Noob Question.

Shinyflavors7 · #1 02-02-2011, 12:25 PM

I have a noob question for you. I've been using combo amps for quite a while and I've never come across this before, but I finally upgraded to a proper head and a nice cab so does any one have any preferences on speak-on cables. Are some better than others for bass or is any quality cable good?

Also is their any reason why I'd want a six or eight foot cable when a three or four foot would work fine?

Steveaux · #2 02-02-2011, 12:41 PM

A piece of lamp cord, properly wired with Speakon connectors, is just as good as a $100 "boutique" cable.

Bass, guitar, xylophone, ... makes no difference.

BigOldHarry · #3 02-02-2011, 12:46 PM

get the cheapest cable you can. There was just a good thread going on this very subject - do a search on "Speakon cable".

FunkMetalBass · #4 02-02-2011, 12:57 PM

I like that my Speakon cables are thicker and that they are less susceptible to being pulled out. I would never pay the extremely inflated prices that some places seem to charge, though.

Slowgypsy · #5 02-02-2011, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shinyflavors7

Also is their any reason why I'd want a six or eight foot cable when a three or four foot would work fine?

For the most part, no... a 3 or 4 foot cable will do the trick just fine. One exception... I pretty much always run 2 cabs, and I have on occasion placed one cab on either side of the drummer. Certainly not the standard setup, but some venues, and some groups, it's worked really well. That obviously wouldn't be possible without a longer run of cable.

Plays_For_Dog · #6 02-02-2011, 01:10 PM

The only reason I have speakon cables is because they came with my head. I like how they lock into the cab to prevent being pulled out during play, but really there's no gained benefit for them other then that. Sound quality is the same between 1/4" and speakon. At least that I've noticed.

BigOldHarry · #7 02-02-2011, 01:20 PM

I really don't dig them for setting up an amp. I can see how they are good for PA use - particularly where folks might kick cables... but for just behind my amp, 1/4" works dandy for me.

Shinyflavors7 · #8 02-02-2011, 03:09 PM

I'm thinking since I my amp is 1200watts that speak-ons may be a little safer?

BigOldHarry · #9 02-02-2011, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shinyflavors7

I'm thinking since I my amp is 1200watts that speak-ons may be a little safer?

Safer? Nah - just use a reasonably thick cable. I bought 8Ga (I think...) Cable from Home Depot and attached ends I bought a Mauser. The cables are about... 1/8 thick for each lead - plenty thick.

Shinyflavors7 · #10 02-02-2011, 03:30 PM

Another question can I use an instrument cable in a pinch?

BassmanPaul · #11 02-02-2011, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shinyflavors7

Another question can I use an instrument cable in a pinch?

NEVER USE AN INSTRUMENT CABLE FOR SPEAKERS!!!!!

bassbenj · #12 02-02-2011, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shinyflavors7

Another question can I use an instrument cable in a pinch?

NO! The shield of an instrument cable is heavy enough to take speaker current but the center conductor almost always is NOT!!

The question of which speaker cable is "best" is easily answered. It's the one with the heaviest copper conductor which is to say the lowest resistance. The lower the resistance the better. It gives more damping on the drivers and less loss in the cable. Also note that a 12 foot cable has twice the resistance of a 6 foot cable. So the shorter one is "better" in that sense. Of course if your cable doesn't reach then it's not "better"!

"lamp cord" is NOT a good speaker cable. Instrument cables are totally OUT. But there's no need spend a fortune either when you can go to Home Depot and score some super heavy gauge extension cords for a song. Cut the ends off and wire on your connectors and there you go.

Shinyflavors7 · #13 02-02-2011, 03:56 PM

Thanks, I didn't think I should but I never know what I think I know.

BassmanPaul · #14 02-02-2011, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Safer? Nah - just use a reasonably thick cable. I bought 8Ga (I think...) Cable from Home Depot and attached ends I bought a Mouser. The cables are about... 1/8 thick for each lead - plenty thick.

Sorry Harry but I have to disagree. I doesn't matter how thick your cable is if the connector is not up to the service demanded of it. With 1200 Watts a shock hazard certainly exists if you are holding the speaker end of the cable. Secondly I've seen the plastic moulded phone sockets actually melt under load. Remember the connector was originally designed for the telephone industry for service at less than 50V DC at a current measured in milliamps.

Shinyflavors7 · #15 02-02-2011, 04:04 PM

Anything else that I should know?

BassmanPaul · #16 02-02-2011, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassbenj

"lamp cord" is NOT a good speaker cable. Instrument cables are totally OUT. But there's no need spend a fortune either when you can go to Home Depot and score some super heavy gauge extension cords for a song. Cut the ends off and wire on your connectors and there you go.

Lamp cord is fine as long as the gauge is sufficient. Home Depot sells rubber insulated "Heater" cable in 16 gauge which is fine for the average speaker cable.

Cutting up extension cords is just an expensive waste of money.

Steveaux · #17 02-02-2011, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassmanPaul

Lamp cord is fine as long as the gauge is sufficient. Home Depot sells rubber insulated "Heater" cable in 16 gauge which is fine for the average speaker cable.

Cutting up extension cords is just an expensive waste of money.

Yup. I prefer 14 ga., but 16 works. The cables for my PA are 12 ga., 2 conductor bulk cord from Home Depot.

I won't go into how many years guys like Paul and I have been making speaker cables from lamp cord.