Iconic Sound Ltd is set to release an optical analog, jack-to-jack instrument cable – The LightLead.

The company debuted a prototype earlier this year at NAMM and are now marketing the optical lead as a world first, although it strictly isn’t, Alesis invented its own fibre-optic 8-channel ADAT Lightpipe back in 2007. But we’ll concede that the Lightlead is designed for instruments only and doesn’t digitise the signal in any way. Either way, Iconic Sound were able to fully patent their technology, which give it the right to use the ‘world first’ title. Added to that is the fact, there’s been little innovation in instrument leads since they were invented, some sixty years ago.

The new analogue optical leads can be used on any electric, line-level instrument, providing zero capacitance and zero loading, without restricting any frequencies.

The lead is powered by a two AAA batteries (one at each end) and the company says you’ll get around 9 hours of playing time with them. Although, it’d be a good idea to always keep a few rechargeable batteries on hand, because that time will be sucked up surprisingly fast during rehearsals.

The optical analogue lead is coated in PVC, with a small diameter that is resistant to crushing and impact. So they should last you a good long while. They also have full electro-magnetic immunity, meaning no distortion or interference when using them. It also means they won’t create subsonic, motion noise, or static, which will be a huge relief to many.

The new leads aren’t cheap, but the company says that they’re virtually indestructible, so they may save you some coin in the long run.

The Iconic Sound website has the leads available as a ‘limited edition’ pre-order for £99.00 (roughly AU$180.32) with the price rising to £119.99 (AU$223.40) on release.

For more info, check: www.iconicsound.com

Excerpts from Press Release