standard IEC C13/C14 coupling, which probably hints at a switch over to this industry standard for all of the company’s future power supplies.

Size

Cioks had used different dimensions for their older PSU models, resulting in a number of different methods of installation to the pedalboard frame. Things have changed for the new Future Power Generation Series (Cioks DC 7, Cioks 4 and Cioks 8) can fit basically under every pedalboard on the market.

Cioks has developed a Grip bracket -system for installing the Future Power Generation Series -power supplies under a Pedaltrain pedalboard. Cioks DC7 and Cioks 8 use a regular Grip bracket, where as Cioks 4 uses a down-sized version, the Grip bracket MINI. For Temple Audio pedalboards, you can do the installation with a screws included in the power supply package. We have prepared a table for each Cioks power supply product page showing how they can be installed best on each respective pedalboard frame.

Future Power Generation Series

Cioks DC7

Cioks’ latest power supply is based on a modern switching-mode technology. It features seven identically configured output sections each offering four different voltages. This power supply delivers a lot of current (amperes), enabling you to run virtually any pedal effect on the market today.

Cioks’ most populart flagship power suppy with seven isolated sections.
Available voltages: 9, 12, 15 and 18 VDC. Power changes with DIP-switches. If you need only nine volts you don’t need to touch the DIP-switches.
Additional 24 VDC-output for running additional Cioks switch-mode PSUs.
Five volt USB-output for mobile devices.
Standard IEC-input, which is much more common than Cioks’ older cloverleaf connector.
The thinnest AC mains powered power supply for pedal on the market. Fits underneath any Pedaltrain frame (Classic, Novo, Nano Plus, Mini and Metro) using Cioks Grip-bracket. For Temple Audio pedalboards, you can do the installation with a screws included in the power supply package.
Modern and quiet switching-mode PSU.
Very versatile and compact PSU for many uses.

Sections 1-7:

9 VDC (660 mA)
12 VDC (500 mA)
15 VDC (400 mA)
18 VDC (330 mA)

Cioks 4

The Cioks 4 is built with the same modern switching-mode technology as Cioks DC7. The Cioks 4 is a great choice as a PSU for smaller boards, or as an expansion to use alongside a DC7. The four outputs of the Cioks 4 are of the same type as on the DC7 (9, 12, 15 and 18 VDC), which means this power supply can also handle effects that require higher voltages an/or lots of current.

Cioks 4 Adapter Kit includes a dedicated external power supply and you can use it as stand-alone power supply.
Expander Kit needs an additional incoming power to operate. It can be linked to a 24-volt output on a Cioks DC7. The required cable is included or in a case of loss or damage it can also be bought separately.

Both Cioks 4 versions can be powered virtually from any available 9-12 V DC or AC power supply, or even by using a regular USB-power bank. This is great, if you need to run your board wirelessly without access to the AC-grid. You can also use both Cioks 4 versions from an unused output from your other power supply, which will add another four isolated outputs to your arsenal. This can come in handy especially with an unused AC-output on the older PSU.

Please note! If you’re using some other form of powering the Cioks 4 than its dedicated power supply or a DC7, the unit’s outputs will adjust to the available incoming power, which can be less than the Cioks 4’s nominal stated values.

Use a down-sized Grip Bracket MINI for installing the Cioks 4 underneath any Pedaltrain frame – Classic, Novo, Nano Plus, Mini and Metro. For Temple Audio pedalboards, you can do the installation with a screws included in the power supply package.

Sections 1-4:

9 VDC (660 mA)
12 VDC (500 mA)
15 VDC (400 mA)
18 VDC (330 mA)

Cioks 8 Expander Kit

The Cioks 8 has been developed as an expander kit for linking to a Cioks DC7 and it is built with the same modern switching-mode technology as Cioks DC7 and Cioks 4. Run together, a Cioks DC7 and the Cioks 8 will offer a whopping 15 isolated outputs and more than enough milliamperes to run virtually any pedalboard imaginable. The Cioks 8’s outputs are identical in specifications to the ones on the Cioks DC7 (9, 12, 15 and 18 VDC). At the moment, the Cioks 8 is not offered as a stand-alone unit with its own AC-supply. This means you can only use it as an add-on to the Cioks DC7. The required cable is included in the package or in a case of loss or damage it can also be bought separately.

In addition to its normal outputs for powering effect pedals, the Cioks 8 offers a USB-port, so you can charge your phone or tablet with it. Additionally, there’s a 24-volt power link output for hooking up an additional Cioks 4 or 8 PSU.

