We review products independently and our recommendations are genuine. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Most guitarists use effects pedals to sculpt and shape their tone, so choosing the best patch cables with high-quality, clean connections is crucial.
Effects pedals allow guitarists, bassists, and other musicians to transform their instrument’s sound in a multitude of ways. The devices are linked together using patch cables in what is known as a signal chain.
Patch cables are a vital part of the signal chain, but their importance is often overshadowed by the effects of pedals. This is understandable, as pedals are more interesting, but the cables that link them are equally integral.
Investing in good-quality patch cables will prevent you from needing to replace them often and improve the sound quality of your signal chain.
What are the Best Patch Cables?
| Image | Recommended ProductsProduct | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best for Large Pedal Selections
|
|
||
Best quality overall
|
|
||
Best Affordable Cables
|
|
||
Best for Small Pedalboards
|
|
||
Best Sound Quality
|
|
||
Most Reliable Patch Cables
|
|
||
Best Single Replacement Cable
|
|
||
Most Visible Patch Cables
|
|
||
Best for Touring Musicians
|
|
||
Best Versatile Selection
|
|
||
Best for Large Pedals
|
|
How We Tested
We ran these patch cables through several tests to rate their quality and performance. This involves monitoring them for any noise and interference when using the cables with various effects pedals.
We then analyzed the patch cables’ build quality by testing the strength of the connectors to determine whether they are likely to last for a long time. Finally, we considered their length and angle to determine their versatility.
Patch Cables Reviews
Ernie Ball P06224 Flat Ribbon Pedalboard Patch Cable Multi Pack
Ernie Ball P06224 Flat Ribbon Pedalboard Patch Cable Multi Pack Review
With a rich history dating back many decades, Ernie Ball is one of the world’s most prolific and well-known guitar and bass accessories producers. Although strings are perhaps the brand’s most famous export, they also manufacture many cables.
The Ernie Ball P06224 set includes ten patch cables in five different lengths. You get two short cables, four regular-sized cables, two long cables, and two extra-long cables.
Having all these different cable types in one set is ideal if you have several effects pedals in your signal chain. You can experiment with different positions on your pedalboard without worrying about stretching cables too far.
The shielding used by Ernie Ball ensures that interference is minimized. Even if you use long cable runs. These patch cables will prevent noise from negatively affecting your guitar or bass signal.
Features:
- Includes ten cables
- Various lengths
- Multiple shielding layers
Pros
- Suitable for all types of pedals
- Durable connector design
- Long-lasting materials
Cons
- Might be unnecessary for small pedal selections
PRS Premium Patch Cable
PRS Premium Patch Cable Review
If you’re looking for patch cables that will last for many years and provide you with the most transparent, clear sound possible, I’d strongly recommend considering these PRS Premium cables.
Although they’re amongst the most expensive patch cables, you’ll come across, this is because the components and design that PRS has used are of the highest quality. The longevity and performance make the high price worthwhile.
Until you experience the sound quality of high-end patch cables, it’s difficult to understand why they’re such an integral part of your rig. We’re often so focused on the effects pedals that we forget to consider the importance of the cables that link them together!
With two cables included in the set, which have right-angled corrosion-resistant connectors, you’ll enjoy the interference-free performance from your effects pedals. These cables are a great choice whether you play electric, acoustic guitar, or bass.
PRS has designed these patch cables with extremely low capacitance. This results in stellar noise rejection, which ensures a focused and direct signal.
At 6” long, these cables are the perfect size to be placed into the required positions on your pedalboard. They’re malleable enough to be positioned wherever you need them to be.
Thermoplastic screens have been installed in the cables, along with a close-lapped copper, which gives them a flexible feel without compromising on durability or physical strength.
