What is the primary purpose of the 24k gold plating on the connectors?

The gold plating provides a corrosion-resistant surface that ensures a clean and precise connection. This helps maintain signal integrity over long periods of use by preventing oxidation that can lead to crackling or signal loss.

How long is this specific Roland Gold Series cable?

This specific model measures 3 feet in length, which is approximately 1 metre. It is designed for short-range connections where excess cabling is not desired.

What does a 'low-capacitance design' mean for my sound?

Low-capacitance cables reduce the high-frequency roll-off that occurs in longer or lower-quality cables. This ensures that your instrument retains its full brightness and dynamic range.

Is this cable suitable for connecting a guitar to an amplifier?

Yes, it is a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable suitable for guitars, basses, and synthesizers. However, the 1-metre length is best for players who stay very close to their equipment or for use on a pedalboard.

Can I use this cable for balanced audio signals?

No, this is a standard instrument cable typically used for unbalanced signals. For balanced audio, you would generally require an XLR cable, such as the Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) series.

What type of copper is used in the core of the Roland Gold Series?

Roland uses studio-quality copper wire in the core. This material is selected for its ability to transmit sound with high detail and accuracy.

Does this cable come with straight or right-angled connectors?

This specific model features two straight 1/4-inch connectors. If you require a right-angled connection, you would need to look at alternative models like the Ernie Ball P06049.

Is the Roland Gold Series intended for live or studio use?

It is designed for both environments. The premium shielding makes it quiet enough for studio recording, while the heavy-duty construction provides the durability needed for live performances.

What is the typical price for the 3ft Roland Gold Series cable?

The typical price range for this cable is approximately £14. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

How does the shielding protect against noise?

The cable is engineered with high-density shielding to block electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). This ensures the signal remains pure and free from unwanted hum or buzz.

Can I use this cable to connect a speaker to an amplifier?

No, instrument cables are not designed for the high-current loads of speakers. You should use dedicated speaker cables for that purpose to avoid damage to your equipment.

Is this cable compatible with Neutrik connectors?

While this cable uses Roland's own high-quality gold-plated connectors, it follows the standard 1/4-inch (6.35mm) jack format. It will interface perfectly with equipment using Neutrik jacks or adapters like the Neutrik NA2MP.

Gear article

Roland Gold Series Instrument Cable (3ft/1m)

The Roland Gold Series Instrument Cable is a professional-grade audio lead designed for high-fidelity signal transmission between instruments and amplifiers or interfaces. It features 24-karat gold-plated connectors and a studio-quality copper core to ensure precise audio reproduction with minimal noise interference.

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Overview

The Roland Gold Series 3ft instrument cable is a short-length patch or connection lead engineered for accuracy and durability. It serves as a critical link in the signal chain, prioritising the transmission of a pure signal without coloration or the introduction of external noise. Its construction focuses on premium materials to satisfy the requirements of both studio recording and live performance environments.

Technical Features and Design

The cable utilises a studio-quality copper core designed to capture the intricate details of an instrument's sound. To prevent signal degradation, Roland has implemented a low-capacitance design. This ensures that the cable can deliver full frequency reproduction and maintain a dynamic response, preventing the 'dullness' often associated with inferior leads. The 1/4-inch straight connectors are plated in 24-karat gold, providing a corrosion-resistant surface that ensures clean contact and precise audio reproduction over time.

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

Sound Character

Roland describes the Gold Series as being engineered for transparency. By minimising noise interference and maintaining a wide frequency range, the cable is intended to keep the user's tone 'clear and true.' This neutral character makes it suitable for musicians who want the natural voice of their instrument and amplifier to remain unaffected by the cabling.

Applications and Suitability

At a length of 1 metre (3 feet), this cable is specifically suited for short-distance connections. Common use cases include:

Connecting a guitar or bass to a nearby pedalboard.
Linking equipment within a studio rack or desktop setup.
Connecting synthesizers or line-level instruments to an audio interface.

It is ideal for users who require professional-grade performance and high durability in a compact format.

Comparison with Alternatives

Compared to budget alternatives like the Gear4Music Essentials range, the Roland Gold Series offers higher-grade shielding and gold-plated contacts for improved longevity. While Ernie Ball offers varied aesthetics and connector angles (such as the P06049 straight-to-angle), Roland focuses on a specific high-fidelity copper core. For those requiring balanced connections, users would look to cables like the Studiospares Standard XLR series, as the Roland Gold Instrument Cable is an unbalanced TS (Tip-Sleeve) design.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the 24k gold plating on the connectors?: The gold plating provides a corrosion-resistant surface that ensures a clean and precise connection. This helps maintain signal integrity over long periods of use by preventing oxidation that can lead to crackling or signal loss.
How long is this specific Roland Gold Series cable?: This specific model measures 3 feet in length, which is approximately 1 metre. It is designed for short-range connections where excess cabling is not desired.
What does a 'low-capacitance design' mean for my sound?: Low-capacitance cables reduce the high-frequency roll-off that occurs in longer or lower-quality cables. This ensures that your instrument retains its full brightness and dynamic range.
Is this cable suitable for connecting a guitar to an amplifier?: Yes, it is a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable suitable for guitars, basses, and synthesizers. However, the 1-metre length is best for players who stay very close to their equipment or for use on a pedalboard.
Can I use this cable for balanced audio signals?: No, this is a standard instrument cable typically used for unbalanced signals. For balanced audio, you would generally require an XLR cable, such as the Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) series.
What type of copper is used in the core of the Roland Gold Series?: Roland uses studio-quality copper wire in the core. This material is selected for its ability to transmit sound with high detail and accuracy.
Does this cable come with straight or right-angled connectors?: This specific model features two straight 1/4-inch connectors. If you require a right-angled connection, you would need to look at alternative models like the Ernie Ball P06049.
Is the Roland Gold Series intended for live or studio use?: It is designed for both environments. The premium shielding makes it quiet enough for studio recording, while the heavy-duty construction provides the durability needed for live performances.
What is the typical price for the 3ft Roland Gold Series cable?: The typical price range for this cable is approximately £14. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
How does the shielding protect against noise?: The cable is engineered with high-density shielding to block electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). This ensures the signal remains pure and free from unwanted hum or buzz.
Can I use this cable to connect a speaker to an amplifier?: No, instrument cables are not designed for the high-current loads of speakers. You should use dedicated speaker cables for that purpose to avoid damage to your equipment.
Is this cable compatible with Neutrik connectors?: While this cable uses Roland's own high-quality gold-plated connectors, it follows the standard 1/4-inch (6.35mm) jack format. It will interface perfectly with equipment using Neutrik jacks or adapters like the Neutrik NA2MP.