quick speakon question

[slofut]

Is it not intended that you can plug a 1/4 inch plug into the center hole of a speakon jack? I mean if you have an amp with speakons and no speaker cord, you can plug a reg 1/4" speaker cord in right? An either/or thing? Mono out. I was shown it to work, and have subsequently done it myself a few times, speakers and amps. But I'd like to know if it's intended to work this way.

[beans-on-toast]

No and Yes. A standard speakon does not allow you to plug a 1/4" plug in it.

Yes, there is a special combo version that allows you to do this. Some manufacturers use this in their products.

There is a range of speakon connectors. The ones that are on amps are speakon audio connectors. There are video, lighting, data, and industrial speakon connectors.

The power connectors are nice. Like other speakons they lock in place. No more pulling out your power cord at the least opportune time.

[slofut]

Originally Posted by beans-on-toast

No and Yes. A standard speakon does not allow you to plug a 1/4" plug in it.

Yes, there is a special combo version that allows you to do this. Some manufacturers use this in their products.

There is a range of speakon connectors. The ones that are on amps are speakon audio connectors. There are video, lighting, data, and industrial speakon connectors.

The power connectors are nice. Like other speakons they lock in place. No more pulling out your power cord at the least opportune time.

Hey Beans,
Thanks much for the quick help! A friend of mine last week had a markbass head and forgot his speaker cord, plugged a standard 1/4" in and all was fine. Obviously I've gotten lucky a few times, but if it's not a combo jack a 1/4" probably wouldn't physically fit in anyway so no harm done.
I was thinking of putting speakons on my mesa scout cab, but I know now to only use combo jacks. I'd prefer the option of old school cords if needed.
Bill

[beans-on-toast]

The only downside of these connectors is that they only come with printed circuit tabs for connecting to them. Other speakons have screw and spade tabs that make connecting easy and reliable.

I don't know why they only offer the one format. Perhaps it is the best way to connect multiple wires to a small area. You can solder directly onto the tabs or make a small circuit board. They might even sell an adaptor board. It would be a good idea.