Cioks 8 fits underneath any Pedaltrain frame – Classic, Novo, Nano Plus, Mini and Metro, using the Cioks Grip-bracket. For Temple Audio pedalboards, you can do the installation with a screws included in the power supply package.

Sections 1-8:

9 VDC (660 mA)
12 VDC (500 mA)
15 VDC (400 mA)
18 VDC (330 mA)

Compatibility with Neural DSP Quad Cortex and Line 6 HX Stomp

With a few additional cables you can use all Cioks Future Power Generation power supplies (Cioks DC7, Cioks 4 or Cioks 8) to run modern, power-hungry digital effects, such as the Line 6 HX Stomp or the Neural DSP’s Quad Cortex.

The Line 6 HX Stomp requires at least 800 milliamperes of nine-volt power to function correctly. In contrast to most other effects, Line 6 effects use their own 2.5 mm plug with the negative contact being the centre. To run an HX Stomp you will need to combine two 9 V outputs to double the available amperes by using a grey Cioks 8800 cable. Connect the output of this adapter to a Cioks 3050 cable – the one with the yellow plug – which will give you the correct plug size and polarity. The PSU outputs must be set to 9 volts.

The Neural DSP Quad Cortex runs at 12 volts, with its own power supply dishing out a whopping three amperes into a regular “Boss-standard” plug. According to Neural’s engineers you can run the Quad Cortex safely using “only” 1.5 to 2 amps.

To achieve this you can combine four Cioks DC7, Cioks 4 or Cioks 8 outputs using three grey Cioks 8800 cables, as seen in the picture. Connect the final output to a regular Cioks DC-cable with a regular 2.1 mm connector to the Quad Cortex. All of the PSU-outputs must be set to 12 V.

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Cioks Link Series power supplies

Cioks DC10 Link

Ten isolated sections.
Voltage changes using DIP-switches. Switching needed only for 12 V pedals.
The last output can be adjusted between 9 and 24 volts. Even includes a handy ampere meter, showing you the chosen voltage and the pedal’s current draw.
If you’re using any of Radial’s 15 V pedals the DC10 Link is a great choice.
Standard IEC-input, which is much more common than Cioks’ usual cloverleaf connector.
Four 400 mA and two 200 mA outputs can power a very wide variety of pedals.
Small drawback is the inclusion of 18 volts in only the last output.
Toroidal transformer.
An extremely versatile, high-quality and easy-to-use PSU for many uses.

Section 1: 9 VDC (100 mA)
Section 2: 9 VDC (100 mA)
Section 3: 9 VDC (100 mA) or 12 VDC (100 mA)
Section 4: 9 VDC (100 mA) or 12 VDC (100 mA)
Section 5: 9 VDC (200 mA) or 12 VDC (200 mA)
Section 6: 9 VDC (200 mA) or 12 VDC (200 mA)
Section 7: 9 VDC (400 mA) or 12 VDC (400 mA)
Section 8: 9 VDC (400 mA)
Section 9: 9 VDC (400 mA)
Section 10: 9-24 VDC (800-300 mA)

Link option

Cioks DC10 Link comes with an IEC-standard AC output which can be used to link two power supplies in series.

This AC output can be used to connect the two smallest "Link" power supplies – the DC5 Link and the Adam Link – in series using a Cioks Mains Link Cable. Please note that Adam Link and DC5 Link do not have an AC output, so these should be connected last in chain.

Linking two power supplies together is a quick and handy way to get more power for a single pedalboard. Naturally, you can also connect another manufacturer’s PSU using the additional IEC-output. Another option would be to use the AC output to feed a Schuko-strip, as a means to run additional equipment onstage.

Cioks DC5 Link

5 isolated sections.
Voltage changes using DIP-switches. Switching needed only for 12 and 18 V pedals.
Ideal choice for small frames. Can be used Pedaltrain’s Nanos and Metros using a Cioks Grip-bracket. For Temple Audio pedalboards, you can do the installation with a screws included in the power supply package.
Great for use with five pedals, for example three basic analogue effects and power-hungry two digital units. Also works fine as a second PSU on large pedalboards.
Toroidal transformer.
Very high quality compact and versatile PSU.

Section 1: 9 VDC (100 mA) or 12 VDC (100 mA)
Section 2: 9 VDC (100 mA) or 12 VDC (100 mA)
Section 3: 9 VDC (100 mA) or 18 VDC (100 mA)
Section 4: 9 VDC (300 mA) or 12 VDC (300 mA)
Section 5: 9 VDC (300 mA) or 12 VDC (300 mA)

Cioks Adam Link

4 isolated sections.
Voltage changes using DIP-switches. Switching needed only for 12 V pedals.
Ideal choice for small frames. Can be used Pedaltrain’s Nanos and Metros. and using a Cioks Grip-bracket. For Temple Audio pedalboards, you can do the installation with a screws included in the power supply package.
Great for use with four pedals, for example two basic analogue effects and two power-hungry digital units. Also works fine as a second PSU on large pedalboards.
Traditional laminated block transformer, which is not as quiet as the toroidal transformer in the DC5 Link.
Small, usable and affordable choice.

