Using DeepSeek for Guitar Pedal Power Tech Question

[Spook410]

This was interesting.. I'm trying to figure out a better set up for a battery powered small pedalboard. There are lots of mediocre pedalboard battery power supplies. And lots of good USB based battery power supplies (e.g. I like the Anker stuff on Amazon). Looked at converters on for USB 5V to 9V and there are many but this didn't provide much insight. Was about to ask the jazz forum but started with DeepSeek, a generative AI tool similar to ChatGPT. Was a little surprised at how robust the answer was.

Question: Can you use a USB 5V to 9V converter to power a guitar pedal

Response:
Yes, you can use a USB 5V to 9V converter to power a guitar pedal, but there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

1. Voltage Requirement: Most guitar pedals require 9V DC power. If your pedal specifically needs 9V, the converter must provide a stable and consistent 9V output.
2. Current Requirement: Check the current (mA) requirement of your guitar pedal. The USB 5V to 9V converter must be able to supply at least the amount of current your pedal needs. Most standard USB ports provide up to 500mA (0.5A), but some pedals may require more.
3. Polarity: Ensure the converter provides the correct polarity (center-negative or center-positive) that your pedal requires. Most guitar pedals use center-negative polarity, but always double-check the pedal's specifications.
4. Noise and Stability: Some USB converters may introduce electrical noise or instability, which can affect the sound quality of your guitar pedal. Look for a converter designed for audio equipment or one that has good reviews for clean power output.
5. Power Supply Quality: Using a high-quality converter and power source is crucial to avoid potential damage to your pedal and to ensure reliable performance.

If your guitar pedal requires more current than a standard USB port can provide, or if you experience noise issues, you might need to consider alternative power solutions, such as a dedicated 9V power supply or a power supply unit (PSU) designed for multiple pedals.
Always refer to the user manual or specifications of your guitar pedal to ensure compatibility with the power source you intend to use.

Will still require diligence of course, but this was a pretty good response IMHO.

Next step: Find some converter cables with the right polarity.

[sgosnell]

About the original question: I use a 5V->9V converter cable routinely. It's quiet, and provides plenty of power for the pedals I use, including my SoundblockUS at 9VDC. It does depend on the power of the USB adapter you use, but most seem to be adequate, at least for my uses. I don't recall exactly where I got my cable, but I think eBay. You won't find any that are center-negative, at least I haven't, but I made a couple of polarity swapping adapters using cheap daisy-chain cables. It only requires basic soldering skills, just cut the cable and resolder the conductors opposite to the way they were.

[Woody Sound]

A related note: I have a fairly high-end guitar preamp pedal that came with its own 9v adapter. It also works fine with a 1-Spot 9v. However, when I use a 9v battery direct (below), it does not work.

[sgosnell]

That connector is almost certainly center positive. You need to reverse the polarity, either by rewiring the connections or using an adapter. I have a couple of similar 9V battery boxes, and they work fine after I rewired them. The easiest way to do that is clip the wires and resolder them, reversing the conductors. The use of center negative connections in pedals is problematic in multiple ways, but it's far too late to change the situation.

[Woody Sound]

That connector is almost certainly center positive. You need to reverse the polarity, either by rewiring the connections or using an adapter. I have a couple of similar 9V battery boxes, and they work fine after I rewired them. The easiest way to do that is clip the wires and resolder them, reversing the conductors. The use of center negative connections in pedals is problematic in multiple ways, but it's far too late to change the situation.

Actually, that little connector works with all my other pedals. Just not the Suncoast preamp.

[Cunamara]

I read an interesting point today which was that reading the AI tea leaves can be done from different perspectives. One perspective is "China is surpassing the United States in AI development." The other perspective is that "open source AI is surpassing proprietary AI in development." Apparently R1 is open source with the code available, unlike most other AI models.

Being a psychologist, not a computer programmer, I can't say that I fully understand any of this. I just know that I deeply distrust AI; not so much the technology but the motivations behind it (which, for proprietary systems at least, is to make thumping piles of money and consolidate power). Thus far I have opted out of all overt use of AI (no doubt I am running into some embedded use that I can't avoid), but as of today Apple is making its AI service opt-out rather than opt-in. F***ers.