Pros
- Maximizes signal clarity
- Prevents interference and noise issues
- Exceptional noise rejection
Cons
- More expensive than other options, but worth the price
Hosa IRG-600.5 Low-profile Guitar Patch Cable Pack
Hosa IRG-600.5 Low-profile Guitar Patch Cable Pack Review
With six reliable patch cables included in this set, guitarists and bassists can easily set up small or medium-sized pedalboards. Manufacturers Hosa has included only right-angled cables to cater to square or rectangular pedal layouts.
Additionally, Hosa has installed OFC conductors to improve the quality of your signal. This oxygen-free copper material is highly effective at boosting clarity.
Patch cables are, in a sense, only as good as their shielding. They can have all the other attributes and components, but interference will be a problem if the shielding is poor.
With OFC spiral shielding protecting from RFI and EMI interference, Hosa IRG-600.5 deliver a noise-free performance that allows your effects pedals to work flawlessly.
Features:
- Includes six patch cables
- Ring angle design
- 6 inches long
Pros
- Ideal for compact pedalboards
- Flexible design
- Durable connectors
Cons
- All cables are the same length
MXR 3PDCP06 Pedalboard Patch Cable Pack
MXR 3PDCP06 Pedalboard Patch Cable Pack Review
The MXR 3PDCP06 cable set includes three high-quality patch cables designed for a small pedalboard. Each of the cables has a right angle-to-right angle design, which is convenient for tight spaces.
At 6 inches long, these MXR patch cables can cover enough distance to get from one pedal to the next, but they’re not going to get in the way of operating your pedals. They are malleable but robust enough to give you confidence in their longevity.
In terms of sound quality, these patch cables perform at a high level considering their affordable price tag. MXR has used spiral shielding to keep interference at bay, and the conductors are made from OFC.
Features:
- Three patch cables included
- Right-angle to right-angle design
- Spiral shielding
Pros
- Promote signal clarity
- Great for minimal pedal setups
- Reduces the chance of interference
Cons
- Limited number of cables in the pack
Mogami Gold Instrument 0.5 Pedal Cable - 6 inch
Mogami Gold Instrument 0.5 Pedal Cable - 6 inch Review
Although this Mogami Gold cable costs more than many multi-packs, there’s a reason for its high price tag. The cable delivers stunning sound quality, and there are no holes in its game!
The choice of many professional sound engineers worldwide, Mogami is an expert in cable design. This is evident in the Gold cable’s physical attributes and the way it performs sonically.
With a core made from oxygen-free copper, the cable is highly transparent. It enhances the clarity of your effects signal, thanks to combining a polymer sub-shield and a thick spiral shield.
The cable also comes with a lifetime warranty, which underlines Mogam’s confidence in its build quality.
Features:
- Includes one six-inch patch cable
- Right angle connector at both ends
- OFC core
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Durable and roadworthy
- No handling noise
Cons
- Only includes one cable
Ernie Ball P06220 Flat Ribbon Pedalboard Patch Cable Pack
Ernie Ball P06220 Flat Ribbon Pedalboard Patch Cable Pack Review
The Ernie Ball P06220 set consists of a trio of short patch cables designed specifically for minimalistic pedal layouts. Or, you can combine them with longer cables for added convenience if you have more than three pedals.
To prevent handling and interference noise from marring your signal, Ernie Ball has ensured that several shielding materials are built into these cables.
The roadworthy PVC jacket ensures that the inner components are sufficiently protected and promises a long-lasting patch cable.
Features:
- Includes three patch cables
- Right-angle to right-angle design
- PVC jackets
Pros
- Designed for flexilbiltiy
- Ideal for small stompboxes
- Durable build quality
Cons
- Only 3 inches long
Hosa CPE-106 Guitar Pedalboard Patch Cable 6 inch
Hosa CPE-106 Guitar Pedalboard Patch Cable 6 inch Review
If you’re looking for a patch cable that can handle a heavy workload, the 6” CPE-106 by Hosa is worth considering.
With its OFC conductor, this cable maximizes the transparency of your guitar or bass effects signal. It also has a spiral shielding to keep any interference issues at arm’s length.
