Hi all! I'm making a new pedalboard with PBC/6X and would like to solder some TRS patch cables for routing Expression pedal and function switchers. Which lower profile plugs and cables that you would recommend to me? Thanks a lot for your help!
For cable, Mogami 2319, Lava Mini ELC or Best-tronics CA-0678 For plugs, Switchcraft and Neutrik are always safe bets. For smaller plugs: Best-Tronics. https://btpa.com https://btpa.com/MC-1358GH.html https://btpa.com/MC-1358GHM.html https://www.redco.com/Squareplug-SP400-Low-Profile-Flat-TS.html https://www.redco.com/Squareplug-SPS4-Short-Body-Straight-TS-Connector.html
Additionally, Squareplugs now has a right angle TRS: https://btpa.com/sp550-s.html Best-tronics sells TRS versions of their "stubby" straight plugs (I know because I'm using them), but I don't see them on their site, you'd have to contact them for those.
These are tip-ring (TS or mono) plugs and unsuited for making connection cables for expression pedals. You need tip-ring-sleeve (TRS or stereo) plugs. Like these: https://btpa.com/299.html https://btpa.com/236.html But +1 for BTPA. Good products and people.
I found the BTPA part numbers for the TRS stubby plugs: 1/4" TRS stubby, small cable opening: MC-3641M 1/4" TRS stubby, large cable opening: MC-3641 They're still not listed on their site, but if you contact them directly, you should be able to order them.
So, having just watched a pedal board build, I am pondering dumping my george Ls and going to soldered cables, but, do this square ones fit the spacing on the back of a PBC/6X? https://www.redco.com/Squareplug-SP400-Low-Profile-Flat-TS.html
Yes they do, though you need to raise up the PBC about .25-.5" in the back to give a bit to give the cable room to turn out and away from the PBC. I personally use double strips of normal profile dual lock to give me the height I need.
What cable do you recommend using for the TRS Squareplug SP550-S? I used Mogami w2528 dual cable wire before with larger plugs, but it won't fit the tiny Squareplug opening. I want to use the Squareplug TRS plug for my stereo loops on my PBC10.
I have my first batch of SP550-S on the way as we speak. I think I'm going to try using star quad cable - I'm only going to be using it for TRS MIDI connections, so it should be fine. There might be too much crosstalk between wires to use for stereo audio, though. I recommend asking Karim at Squareplug or the guys at Best-tronics. They would have suggestions. When I get the connectors in, I'll play around with all the cable I have here and see if I have any other ones that would work.
Thank you for your reply. This is such a niche use case that I was wondering if I would find any relevant info. I would consider your input on the matter definitive gold, Ron. Thank you for any help you can offer! I definitely want to minimize crosstalk, but I would like to be able to use the TRS squareplugs.
Mogami 2528 does work with Squareplug SP550-S plugs, though it's a very tight fit. I used the combo on my personal board with excellent results and zero issues thus far.
Whoa! That's such great news! Thank you for the info. Did you manage to squeeze the rubber insulation of both channels of wire into the clamp section of the squareplug? I would love to see a pic of one of these plugs opened up if you have time.
Won't have time to pull things apart to get a picture, but I did get the insulation in! It's pretty easy once everything is soldered in and held in place.
