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

Quick answer:

Match each device separately: Quad Cortex currently specifies 12V DC and a supply providing at least 3A, centre-negative. HX Stomp, H9 and H90 use different current, voltage and connector requirements. Use the exact device manual and the power-supply maker’s approved cable arrangement; do not apply one 9V specification to every modeller.

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.

Digital modellers and multi-effects can require substantially more current than a conventional analogue pedal. Supply ratings, connector sizes and polarity vary between devices, so start with the exact model rather than an assumed universal power arrangement.

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

Current manufacturer requirement: 12V DC, centre-negative, with a power supply providing at least 3A. See the Neural DSP Quad Cortex manual.

Dedicated high-current output: Canvas Power HP / HP+

The Walrus Canvas Power HP and HP+ provide a high-current outlet rated at 12V/3A. With the supply disconnected from mains, select 12V on that outlet, choose the correct centre-negative cable and connector, then follow the supply’s startup instructions. Keep the rest of the board within the total power budget.

DC7, parallel cables and CRUX

CIOKS documents a parallel-output approach and markets CRUX with DC7 for Quad Cortex. However, four DC7 outlets at 12V/500mA combine to 2A, and CRUX is rated at 12V/2A. Those ratings differ from Neural DSP’s current 3A supply requirement. Confirm the specific arrangement with the manufacturers before choosing it; a 2A arrangement does not have the same rated current capacity as a 3A output.

Sources: CIOKS CRUX specifications and CIOKS parallel-output guidance.

2. Line 6 HX Stomp / HX Stomp XL

Use the exact Line 6 model’s supplied power adapter and manual as the starting point. CIOKS publishes an alternative for HX Stomp/FX/XL: two DC7 outlets set to 9V, a Parallel Flex 8800 adapter and a yellow Flex 3050 cable. Its guidance states 900mA operating current for Stomp and 1A for HX Effects. These are CIOKS connection recommendations, not a universal specification for all HX products.

With the power off, set both DC7 outputs to 9V, connect them using the specified current-combining adapter, then use the specified cable to the device. Do not substitute a voltage-doubling adapter. See CIOKS’ exact HX connection guidance.

CIOKS also documents CRUX from the DC7’s 24V AUX output as an alternative. The SOL does not provide that DC7-style 24V AUX connection; do not follow a DC7-to-CRUX diagram on SOL.

The Canvas Power HP and HP+ manuals also list HX Stomp for the 3A output. Select 9V and use a correctly sized centre-negative cable; check your exact Stomp or XL model before connecting.

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

Published specification: 9V DC/800mA or 12V DC/600mA, centre-positive, 5.5/2.5mm connector. See the Eventide H90 specifications.

One properly rated output can be sufficient. The HP or HP+ high-current output has the required current capacity at 9V or 12V; use a cable that supplies the H90’s centre-positive polarity and correct connector. The ordinary 9V/500mA outputs and HP+ variable outlet do not meet the published H90 current ratings on their own.

Where an individual supply output is insufficient, use only that supply maker’s supported current-combining arrangement. For example, two 9V/500mA isolated outputs provide 9V/1A through an appropriate parallel current adapter. Keep both outputs at the same voltage and use the correct centre-positive cable. Do not assume a fixed-9V supply can be switched to 12V.

Eventide separately documents tested exceptions for certain PowerMax/PowerMini outputs at 12V/500mA. Treat those as model-specific guidance, not permission to use every 500mA output. See Eventide’s power options guidance.

5. Recommended High-Current Power Supplies

• CIOKS DC7 / SOL – Slim supplies with selectable pedal voltages. DC7 also provides 24V AUX expansion; SOL has a different connection layout.

• 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

Start with each device’s specified voltage, minimum supply current, connector and polarity. Quad Cortex’s current manual calls for a 12V supply providing at least 3A. H9 and H90 use centre-positive connections, while HX connection options depend on the exact model and supply maker’s instructions.

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.

Before powering up, check every voltage selector and cable, the complete board’s load and the manufacturer instructions. If a device’s latest manual differs from an older setup guide, resolve the discrepancy with the manufacturers before relying on that arrangement.

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Last updated: 12 October 2026

Power requirements reviewed 12 October 2026. Compare output layouts and expansion choices in our CIOKS DC7 V2 vs Canvas Power HP and HP+ buying guide. H9 specifications: Eventide H9 user guide.