Importance of Flat Ribbon Patch Cables on Your Pedalboard

Flat cable attachments enable cable routing more comfortably than ever before. The unique low profile connectors assist you to optimize the given pedal layout. Various types of shielding methods are used to prevent potential interference, thus, preserving the incoming signal. Besides, the use of PVC jackets maintain durability and protect the flat patch cables in the long run.

A fervent pedalboard designer is well aware of the fact that low profile patch cables appear to be the motive behind placing more stompboxes. Therefore, professionals have stressed the use of Flat Ribbon Patch Cables. Experts are of the view that flexibility here means you can bend the cables at any possible angle as per your wishes to suit both inputs and outputs of your pedals. 

The minimum use of durable connectors always ensures a secure connection. Besides, the signal quality would be up to the mark with the application of metal housing, improved shielding upon conventional patch cables, and above all, a PVC jacket on the exterior and built-in strain relief to add to the list.

What Are Flat Ribbon Patch Cables?

Before getting to know the intricacies of flat ribbon patch cables, we need to reflect on the advent of pedalboard wiring. The players preferred its transition from straight cables to the formation of right-angle connectors. Nowadays, these right-angle connectors are suitable to make more space. They reduce excess cable projected from the pedals. However, the big issue with right angle cables or connectors is that they are really hard and rigid. It makes the rewiring of flat pedal cables a difficult task.

The next element is the pancake cables. They enable you to position the cable connectors close to one another. With the help of pancake cables, the players are now able to place two pedals one after another, leaving a half-inch space.

Though the modern design of flat pedalboard cables makes the cable connectors stay closer yet the cables are so thick that they cannot be twisted. So, it is hard to adjust the remaining spaces between pedals and the board.  

These pain points have adequately helped project the modern version of pedalboard wiring, popularly termed as flat ribbon patch cables. It has subsequently become the exclusive cable to be used. This category of pedalboard patch cables carries a high-end design combined with fitter components. They are also known to optimize space on any guitar pedalboard cables.

Key Features of Flat Ribbon Patch Cables

• Metal housing: Flat ribbon patch cables consist of virtual metal housing. It duly makes both the audio signal and conductor totally shielded from end to end. Besides, it also includes a built-in strain cushion, providing relief to the metal connector. It tends to reinforce the cable connectors and is considered the best in the industry.

• Small connector: When you come closer to a pair of distinguished flat ribbon patch cables, you will observe the small size of the connector element. This connector is half of the size of the pancake cable connector. It can be seen as protruding itself quarter length of an inch out of the pedal plug. They can be easily nested on one another.

Final Takeaway

Flat ribbon patch cables are available in plenty of sizes than any other ordinary cable of similar nature available in the market. The sizes vary from as short as 3” to as long as 24”. Moreover, the exclusive pedalboard multi-pack facilitates you with the capability to wire and rewire your complete pedalboard stuff without going for any soldering.  

About This Author

Marko Vuković Joined: June 4th, 2020