Let’s be clear up front: When we refer to “patch cables,” we are referring to the short wires that are used to connect your guitar pedal board’s pedals to one another. You must take reliability, cost, and other factors into account in addition to sound quality when selecting the best patch cables for your needs. All of these subjects will be covered in this review, along with a comparison of ten of the best patch cables available. Following that, we’ll offer some suggestions depending on your needs and preferences.
If you’ve decided to build a pedalboard, organisation and mobility are probably the main motivators. If something goes wrong mid-set, having a number of strange, mismatched guitar cords might be frustrating. Longer wires are not only unsightly and difficult to manoeuvre your “board,” but they are also heavier. We advise buying a pair of the best patch cables you can afford when establishing a board to help your company (not to mention your confidence).
Even at the cheap end of the market, off-the-shelf patch cables—also known as pedal couplers—are superb, with mechanical failure rates much lower than they ever were. To make sure you have the appropriate sizes, you can also make your own patch cables. Several businesses also provide solderless patch cable kits. We’ll examine the best patch cables available right now in this article.
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Mogami Gold Instrument-0.5RR Guitar Pedal Effects Instrument Cable
- 1/4" TS Male Right Angle-1/4" TS Male Right Angle
- with Black Epoxy Finish Gold-plated Plugs
- Audio Cable
When there is no consideration for cost, Mogami Gold Instrument patch cables are made for extremely little noise or signal loss. The shortest cable is this one, measuring 6 inches. There are further sizes in the range of 10 and 18 inches, as well as 2, 3, 6, and 25 feet.
This cable is made to last forever. The conductor is stranded OFC in AWG 20. A sub-shield made of conductive polymer encircles the centre. The spiral ground shield is referred to as “ultra high-density (UHD)” because to the more wire strands that are utilised. To reduce handling noise, the outer jacket is made of PVC with carbon infusion.
The conductor resistance for the 6-inch cable is only 0.005 ohms, and the overall cable capacitance is only 20 picofarads. Gold plating is used on heavy-duty moulded plugs to stop oxidation. In addition to rigid PVC sleeves, the expanded plug casing offers great strain relief. The plugs protrude a little bit because they aren’t flat. The lifetime “no excuses” warranty from Mogami is offered with these cables. This is the Best Patch Cable in 2023.
Ernie Ball Flat Ribbon Patch Cable
- Easily maneuver cables to fit your pedals exactly where you want them with...
- 99.95% oxygen-free copper to resist corrosion
- Low profile metal connectors and built-in strain relief provide sleek yet...
Ernie Ball Flat Ribbon patch cables offer a clear, transparent tone while combining a sturdy design that makes the guitar cables perfect for all pedalboards, no matter their size or extent. The dual-shielded construction of Flat Ribbon patch cables is one of their primary features. Even when used with high-gain pedals, which are prone to producing hiss and crackles when used with subpar patch cables, they didn’t make much noise, which impressed me.
One of the top manufacturers of patch cables is Ernie Ball in terms of tone. Crisp and clear highs, a tight middle output, and expressive harmonics across the frequency range of a guitar, keyboard, or bass are all produced by the Flat Ribbon set. The Ernie Ball Flat Ribbon patch cables are the ideal complement for tone aficionados’ high standards. The best possible signal quality is produced by these cables, which are built to last.
Because Ernie Ball is known for going above and beyond when creating and designing their products, it should not be surprising that their Flat Ribbon patch cables deliver excellent performance. They are corrosion-resistant and musically pleasant, with dual shielding and 99.95% oxygen-free copper construction. This is the Best Patch Cable for Guitars in 2023.
D’Addario PW-CGTP-305 Classic Series Patch Cable
- COPPER CONDUCTORS - These cables utilize ultra-pure, oxygen-free copper...
- DURABLE, RELIABLE - Double Molded plug design for superior strain relief...
- SHIELDING - Spiral and inner shields provides noise rejection for quiet...
