Greetings, all.
I read the thread that discusses using the pedal power’s 18v outlet. My question is this: is there any benefit in powering an MF-101 with higher voltage, i.e., the full 15v? I know that for some effect pedals, powering them with a higher but still safe voltage yields more headroom before distortion, but is that the case with an MF-101? Also, what is the safe / proper milliamp value?
First question, the answer is no. Second question, answer is less than 600mA. 300 is nominal.
With the MF-101, you have control over the headroom via the drive knob, so upping the voltage is not going to have any benefits since you already control it.
Secondly most power transformers will supply more amperage than is required. You could have a transformer provide 1800 mA of current, but your MF-101 will only use about 100 mA total (as mentioned in the manual). Using this larger current power supply is not going to affect your sound, or equipment… and in this case I would consider a daisy chain of a few pedals off of 1800 mA.
Further, if you only supply 50mA, you won’t hurt the equipment - well maybe the wall wart, but rather your pedal won’t perform to its full potential if at all.
If your load current is greater than your supply current, you will most likely get a nice 50/60 cycle hum from your mains. The aim is to keep your supply “reservoir” at a higher current than your load.
Regarding nominal supply currents, if a supply is regulated with e.g. an LM309, the highest you want to go is around 800mA. The regulator can take up to 1A, but that’s pushing it slightly.