How to Power Neural DSP Quad Cortex, Line 6 HX Stomp/XL, and Eventide H9/H90 on Your Pedalboard

Modern multi-effects like the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, Line 6 HX Stomp / Stomp XL, and Eventide H9/H90 have set a new standard for guitar rigs. They deliver studio-grade tones and flexibility, but powering them on a pedalboard can be a real challenge.

Unlike traditional analog stompboxes that draw only 10–50mA, these advanced DSP units can require close to 1A or even 2A of current. On top of that, some models use different plug sizes and even reversed polarity. While each pedal comes with its own PSU, wall-warts are bulky, take up precious space, and don’t integrate neatly into professional pedalboards.

This guide explains exactly how to power the Quad Cortex, HX Stomp/XL, and Eventide H9/H90 with high-current power supplies, current doublers, and the right adapters. We’ll cover their exact requirements, step-by-step connection methods, and the products you’ll need to keep your rig stable and stage-ready.

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1. Neural DSP Quad Cortex

Power Requirement: 12V DC / 2000mA (2A) • 2.1mm DC Jack • Negative Tip

The Quad Cortex is one of the most demanding pedals available, requiring a massive 2A at 12V. No single standard output provides that much power, so you’ll need to either combine outputs or use a dedicated high-current module.

Method 1 – Using 1× Cioks DC7 or SOL + 3× Cioks 8800 Adapters

Items needed:

• 1× Cioks DC7 or Cioks SOL

• 4× Outputs set to 12V

• 3× Cioks 8800 Current Doublers

• 1× DC cable

Steps:

1. Set four outputs to 12V.

2. Pair outputs 1+2 with one Cioks 8800.

3. Pair outputs 3+4 with another Cioks 8800.

4. Merge those two doubled outputs with a third Cioks 8800.

5. Run the final DC cable into the Quad Cortex.

Method 2 – Using 1× Cioks DC7 or Strymon Zuma + 1× Cioks Crux

Items needed:

• 1× Cioks DC7 or Strymon Zuma (must have 24V EIAJ expansion port)

• 1× Cioks Crux (includes EIAJ link cable)

• 1× DC cable

Steps:

1. Connect the Cioks Crux to the DC7 using the included EIAJ cable.

2. Set Crux to 12V mode.

3. Run a DC cable directly into the Quad Cortex.

This is the cleanest and safest option, designed specifically for pedals like the Quad Cortex.

Method 3 – Using 1x Walrus Canvas Power HP / HP+

Items needed:

• 1× Walrus Canvas Power HP / HP+
  

Steps:

1. Set 9V / 12V Switch to 12V mode on 3A Output of Canvas Power HP / HP+

2. Run a DC cable directly into the the Quad Cortex

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2. Line 6 HX Stomp / HX Stomp XL

Power Requirement: 9V DC / 900mA • 2.5mm DC Jack • Negative Tip

The HX Stomp and Stomp XL are compact, but they still draw nearly 1A — far more than a standard 500mA output.

Method 1 – Using a Current Doubler

Items needed:

• 1× Cioks DC7 / SOL / Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 / 3 Plus

• 2× Outputs set to 9V

• 1× Current Doubler (Cioks 8800 / Rockboard Power Ace / Voodoo Lab Doubler)

• 1× Rockboard 2.1mm → 2.5mm Converter or Cioks 3050 Yellow Plug Cable

• 1× DC cable

Steps:

1. Set two outputs to 9V.

2. Combine them with a current doubler cable.

3. Add the 2.1mm → 2.5mm converter.

4. Connect into the HX Stomp / XL.

Method 2 – Using Cioks Crux with DC7 / Strymon Zuma

Items needed:

• 1× Cioks DC7 or Strymon Zuma (must have 24V EIAJ expansion port)

• 1× Cioks Crux
  

Steps:

1. Connect the Crux to the DC7, SOL, or Zuma via the 24V EIAJ expansion port.

2. Set Crux to 9V mode.

3. Run a DC cable with 2.5mm Plug (included with Crux) directly to the HX Stomp / XL.

This method eliminates the need for doublers and provides a stable 9V / 1000mA+ feed.

Method 3 – Using Walrus Canvas Power HP / HP+

Items needed:

• 1× Walrus Canvas Power HP / HP+
  

Steps:

1. Set 9V / 12V Switch to 9V mode on 3A Output of Canvas Power HP / HP+

2. Run a DC cable directly into the the HX Stomp / XL.

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3. Eventide H9

Power Requirement: 9V DC / 500mA • 2.5mm DC Jack • Positive Tip

The Eventide H9 isn’t as current-hungry as the others, but it has two unique requirements: a 2.5mm DC jack and positive tip polarity.

Items needed:

• 1× Supply with 9V / ≥500mA output (Cioks DC7, SOL, Walrus HP/HP+, Strymon Zuma, Voodoo Lab 3 Plus)

• 1× Rockboard 2.1mm → 2.5mm Converter

• 1× Rockboard Polarity Converter

• 1× DC cable

Steps:

1. Take one 9V output rated at ≥500mA.

2. Add the polarity converter to flip to positive tip.

3. Add the 2.1mm → 2.5mm converter.

4. Connect to the Eventide H9.

4. Eventide H90

Power Requirement: 9V / 800mA or 12V DC / 600mA • 2.5mm DC Jack • Positive Tip

The Eventide H90 can run on 12V / 600mA, which is higher than most single outputs allow. In most cases, you’ll need a current doubler.

Items needed:

• 1× Cioks DC7 / SOL / Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 / Walrus HP+

• 2× Outputs set to 9V or 12V (recommended)

• 1× Current Doubler (Cioks 8800 / Rockboard / Voodoo Lab)

• 1× Rockboard 2.1mm → 2.5mm Converter

• 1× Rockboard Polarity Converter

• 1× DC cable

Steps:

1. Set two outputs to 9V or 12V (recommended).

2. Combine them with a current doubler.

3. Add the polarity converter to flip to positive tip.

4. Add the 2.1mm → 2.5mm converter.

5. Connect into the Eventide H90.

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5. Recommended High-Current Power Supplies

• Cioks DC7 / SOL – Slim, flexible, expandable, with selectable voltages.

• Cioks Crux – Expansion module for extreme loads like Quad Cortex and HX Stomp.

• Walrus Audio HP / HP+ – Modern, slimline, built for powering digital pedals.

• Strymon Zuma / Zuma R300 – Multiple high-current isolated outputs, expandable with Ojai.

• Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 / 3 Plus – Tour-grade, multiple high-current isolated outputs.

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Final Thoughts

Powering modern pedals isn’t as simple as plugging into any spare output. The Neural DSP Quad Cortex demands 12V / 2A (2.1mm / negative tip), the HX Stomp/XL requires 9V / 900mA (2.5mm / negative tip), the Eventide H9 runs at 9V / 500mA (2.5mm / positive tip), and the Eventide H90 needs 12V / 600mA (2.5mm / positive tip).

By choosing the right high-current power supply and combining it with current doublers and Rockboard converters, you can integrate these powerful units seamlessly into your pedalboard.

Whether you use a Cioks DC7 or SOL with a Crux, a Walrus HP+, a Strymon Zuma, or a Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 3 Plus, these solutions ensure your rig runs cleanly, quietly, and reliably. With the right setup, you’ll never worry about under-powering your pedals again — your board will be stable, efficient, and stage-ready.

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Learn how to power the Neural DSP Quad Cortex, Line 6 HX Stomp/XL, and Eventide H9/H90 on your pedalboard. Step-by-step methods, current requirements, DC jack sizes, polarity, and recommended power supplies explained.