Running Linux on an old laptop now to see if I can live with that for all I need to do online and, if so, bye-bye Apple.

[Ukena]

Has anyone tried one of these? – A rechargeable pedal power supply:

Amazon.com

[Woody Sound]

Has anyone tried one of these? – A rechargeable pedal power supply:

Amazon.com

Tnx, looks promising.

[Navdeep_Singh]

I downloaded that app and tested it out to see if it was jive. (All LLM’s answers should be verified and not instantly taken as gospel)

QUESTION: Explain Barry Harris’ sixth diminished harmonic system and how it can be applied to the guitar.

ANSWER:

Barry Harris' sixth diminished harmonic system is a unique approach to jazz harmony and improvisation that integrates the major sixth chord and the diminished seventh chord. This system is rooted in the bebop tradition and provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and navigating chord progressions, substitutions, and melodic lines. Here's an explanation of the system and how it can be applied to the guitar:


---


### **Core Concepts of the Sixth Diminished System**
1. **Major Sixth Chord as the Foundation**:
- The major sixth chord (e.g., C6: C-E-G-A) is the central harmonic structure in this system.
- Harris emphasizes that the major sixth chord can be used as a substitute for major seventh and major chords, providing a richer, more melodic sound.


2. **Diminished Seventh Chord as a Connecting Element**:
- The diminished seventh chord (e.g., C°7: C-E?-G?-A) is used to connect and transition between chords.
- Harris views the diminished seventh chord as a "bridge" that links different harmonic areas, enabling smooth voice leading and chromatic movement.


3. **Combining the Sixth and Diminished Chords**:
- The system combines the major sixth chord and the diminished seventh chord into a single harmonic framework.
- For example, the C6 chord (C-E-G-A) can be paired with the C°7 chord (C-E?-G?-A), creating a unified system that allows for fluid movement between major and diminished tonalities.


4. **Scale Implications**:
- The system is closely tied to the bebop scale and the diminished scale.
- By alternating between the major sixth and diminished seventh chords, Harris creates a harmonic and melodic environment that naturally incorporates chromaticism and bebop phrasing.


---


### **Application to the Guitar**
1. **Chord Voicings**:
- Learn movable shapes for major sixth chords (e.g., C6: 8-7-5-5 on the D-G-B-E strings) and diminished seventh chords (e.g., C°7: 8-7-6-5 on the D-G-B-E strings).
- Practice transitioning between these shapes to internalize the harmonic movement.


2. **Chord Substitutions**:
- Use the major sixth chord as a substitute for major seventh or major chords in jazz standards.
- For example, in a II-V-I progression (Dm7-G7-Cmaj7), you can replace Cmaj7 with C6.


3. **Diminished Passing Chords**:
- Insert diminished seventh chords between chord changes to create smooth voice leading.
- For example, in a I-vi-ii-V progression (C6-Am7-Dm7-G7), you can add a C°7 chord between C6 and Am7.


4. **Improvisation**:
- Use the major bebop scale (C-D-E-F-G-G#-A-B) and the diminished scale (C-D-E?-F-G?-G#-A-B) to create melodic lines that reflect the harmonic system.
- Practice alternating between major and diminished tonalities in your solos to capture the essence of Harris' approach.


5. **Practice Patterns**:
- Play a major sixth chord followed by its corresponding diminished seventh chord (e.g., C6 to C°7).
- Move this pattern through the cycle of fourths or fifths to cover all 12 keys.


---


### **Example: Applying the System to a Jazz Standard**
Take the first four bars of "Autumn Leaves" in the key of G minor:
- Am7 | D7 | Gmaj7 | Cmaj7


Using Barry Harris' system:
- Replace Gmaj7 with G6 and Cmaj7 with C6.
- Insert a G°7 chord between G6 and C6 for smooth voice leading.


Result:
- Am7 | D7 | G6 | G°7 | C6


---


### **Benefits of the System**
- **Harmonic Flexibility**: Provides a framework for understanding and applying substitutions and extensions.
- **Melodic Fluidity**: Encourages chromaticism and bebop-inspired phrasing.
- **Voice Leading**: Enhances smooth transitions between chords.


By studying and applying Barry Harris' sixth diminished harmonic system, guitarists can develop a deeper understanding of jazz harmony and improvisation, while also expanding their technical and creative capabilities on the instrument.

