Making a "Y" cable with Speakons?

::::BASSIST:::: · #1 07-31-2010, 03:54 PM

There are a few amps out there that have just one single speakon output. I realize that the intention is that you are supposed to daisy chain cabs together if you are using more than one.

amp connected to cab 1
cab 1 connected to cab 2

However, is it possible to make a Y cable with speakons?

One end would have the male speakon that plugs into the amp, while the other two ends would have one male speakon on each end which you would connect into the cabs.

Possible?

(I hope all that makes sense).

Rockingbird · #2 07-31-2010, 03:56 PM

There are already Y cables with 3 male heads that can connect like that, as well as 1 male 2 female, 2 male 1 female, and every other combo.

::::BASSIST:::: · #3 07-31-2010, 03:58 PM

Where could I buy one?

I've never seen one. I assumed I'd have to make my own.

Rockingbird · #4 07-31-2010, 04:00 PM

GC stocks a few. Ill see if I can pull a link.

Rockingedit: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Horizon-...83-i1129116.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Live-Wir...65-i1170948.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Monster-...24-i1172768.gc

ulrich · #5 07-31-2010, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ::::BASSIST::::

There are a few amps out there that have just one single speakon output. I realize that the intention is that you are supposed to daisy chain cabs together if you are using more than one.

amp connected to cab 1
cab 1 connected to cab 2

However, is it possible to make a Y cable with speakons?

One end would have the male speakon, that plugs into the amp, while the other two ends would have one female speakon on each end... to which the speaker cables would be connected to.

Possible?

(I hope all that makes sense).

Sure, easy. But, why? Daisy chaining the cabs, would be neater. Unless, neither cab has two Speakons, in which case, I'd be more like to add a chassis mount Speakon to one of the cabs, than use a "Y" cable.

::::BASSIST:::: · #6 07-31-2010, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockingbird

GC stocks a few. Ill see if I can pull a link.

Rockingedit: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Horizon-...83-i1129116.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Live-Wir...65-i1170948.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Monster-...24-i1172768.gc

Thanks for the links but those are 1/4s not speakons.

::::BASSIST:::: · #7 07-31-2010, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ulrich

Sure, easy. But, why? Daisy chaining the cabs, would be neater. Unless, neither cab has two Speakons, in which case, I'd be more like to add a chassis mount Speakon to one of the cabs, than use a "Y" cable.

I like all the cables with my racked amp. Unzip, grab cables, plug in rather than hunt around for the cable etc.

Just my preference I guess.

62bass · #8 08-01-2010, 05:04 AM

It's easy. I did it for my GK 2000 RB. You just need the connectors, 12 gauge wire and electrical tape. You can splice the wire easily and join it by twisting together, then wrapping with tape. No solder required. Better still might be heat shrink tubing for the splices. Mine held up for a couple years of use playing a lot of gigs and was still fine when I sold the rig. I like it better than daisy chaining too for the same reason.

Foz · #9 08-01-2010, 09:33 AM

yes you can make them - use 16 gauge wire, strip then ends a bit long, and wrap the ends together and trim the end square and to proper length before you insert them into the speakon on the amp connector. Use a screwdriver of the correct size so you can get the termials nice and tight.

warnergt · #10 08-01-2010, 09:52 AM

Speakon Y Cable

lbwdog · #11 08-01-2010, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warnergt

Speakon Y Cable

That particular cable is using all four poles though. For a proper parallel connection you want to use two poles (1+/1-).

::::BASSIST:::: · #12 08-01-2010, 11:18 AM

Is this right?

Take the positve tipped wires from both male ends that go into the cabs, strip, crimp together and shove them both in the +1 of the male end that goes into the amp. Then do the same thing for the negative tipped wires, putting them in the -1 of the speakon that goes into the amp.

I was actually thinking of using a speakon with four poles. Glad "lbwdong" mentioned it was not correct.

ulrich · #13 08-01-2010, 11:34 AM

Yes, positive to channel one positive (1+), and negative to channel one negative (1-).

Using four pole will work just fine. Simply ignore 2+, and 2-

lbwdog · #14 08-01-2010, 12:19 PM

If you do this, I suggest using the 4 pole connector rather than the 2 pole. It has an easier to use locking system, and is easier to work with IIRC.
Just remember, heavier gauge wire will be more difficult to fit two onto one pole. I've never tried it though.

I think I would go the "daisy chain" route myself, just to avoid the inconvenience.

lbwdog · #15 08-01-2010, 12:26 PM

Here ya go. Wired as 2 pole.
http://www.ecrater.com/p/4137529/cbi...peakon+y+cable

Actually, this site is a little confusing, showing the wrong illustration. The correct model will be SNNY 42-1.
And notice, these are only 1 foot.

::::BASSIST:::: · #16 08-01-2010, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbwdog

Here ya go. Wired as 2 pole.
http://www.ecrater.com/p/4137529/cbi...peakon+y+cable

Actually, this site is a little confusing, showing the wrong illustration. The correct model will be SNNY 42-1.
And notice, these are only 1 foot.

Thanks. Thats helpful. I don't need the cables super long, maybe 3ft.

Scrappersa · #17 01-10-2011, 12:42 PM

Sorry for the old bump, but I know almost nothing about speakons except for the research I did last night and this seems like the perfect topic for this.

I'm running in bridged mono mode from my QSC PLX1202 into a Gallien Krueger SBX410 and SBX115. To do this, I need a y cable made of speakons. The speakon end that goes into the power amp needs to be wired 1+ and 2+.

Now here's where I am confused. On the speaker end, it's supposed to be wired 1+ and 1-. If I buy a 4 pole speakon connector that's already hooked up, can I leave the 2+ and 2- on the speaker end in their poles, or do I need twist them and move them into the 1+ and 1-? And if so, which pole should the 2+ connect with and which pole should the 2- connect with?

On the amp end, which pole should the 1- connect with, and which pole should the 2- connect with?

BassmanPaul · #18 01-10-2011, 01:15 PM

You're looking for a "bridge" cable. It's a standard and should be available in almost any music store. Remember the ends have to be clearly identified - it won't work the wrong way round.

Scrappersa · #19 01-10-2011, 01:33 PM

I'm looking for a y cable that one of the ends is made for bridged mono mode. My local GC doesn't have them so I was going to buy two speakon cables, cut the end off of one of them, and then connect the two to make a y cable. I just want to make sure that I wire it correctly.

BassmanPaul · #20 01-10-2011, 01:53 PM

Simpler would be a box with three sockets mounted into it. Wired all +1 together, all -1 together. This can be used to connect your cabinets one socket each and your bridge cable connected to the third.

Rather than buy speakon cables make your own. 16 gauge "heater" cable from Home Despot is all you need. Buy the NL4 plugs always for compatibility. Should take about five minutes each cable.