Gear article

Ernie Ball P06059 6-inch Pancake Patch Cable (3 Pack)

The Ernie Ball P06059 is a three-pack of 6-inch patch cables designed for interconnecting guitar effects pedals. Featuring a space-saving pancake-style connector and dual conductors, these cables are engineered to provide a clear signal path while maximising pedalboard real estate.

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Overview

The Ernie Ball P06059 set consists of three professional-grade patch cables specifically intended for use on pedalboards. Each cable measures six inches in length, providing sufficient slack for adjacent pedal connections without creating excessive clutter. The primary design focus of this model is the 'pancake' connector, which utilises a flat, low-profile housing to allow pedals to be placed closer together than standard right-angle plugs permit.

Construction and Reliability

Ernie Ball has manufactured these cables with a focus on durability for touring and gigging environments. The exterior is composed of a heavy-duty PVC material, which protects the internal components from mechanical stress. The pancake-style top is flat, serving a dual purpose: it facilitates easy insertion and removal by providing a grippable surface, and it reinforces the connector itself, reducing the likelihood of breakage during frequent setup and teardown.

Signal Integrity and Tone

To ensure high-fidelity audio transmission, the P06059 utilises dual conductors. This design choice is intended to provide solid connections and maintain a crisp, clear tone across the signal chain. By minimising interference and signal loss, the cables aim to preserve the natural character of the instrument and the effects pedals being used.

Target Audience

These cables are primarily suited for gigging and touring musicians who require a reliable, space-efficient solution for complex pedalboard layouts. The 6-inch length is ideal for connecting standard-sized stompboxes, while the robust build quality caters to those who demand equipment that can withstand the rigours of the road.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard instrument cables like the Ernie Ball P06049 10ft straight-angle cable, the P06059 is purpose-built for short-distance routing. Unlike general-purpose adapters such as the Neutrik NA2MP or specialised lighting cables like the Adam Hall 5 STAR DMX, these patch cables are strictly unbalanced TS (Tip-Sleeve) audio cables. Their pancake housing offers a significant spatial advantage over bulkier connectors, such as the Neutrik NC3FRX right-angled XLR, when working in the cramped confines of a pedalboard.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the pancake-style connector?
The pancake connector has a flat, low-profile design that allows pedals to be placed very close to one another. This maximises the available space on a pedalboard, permitting more effects to be mounted in a smaller area.
How many cables are included in the P06059 package?
The P06059 is a multi-pack that includes exactly three 6-inch patch cables. This provides a convenient bundle for musicians setting up a new pedalboard or expanding an existing one.
What material is used for the cable jacket?
The cables feature a high-quality PVC exterior. This material is chosen for its durability and flexibility, making it suitable for the demands of gigging and touring.
Does the P06059 cable provide a clear audio signal?
Yes, the cable is designed with dual conductors to ensure solid connections and a reliably clear, crisp tone. The construction aims to maintain the best possible sound quality for the guitar signal.
Are these cables easy to remove from a pedal?
The flat top of the pancake connector is designed to be easy to grab. This allows the user to securely grip the connector when pulling it out or pushing it into a jack.
What is the length of each cable in the P06059 pack?
Each cable in this three-pack measures 6 inches in length. This is a standard size for connecting pedals that are situated next to each other on a board.
Can these cables be used for balanced audio connections?
No, these are standard TS (Tip-Sleeve) instrument patch cables intended for unbalanced signals. They are not suitable for balanced applications that require XLR cables, such as the Studiospares Standard XLR series.
Is the P06059 suitable for touring musicians?
Yes, Ernie Ball describes these cables as being perfect for gigging and touring due to their strong, durable build. The reinforced pancake housing is specifically designed to be less likely to break under pressure.
How does the connector design improve durability?
The flat, wide design of the pancake connector housing distributes physical stress more evenly. This makes the junction between the cable and the plug stronger and less prone to failure compared to some standard designs.
What colour are the cables in this specific pack?
The Ernie Ball P06059 6-inch Pancake Patch Cable 3 Pack is finished in black. This provides a neutral, professional appearance that blends into most pedalboard setups.
How does this cable compare to the Ernie Ball P06049?
The P06059 is a short 6-inch patch cable designed for pedal-to-pedal connections, whereas the P06049 is a 10-foot instrument cable. The P06059 uses a pancake connector for space-saving, while the P06049 typically features a standard straight/angle plug configuration.
What is the typical price for the P06059 3-pack?
The typical price range for this 3-pack is approximately £20.00. This provides a cost-effective way to acquire multiple high-quality patch cables at once.