What is the length of this MXR cable?

The cable is 1 foot long, which is approximately 30 centimetres. This length is ideal for short-run connections where cable clutter needs to be minimised.

Can I use this as a standard mono guitar patch cable?

While it will function, it is not recommended for standard mono connections. This is a TRS (Stereo/Balanced) cable, whereas most guitars and standard pedals require TS (Mono/Unbalanced) cables.

What does 'TRS' stand for?

TRS stands for Tip-Ring-Sleeve. It refers to the three contact points on the jack plug that allow the cable to carry two signals plus a ground, or one balanced signal.

Is the copper in this cable oxygen-free?

Yes, the cable uses 24AWG oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire. This material is used to ensure a strong signal and prevent the wire from oxidising over time.

What type of shielding does the cable have?

The cable features a spiral shield with 95% coverage. This is designed to block unwanted interference and noise from affecting the audio signal.

Is the outer jacket flexible enough for tight pedalboards?

Yes, it features a strong PVC outer jacket that is specifically designed to be flexible. This allows for easier routing in cramped spaces like pedalboards or equipment racks.

Can this cable be used with expression pedals?

Yes, most expression pedals require a TRS cable to communicate with the host device. The 1-foot length is often sufficient for connecting a pedal to a nearby controller.

How does the price compare to other brands?

The cable typically retails for around £15. This positions it as a professional-grade mid-range option compared to budget alternatives like Gear4Music Essentials or premium boutique brands.

Does this cable carry a stereo signal?

Yes, because it is a TRS cable, it can carry a left and right stereo signal through a single jack. This is common in headphone outputs and stereo line inputs.

Is this cable suitable for balanced mono signals?

Yes, it is designed to carry balanced audio. This helps reduce noise over the cable run by using phase cancellation to eliminate interference.

What is the gauge of the wire used?

The cable uses 24AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire. This is a standard thickness for patch cables, balancing durability with signal performance.

Is the MXR TRS cable durable enough for touring?

Yes, the combination of the thick PVC jacket and the 95% spiral shielding makes it robust. It is built to withstand the physical demands of regular setup and teardown.

Gear article

MXR TRS Stereo Jack Cable (1ft)

The MXR TRS Stereo Jack Cable is a high-fidelity 1-foot interconnect designed for balanced signal transmission and stereo audio routing. Featuring oxygen-free copper conductors and a robust PVC jacket, it is engineered to provide professional-grade signal clarity in compact configurations such as pedalboards or studio racks.

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Overview

The MXR TRS Stereo Jack Cable (1ft) is a specialized patch cable designed for audio applications requiring three-conductor connectivity. Unlike standard TS (Tip-Sleeve) mono cables, this TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) variant is capable of carrying stereo signals or balanced mono signals. The 1-foot length makes it particularly suitable for short-distance patches between studio equipment, expression pedals, or modern effects pedals that feature stereo inputs and outputs.

Construction and Materials

Durability and signal integrity are the primary focuses of the cable's construction. It utilizes 24AWG oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire, which is a standard for maintaining signal strength and preventing tonal degradation over the cable run. To protect the signal from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), the cable features a spiral shield providing 95% coverage. The outer layer consists of a heavy-duty PVC jacket, designed to remain flexible for easy routing while offering protection against physical abrasions.

Performance and Sound Character

The MXR TRS cable is designed for transparency rather than tonal coloration. By using high-grade OFC copper and substantial shielding, the cable aims to deliver a clean, unadulterated signal. Users can expect a low noise floor, which is critical when using high-gain equipment or when routing audio in environments with significant electrical noise. Its ability to maintain the 'purity' of the audio makes it a reliable choice for professional recording and live sound environments.

User Suitability

This cable is ideally suited for musicians and engineers working with gear that requires balanced or stereo connections in a compact space. Common use cases include:

Connecting stereo output pedals to a stereo interface.
Routing signals between rack-mounted studio processors.
Connecting expression pedals to MIDI controllers or multi-effects units.
Interconnecting balanced line-level equipment where space is at a premium.

Market Comparison

Within the professional audio market, the MXR 1ft TRS cable competes with other short-run interconnects such as the Studiospares Standard XLR Patch Cable (30cm) or various offerings from Ernie Ball. While XLR cables like the Studiospares are standard for microphone signals, the MXR TRS jack is the preferred format for line-level jack inputs. Compared to budget 'no-name' cables, the MXR offering provides higher shielding coverage (95%) and superior conductor quality (OFC), justifying its mid-tier price point of approximately £15.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the length of this MXR cable?: The cable is 1 foot long, which is approximately 30 centimetres. This length is ideal for short-run connections where cable clutter needs to be minimised.
Can I use this as a standard mono guitar patch cable?: While it will function, it is not recommended for standard mono connections. This is a TRS (Stereo/Balanced) cable, whereas most guitars and standard pedals require TS (Mono/Unbalanced) cables.
What does 'TRS' stand for?: TRS stands for Tip-Ring-Sleeve. It refers to the three contact points on the jack plug that allow the cable to carry two signals plus a ground, or one balanced signal.
Is the copper in this cable oxygen-free?: Yes, the cable uses 24AWG oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire. This material is used to ensure a strong signal and prevent the wire from oxidising over time.
What type of shielding does the cable have?: The cable features a spiral shield with 95% coverage. This is designed to block unwanted interference and noise from affecting the audio signal.
Is the outer jacket flexible enough for tight pedalboards?: Yes, it features a strong PVC outer jacket that is specifically designed to be flexible. This allows for easier routing in cramped spaces like pedalboards or equipment racks.
Can this cable be used with expression pedals?: Yes, most expression pedals require a TRS cable to communicate with the host device. The 1-foot length is often sufficient for connecting a pedal to a nearby controller.
How does the price compare to other brands?: The cable typically retails for around £15. This positions it as a professional-grade mid-range option compared to budget alternatives like Gear4Music Essentials or premium boutique brands.
Does this cable carry a stereo signal?: Yes, because it is a TRS cable, it can carry a left and right stereo signal through a single jack. This is common in headphone outputs and stereo line inputs.
Is this cable suitable for balanced mono signals?: Yes, it is designed to carry balanced audio. This helps reduce noise over the cable run by using phase cancellation to eliminate interference.
What is the gauge of the wire used?: The cable uses 24AWG (American Wire Gauge) wire. This is a standard thickness for patch cables, balancing durability with signal performance.
Is the MXR TRS cable durable enough for touring?: Yes, the combination of the thick PVC jacket and the 95% spiral shielding makes it robust. It is built to withstand the physical demands of regular setup and teardown.