Expert Review of Walrus Audio’s Canvas Energy Series
The Canvas Energy lineup from Walrus Audio stands out as a revolutionary solution for powering guitar effects on any pedalboard. Combining modular connectivity, cutting-edge design, and compact form factors, these power supplies redefine convenience and efficiency for modern musicians.
Advantages of the Canvas Energy Series
- Advanced Power Capabilities: Equipped with the latest in power technology, ensuring reliable and clean energy delivery.
- Sleek, Low-Profile Design: Minimal visual footprint allows seamless integration into any pedal setup without clutter.
- Modular Connectivity: Supports daisy-chaining multiple units via a 24V link cable, offering flexible expansion options for complex rigs.
Potential Drawbacks
- Higher Price Point: The premium features come with a cost, making them a significant investment for some users.
- Installation Requirements: The mounting brackets necessitate drilling into your pedalboard, which may be inconvenient for some players.
At Guitar World, our team dedicates extensive hours testing and comparing guitar gear to help you make informed decisions. Discover more about our testing methodology to understand how we evaluate products.
Understanding the Canvas Energy Series
Walrus Audio’s Canvas series is arguably one of the most exciting innovations in boutique pedal accessories. It encompasses a comprehensive suite of guitar utility devices, from DI boxes and tuners to, notably, high-performance pedal power supplies. The series includes five models: the Energy 5, Energy 8, Energy 15, Energy HP, and the Energy 22, each tailored to different power needs.
The numbers in the model names indicate the number of isolated barrel-jack outputs, with the Energy HP featuring a high-current 3A outlet capable of powering large modeling rigs alongside multiple pedals. These units can be interconnected using a 24V energy link cable, creating a modular and scalable power system. They are available as standalone units with dedicated AC adapters or as a linked system with EIAJ cables connecting multiple units.
For this review, I examined the Energy 5 (two units), Energy 22, and Energy HP to assess their performance and versatility in real-world scenarios, providing a comprehensive understanding of their capabilities.
Technical Specifications
Walrus Audio Canvas Energy 22
- Price: $399.99 / £345 / €399
- Type: Modular remote pedalboard power supply
- Outputs: 22 isolated outputs (20 x 9V 500mA, 2 x 9/12/18V at 500/375/250mA), 1 x 5V 1A USB-C port, 1 x 24V EIAJ, IEC power input
- Dimensions: 25.5 x 417 x 54 mm
- Weight: 572g / 1.3 lbs
Walrus Audio Canvas Energy 5
- Price: $189.99 / £164.99 / €179
- Type: Modular remote pedalboard power supply
- Outputs: 5 isolated outputs (4 x 9V 500mA, 1 x 9/12/18V at 500/375/250mA), 1 x 24V EIAJ, IEC power input
- Dimensions: 195 x 88 x 35 mm
- Weight: 186g / 0.4 lbs
Walrus Audio Canvas Energy HP
- Price: $229.99 / £225 / €259
- Type: Modular remote pedalboard power supply
- Outputs: 4 isolated outputs (3 x 9V 500mA, 1 x 12/18V at 3000mA), 1 x 24V EIAJ, IEC power input
- Dimensions: 195 x 88 x 35 mm
- Weight: 186g / 0.4 lbs
- Contact: Walrus Audio
Build Quality and Durability
The build quality of Walrus Audio’s Canvas series is exceptional, with a robust steel enclosure that exudes durability and professionalism. The units feature a sleek, low-profile design, with a polished aluminum chassis that combines aesthetic appeal with ruggedness. The barrel-jack sockets are PCB-mounted, ensuring a secure connection that feels solid and reliable during use. The Energy 22, being the largest, measures approximately 1.4 feet in length-an imposing yet manageable size-while the smaller models, Energy 5 and HP, are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for tight pedalboards.
Ease of Use and Installation
The Canvas Power series excels in practicality. All models come with dedicated mounting brackets-L-shaped for the 22 and C-shaped for the 5 and HP-that attach securely to your pedalboard. Installation involves drilling mounting holes into your board, a step that ensures a firm and stable setup, although it might be a drawback for those preferring tool-free solutions. For added convenience, I used cable ties and hook-and-loop fasteners as alternative mounting methods, which worked effectively without compromising stability.
Connecting the units is straightforward: daisy-chaining via EIAJ cables and the included switchable-voltage outlets make setup flexible. The larger models, especially the Energy 22, provide ample power for extensive pedal arrays, while the smaller units are perfect for minimalist rigs or compact setups.
Performance in Real-World Scenarios
During rehearsals for a high-energy gig, I linked two Energy 5 units and an Energy HP to a single power source. Despite powering around 18 pedals, the system maintained clean, noise-free operation, demonstrating its robustness. The LEDs indicating active outputs proved invaluable for troubleshooting and ensuring proper power distribution. Even when all outputs were engaged simultaneously, the units handled the load without issue, confirming their reliability and capacity.
For gigging musicians who require quick setup and teardown, the modular design allows effortless reconfiguration-detaching or adding units as needed-saving time and reducing cable clutter. The ability to power both guitar and bass pedalboards independently or together offers significant versatility, especially when mains outlets are limited.
Final Thoughts: Is the Canvas Series Worth It?
Walrus Audio’s Canvas Energy series is undeniably impressive. Each unit delivers dependable, high-quality power, eliminating common issues like parasitic noise and voltage sag. The modular approach is particularly appealing for players with evolving pedal setups, providing scalability and customization that traditional power supplies lack. While the initial investment is substantial, the long-term benefits-reliability, flexibility, and peace of mind-make these units a worthwhile addition to any serious pedalboard.
Additional Recommendations
Harley Benton PowerPlant ISO-1AC Pro – A budget-friendly modular power supply priced at around $55, offering IEC connectivity for easy daisy-chaining, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious players.
Strymon Ojai – Compact yet powerful, with five 500mA 9V outputs, and compatible with EIAJ cables for modular expansion, priced at approximately $169.
Ernie Ball Volt – A minimalistic, small-footprint power supply with four 300mA 9V outputs, suitable for tight spaces and simple rigs, retailing at about $130.
In conclusion, whether you’re building a compact pedalboard or a sprawling effects rig, Walrus Audio’s Canvas Energy series offers a premium, scalable solution that combines durability, ease of use, and reliable power delivery-making it a top choice for professional and enthusiast musicians alike.
