What is the primary benefit of the 'flat' design?

The flat design reduces the physical footprint of the cable and the plugs. This allows pedals to be placed significantly closer together on a pedalboard, maximising the number of effects that can fit in a limited space.

How long is this specific model?

This specific model measures 30 centimetres in length. It is suitable for connecting pedals that are not directly adjacent or for routing cables underneath a pedalboard frame.

What materials are used for the connectors?

The connectors feature gold-plated contacts and are housed in gold-plated metal shells. This combination is designed to provide high conductivity and long-term durability against wear and corrosion.

Does this cable protect against interference?

Yes, it features an advanced double-shielded construction. This includes a braided copper shield that protects the signal from both high and low-frequency electromagnetic interference.

Is the cable flexible enough for tight layouts?

Yes, the cable is built with a flexible copper conductor. The flat profile is specifically designed to bend easily while maintaining a low profile against the pedalboard surface.

What type of plugs does it use?

It uses ultra-flat, low-profile angled 1/4 inch (6.35mm) mono jacks. These are designed to sit as flush as possible against the side or top of an effects pedal.

How does the 'Gold' series differ from standard RockBoard cables?

The Gold series is the premium tier, featuring metal housings and gold-plated connectors. These upgrades offer better shielding and higher durability compared to the standard versions.

Can this cable be used for balanced audio signals?

No, this is a standard TS (Tip-Sleeve) patch cable intended for unbalanced mono signals. It is designed for use between guitar effects pedals and similar instrument-level equipment.

What is the typical price for this cable?

The typical price for the 30cm Gold version is approximately £7.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

Does the gold plating improve the sound?

Gold plating primarily improves the reliability of the connection by preventing oxidation. While it ensures consistent signal quality over years of use, its main benefit is durability and resistance to environmental factors.

Is the housing made of plastic or metal?

The housings on the Gold Series are made of gold-plated metal. This provides superior protection for the internal solder joints compared to plastic-moulded cables.

Will these fit on pedals with top-mounted jacks?

Yes, the low-profile angled design is highly effective for top-mounted jacks. They allow for a clean aesthetic and prevent the cables from protruding too high above the pedalboard.

Gear article

Warwick RockBoard Flat Patch Cable 30cm Gold

The Warwick RockBoard Flat Patch Cable Gold is a premium, ultra-slim interconnect designed for pedalboard layouts where space efficiency and signal integrity are paramount. Featuring gold-plated connectors and double-shielded construction, this 30cm cable facilitates dense pedal placement without compromising audio quality.

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Overview

The Warwick RockBoard Flat Patch Cable Gold is a specialised audio interconnect developed to address the spatial constraints of modern effects pedalboards. It is defined by its rectangular cable profile and exceptionally slim plug housings. Unlike traditional round patch cables that require significant clearance between pedals, the Gold Series utilizes a low-profile design to allow pedals to be positioned as close together as their physical chassis permit.

Design and Construction

The construction of the RockBoard Gold series focuses on durability and conductivity. The cable features a flexible copper conductor protected by an advanced double-shielded system. This includes a braided copper shield which, combined with the primary shielding layer, offers protection against both high-frequency and low-frequency interference. The connectors are housed in gold-plated metal, which provides both a premium aesthetic and structural resilience against the rigours of stage use.

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

Signal Integrity and Sound

To ensure transparent signal transmission, the Gold Series utilizes gold-plated contacts. Gold is preferred in high-end audio applications for its resistance to oxidation and its reliable conductivity over time. The double-shielded design is specifically engineered to maintain a clean signal path by rejecting external electromagnetic noise, ensuring that the character of the instrument and effects remains uncoloured.

Target User and Application

This cable is primarily suited for guitarists and bassists who manage complex pedalboards where every centimetre of space is critical. At 30cm in length, this specific model is ideal for spanning small gaps between non-adjacent pedals or reaching across different tiers of a board. It provides a solution for musicians who require 'studio-grade' shielding in a form factor that allows for the densest possible equipment layout.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard round cables like the Studiospares Standard 30cm Patch Cable, the RockBoard Gold offers a significantly smaller footprint at the input/output stage. While standard cables often feature bulky plastic or metal shells, the RockBoard's flat angled plugs sit flush against the pedal. Compared to entry-level flat cables, the Gold Series distinguishes itself through its metal housings and gold plating, offering higher durability than plastic-moulded alternatives.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the 'flat' design?: The flat design reduces the physical footprint of the cable and the plugs. This allows pedals to be placed significantly closer together on a pedalboard, maximising the number of effects that can fit in a limited space.
How long is this specific model?: This specific model measures 30 centimetres in length. It is suitable for connecting pedals that are not directly adjacent or for routing cables underneath a pedalboard frame.
What materials are used for the connectors?: The connectors feature gold-plated contacts and are housed in gold-plated metal shells. This combination is designed to provide high conductivity and long-term durability against wear and corrosion.
Does this cable protect against interference?: Yes, it features an advanced double-shielded construction. This includes a braided copper shield that protects the signal from both high and low-frequency electromagnetic interference.
Is the cable flexible enough for tight layouts?: Yes, the cable is built with a flexible copper conductor. The flat profile is specifically designed to bend easily while maintaining a low profile against the pedalboard surface.
What type of plugs does it use?: It uses ultra-flat, low-profile angled 1/4 inch (6.35mm) mono jacks. These are designed to sit as flush as possible against the side or top of an effects pedal.
How does the 'Gold' series differ from standard RockBoard cables?: The Gold series is the premium tier, featuring metal housings and gold-plated connectors. These upgrades offer better shielding and higher durability compared to the standard versions.
Can this cable be used for balanced audio signals?: No, this is a standard TS (Tip-Sleeve) patch cable intended for unbalanced mono signals. It is designed for use between guitar effects pedals and similar instrument-level equipment.
What is the typical price for this cable?: The typical price for the 30cm Gold version is approximately £7.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
Does the gold plating improve the sound?: Gold plating primarily improves the reliability of the connection by preventing oxidation. While it ensures consistent signal quality over years of use, its main benefit is durability and resistance to environmental factors.
Is the housing made of plastic or metal?: The housings on the Gold Series are made of gold-plated metal. This provides superior protection for the internal solder joints compared to plastic-moulded cables.
Will these fit on pedals with top-mounted jacks?: Yes, the low-profile angled design is highly effective for top-mounted jacks. They allow for a clean aesthetic and prevent the cables from protruding too high above the pedalboard.