What is the primary use for a TRS to Dual 1/4-inch cable?

It is primarily used to split a stereo signal from a single 1/4-inch TRS jack into two separate mono 1/4-inch signals. It is also commonly used as an 'insert' cable for mixing consoles to connect external signal processors.

How long is the Roland Black Series Interconnect Cable?

This specific model measures 10 feet in length, which is approximately 3 metres. This provides a versatile distance for most home studio setups and small stage environments.

What does 'Oxygen-Free Copper' (OFC) mean for audio quality?

OFC is a high-purity copper that has had oxygen content reduced to prevent corrosion and improve conductivity. In audio cables, this helps ensure the signal remains clear and consistent over time.

Is this cable suitable for connecting speakers?

It is designed as an interconnect cable for line-level signals, not as a power-carrying speaker cable. It is suitable for connecting active studio monitors but should not be used between a power amplifier and a passive speaker.

What is the benefit of low-capacitance design?

Low capacitance prevents the cable from acting like a low-pass filter. This ensures that high-frequency audio content is preserved, resulting in a more accurate and detailed sound reproduction.

Can I use this cable to connect a guitar to a mixer?

While you could physically plug it in, a standard guitar output is mono TS. This cable is specifically intended for TRS outputs that need to be split into two channels or for insert loops.

How does the spiral shielding help during a live performance?

The high-density spiral shielding blocks electromagnetic interference from lights, power cables, and wireless devices. This reduces hum and buzz, ensuring a professional, clean audio signal on stage.

Is the cable jacket durable enough for touring?

The Roland Black Series is designed for professional reliability with high-quality connectors. While durable for regular studio and stage use, it is built to be flexible for easy routing in tight spaces.

What is the difference between this and an XLR cable?

This cable uses 1/4-inch jacks, which are common for instruments and line-level gear, whereas XLR cables (like the Studiospares Standard XLR) are typically used for microphones and balanced professional audio connections.

Does this cable work for stereo headphones?

The TRS end can plug into a stereo headphone jack, and the dual mono ends would then output the left and right signals separately. This is useful for recording a headphone output directly into an interface.

Are the connectors on this cable gold-plated?

The manufacturer description specifies high-quality connectors designed for reliable operation. While they are engineered for excellent conductivity, they are part of the value-oriented Black Series line.

What should I do if I need to connect to RCA inputs instead?

If you require RCA connections, you would need an alternative cable like the Gear4Music Essentials Dual Jack to RCA Phono Cable or a specific 1/4-inch to RCA adaptor.

Gear article

Roland 1/4 TRS - Dual 1/4 Interconnect Cable

The Roland Black Series 10ft Interconnect Cable is a professional-grade audio lead designed to split a single stereo TRS signal into two mono 1/4-inch jack connections. It features multi-strand oxygen-free copper core wire and high-density spiral shielding to ensure transparent signal transmission for studio and stage applications.

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Overview

The Roland Black Series Interconnect Cable (10ft/3m) is a specialised audio cable engineered for professional performance and durability. It serves as a bridge between balanced or stereo 1/4-inch TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) outputs and dual 1/4-inch mono inputs, or vice-versa. This configuration is commonly referred to as a 'breakout' or 'insert' cable, essential for routing signals between diverse audio hardware including effects pedals, instruments, and studio outboard gear.

Construction and Key Features

At the core of the Black Series cable is a multi-strand, oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire. This material is selected for its ability to maintain signal integrity and prevent degradation over the three-metre span. The cable incorporates high-density spiral shielding, which protects the audio signal from external electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI).

The external design focuses on reliability, featuring high-quality connectors and a low-capacitance design. This low capacitance is critical for maintaining high-frequency response, ensuring that the 'sparkle' and detail of the original source are not lost during transmission.

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

Sound Character and Performance

The primary objective of the Roland Black Series is transparency. By using high-grade copper and effective shielding, the cable aims to deliver 'perfect signal transmission' without adding unwanted coloration or noise. Users can expect a clean, quiet background even in environments with significant electronic equipment, making it suitable for both live performance and critical studio recording.

Applications

This cable is designed for a variety of specific use-cases:

Insert Points: Connecting a mixing console's insert jack to an external compressor or EQ.
Stereo Splitting: Taking a stereo headphone or line output from a synthesiser and splitting it into two mono channels for a mixer.
Pedalboards: Integrating pedals that require TRS-to-Dual-Mono routing for stereo processing.
Interface Expansion: Connecting studio monitors or outboard gear to specific audio interface outputs.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the market, this Roland cable occupies a mid-tier professional position. Compared to budget options like the Gear4Music Essentials Dual Jack to RCA Phono Cable, the Roland Black Series offers superior shielding and more robust 1/4-inch connectors. While high-end boutique cables or custom-built leads using Neutrik components (such as the Neutrik NC3FRX or 5-star DMX cables by Adam Hall) may offer specialized heavy-duty housing, Roland provides a balanced compromise between professional performance and cost-effectiveness at the £17 price point.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use for a TRS to Dual 1/4-inch cable?: It is primarily used to split a stereo signal from a single 1/4-inch TRS jack into two separate mono 1/4-inch signals. It is also commonly used as an 'insert' cable for mixing consoles to connect external signal processors.
How long is the Roland Black Series Interconnect Cable?: This specific model measures 10 feet in length, which is approximately 3 metres. This provides a versatile distance for most home studio setups and small stage environments.
What does 'Oxygen-Free Copper' (OFC) mean for audio quality?: OFC is a high-purity copper that has had oxygen content reduced to prevent corrosion and improve conductivity. In audio cables, this helps ensure the signal remains clear and consistent over time.
Is this cable suitable for connecting speakers?: It is designed as an interconnect cable for line-level signals, not as a power-carrying speaker cable. It is suitable for connecting active studio monitors but should not be used between a power amplifier and a passive speaker.
What is the benefit of low-capacitance design?: Low capacitance prevents the cable from acting like a low-pass filter. This ensures that high-frequency audio content is preserved, resulting in a more accurate and detailed sound reproduction.
Can I use this cable to connect a guitar to a mixer?: While you could physically plug it in, a standard guitar output is mono TS. This cable is specifically intended for TRS outputs that need to be split into two channels or for insert loops.
How does the spiral shielding help during a live performance?: The high-density spiral shielding blocks electromagnetic interference from lights, power cables, and wireless devices. This reduces hum and buzz, ensuring a professional, clean audio signal on stage.
Is the cable jacket durable enough for touring?: The Roland Black Series is designed for professional reliability with high-quality connectors. While durable for regular studio and stage use, it is built to be flexible for easy routing in tight spaces.
What is the difference between this and an XLR cable?: This cable uses 1/4-inch jacks, which are common for instruments and line-level gear, whereas XLR cables (like the Studiospares Standard XLR) are typically used for microphones and balanced professional audio connections.
Does this cable work for stereo headphones?: The TRS end can plug into a stereo headphone jack, and the dual mono ends would then output the left and right signals separately. This is useful for recording a headphone output directly into an interface.
Are the connectors on this cable gold-plated?: The manufacturer description specifies high-quality connectors designed for reliable operation. While they are engineered for excellent conductivity, they are part of the value-oriented Black Series line.
What should I do if I need to connect to RCA inputs instead?: If you require RCA connections, you would need an alternative cable like the Gear4Music Essentials Dual Jack to RCA Phono Cable or a specific 1/4-inch to RCA adaptor.