Section 1: 9 VDC (100 mA) or 12 VDC (100 mA)
Section 2: 9 VDC (100 mA) or 12 VDC (100 mA)
Section 3: 9 VDC (250 mA)
Section 4: 9 VDC (250 mA)

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Cioks Professional Range power supplies

Cioks DC10

Ten outputs fed off eight isolated sections. Using outputs 7 and 8 at the same time can lead to a ground loop; same for outputs 9 and 10.
Outputs 5 and 6 can be merged into a single nine volt output delivering 400 mA. This makes using a current doubler cable redundant.
Voltage changes using DIP-switches. Switching is needed only for 12 or 15 V pedals, or to merge outputs 5 and 6. If you only run nine volt pedals, of which only two require more current, you needn’t touch the DIP-switches.
If you’re using any of Radial’s 15 V pedals the DC10 is a good choice.
The DC10 is a great choice for running four more traditional and three modern digital pedals.
Toroidal transformer.
A versatile PSU for many uses.

Section 1: 9 VDC (100 mA)
Section 2: 9 VDC (100 mA)
Section 3: 9 VDC (100 mA)
Section 4: 9 VDC (100 mA)
Section 5: 9 VDC (200 mA)
Section 6: 9 VDC (200 mA)
Section 7: 9 VDC (400 mA) and 12 VDC (400 mA)
Section 8: 9 VDC (400 mA) and 12/15 VDC (400 mA)

Cioks Ciokolate

16 outputs in 12 isolated sections.
Voltage changes using DIP-switches and the first outlet's trimpot. The available voltages range from 4 to 24 VDC and 9-16 VAC.
Using outputs 10 and 11 at the same time can lead to a ground loop. Same goes with outlets 12 and 13 and with outlets 15 and 16.
You could power up to two 15V Radial Tonebone pedals with this power supply.
Toroidal transformer
An extremely versatile, high-quality PSU with a large selection of voltages and plenty of current for powering up a large pedalboard.

Section 1: 4-15 VDC (100 mA)
Section 2: 9 VDC (100 mA)
Section 3: 9 VDC (100 mA)
Section 4: 9 VDC (100 mA)
Section 5: 18 VDC (100 mA) or 24 VDC (100 mA)
Section 6: 9 VDC (200 mA) or 12 VDC (200 mA)
Section 7: 9 VDC (200 mA) or 12 VDC (200 mA)
Section 8: 9 VDC (400 mA) or 12 VDC (400 mA) Section 9: 9 VDC (400 mA) or 12 VDC (400 mA)
Section 10: 9 VDC (400 mA) and 12/15VDC (400 mA)
Section 11: 9 VDC (600 mA) and 12/15VDC (600 mA) or 9/12VAC (800 mA)
Section 12: 9 VAC (800 mA) and 12/18VAC (800 mA)

Cioks AC10

Seven isolated sections, of which up to six can be used simultaneously.
The AC10 allows you to choose between using two high-powered AC-outputs, or one high-powered AC- and one high-powered DC-output.
Voltage changes using DIP-switches or by using a different output. 12, 15 and 16 volts are available.
You can use either Section 5 or Section 6 at any given time. This allows you to decide between two AC-outputs (Sections 6 and 7) or one AC- and one DC-output (Sections 5 and 7).
If you’re using any of Radial’s 15 V pedals the AC10 is a great choice.
Toroidal transformer.
If you want to use two AC pedals plus four DC effects, or a single AC pedal and five DC effects the AC10 is a fine choice.

Section 1: 9 VDC (100 mA)
Section 2: 9 VDC (100 mA)
Section 3: 9 VDC (200 mA) or 12 VDC (200 mA)
Section 4: 9 VDC (200 mA) or 12 VDC (200 mA)
Section 5: 9 VDC (600 mA) and 12/15 VDC (600 mA)
Section 6: 9 VAC (800 mA) and 12 VAC (800 mA)
Section 7: 9 VAC (800 mA) and 12/16 VAC (800 mA)

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If you have purchased all the parts and components but get a feeling that you might not be up to the task after all, we can make your pedalboard for you, using the components you have bought from us. Don’t worry, we won’t let anything go to waste.