Planet Waves Circuit Breaker Cables
The Problem
If you use an amplifier, plug into a PA system or personal computer, you have experienced those annoying, and potentially damaging, pops and crackles caused by plugging or unplugging a live connection.
If you're wearing earphones such sounds can be annoying, or damage your hearing if the volume is turned up (never do this!). If you plug a cable into your guitar while the amp is turned on, you can damage the speakers. It's bad enough to destroy your own stuff, but it's embarrassing and potentially very costly if you do it in a hall, church, or recording studio.
The Solution
The folks at Planet Waves released the Circuit Breaker Cable to address this problem. The cables are available in a variety of lengths (10, 15, 20 or 30-feet) with either two straight plugs, or one straight and one angled plug.
 |
This cable includes a mechanism that acts like an On/Off switch. This on/off switch is located right on the connector collar, so you don't have to fumble around to find it. As you grab the plug, you're naturally placing you fingers right next to the switch.
Press the switch once to turn the cable off. Press it again and it silently springs to life. (Note: IN is ON, OUT is OFF.)
In Use
In testing the cable, I used it on stage for several weekends. In this particular setting I tend to plug in live since leaving my guitar plugged in drains the battery in the active electronics. In the past, if the sound team wasn't in sync with the actions the guitarist on stage, we (and the audience) were met with popping and cracking sounds that would make most people sit up and take notice. Not good.
Using the Circuit Break Cable, however, I silently plugged in and pressed the switch under my thumb. It was as though the sound system were turned off. The cable created absolutely no sound as I prepared to play. Since then, the Circuit Breaker Cable has become my standard cable on stage.
Full Feature Set
Even without the circuit breaker capability, this is a very nice cable, featuring:
- 24-karat gold-plated 1/4" plugs to provide an extra clear signal and resist corrosion
- Patented compression-springs for a tight, static-free connection into the jack
- Conveniently located on/off switch with no springs to wear out
- Can be activated quickly and silently for switching cables or for taking on-stage breaks without creating undesirable noise
- Includes 3-pairs of color coded O-Rings for identifying your cable
- 100% shielded cable
- Guaranteed by Planet Waves for life
 |
Bottom Line
This fine cable from Planet Waves has quickly become my preferred guitar cable for it's ability to prevent problems and minimize noise. If there is one downside, it is that the cable is less flexible than some. However, this is a small price to pay. In addition, extras like colored O-rings, spring compression, and gold-plated connectors (available in straight or right-angle) make this quality cable almost irresistible.
Want to try one? Check out our current offers on the Cables & Connectors page.
