TEST: Harley Benton Power Plant

 So guys, something for pedaling fans today! No, no, Amazona has not set up a new category for mountain bikes, rather it is about the self-confident guild of electrified string pluckers in general and the representatives of six-strings in particular.

You remember, counting back decades towards your birthday, the first stompboxes came onto the market to potentiate the sound of the guitar in terms of its parameters. Dynamic, modulation and spatial effects first populated the stage floor sporadically, then increasingly, and over time bassists and keyboardists integrated them into their setup, especially in the experimental era of the 1970s.

However, what gave all pedals of his time a varying nerve factor was the extremely time-consuming and fiddly-intensive replacement of the 9V block(s). In addition, the high-performance alkaline battery with its long running time was just wishful thinking in those days; we don't even want to talk about corresponding accumulators!

If you still had a few decent power guzzlers in the signal path, like various flangers back in the day, which drained two 9V blocks during just one show and could only be opened with screwdrivers, you can easily imagine how much time was spent during one The trip was only spent on the extremely annoying task of changing the batteries. I remember in horror, not to mention the environmental impact of drained batteries...

So the wildest home constructions were knitted out of the “board bugs” (plug-in power supplies) that were first appearing at the time. As soon as you were crazy excited about getting hold of such a device in the local music shop, your mood sank to absolute zero because you had accidentally received a non-stabilized version from the seller, which when activated runs at a massive 50 Hertz. A humming noise drew attention to himself in a similarly penetrating way, like a partner feeling neglected on a Saturday evening.

So back to the store, changing the power supply, but then! Cables were split, extended, field-forest-and-meadow solutions were tried out that would bring tears of pure despair to an electrical engineer's eyes and send various voltage converters to their eternal hunting grounds.

Aware of this fact, the music industry began to equip its floor pedals with power supply connections, which, apart from the constantly changing +/- assignment at the time, (finally) resulted in a certain standardization. Over time, three operating voltages emerged, 9V, 12V and 18V; other voltages were/are compensated for, if at all, by an included power supply.

But what if, in the good old tradition, you own 5 FX pedals or more in your live setup and want to supply them all with operating voltage from a power supply? Anyone who, like me, tried to solve this problem with one power supply per device knows the problem of having to take up almost 50% of the space due to all the board bugs (one bug eats up the space of 2! Schuko sockets), along with their cabling and power strips available on his floorboard, loses due to the disruptive power supply. Doesn't make for relaxed work and looks like shit too!

So what could be more obvious than placing a central supply unit on the floorboard, which supplies each floor pedal with the necessary operating voltage? The Thoman house brand Harley Benton offers the POWERPLANT for this purpose, which is intended to fulfill this purpose.

Construction:

But Hoppela, that's what I call a weight! The small, dark blue metal box weighs over one kilogram due to the components used and the massive construction.

Similar to a brick, the Powerplant has no bulges and only sits on four small, somewhat smooth rubber discs. If you roughen the rubber feet a little, this immediately provides a little more grip on smooth surfaces.

In my opinion, this puristic design, coupled with the rather high weight, results in a small problem in live use. Over time, three methods of fastening a floorboard have become established:

1.) Screw roughly (replace the factory screws with extended versions and insert them through a hole in the floorboard from behind into the pedal or similar)

2.) Screw carefully (you buy/make four straight metal plates, which you drill through twice and then clamp a hole between the existing screws on the pedal and use the other hole for screwing next to the pedal)

3.) Double-sided adhesive Velcro tape (the use is self-explanatory)


If you now want to place the Powerplant on a floorboard (this is where it is primarily used), you will encounter the following problems:

to 1.) The device has no holes on the bottom

2.) The device has four holes on the side, which means you have to bend the holding plates at a 90 degree angle and align them precisely. Not impossible, but you do need to take some initiative.

3.) Only if you remove the rubber feet and cover the entire underside with Velcro will the device have enough support even when transported vertically (we know that floorboards are always squeezed upright somewhere on the side in the belt bus) and freely arranged not to come off the bottom of the floorboard.

None of these are problems that cannot be solved, but how nice it would be if the Powerplant came with four small, perforated bulges from the factory.

When it comes to supply voltages, the Powerplant is very well positioned. A total of eight 9V outputs with max. 500mA ensure comprehensive coverage of the majority of FX pedals.

The 12V supply, which is available as both direct current and alternating current at two different sockets, is also very successful. It would be very nice if there was at least an 18V connection. Due to the higher headroom, this form of supply voltage is usually only found on old pedals from, for example, MXR (Flanger, Blowtorch), Ibanez (AD80) or some of their new editions, but it would really cover the entire range.

The power supply is switched by an on/off switch, which is located directly next to the power plug and the fine fuse access. The scope of delivery includes a power cable and a wild mix of all common connection cables/plugs in sufficient floorboard length.


Practice:

Very short, very simple, the device works without any grumbling or noise, is extremely quiet (no audible transformer hum) and does exactly what it is supposed to do! After pressing the power switch, a very bright blue LED lights up on the side and, together with the red light on/off switch, indicates the operating status of the device.


Conclusion:

A practical block that Harley Benton brought onto the market there! The extremely massive power supply covers the majority of all required operating voltages and conveys the robustness of an old-school brick that has been fired several times.

Here you can easily support yourself with one leg in the heat of the wild stage battle without it (as has often happened with cheaper FX components) damaging one or another potentiometer or even the entire plastic housing!

A sensible purchase at a low price, which also benefits the environment due to the abandonment of batteries and accumulators of all kinds!

