What is the primary benefit of the flat cable design?

The flat design allows the cable to take up less vertical and horizontal space. This enables guitarists to position their pedals closer together on a pedalboard, effectively fitting more effects into a smaller footprint.

How long is this specific Warwick RockBoard cable?

This specific model is 20 centimetres in length. It is intended for connecting adjacent pedals or pedals separated by a small gap on a standard board layout.

What type of connectors does the cable use?

The cable features two high-quality angled 1/4" (6.35mm) mono jack connectors. These are designed with a low-profile housing to further save space between pedals.

Is this cable suitable for live performances?

Yes, Warwick describes these cables as perfect for both live and studio performances. The build quality is designed to withstand the rigours of touring while maintaining signal integrity.

Will this cable affect my guitar tone?

The manufacturer specifies that the cable provides pure signal transmission. It is designed to deliver outstanding sound quality without introducing unwanted noise or signal degradation.

Can I use this cable for a microphone?

No, this is a mono instrument patch cable. For microphones, you would typically require a balanced XLR cable, such as the Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) Cable.

How does this compare to a standard Ernie Ball instrument cable?

Standard instrument cables like the Ernie Ball 10ft model are much longer and designed for connecting an instrument to an amplifier. The RockBoard Flat Patch Cable is much shorter and specifically designed for linking pedals.

What color is the cable?

The RockBoard Flat Patch Cable typically features a professional black finish. This allows it to blend in with the majority of pedalboard surfaces and hardware.

Are the connectors soldered or solderless?

These are high-quality, factory-molded or soldered angled connectors. Unlike DIY solderless kits, these come pre-assembled by Warwick for immediate use.

Is the cable body flexible?

Yes, the rectangular body is designed to be flexible. This allows it to be bent or twisted easily to reach jack sockets on the top or sides of different pedals.

Can I use this to connect an antenna?

No, this is an audio cable. For antenna connections, you would need a BNC cable like the LD Systems WS100BNC10.

What is the typical price for this cable?

The typical price for the 20cm Warwick RockBoard Flat Patch Cable is approximately £4.00. This makes it a cost-effective solution for large pedalboard builds.

Gear article

Warwick RockBoard Flat Patch Cable (20cm)

The Warwick RockBoard Flat Patch Cable is a specialized 20cm instrument lead designed to maximise space on guitar pedalboards. It features a unique rectangular profile and extra-slim angled connectors to allow for tighter pedal placement while maintaining high-quality signal transmission.

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Overview

The RockBoard by Warwick Flat Patch Cable is an accessory designed for musicians who require efficient cable management within the confined dimensions of a pedalboard. Unlike traditional cylindrical patch cables, this model employs a rectangular body designed to lay flat against the board surface. This physical design reduces clutter and prevents the cables from tangling or lifting pedals off their mounting surface.

Design and Build Quality

The core design philosophy focuses on 'space optimisation'. The cable utilizes high-quality angled connectors that are significantly slimmer than standard right-angle plugs. This allows pedals to be placed closer together, effectively increasing the usable area on a standard pedalboard. The flat cable housing is flexible yet durable, making it suitable for both professional studio environments and live touring rigs where frequent reconfiguration may occur.

Performance and Sound Character

Warwick ensures that the compact form factor does not compromise audio fidelity. The RockBoard Flat Patch Cable is engineered for pure signal transmission, aiming to deliver the full frequency range of the instrument without coloration or signal loss. By providing a secure connection between effects units, it maintains outstanding sound quality even in complex signal chains involving multiple high-gain or modulation pedals.

Comparison and Market Context

Within the wider market of audio connectivity, the RockBoard Flat Patch Cable serves a highly specific niche compared to general-purpose leads like the Ernie Ball 10ft Instrument Cable or long-distance solutions such as the LD Systems BNC Antenna Cable. While standard XLR cables from Studiospares or Neutrik connectors are designed for balanced audio and microphone applications, the RockBoard's flat architecture is purpose-built for unbalanced 1/4" instrument signals where physical clearance is the primary constraint.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the flat cable design?: The flat design allows the cable to take up less vertical and horizontal space. This enables guitarists to position their pedals closer together on a pedalboard, effectively fitting more effects into a smaller footprint.
How long is this specific Warwick RockBoard cable?: This specific model is 20 centimetres in length. It is intended for connecting adjacent pedals or pedals separated by a small gap on a standard board layout.
What type of connectors does the cable use?: The cable features two high-quality angled 1/4" (6.35mm) mono jack connectors. These are designed with a low-profile housing to further save space between pedals.
Is this cable suitable for live performances?: Yes, Warwick describes these cables as perfect for both live and studio performances. The build quality is designed to withstand the rigours of touring while maintaining signal integrity.
Will this cable affect my guitar tone?: The manufacturer specifies that the cable provides pure signal transmission. It is designed to deliver outstanding sound quality without introducing unwanted noise or signal degradation.
Can I use this cable for a microphone?: No, this is a mono instrument patch cable. For microphones, you would typically require a balanced XLR cable, such as the Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) Cable.
How does this compare to a standard Ernie Ball instrument cable?: Standard instrument cables like the Ernie Ball 10ft model are much longer and designed for connecting an instrument to an amplifier. The RockBoard Flat Patch Cable is much shorter and specifically designed for linking pedals.
What color is the cable?: The RockBoard Flat Patch Cable typically features a professional black finish. This allows it to blend in with the majority of pedalboard surfaces and hardware.
Are the connectors soldered or solderless?: These are high-quality, factory-molded or soldered angled connectors. Unlike DIY solderless kits, these come pre-assembled by Warwick for immediate use.
Is the cable body flexible?: Yes, the rectangular body is designed to be flexible. This allows it to be bent or twisted easily to reach jack sockets on the top or sides of different pedals.
Can I use this to connect an antenna?: No, this is an audio cable. For antenna connections, you would need a BNC cable like the LD Systems WS100BNC10.
What is the typical price for this cable?: The typical price for the 20cm Warwick RockBoard Flat Patch Cable is approximately £4.00. This makes it a cost-effective solution for large pedalboard builds.