Pedal Boards: What to Know
Pedal boards organize your effects chain and solve the power problem. Guitarists and bassists use them to mount multiple pedals in a stable, portable rig. The board itself provides a mounting surface. Most include or accommodate a power supply underneath to eliminate wall wart clutter and ground loop hum. Boards range from compact two-pedal solutions to massive touring rigs with integrated switching systems. Your choice depends on pedal count, gigging frequency, and how often you reconfigure your signal chain.
What to Look For
Mounting system matters. Hook-and-loop tape is universal but messy. Slotted rails like Pedaltrain's design allow tool-free repositioning. Check the board's dimensions against your actual pedals, accounting for jacks and cables. Angled boards improve visibility but take up more pedalboard real estate than flat designs. Power supply compatibility is critical: verify the board can fit your existing supply or budget for an isolated unit with enough outputs and milliamp capacity for digital pedals. Aluminum construction is lighter than wood but costs more. Road cases add protection and weight. Soft gig bags work for local shows. If you use MIDI or expression pedals, confirm there's space and routing for those cables. Some boards include cable management channels. Others leave you zip-tying everything to the underside.
Top Brands
Blackout Audio carries Gator and Rock N Roller. Gator builds affordable boards with integrated power and various size options. Rock N Roller focuses on multi-cart systems that double as gear transport and pedal platforms for mobile rigs.
Shop Pedal Boards at Blackout Audio
A proper pedal board turns a loose collection of stomps into a reliable instrument. It protects your investment, speeds up setup, and eliminates the noise issues that come from daisy-chaining cheap power adapters. Pair your board with an isolated power supply and quality patch cables for best results. Free shipping on orders over $199 across Canada. Browse the selection online and contact the team with questions about sizing or power requirements for your specific pedals.