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Additional Informations:

Introduction:
Harley Benton, a brand synonymous with quality musical instruments and equipment at affordable prices, has carved a niche for itself in the world of effects pedals. With a diverse range of pedals catering to various musical styles and preferences, Harley Benton has become a go-to choice for musicians seeking budget-friendly yet high-quality effects. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the fascinating journey of how Harley Benton effects pedals came to be, exploring their inception, evolution, and impact on the music industry.

1. Origins and Inspiration:
The story of Harley Benton effects pedals begins with the brand's overarching mission to democratize access to musical gear. Born out of the desire to offer musicians affordable alternatives to expensive pedals without compromising on quality, Harley Benton embarked on a journey to design and produce effects pedals that would meet the needs of players across different genres and skill levels.

2. Collaborative Development:
Harley Benton's approach to developing effects pedals involves collaboration with musicians, engineers, and industry experts. By engaging with the music community and listening to the needs and feedback of players, Harley Benton ensures that its pedals are designed to deliver the tones and features that musicians desire. This collaborative development process has been instrumental in shaping the evolution of Harley Benton effects pedals.

3. Research and Innovation:
Behind every Harley Benton effects pedal lies a commitment to research and innovation. The brand invests in exploring new technologies, circuit designs, and manufacturing processes to continuously improve the performance, reliability, and versatility of its pedals. Whether it's developing analog circuits for classic vintage tones or integrating digital processing for modern effects, Harley Benton pushes the boundaries of what's possible in effects pedal design.

4. Quality Control and Testing:
A cornerstone of Harley Benton's philosophy is a rigorous quality control and testing process. Each effects pedal undergoes thorough inspection and testing to ensure that it meets the brand's standards for performance, durability, and reliability. From component selection to final assembly, every step of the production process is meticulously monitored to deliver pedals that inspire confidence and satisfaction in musicians.

5. Range of Pedals:
Harley Benton offers a diverse range of effects pedals to suit various musical styles and applications. From essential pedals like overdrive, distortion, and delay to specialty effects like modulation, reverb, and wah, the brand's lineup caters to the needs of guitarists, bassists, and other instrumentalists. Whether you're a blues guitarist searching for creamy overdrive tones or a shoegaze musician experimenting with ambient textures, Harley Benton has a pedal for you.

6. Affordable Pricing:
One of the key factors that set Harley Benton effects pedals apart is their affordability. By leveraging efficient manufacturing processes and economies of scale, Harley Benton is able to offer high-quality pedals at prices that are accessible to musicians on a budget. This commitment to affordability has made Harley Benton effects pedals a popular choice among beginners, hobbyists, and gigging musicians alike.

7. Positive Reception and Reviews:
Feedback from musicians and reviews of Harley Benton effects pedals have been overwhelmingly positive. Musicians praise the pedals for their solid construction, great tone, and excellent value for money. Whether purchased individually or as part of a pedalboard setup, Harley Benton effects pedals consistently impress users with their performance and reliability, earning praise from players of all backgrounds and experience levels.

8. Evolution of Design Philosophy:
Harley Benton effects pedals are the result of a carefully crafted design philosophy that emphasizes simplicity, versatility, and tone. The brand understands that not every musician needs a pedal with countless knobs and switches, so they focus on creating pedals that offer essential features and intuitive controls. This approach ensures that players can easily dial in the desired sound without being overwhelmed by unnecessary complexity.

9. Response to Market Trends:
Throughout their evolution, Harley Benton has remained attuned to market trends and emerging technologies in the effects pedal industry. Whether it's responding to the resurgence of interest in analog pedals or incorporating digital innovations like programmability and USB connectivity, Harley Benton continually adapts its product lineup to meet the changing needs and preferences of musicians.

10. Community Engagement and Support:
Harley Benton places a strong emphasis on building and nurturing a supportive community of musicians. Through online forums, social media channels, and events like gear demos and workshops, the brand fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among its customers. This community engagement not only provides valuable feedback for product development but also creates opportunities for musicians to connect, collaborate, and share their passion for music.

11. Environmental Sustainability:
In addition to prioritizing affordability and quality, Harley Benton is committed to environmental sustainability in its manufacturing processes. The brand seeks to minimize its carbon footprint by sourcing eco-friendly materials, reducing waste, and implementing energy-efficient production methods. By aligning with environmentally conscious practices, Harley Benton demonstrates its commitment to responsible stewardship of the planet.

12. Educational Resources and Support:
Recognizing the importance of education and support for aspiring musicians, Harley Benton provides a wealth of educational resources and support materials. From instructional videos and online tutorials to product manuals and troubleshooting guides, the brand equips musicians with the knowledge and tools they need to get the most out of their effects pedals. This commitment to education empowers musicians to unleash their creativity and explore new sonic possibilities.

13. Future Innovations and Expansion:
Looking ahead, Harley Benton shows no signs of slowing down in its quest for innovation and expansion. The brand continues to explore new avenues for growth and development, from expanding its product lineup to exploring new markets and distribution channels. With a finger on the pulse of the music industry, Harley Benton remains poised to anticipate and adapt to the evolving needs and preferences of musicians worldwide.

14. Conclusion:
In conclusion, the genesis of Harley Benton effects pedals is a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to quality, affordability, and innovation. From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in the music industry, Harley Benton has stayed true to its mission of making music accessible to all. By listening to the needs of musicians, embracing emerging technologies, and fostering a supportive community, Harley Benton continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in effects pedal design. Whether you're a beginner picking up your first pedal or a seasoned pro adding to your collection, Harley Benton effects pedals offer a gateway to endless sonic exploration and creative expression.