[Spook410]

Has anyone tried one of these? – A rechargeable pedal power supply:

There are a number of them with several 100mA ports and a single 300mA port. And they are small and inexpensive. Some say 4000mA hours (mAh) while this one says 10000mAh. Not sure about the power ratings. Still, would buy one of these and give it a try if I didn't need more amps for the pedals I'm using. Not many pedals take 100mA anymore. More like 200 mA to 500 mA and even more for some.

I considered this one but at 4400mAh, wouldn't last as long as I would like. Amazon.com

I make life difficult for power supplies with modelers, reverbs, delays and fancier loopers. So that finds me looking at devices designed for charging laptops on travel. They are smaller than the ones with AC output (inverters) and have USB and USB-C ports. Can be had with good build quality and a credible 25,000mA hours but you have to convert to center negative plug 9V.

[Cunamara]

FWIW regarding DeepSeek (reporting by CNN):

Unlike TikTok, which says as of July 2022 it stores all American data in the US, DeepSeek says in its privacy policy that personal information it collects is stored in “secure servers located in the People’s Republic of China.”


A comparison of privacy policies between DeepSeek and some of its US competitors also show concerning differences, according to Snoswell.


Each DeepSeek, OpenAI and Meta say they collect people’s data such as from their account information, activities on the platforms and the devices they’re using. But DeepSeek adds that it also collects “keystroke patterns or rhythms,” which can be as uniquely identifying as a fingerprint or facial recognition and used a biometric.


“I’ve never seen another software platform that says they collect that unless it’s designed for (those purposes),” Snoswell said. He also noted what appeared to be vaguely defined allowances for sharing of user data to entities within DeepSeek’s corporate group.


“It’s way, way more permissive than anything you’d see from a Western software company,” he said.

[AllanAllen]

FWIW regarding DeepSeek (reporting by CNN):

Unlike TikTok, which says as of July 2022 it stores all American data in the US, DeepSeek says in its privacy policy that personal information it collects is stored in “secure servers located in the People’s Republic of China.”


A comparison of privacy policies between DeepSeek and some of its US competitors also show concerning differences, according to Snoswell.


Each DeepSeek, OpenAI and Meta say they collect people’s data such as from their account information, activities on the platforms and the devices they’re using. But DeepSeek adds that it also collects “keystroke patterns or rhythms,” which can be as uniquely identifying as a fingerprint or facial recognition and used a biometric.


“I’ve never seen another software platform that says they collect that unless it’s designed for (those purposes),” Snoswell said. He also noted what appeared to be vaguely defined allowances for sharing of user data to entities within DeepSeek’s corporate group.


“It’s way, way more permissive than anything you’d see from a Western software company,” he said.

The only difference with DeepSeek, TikTok and the American competitors is where the data is stored. It’s all a cancer eating away at society.

Eventually AI will solve wages and then nobody will have money to buy things from the oligarchs. Kind of a stupid goal for them to have isn’t it?

[ThatRhythmMan]

The only difference with DeepSeek, TikTok and the American competitors is where the data is stored. It’s all a cancer eating away at society.

Eventually AI will solve wages and then nobody will have money to buy things from the oligarchs. Kind of a stupid goal for them to have isn’t it?

Kind of like a game of Monopoly. In the end someone feels like they won, but in the end there’s really nothing left.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[djg]

FWIW regarding DeepSeek (reporting by CNN):

Unlike TikTok, which says as of July 2022 it stores all American data in the US, DeepSeek says in its privacy policy that personal information it collects is stored in “secure servers located in the People’s Republic of China.”


A comparison of privacy policies between DeepSeek and some of its US competitors also show concerning differences, according to Snoswell.


Each DeepSeek, OpenAI and Meta say they collect people’s data such as from their account information, activities on the platforms and the devices they’re using. But DeepSeek adds that it also collects “keystroke patterns or rhythms,” which can be as uniquely identifying as a fingerprint or facial recognition and used a biometric.


“I’ve never seen another software platform that says they collect that unless it’s designed for (those purposes),” Snoswell said. He also noted what appeared to be vaguely defined allowances for sharing of user data to entities within DeepSeek’s corporate group.