The patch cables from the Planet Waves Classic Series are the epitome of durability and audio quality. I was immediately taken aback by how readily these wires could be positioned on the pedalboard, whether they required to be crammed into small spots or stretched over a 6-inch gap between pedals. These patch cables provide perfect sound quality. This, I discovered after looking at the specifications, is largely attributable to D’Addario’s use of 90% spiral shielding, which keeps any handling noise problems at a distance. These cables’ right-angle construction is practical and guarantees that the connectors aren’t subjected to excessive movement, extending their lifespan.
Patch cables from the D’Addario Classic Series (formerly Planet Waves) appear to be quite nicely manufactured. They have minimal capacitance, according to the producer, who makes the questionable claim that the copper is “ultra-pure oxygen-free.” Although they are also offered in 1-foot and 3-foot lengths, these are six inches long. They are coated to lessen handling noise and have extensive spiral protection. The moulded connectors on these wires provide significant strain relief. Since the casing is about an inch, they are not recommended for spaces with limited space. This is the Best Guitar Patch Cables in 2023.
Donner Guitar Patch Cable
- Solid and durable, good connection cable transmits high fidelity signal to...
- Shielding provides noise rejection for quiet operation, ultra low...
- Two big core audio plug, In=Out Technology, molded TS 1/4" Plugs are...
Due to the manufacturer’s design, Donner’s Guitar Patch Cables are both inexpensive and dependable. I was able to notice the high fidelity signal transmission’s effect on the sound quality as soon as I put them into the effects on my pedalboard.
These patch cables are the ideal length for usage on a packed pedalboard because they are 6 inches long. They also include a sturdy connector and a flexible cable, which I found to be ideal for tucking away so they don’t obstruct using the footswitches on effects pedals. This Donner set is a viable option if you’re searching for a set of patch cables that is both inexpensive and adaptable. They combine a strong connector design with a flexible cable design, making them perfect to fit into the proper spaces on a pedalboard.
I’ve discovered that 6 inches is the ideal length for patch cables, simply because it enables you to position your effects with enough room between them to comfortably utilise the footswitches while optimising the amount of space on the pedalboard. When using your pedals, the Donner Guitar Patch Cables are insulated for noise rejection and created to maintain a clear, unaltered tone. Overall, these are the best patch cables for pedalboards.
Audioblast HQ-1
- Color: Gold
- 6 Units - 6 Inch - Audioblast HQ-1 - Ultra Flexible - Dual Shielded (100%)...
When using patch wires on a pedalboard, every musician needs flexibility as a fundamental skill. This characteristic is abundant in the Audioblast Eminence HQ-1 patch cables, but what I found most impressive about them was their undeniable toughness.
Signal transparency was one of the features I specifically looked for when looking for the best patch cables. For musicians, this is essential since it guarantees that even the most transforming effects on their pedalboard sound forceful and clear. In light of this, I was happy to learn that the copper core of the Audioblast Eminence HQ-1 patch cables is oxygen-free, which, when combined with the conductive PVC sub shield, creates the ideal path for the signal to travel through.
The Audioblast Eminence HQ-1 set, which comes with 6 patch cables, is, in my opinion, best suited to musicians that want consistency across their pedalboard. Since these cables are extremely strong, you can be sure that they won’t give way under strain if you plan to use your effects frequently.
Patch cables made by Audioblast Eminence HQ-1 offer all the characteristics needed to connect pedals in your signal chain. They have high-quality inner components that minimise noise difficulties, and the addition of staggered double-boots guarantees a strong connection.
Guitar Patch Cable Buying Guide
Guitar patch cables are an essential component in any guitarist’s rig. They allow you to connect your pedals and effects to your guitar and amplifier, and can significantly impact your sound quality. With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one. In this article, we will explore the factors you should consider when selecting a guitar patch cable.
