What is the length of this SubZero cable?

The cable is 6 metres long, which is approximately 20 feet. This length is standard for instrument use, providing enough slack for movement on stage without excessive signal degradation.

What brand of connectors are used on this cable?

The cable is equipped with two high-quality Neutrik connectors. Neutrik is a well-known manufacturer in the audio industry, recognised for producing durable and reliable plugs.

What is the thickness of the internal copper wire?

The cable features 6mm thick copper wiring. This thickness helps facilitate efficient signal transfer and contributes to the physical durability of the lead.

Does the cable have any special insulation?

Yes, it uses rubber insulation around the internal copper wire. This specific choice of material is intended to provide 'zero noise interference' for a cleaner audio output.

What colour is the outer jacket of the cable?

The cable features a distinctive blue outer insulation. This makes it easy to distinguish from standard black cables during setup and pack-down.

Is this cable suitable for use with an electric guitar?

Yes, as a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) instrument jack cable, it is ideal for connecting electric guitars, bass guitars, or keyboards to an amplifier or audio interface.

Can this cable be used for balanced audio signals?

Based on the manufacturer description, this is a standard instrument jack cable (TS). For balanced signals, products like the Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) Cable would be required.

How does the price of this cable compare to other brands?

This cable typically retails for approximately £15. This places it in a competitive mid-range category, offering premium connectors at a lower price point than many boutique brands.

Is the cable shielded?

Yes, the manufacturer specifies that the rubber insulation is designed for zero noise interference. This indicates a level of shielding necessary for instrument-level signals.

Are the connectors right-angled or straight?

The standard description indicates two durable connectors, typically configured as straight jacks. Users requiring a right-angled version might consider alternatives like the Ernie Ball P06049 10ft Straight-Angle cable.

Can I use this cable for speakers?

This is an instrument cable designed for low-power signals. It should not be used as a speaker cable for connecting an amplifier head to a cabinet, as speaker cables require different gauge wiring.

Is this cable suitable for a sound engineer's kit?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as ideal for sound engineers. Its reliable Neutrik connectors and 6m length make it a versatile utility tool for various audio tasks.

Gear article

SubZero Instrument Jack Cable 6m

The SubZero Instrument Jack Cable is a 6-metre professional-grade audio lead designed for musicians and sound engineers. It features industry-standard Neutrik connectors and a distinctive blue outer insulation, prioritising low-noise signal transfer for live and studio environments.

See live prices

Overview

The SubZero Instrument Jack Cable is a utility-focused audio component intended for connecting instruments such as electric guitars, basses, and synthesizers to amplifiers or mixing consoles. Measuring 6 metres in length, it provides sufficient reach for most medium-sized stages and rehearsal spaces. The cable is defined by its use of high-quality components, specifically focusing on the interface between the cable and the jack socket to ensure reliability under frequent use.

Construction and Design

At the core of the cable is a 6mm thick copper wire, which serves as the primary conductor for the audio signal. This conductor is encased in rubber insulation specifically designed to mitigate interference and microphonic noise. The outer layer features a distinctive blue insulation, which helps in identifying the cable among standard black leads in a crowded stage or studio environment. The terminations are handled by two durable Neutrik connectors, which are widely regarded in the industry for their robust mechanical design and secure electrical contact.

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

Signal Integrity

The primary design goal of the SubZero Jack Cable is low-noise output. By combining thick copper wiring with rubber-based shielding, the cable reduces the risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). This ensures that the audio transfer remains clean, preserving the original character of the instrument's signal without adding unwanted hiss or buzz.

Target Users

This cable is positioned for the 'serious musician' or sound engineer who requires a step up from entry-level 'kettle leads' or budget patch cables. Its 6-metre length makes it particularly suitable for performers who need mobility on stage, while the inclusion of Neutrik ends makes it a viable choice for touring professionals who require gear that can withstand repeated plugging and unplugging.

Market Comparison

Within the wider market of audio connectivity, the SubZero 6m cable occupies a mid-tier position. While more affordable than boutique hand-soldered cables, it offers professional components like Neutrik connectors that are often absent on budget alternatives like the Gear4Music Essentials range. Compared to shorter patch cables, such as the Studiospares Standard 30cm or 60cm XLRs, this 6m jack lead is designed for primary instrument runs rather than rack-mounted interconnects or microphone signals.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the length of this SubZero cable?: The cable is 6 metres long, which is approximately 20 feet. This length is standard for instrument use, providing enough slack for movement on stage without excessive signal degradation.
What brand of connectors are used on this cable?: The cable is equipped with two high-quality Neutrik connectors. Neutrik is a well-known manufacturer in the audio industry, recognised for producing durable and reliable plugs.
What is the thickness of the internal copper wire?: The cable features 6mm thick copper wiring. This thickness helps facilitate efficient signal transfer and contributes to the physical durability of the lead.
Does the cable have any special insulation?: Yes, it uses rubber insulation around the internal copper wire. This specific choice of material is intended to provide 'zero noise interference' for a cleaner audio output.
What colour is the outer jacket of the cable?: The cable features a distinctive blue outer insulation. This makes it easy to distinguish from standard black cables during setup and pack-down.
Is this cable suitable for use with an electric guitar?: Yes, as a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) instrument jack cable, it is ideal for connecting electric guitars, bass guitars, or keyboards to an amplifier or audio interface.
Can this cable be used for balanced audio signals?: Based on the manufacturer description, this is a standard instrument jack cable (TS). For balanced signals, products like the Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) Cable would be required.
How does the price of this cable compare to other brands?: This cable typically retails for approximately £15. This places it in a competitive mid-range category, offering premium connectors at a lower price point than many boutique brands.
Is the cable shielded?: Yes, the manufacturer specifies that the rubber insulation is designed for zero noise interference. This indicates a level of shielding necessary for instrument-level signals.
Are the connectors right-angled or straight?: The standard description indicates two durable connectors, typically configured as straight jacks. Users requiring a right-angled version might consider alternatives like the Ernie Ball P06049 10ft Straight-Angle cable.
Can I use this cable for speakers?: This is an instrument cable designed for low-power signals. It should not be used as a speaker cable for connecting an amplifier head to a cabinet, as speaker cables require different gauge wiring.
Is this cable suitable for a sound engineer's kit?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as ideal for sound engineers. Its reliable Neutrik connectors and 6m length make it a versatile utility tool for various audio tasks.