GBE750 Any way around the Speakon?

IPYF · #1 02-24-2013, 02:48 PM

A friend of mine offered me a GBE750 for an absolutely bananas price. I was about to say an emphatic "Yarp" when I decided to look around the back of the amp. I was then immediately crestfallen because the amp doesn't have a 1/4" out, thus rendering it essentially useless to me and my old Trace cab.

I was wondering if there's any way around this because surely other people with modern amps use old cabs for whatever reason. I got my google on and this popped up:

http://www.artistguitars.com.au/buy/...n-to-1-4/10472

So my question. Is this a legitimate converter or just some cheapo "problem-solver" that would potentially run me into trouble? I was under the impression that Speakon and 1/4" were two completely different creatures. Might be a stupid question for those of you who know things about wiring but I don't spend a lot of my time under the hood.

I'd love to get the GBE if I can because it's always been my favourite amp and at this price I could flog my GK and earn myself extra $$ for my holiday later in the year.

wateroftyne · #2 02-24-2013, 02:49 PM

Just get a speakon-jack cable made up.

DiabolicLow B · #3 02-24-2013, 02:54 PM

Well I wouldn't buy a 30ft cable but you can buy speakon to 1/4" cables that work just fine.

T_Bone_TL · #4 02-24-2013, 02:55 PM

(most) speakon are just two wires, even though they may be more possible wires.

1/4 jack is two wires.

Speakon is better system, contact wise, stay-put wise, etc.

Speakon to 1/4 is easy.

Putting a speakon in your old cab and not using 1/4" for speakers is better.

Beware the chinese knock-off "speakon" connectors.

smogg · #5 02-24-2013, 02:57 PM

You do not need 30 feet of cable. That is for PA. Just find a speakon to 1/4 in the 3 to 5 foot range. 16 gauge is fine, 14 gauge is better. 12 is over kill for such a short run.

IPYF · #6 02-24-2013, 03:08 PM

that's cool. Thanks for the info. The link was just an example, I only googled for like a second and only really saw the connecting points.

kai_ski · #7 02-24-2013, 03:12 PM

NL4FC Speakon connectors do not require soldering. Just buy a connector and modify an old 1/4" speaker cable. It'll cost you all of $6 for the part.

http://www.daleproaudio.com/p-3993-n...connector.aspx

Bob C · #8 02-24-2013, 03:13 PM

As has been mentioned, Speakon to 1/4" cords are available in a variety of lengths. There also adapters (just the plugs). Both are legit solutions to your problem.

B-string · #9 02-24-2013, 03:36 PM

Parts-Express.com has the Neutrik connectors for $3.95, install that on one end of your existing speaker cable. UNLESS the speakon on the amp is green, then you will find the 1/4" will plug into the center. Myself I would still go the speakon route and even install a speakon jack on the cab.

IPYF · #10 02-24-2013, 03:56 PM

Thanks. If I go ahead with this I'll just get one ordered from my local store. I'm sure putting one together would be easy for a real man but I'm about as handy as a wheel of cheese.

B-string · #11 02-24-2013, 04:02 PM

Don't worry about it, my cat builds mine

kai_ski · #12 02-24-2013, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-string

Parts-Express.com has the Neutrik connectors for $3.95, install that on one end of your existing speaker cable.

Watch the shipping at partsexpress.com for small orders. Dale pro audio offers free shipping with no minimum, so even if you pay $2 more for 1 small item, it's worth it.

B-string · #13 02-24-2013, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai_ski

Watch the shipping at partsexpress.com for small orders. Dale pro audio offers free shipping with no minimum, so even if you pay $2 more for 1 small item, it's worth it.

Good info!