Some gear can be powered with a computer over USB.
I am wondering if I can power these things without a computer and let’s say a iPhone charger instead.
I can test it, but am afraid to brick the gear
I use USB chargers (plug in unit that accepts a USB Type-A cable) with my Arturia Keystep and Roland Boutique SH01A. No issues. Not specifically an iPhone charger buy the various Samsung branded ones I’ve collected over the years.
It shouldn’t be a problem.
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You won’t brick anything (at least not anything modern). iPhone chargers are better than most, a good choice to decrease usb line noise. You should check though that the gear can get enough milliamps from the charger.
Both wall chargers and battery packs output 4.5-5v. Most battery packs at no more than 2.1 amps. You shouldn’t have any concern about hurting your gear. Any gear designed to be powered by a usb cable from a computer will handle an iPhone charger without modifications.
You can find usb to 2.1 mm barrel chargers that step up from 4.5v to 9v on Amazon or other e-stores. I have used a rechargeable battery to power up effects pedals and modestly sized pedal boards using a 22,000mA charger for hours. I’ve also used it with Zoom recorders (newer ones like the LiveTrak 8 are designed for this) and I have successfully connected the same power block to run a small battery operated practice amp (Vox DA-5) for hours.
Anything beyond 4.5v or 9v equipment is another issue. I have a 4.5v to 18v step up cable that has powered some Pigtronix boxes. I have not tried to do this with any of my synths which run at 15v but there are a couple of YouTube videos where Elektron devices have been powered by some kind of battery.