Gear article
Warwick RockBoard Flat Power Cable (60cm)
The Warwick RockBoard Flat Power Cable is a 60cm specialised power lead designed to provide reliable DC power to effects pedals while maintaining a low-profile pedalboard layout. Utilising a unique shielded construction, it minimises electrical interference and allows for tighter pedal spacing compared to standard cylindrical power cables.

Overview and Construction
The Warwick RockBoard Flat Power Cable is engineered to solve the common issue of cable clutter on professional pedalboards. Drawing design inspiration from the brand's popular Flat Patch Cables, this 60cm power lead features ultra-compact, angled barrel connectors. These connectors are significantly slimmer than traditional molded power tips, enabling musicians to position their effects pedals closer together, thereby maximising the available surface area of the board.
Technically, the cable deviates from the standard design of most DC power leads. While conventional cables often use parallel conductors, the RockBoard Flat Power Cable employs a central conductor surrounded by copper shielding. This architecture is more akin to an instrument or audio cable, providing a barrier against electromagnetic interference that could otherwise introduce noise into the audio signal chain.
Key Features
The primary features of the 60cm RockBoard Flat Power Cable include:
- Space-Saving Connectors: Small-footprint angled plugs that reduce the gap required between pedals.
- Flat Profile: A slim, ribbon-like cable design that is easier to route through narrow slots in pedalboard frames or underneath mounting surfaces.
- Shielded Design: Copper shielding helps prevent electrical noise from polluting the signal path, ensuring a cleaner performance.
- Standard Compatibility: Designed to work with standard 2.1 x 5.5 mm DC barrel jacks found on the majority of guitar effects pedals.

User Suitability
This cable is particularly suited for guitarists and bassists using dense pedalboard setups where every millimetre of space is critical. The 60cm length is ideal for reaching pedals further away from a central power supply or for routing cables neatly along the perimeter of the board. It is an appropriate choice for users who have experienced hum or interference issues when using unshielded, low-quality power leads.
Comparison to Alternatives
Compared to standard cylindrical power cables, the RockBoard Flat Power Cable offers superior space management and noise rejection. While basic cables like the Gear4Music Essentials Dual Jack or standard XLR cables from Studiospares are designed for audio signal transmission, the RockBoard cable specifically addresses the power requirements of a pedalboard.
In terms of durability and shielding, its construction is more robust than generic 'daisy chain' leads. While it serves a different purpose than long-distance cables such as the LD Systems 10m BNC or 20m Adam Hall DMX cables, it shares the same professional-grade focus on signal integrity found in high-end connectors like those from Neutrik.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary purpose of the RockBoard Flat Power Cable?
- It is designed to deliver DC power to effects pedals while saving space on a pedalboard. Its flat profile and compact angled connectors allow for a cleaner, more efficient layout.
- How long is this specific cable model?
- This specific model measures 60cm in length. This is roughly 23.6 inches, making it suitable for medium to large pedalboard routing.
- What makes the construction of this cable different from standard power leads?
- Unlike standard leads with parallel conductors, this cable features a central conductor surrounded by copper shielding. This design is similar to an instrument cable and helps reduce electrical interference.
- What type of connectors does the cable have?
- The cable features ultra-compact angled barrel connectors on both ends. These are designed to fit into standard 2.1 x 5.5 mm DC power jacks.
- Will this cable help reduce noise in my signal chain?
- Yes, the integrated copper shielding helps minimise electrical interference. This can lead to a cleaner audio performance compared to using unshielded power cables.
- Can I use this cable for my guitar signal?
- No, this is a power cable designed for DC electricity. For audio signals, you should use dedicated instrument or patch cables like the Ernie Ball P06049 or RockBoard Flat Patch cables.
- Is the cable flexible for tight routing?
- Yes, the flat, slim design makes it significantly easier to route through the holes of a pedalboard or around corners compared to thick, round cables.
- What is the typical price for the 60cm version?
- The typical price for this 60cm Flat Power Cable is approximately GBP 3.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
- Is this cable compatible with all pedals?
- It is compatible with most pedals that use a standard 2.1 x 5.5 mm DC barrel jack. Always check your pedal's specific power requirements before connecting.
- Who manufactures this cable?
- The Flat Power Cable is manufactured by Warwick under the RockBoard brand. Warwick is a well-known German company famous for basses and musical accessories.
- Does the cable come in different colours?
- This specific model is finished in black. The black finish helps the cable remain discreet when routed across a dark-coloured pedalboard.
- How does the connector size compare to standard power cables?
- The connectors are ultra-compact and 'flat' in profile. This allows pedals to be placed significantly closer to one another than is possible with standard, bulkier molded plugs.