Another noteworthy feature of this cable is that the connector can be unscrewed, making it easy to repair in the long term.
Features:
- Spiral shielding
- Six-inch cable
- OFC conductor
Pros
- Improves signal clarity
- Rejects EMI and RFI interference
- Unscrewable connector for easy repairs
Cons
- Only one cable in the set
Ernie Ball P06052 Pedalboard Flat Patch Cable Pack
Ernie Ball P06052 Pedalboard Flat Patch Cable Pack Review
The Ernie Ball P06052 patch cables offer the robustness required to withstand being used for live performances, rehearsals, and recordings.
Made from a blend of high-end components, these patch cables have specifically designed conductors which ensure that no tone suck occurs when you use them to connect up to three effects pedals.
Each cable benefits from a roadworthy outer PVC layer and the right-angle to right-angle connectors are ideal for vertical and horizontal pedal assemblies on your pedalboard.
Features:
- Includes three cables
- Six inches long
- Right-angled connectors
Pros
- Highly visible design
- Robust jacket
- Excellent sound quality
Cons
- The Green and white color scheme may not suit all tastes
Ernie Ball P06059 Pedalboard Flat Patch Cable Pack
Ernie Ball P06059 Pedalboard Flat Patch Cable Pack Review
Good patch cables must include a combination of components that form an equally vital piece of the puzzle. These Ernie Ball P06059 cables have superior shielding, a protective PVC outer layer, and high-quality TS connectors.
Ernie Ball has chosen each component carefully to ensure that the cables enhance the sound of your signal as it moves through the effects chain, rather than detracting from the clarity.
You can expect a consistent output when using these cables, and thanks to the dual right-angled design, it’s easy to fit them into the required spaces on your pedalboard.
Features:
- Robust PVC jackets
- Right angled connectors
- Multiple shielding layers
Pros
- Likely to last for a long time
- Preserves the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies
- Mixes flexibility with strength
Cons
- Pedals must be spaced out to accommodate right-angled connectors
Ernie Ball P06387 Flat Ribbon Pedalboard Patch Cable Multipack
Ernie Ball P06387 Flat Ribbon Pedalboard Patch Cable Multipack Review
If you’re looking for an extensive set of patch cables to connect various devices, the Ernie Ball P06387 is an excellent choice. This pack consists of ten high-quality cables with varying lengths.
The cable lengths range from 3-24 inches, making it easy to keep your pedalboard tidy regardless of how you choose to lay out your effects pedals.
In addition to the different lengths, you also get the level of durability and sound quality expected from Ernie Ball’s excellent cables.
Features:
- Includes ten cables
- Sizes range from 3 – 24 inches
- Low-profile connectors
Pros
- Facilitates all pedal shapes and sizes
- Ideal for large pedalboards
- Even the longest cables are very durable
Cons
- Not suitable for small pedalboards
Ernie Ball P06222 Flat Ribbon Pedalboard Patch Cable 3 Pack
Ernie Ball P06222 Flat Ribbon Pedalboard Patch Cable 3 Pack Review
Ernie Ball’s 12-inch Flat Ribbon patch cables allow you to maximize the space available on your pedalboard. The additional length they provide is beneficial if you need to stretch cables across the entire length of your board.
Musicians that use various pedal types, including stompboxes, wah pedals, and multi-fx units, for example, will know that sometimes you have to be creative when connecting all of the devices in the signal chain.
Having three 12-inch cables at your disposal makes it much easier to find a suitable solution to these common dilemmas when setting up your pedals.
Features:
- Includes three patch cables
- 12 inches long
- Right angled connectors
Pros
- Perfect for large pedals
- Flexible and roadworthy design
- Preserves signal strength
Cons
- Not ideal for covering short distances
Best Pedal Board Power Supply Buyer's Guide
Without patch cables, using multiple effects in your signal chain would be impossible. Most guitarists use effects pedals to sculpt and shape their tone, so choosing the best possible patch cables is essential.
