This week, we review the STRICH PB-M15 pedalboard, a compact unit featuring a built-in power supply and a range of useful accessories, all for a low price. But how well does it work, and could it be a viable solution for you?
The Power Problem Solved
For years, the small pedalboard user faced a common dilemma: bulky power supplies that took up valuable pedal space, or cheap daisy chains that introduced unwanted noise into the signal chain.
STRICH has stepped into this gap with the PB-M15, a compact board that features an integrated power supply. By merging the power unit directly into the aluminum chassis, STRICH offers a truly streamlined solution for gigging musicians and bedroom players alike who prioritize minimalism and clean current.
Built-In Power: Versatility and Protection
The most compelling feature of the PB-M15 is its versatile, built-in power bank. This isn’t just a convenience; it’s engineered for serious performance. The unit boasts 10 independent output ports, which should cover almost any small-to-mid-sized rig:
- Seven 9V outputs: Catering to standard analog and low-draw digital pedals, including five at 100mA and one at 300mA.
- High-Current Options: Crucially, it includes one dedicated 9V/700mA port, a 12V/500mA port, and an 18V/500mA port, ensuring compatibility with demanding digital modulation, delay, and larger modeling units.
USB
Each channel also features independent short-circuit protection, a vital safety net that keeps your expensive effects safe from power surges or connection mishaps.
Furthermore, STRICH added a handy USB 5V/800mA port, perfect for charging a smartphone or powering a tablet on stage, adding genuine utility for the modern musician.
Performance and Ergonomics
Constructed from a lightweight yet durable aluminum alloy, the PB-M15 delivers on its promise of portability.
Measuring just 15 x 5.1 inches and weighing a mere 1.3 pounds, this board is the definition of a “fly rig.” It’s compact enough to throw into a backpack or guitar case, yet sturdy enough to handle the rigors of frequent travel without bending or warping.
The board’s design includes a slight ergonomic incline. This pitch makes the row of pedals easily accessible and promotes more precise foot placement—a small but significant detail often overlooked in flat, budget boards. It is a compact board, but well laid out and robust. The horizontal layout provides excellent organization, helping to keep cables tidy beneath the pedals.
What’s in the Bag?
STRICH completes the package with a comprehensive accessory set, indicating they understand the musician’s need to get up and running immediately.
Included is a high-quality gig bag, specifically designed to protect the board and attached pedals during transport, a power adapter, and all necessary pedal cables and hook-and-loop strips for easy setup.
It is hard to fault this pedalboard, especially since it includes everything you need to get your effects setup and running quickly and neatly.
Verdict: A Powerful Contender for the Minimalist
The STRICH PB-M15 is an excellent choice for players seeking to simplify their setup without sacrificing power quality or pedal variety. It successfully addresses the twin demands of portability and clean power, making it an ideal choice for quick gigs, rehearsal setups, or as a secondary fly-rig.
We used it for all our recent STRICH reviews and have also successfully used it with a mixture of analog and digital effect pedals.
While the 15-inch width limits users to about four or five standard-sized pedals, the PB-M15 maximizes every inch by eliminating the need for an external power brick. If you are a gigging musician running a tight, essential effects loop (say, tuner, drive, modulation, and delay), the PB-M15 delivers unmatched, hassle-free performance and is highly recommended.
The price point is very competitive, and as it includes all the basic accessories you need to get up and running, it works out as a very affordable all-in-one solution for your stompboxes. Just add your favourite stompboxes and some audio cables to get up and running in no time!
Available at Amazon US, priced $59.99
Available at Amazon UK, priced £59.99
- More STRICH reviews
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