Length
One of the essential considerations when choosing a guitar patch cable is the length. The length of the cable you select will depend on the distance between your pedals and your amplifier. You should avoid using cables that are too long, as they can lead to signal loss and degraded sound quality. On the other hand, if your cable is too short, you won’t have the flexibility to position your pedals where you need them. A cable length of 6 to 12 inches is ideal for most pedalboards.
Connector Type
The connector type is another critical factor to consider when selecting a guitar patch cable. The two most common connector types are straight and angled. Straight connectors are best suited for pedals that are positioned in a straight line, while angled connectors are ideal for pedals that are positioned at an angle. It is crucial to choose the right connector type to ensure that your pedals are positioned correctly and that the cable does not get in the way of your playing.
Shielding
Shielding is an essential factor to consider when selecting a guitar patch cable. Shielding is the process of wrapping a cable in a conductive material to protect it from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). High-quality cables are typically shielded to prevent noise and interference, which can degrade the sound quality. Copper shielding, in particular, is known for its ability to prevent interference and is a popular choice among guitarists.
Capacitance
Capacitance is a critical property that affects the sound quality of a guitar patch cable. It is the ability of the cable to store an electrical charge. Higher capacitance can lead to a loss of high-frequency response, resulting in a duller tone. Low capacitance cables, on the other hand, are known for their ability to preserve high-frequency response, resulting in a brighter tone. When selecting a guitar patch cable, it is crucial to consider the capacitance and choose a cable that preserves the high-frequency response.
Durability
Durability is another essential factor to consider when selecting a guitar patch cable. A cable that is not built to last can result in costly repairs and replacement. When selecting a cable, look for a robust metal pancake jack and a polyethylene insulator, which is more heat resistant and durable. Donner low-profile patch cables are an excellent option on the market, known for their durability, copper shielding, and oxygen-free copper for low noise.
FAQ
What Are Guitar Patch Cables?
Guitar patch cables are short, low-profile cables that connect your guitar pedals together. They come in a range of sizes and styles, from straight to right-angle connectors, and are designed to fit snugly next to each other on your pedalboard. The primary function of a guitar patch cable is to transmit your guitar signal from one pedal to the next with minimal loss or interference.
What Makes a Good Guitar Patch Cable?
A good guitar patch cable should be durable, shielded, and low noise. The best patch cables are made from high-quality materials, such as oxygen-free copper, and feature a robust metal pancake jack. A copper shield helps to prevent interference and reduce noise, while a polyethylene insulator is heat resistant and durable. The cable’s capacitance also plays a crucial role in determining its overall quality, with lower capacitance resulting in a clearer, more transparent sound.
What Length Should My Guitar Patch Cables Be?
The ideal length for your guitar patch cables will depend on the size of your pedalboard and the distance between your pedals. Short, right-angle patch cables are ideal for connecting pedals side-by-side, while slightly longer patch cables can be used to connect pedals in different rows or sections of your board. As a general rule, it’s best to keep your patch cables as short as possible to minimize cable clutter and preserve sound quality.
Do Different Patch Cables Affect Tone?
While some guitarists believe that different patch cables can have a significant impact on tone, the reality is that the load variations produced by different pedal combinations are the primary factor affecting your sound. In particular, vintage fuzz pedals can be particularly sensitive to changes in impedance, and using low-quality patch cables can result in a loss of high-end or overall clarity. However, as long as you’re using shielded, low-noise patch cables with minimal capacitance, you should be able to achieve a clear, transparent sound.
What Are Some of the Best Guitar Patch Cables on the Market?
There are many excellent guitar patch cables available on the market, but some of the best value options include Donner low-profile patch cables, Hosa patch cables, and Mogami patch cables. Each of these cables is shielded, low noise, and made from high-quality materials, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their pedalboard setup. Additionally, each of these cables comes in a range of sizes and styles to suit any pedalboard layout.
Does the length of a patch cable influence the signal?
Yes, longer cables can lead to signal degradation, particularly in the case of analog signals. It’s generally advised to use the shortest cable that can comfortably connect your devices.