Choosing the best possible patch cables will minimize the chance of you needing to replace them often, saving you money and time in the long run.
Although it may be true that patch cables aren’t exactly the most exciting part of your guitar or bass rig, think of it this way – they allow the other devices to function!
Let’s explore the critical qualities of patch cables below.
Things to Consider When Buying Patch Cables for Pedals:
Quantity
Patch cable manufacturers offer multi-packs to cater to more extensive pedal selections or single cables for those with a minimal setup effect. Try to consider whether you will need more patch cables as you expand your pedal selection in the future.
Angle
The angle of a patch cable connector significantly impacts the positions it can be placed in on a pedalboard. Right-angled connectors are great for linear signal chains, while straight cables may be better for longer stretches.
Connector
The connector is an integral part of a patch cable, and some manufacturers use high-end components. Gold-plated connectors are great, but other materials are also highly capable.
Length
Although this may seem obvious, I’d highly recommend setting up your pedals on your pedalboard and measuring the distances between them to ensure that you get the correct patch cable length.
How To Choose The Best Patch Cables
Patch cables may all look similar, but their qualities vary dramatically. As you can see from the options we’ve listed, some packs of three or six cables can cost the same amount as a single, high-end cable.
Choosing the best patch cables for your guitar or bass signal chain requires pre-planning. You need to know precisely how many cables you require and the ideal lengths and angles.
If you have a pedalboard, I’d recommend setting up your pedals in the order in which you’re likely to use them. If you follow the conventional placement, it will look something like this:
- Dynamic pedals (compressor, EQ, gate)
- Gain pedals (overdrive, distortion, fuzz)
- Modulation pedals (phaser, flanger, chorus)
- Timing pedals (reverb, delay)
Once you’ve set the pedals in your preferred order, you can take a tape measure and write down the distances from each pedal to the next one in the chain.
Repeat this for all your pedals, and you will know precisely how many patch cables you need and what length they should be. You can then use this information to narrow down your search.
Shielding
One of the most important things to look for when buying patch cables is that they provide adequate shielding from interference. If the shielding is not up to scratch, this may open the door for noise issues to appear when you use your pedals.
Effects pedals have buffered outputs or true bypass switching to ensure maximum sound quality and prevent your tone from being compromised.
However, if your patch cables cause interference, these preventative measures will be pointless because the noise will make its way into your output.
Most manufacturers will use some form of shielding, but looking for cables that are double-shielded for ultimate protection from noise issues is a good idea if you’re concerned about having the best sound quality possible.
Connector Angles & Design
Choosing the suitable length patch cable is essential, but if the connector angle is not right for the layout of your signal chain, you will have to rearrange your pedals.
Patch cables are available in two types – straight and angled. If your pedals are laid out in a square-type shape, then you’ll need a mixture of angled and straight connector cables.
Right-angled connectors are useful for the corner pedals as they can prevent tension on the connector. This will stop the cables from having to bend, thus preserving them for a longer time.
Pedalboard Power Supply FAQs
Can You Use Guitar Cables as Patch Cables?
Guitar cables are the same as patch cables, but they’re much longer. For this reason, using them to connect effects pedals in a signal chain is not recommended.
The length of the cables will likely get in the way of your operating the pedals, and the connectors are likely to wear out due to the unsuitable design.
Patch cables are designed to be used in shorter spaces without obstructing or taking up unnecessary space on your pedalboard.
What are the Different Patch Cable Lengths?
Patch cables are available in a variety of lengths. You can find 6”, 12”, 18”, and 24” patch cables. 6” cables are the most commonly used for small to medium-sized pedalboards, but longer cables may be required for more extensive signal chains.
Does the Order of Your Pedals Matter?
The order of your pedals is very important. The placement has a significant impact on the way that the effects interact with one another in the signal chain.
There’s no right or wrong way to lay out your pedals, but it’s a good idea to start with any dynamic pedals, then distortion-based pedals, and then complete the chain with modulation and timing pedals.
