What is the total length of the Ernie Ball P06085 cable?

The cable is 18 feet long, which is approximately 5.5 metres. This provides ample length for use on medium to large stages or in spacious studio environments.

What type of connectors does this cable use?

It features one straight 1/4 inch jack and one right-angle 1/4 inch jack. This configuration is versatile for connecting different types of instruments and amplifiers.

What is the benefit of the braided cloth covering?

The braided cloth exterior is designed to prevent the cable from tangling and provides an extra layer of durability against physical damage. It also gives the cable a distinct vintage aesthetic.

Is this cable suitable for studio recording?

Yes, its dual-shielded design is specifically engineered to minimise noise and ensure maximum fidelity. This makes it an excellent choice for capturing clean, high-quality audio in the studio.

What colour is the Ernie Ball P06085?

This specific model features a vibrant yellow braided jacket. The bright colour can also help in identifying the cable among other leads on a dark stage.

Does the cable use special wiring to prevent erosion?

Yes, it is built with tough copper wiring that is designed not to erode over time. This ensures the cable remains long-lasting even with heavy professional use.

How does dual-shielding affect the sound?

Dual-shielding helps to block out external interference and noise. This results in a clearer signal and helps maintain the natural tone of the instrument.

Can I use this cable for a bass guitar?

Yes, the Ernie Ball P06085 is a standard mono instrument cable suitable for electric guitars, bass guitars, and other instruments with a 1/4 inch output.

How much does the Ernie Ball P06085 typically cost?

In the UK market, this premium cable typically retails for approximately £35.00. This price reflects its professional-grade construction and materials.

Is the cable resistant to tangling?

Yes, the manufacturer specifically highlights that the braided cloth covering prevents tangling. This makes it easier to pack away and manage during live performances.

Who makes the P06085 cable?

The cable is manufactured by Ernie Ball, a company well-known for being masters of guitar accessories and strings. They are a respected name in the music industry.

What is the difference between this and the P06049 model?

The primary difference is the length and colour; the P06049 is a 10-foot white cable, whereas the P06085 is an 18-foot yellow cable. Both share the same braided, dual-shielded design.

Gear article

Ernie Ball P06085 18ft Straight-Angle Braided Instrument Cable

The Ernie Ball P06085 is a premium 18-foot instrument cable designed for high-fidelity signal transmission in both stage and studio environments. Featuring a distinctive yellow braided cloth exterior and dual-shielding, it is engineered for durability and noise rejection.

Ernie Ball P06085 18ft Straight-Angle Braided Cable Yellow

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Background and Design

Produced by Ernie Ball, a brand traditionally associated with guitar strings and accessories, the P06085 belongs to their line of premium braided instrument leads. The cable is distinguished by its 18-foot length, which provides significant mobility for performers on larger stages compared to shorter variants like the P06049 10-foot model. The design incorporates a 'Straight-to-Angle' configuration, which allows for versatile connection between guitars with different jack orientations and various amplifier or pedalboard inputs.

Technical Features and Construction

The P06085 is constructed with high-quality copper wiring designed to resist erosion and ensure long-term reliability. To address common signal interference issues, the cable utilizes a dual-shielded design. This architecture protects the signal path from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), maintaining signal fidelity from the instrument to the output source. The outer layer consists of a braided cloth jacket, which serves the dual purpose of protecting the internal wiring from physical wear and preventing the cable from tangling during use.

Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) Cable 60cm

Sound Character

The primary sonic objective of the Ernie Ball P06085 is transparency. By using low-noise components and effective shielding, the cable aims to deliver excellent clarity without adding unwanted coloration to the tone. The use of high-grade copper ensures that the full frequency spectrum of the instrument is communicated with maximum fidelity, making it suitable for professional recording applications where signal integrity is paramount.

User Suitability and Applications

This cable is specifically targeted at guitarists and bassists who require a 'road-ready' solution that can withstand frequent movement. The 18-foot length is ideal for live performers who move across the stage, while the straight-to-angle connectors make it particularly useful for players using instruments with side-mounted jacks (like a Gibson Les Paul or Fender Telecaster) where a right-angle plug can reduce stress on the socket. It is also well-suited for studio players who require a reliable, low-noise connection for tracking.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Ernie Ball catalogue, the P06085 offers more freedom of movement than the P06049 10ft version but shares the same braided construction. Compared to standard utility cables, such as the Gear4Music Essentials Dual Jack to RCA or basic XLR patch cables like the Studiospares 30cm, the P06085 is a specialised mono instrument lead. While industrial connectors from brands like Neutrik (e.g., NC3FRX or NA2MP) are often used for custom cabling or balanced XLR needs, this Ernie Ball product provides a pre-assembled, aesthetically distinct solution for high-impedance instrument signals.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total length of the Ernie Ball P06085 cable?: The cable is 18 feet long, which is approximately 5.5 metres. This provides ample length for use on medium to large stages or in spacious studio environments.
What type of connectors does this cable use?: It features one straight 1/4 inch jack and one right-angle 1/4 inch jack. This configuration is versatile for connecting different types of instruments and amplifiers.
What is the benefit of the braided cloth covering?: The braided cloth exterior is designed to prevent the cable from tangling and provides an extra layer of durability against physical damage. It also gives the cable a distinct vintage aesthetic.
Is this cable suitable for studio recording?: Yes, its dual-shielded design is specifically engineered to minimise noise and ensure maximum fidelity. This makes it an excellent choice for capturing clean, high-quality audio in the studio.
What colour is the Ernie Ball P06085?: This specific model features a vibrant yellow braided jacket. The bright colour can also help in identifying the cable among other leads on a dark stage.
Does the cable use special wiring to prevent erosion?: Yes, it is built with tough copper wiring that is designed not to erode over time. This ensures the cable remains long-lasting even with heavy professional use.
How does dual-shielding affect the sound?: Dual-shielding helps to block out external interference and noise. This results in a clearer signal and helps maintain the natural tone of the instrument.
Can I use this cable for a bass guitar?: Yes, the Ernie Ball P06085 is a standard mono instrument cable suitable for electric guitars, bass guitars, and other instruments with a 1/4 inch output.
How much does the Ernie Ball P06085 typically cost?: In the UK market, this premium cable typically retails for approximately £35.00. This price reflects its professional-grade construction and materials.
Is the cable resistant to tangling?: Yes, the manufacturer specifically highlights that the braided cloth covering prevents tangling. This makes it easier to pack away and manage during live performances.
Who makes the P06085 cable?: The cable is manufactured by Ernie Ball, a company well-known for being masters of guitar accessories and strings. They are a respected name in the music industry.
What is the difference between this and the P06049 model?: The primary difference is the length and colour; the P06049 is a 10-foot white cable, whereas the P06085 is an 18-foot yellow cable. Both share the same braided, dual-shielded design.