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Overview of CIOKS SOL as a professional power supply for effect pedals, part of the Future Power Generation range.
Highlights include slim profile, low weight, isolated outlets, selectable voltages, and universal mains input.
Details the AC mains input, DC outlets, global status LED, front mounting holes, and bottom rubber feet.
Explains individual outlet LEDs indicating normal operation, low current, overload, or short circuit.
Describes the main LED indicating global power status, overload, or hiccup mode operation.
Guide on connecting power, setting output voltage, and connecting pedals using Flex cables.
Instructions for mounting on Pedaltrain, Temple Audio, and other pedalboards using included hardware.
Lists the included Flex cables for connecting pedals to the power supply.
Mentions the GRIP bracket, available separately for drill-free mounting on specific boards.
The CIOKS SOL is a professional power supply designed for effect pedals, part of the "Future Power Generation" range from the Danish company CIOKS, which has been providing reliable power supplies since 1991. This device is engineered to provide stable and isolated power to multiple pedals, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing noise in a guitar or bass rig.
The primary function of the CIOKS SOL is to convert AC mains power into multiple isolated DC outputs, specifically tailored for powering effect pedals. It features five isolated high-current DC outlets, each capable of delivering up to 6W of power. This isolation is crucial for preventing ground loops and unwanted noise, which can degrade the audio quality of a pedalboard. The power supply employs a 2-stage switch-mode power supply topology combined with multi-stage filtering and an innovative regulation feedback system to achieve ultra-low noise operation. This sophisticated design ensures that your pedals receive clean, consistent power, allowing them to perform at their best. The SOL is designed for worldwide use, accepting a universal mains input voltage of 100-240V AC, making it suitable for touring musicians or anyone who travels internationally. Its total maximum output power is 30W, distributed across its five outlets.
The CIOKS SOL offers a range of features designed for ease of use and versatility on a pedalboard. Each of the five DC outlets is individually configurable, allowing users to select one of four different voltages: 9V, 12V, 15V, or 18V. This flexibility ensures compatibility with a wide array of pedals, each with its specific power requirements. A voltage selector switch is provided for each outlet, along with a legend in the middle of the top panel that clearly indicates the voltage settings and corresponding output current ratings.
To connect pedals, the SOL utilizes CIOKS' proprietary Flex cables, with a selection of nine cables included in the box to get users started. These cables come in various types, including standard centre negative, centre positive, split Flex cables for powering two pedals from one outlet, and 3-way daisy chain Flex cables for powering three pedals from a single outlet. Users are encouraged to consult the included Flex cable selection guide or the CIOKS website for more information on cable types.
The device incorporates an advanced LED monitoring system to provide real-time feedback on its operation. Each isolated outlet has its own individual LED status indicator. In normal operation, these LEDs are lit. If an outlet is operating at the higher edge of its current limit, the LED will dim, signaling that it's approaching its maximum capacity. In the event of an overload or short circuit on an outlet, the respective LED indicator will turn off, alerting the user to a potential issue. The intensity of the outlet LEDs also increases when a higher voltage (12V, 15V, or 18V) is selected, providing a visual cue of the chosen setting.
In addition to individual outlet indicators, the CIOKS SOL features a global status indicator—a red LED within the letter 'O' of the CIOKS logo on the top panel. This LED is lit when the power supply is operating normally and within its total maximum output power limit. If the SOL becomes globally overloaded or overheated—perhaps due to insufficient ventilation or all five outlets being overloaded—this global indicator will turn off. Importantly, even if the global indicator turns off, the power supply continues to operate, and pedals remain powered, ensuring that "the show must go on." However, this serves as a warning that the system is under stress. In a more severe overload scenario, the SOL enters a "hiccup mode," where both the CIOKS LED and all five status LEDs will pulse, and power to the pedals will be temporarily cut off. This protective measure prevents damage to the pedals and the power supply itself.
Mounting the CIOKS SOL to a pedalboard is made convenient with several options. For Pedaltrain boards, users can utilize a drill template to create two diagonally positioned holes for a solid, screw-based attachment using the included screws. Alternatively, the separately sold GRIP bracket (version 2.0) offers a drill-free mounting solution. Due to its slim profile and low weight, the SOL can also be attached using Dual-Lock tape or industrial Velcro. For Temple Audio boards, the three threaded holes on the bottom of the SOL align with the Templeboard grid, allowing for easy mounting with the included screws. For other pedalboard types, users can employ any of the aforementioned methods or utilize the five threaded M4 holes on the bottom of the unit with metric M4 screws, ensuring that screws do not penetrate the SOL by more than 5mm.
The CIOKS SOL is designed for robust and reliable operation, minimizing the need for extensive user maintenance. It comes with a 5-year worldwide warranty, reflecting the manufacturer's confidence in its durability and quality. The device is designed in Denmark and assembled in Poland, adhering to high manufacturing standards.
The self-protective features, such as the advanced LED monitoring and hiccup mode, act as built-in diagnostic tools, alerting users to potential issues like overloads or short circuits before they can cause damage. This helps in maintaining the health of the power supply and connected pedals. If the global status indicator turns off due to overheating, it signals that the SOL may not be adequately ventilated, prompting the user to ensure proper airflow around the unit.
For any questions regarding the use of the SOL with specific pedals or for detailed technical inquiries, CIOKS encourages users to contact their support team directly via email, providing the power requirements of their pedals. This proactive support helps users optimize their setup and ensures the longevity of their equipment. The inclusion of mounting hardware and a variety of Flex cables in the box means users have the necessary components to set up and maintain their pedalboard power solution effectively.
General| Input Frequency | 50/60Hz |
|---|---|
| Type | Pedal Power Supply |
| Output Voltage | 9V, 12V, 15V, 18V |
| Weight | 0.5 kg |
| Isolation | Isolated outputs |
| Input Voltage | 100-240V AC |
| Connector | 2.1mm DC (center negative) |
| Voltage | 9V - 18V |