“It’s way, way more permissive than anything you’d see from a Western software company,” he said.

for a few thousand quid you can run the model in your garage or in the cloud and nothing will ever be collected unless you say so. american oligarchs hate this simple trick...

[Christian Miller]

Kind of like a game of Monopoly. In the end someone feels like they won, but in the end there’s really nothing left.

One of the great ironies is that the game of Monopoly was designed by an anti-capitalist, Lizzie Magie as the "Landlords Game", which certainly explains why it's such a bad boardgame.

[RJVB]

The use of center negative connections in pedals is problematic in multiple ways, but it's far too late to change the situation.

And you better hope the electronics are protected properly for a reversed-polarity power event! Usually they're pretty tolerant of receiving a higher voltage but I've seen industrial microcontrolers (worth quite a bit more than the average pedal) die (unceremoniously and unspectactularly but very reliably) because of a single polarity error.

---
Would it be PC to say that you have to be stupid (as in not very clever) to trust any Chinese software on what's supposed to be a secure device?

[RJVB]

as of today Apple is making its AI service opt-out rather than opt-in.

Care to expand or give some pointers?

[CliffR]

for a few thousand quid you can run the model in your garage or in the cloud and nothing will ever be collected unless you say so. american oligarchs hate this simple trick...

I think to run it in the cloud you just need to pay on a per-use basis, right? Also, you can run one of the 'distilled' versions on a relatively modest home system. I've been using the China-hosted version online. So I did see the censorship issues that you did not. But, I have to say, despite all the problematic aspects of the technology (both DeepSeek and its western counterparts) it's extremely impressive. (Got to laugh at OpenAI complaining about suspected theft when they've blatantly hoovered copyrighted works across the internet.)

[Christian Miller]

Oh cool, I won't need to wait until I can buy a household Thorium reactor then...

[djg]

I think to run it in the cloud you just need to pay on a per-use basis, right? Also, you can run one of the 'distilled' versions on a relatively modest home system. I've been using the China-hosted version online. So I did see the censorship issues that you did not. But, I have to say, despite all the problematic aspects of the technology (both DeepSeek and its western counterparts) it's extremely impressive. (Got to laugh at OpenAI complaining about suspected theft when they've blatantly hoovered copyrighted works across the internet.)

i run the 32B model via ollama on a rented GPU server. i assume you could build a system with a few stacked Mac Minis and run the largest deepseek model locally for under 10.000$. which is a huge deal. the release of deepseek r1 has been called a sputnik moment. and already deepseek is challenged by the next qwen model.

[AllanAllen]

[RJVB]

Butlerian Jihad - Wikipedia

(Got to laugh at OpenAI complaining about suspected theft when they've blatantly hoovered copyrighted works across the internet.)

Well, with Trumbo having lifted most if not all limiting regulations from US AI companies they can now probably have theirs analyse the open source competing implementation to see what can be learned from it. And then maybe rewrite itself.
Because that's not at all worrisome...

[Christian Miller]

Luddite! I need machines to do my music for me so that I have more time to wash the dishes. Have you seen the state of my house?

[nbevan3]

This was interesting.. I'm trying to figure out a better set up for a battery powered small pedalboard. There are lots of mediocre pedalboard battery power supplies. And lots of good USB based battery power supplies (e.g. I like the Anker stuff on Amazon). Looked at converters on for USB 5V to 9V and there are many but this didn't provide much insight. Was about to ask the jazz forum but started with DeepSeek, a generative AI tool similar to ChatGPT. Was a little surprised at how robust the answer was.

Question: Can you use a USB 5V to 9V converter to power a guitar pedal.

I know your initial point was about the benefit of using AI to solve your problem. I had a similar question that I posed last year (through ChatGPT); I ended up using a ‘9v usb powered battery’ to ‘drive’ one of these: WEJIUAFB Guitar Pedal Power Supply,DC Guitar Power Supply 8 Isolated DC Output For 9V 300mA/100mA Pedalboard With Short Circuit Overcurrent Protection : Amazon.co.uk: Musical Instruments & DJ.

The power supply works well, but more importantly to your question, I have found myself believing that AI may have a place for the ‘average Joe’.

AI is STARTING to become useful!

[Tal_175]

Here is a good overview of DeepSeek's impact on the AI landscape: