Consequences of Using a Patch Cord Instead of a Speaker Cable

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I recently did a couple of gigs through a promotion company that also provides backline for the bands. Strangely enough, they had a head and cab, but did not provide the speaker cable and were asking each band if they had an extra patch cord. They also didn't provide any drum hardware for the drummers, but that's another story.

I know that it is not good to use a patch cord in place of speaker cable and that it is not designed to transmit high current. What I'd like to know is, can it do damage to either the head or speakers?

[RickenBoogie]

It can potentially damage both, from heat in the cable, and in extreme cases, cause fires.

[will33]

Yeah, it can and likely will do damage. Only use a speaker cable. On another note, this "promotion" company obviously doesn't know what they're doing with the equipment and/or won't hire someone who does. When it all goes up in flames, I'd be careful of them trying to pin blame on you for damage to equipment they provided. Again because they don't know what they're doing.

[georgestrings]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

It can potentially damage both, from heat in the cable, and in extreme cases, cause fires.

+1...



- georgestrings

[billfitzmaurice]

Originally Posted by Smallmouth_Bass

can it do damage to either the head or speakers?

Yes. Don't do that.

[mpdd]

if it was my equipment no way

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Originally Posted by billfitzmaurice

Yes. Don't do that.

Yes to both?

[BBKINGBASS]

the only thin speaker cables and patch cables have in common are the 1/4" jack connectors. When you consider speaker cables have two seperate wires for for the signal compared to patch cables having one wire and a shielding mesh around that cable. not good.

[JonnyAngle]

is it ok to use speaker cable as an instrument cable?

[Febs]

Originally Posted by JonnyAngle

is it ok to use speaker cable as an instrument cable?

No. While it isn't as dangerous as using an instrument cable as a speaker cable, it will be very noisy.

[Floyd Eye]

I'll start by saying that I do not recommend it and ALL my cabinets are hooked up using speaker cables, but when I was a kid and got my first amp I used guitar cables. I did this for years and years and years and never had any of the problems with heat or damage that you guys are describing.

[Eric Moesle]

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

I'll start by saying that I do not recommend it and ALL my cabinets are hooked up using speaker cables, but when I was a kid and got my first amp I used guitar cables. I did this for years and years and years and never had any of the problems with heat or damage that you guys are describing.

But back then amps were very low powered. Today the wattage ratings go thru the roof. Don't do it. Ever.

[4Mal]

I can't see it damaging the speaker but there is a distinct possibility that you can see it melt and present the amp with a dead short. I expect that most quality amps today will shut down rather than burn but no way I'm testing that with my gear...

[vinxbass]

I never use a patch cord or instrument cable in place of a speaker cable or speakon cable, it's just not safe to do.

[kesslari]

Originally Posted by will33

Yeah, it can and likely will do damage. Only use a speaker cable. On another note, this "promotion" company obviously doesn't know what they're doing with the equipment and/or won't hire someone who does. When it all goes up in flames, I'd be careful of them trying to pin blame on you for damage to equipment they provided. Again because they don't know what they're doing.

This is a very, very good point.
I keep a spare speaker cable in my gig bag.

[steveksux]

Originally Posted by Floyd Eye

I'll start by saying that I do not recommend it and ALL my cabinets are hooked up using speaker cables, but when I was a kid and got my first amp I used guitar cables. I did this for years and years and years and never had any of the problems with heat or damage that you guys are describing.

What you can get away with at 100 watts can be problematic trying to recreate with 2000 watts...

Randy

[JimmyM]

sounds like this "promotion company" is some dopey kid with more money than sense. you will learn along the way that things like that are what are known as "red flags" alerting you to the fact that you may be dealing with someone who doesn't know what he's doing, and it could lead to a bigger mess than just blowing up someone else's gear.

[B-string]

Originally Posted by 4Mal

I can't see it damaging the speaker but there is a distinct possibility that you can see it melt and present the amp with a dead short. I expect that most quality amps today will shut down rather than burn but no way I'm testing that with my gear...

Not flaming you personally. The point should be made as many out there are saying YEAH.
If designers were to build in protection for every dumb mistake a consumer could come up with the result would be: 1) Finicky, not really good sounding amps. 2) Amps that are very expensive and not selling.
Nothing is better than a little common sense?

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Interesting that amp and speaker manufacturers don't use input/output jacks other than the standard 1/4" connectors as a sole choice for their connections to avoid confusion. It seems like Speakon is slowly taking over, but they usually still have 1/4" as well.

[RobertPaulson]

In my younger days I always used whatever instrument cable was laying around to hook up my head to my cab. I never had any problems, although now I use speakons as I don't think it's worth the risk when a good speaker cable costs 20 bucks. I've never heard of anyone personally have something blow using an instrument cable though.