Source for 4-conductor speaker cable?

John Bigboote · #1 10-22-2011, 09:57 PM

Looking for a source for 12-ga. 4-conductor speaker cable that I can use for my G-K rig. Speakon connectors are easy to find and cheap, but I'm having more trouble than I thought finding raw cable. I thought I'd just get a 10' 4-pole Speakon cable, which I could make into two, but that's turned out to be harder to find (or more expensive) than I thought. Suggestions?

Thanks,

-jb

PaulNYC · #2 10-22-2011, 09:58 PM

redco

billfitzmaurice · #3 10-23-2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Bigboote

Looking for a source for 12-ga. 4-conductor speaker cable that I can use for my G-K rig. Speakon connectors are easy to find and cheap, but I'm having more trouble than I thought finding raw cable. I thought I'd just get a 10' 4-pole Speakon cable, which I could make into two, but that's turned out to be harder to find (or more expensive) than I thought. Suggestions?

Thanks,

-jb

Go to any electrical supply store, get 4 conductor Type SJ, which may be classified as 3 conductor plus ground. Don't waste your $ on 12ga, 16ga is plenty for up to 1,000 watts.

BurningSkies · #4 10-23-2011, 07:54 AM

Redco Audio - Custom Audio Cables - Recording Studio Supplies - Custom A/V Panels - Canare Speaker Cable

This is what I use.

John Bigboote · #5 10-23-2011, 10:53 AM

That oughta do it, guys. Thanks!

-jb

Fred312b · #6 10-23-2011, 03:46 PM

FYI, I am selling a pair of these cables

GK Bi-Amp wired speaker cables from Bayou Cables (2)

1958Bassman · #7 10-23-2011, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Bigboote

Looking for a source for 12-ga. 4-conductor speaker cable that I can use for my G-K rig. Speakon connectors are easy to find and cheap, but I'm having more trouble than I thought finding raw cable. I thought I'd just get a 10' 4-pole Speakon cable, which I could make into two, but that's turned out to be harder to find (or more expensive) than I thought. Suggestions?

Thanks,

-jb

Any stereo store that sells home theater equipment and supplies will have it. DON'T buy Munster cable, get the generic 16 or 14 ga. It's not just because MC is overpriced- it is, but it's because the insulation isn't made for wires that will be soldered. Even with a fairly cool tip, the insulation melts away like wax. I have to wonder how it passes any tests for high temperature.

Bjess002 · #8 01-09-2012, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

Redco Audio - Custom Audio Cables - Recording Studio Supplies - Custom A/V Panels - Canare Speaker Cable

So if I get a few feet of the 14 or 16 guage cable from the link above, and a couple of these:

Redco Audio - Custom Audio Cables - Recording Studio Supplies - Custom A/V Panels - Neutrik NL4FC

I'll be good to go to make my own speakon cable? These cables and connectors compatible?

Eric Moesle · #9 01-09-2012, 02:38 PM

The Lowes and Home Depot stores by me also carry the cable in the bulk rolls. Several guages to choose from. Just specify how many feet you want and they'll cut it for you. That's where I get mine...

Bjess002 · #10 01-09-2012, 02:39 PM

They have the connectors, too?

Eric Moesle · #11 01-09-2012, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bjess002

They have the connectors, too?

No, just the cable at Lowes/Home Depot. Never seen a speakon there....

Budbear · #12 01-09-2012, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bjess002

So if I get a few feet of the 14 or 16 guage cable from the link above, and a couple of these:

Redco Audio - Custom Audio Cables - Recording Studio Supplies - Custom A/V Panels - Neutrik NL4FC

I'll be good to go to make my own speakon cable? These cables and connectors compatible?

yes they are, but I have found this Neutrik plug to be superior in that it is easier to assemble and is less expensive than and just as well made as its cousin.
Redco Audio - Custom Audio Cables - Recording Studio Supplies - Custom A/V Panels - Neutrik NL4FX

Hopkins · #13 01-09-2012, 04:38 PM

GC sells the connectors you need. A bit more expensive than the ones in the above link, but you don't have to wait on them which is a big plus for me.

Neutrik 4 Pole Speakon Connector and more Cable Adapters and Connectors at GuitarCenter.com.

You can get the wire from home depot. Get some 4 conductor 14awg SOOW or SJOOW cord in whatever length you need. I prefer the SOOW because it has a thicker insulation and is a bit more heavy duty, and I am an electrician by trade and I can get as much as I want from work

BurningSkies · #14 01-09-2012, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Budbear

yes they are, but I have found this Neutrik plug to be superior in that it is easier to assemble and is less expensive than and just as well made as its cousin.
Redco Audio - Custom Audio Cables - Recording Studio Supplies - Custom A/V Panels - Neutrik NL4FX

Huh. I don't like those ones as much as the NL4FC's. I've used both.

Bjess002 · #15 01-16-2012, 12:34 PM

Tallhassee has the worst Home Depot and Guitar centers in the state. I can't get anything I need from either of them. Redco, here I come. Thanks guys.

Bjess002 · #16 01-23-2012, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bjess002

So if I get a few feet of the 14 or 16 guage cable from the link above, and a couple of these:

Redco Audio - Custom Audio Cables - Recording Studio Supplies - Custom A/V Panels - Neutrik NL4FC

I'll be good to go to make my own speakon cable? These cables and connectors compatible?

OK-- I just built the cable from the items posted above. But when I plug my bass in to the speakon connected rig, I'm getting this awful fuzz/distorted sound. I obviously didn't play much but it's very low volume and the sound kind of cuts completely out if I allow the string to ring out for a moment or two. The four conductors are white (attached to 1+ connector), Pink (1-), tan (2+) and red (2-).

Anyone have any ideas? I was super excited for my speakons but this is bumming me out.

BurningSkies · #17 01-23-2012, 05:54 PM

That's odd. Start by going back and making sure you've wired the speakons the same way at both ends. Make sure all the connections are tight. Other than that, there's no reason it shouldn't work correctly.

I moved over to speakons for my rig about 2 years ago, built them myself from Redco cable and Neutrik ends and have had no difference in sound. Neither should you.

beans-on-toast · #18 01-23-2012, 06:30 PM

You might have a loose connection. It might be a good idea to check the connector. Also check that when you cut the outside sheathing off the cable, you didn't cut through the sheathing on the wires. If you did, this could result in a short. If this is the case, it is easily fixed, just shorten the cable a little and redo it.

Here is a step-by-step video that shows you how to build a speakon cable.

It is important to note that you should twist the bare copper strands before inserting them into the speakon plug. Sometimes a loose strand can cause a short. Do not apply solder to the copper, leave the strands bare.

If you have an ohm meter you can test the assembled cable. Pin +1 to pin +1 should read zero ohms. Pin +1 to the other pins should read infinite ohms. Test each pin in turn. If the readings are anything else you have a problem.

If the cable checks out ok, then there could be a problem with the speakon connector inside the amp or the cab. If possible, test the amp with a different cab and test the cab with a different amp via the speakons. If you can't do that, open the cab and inspect the wiring, then look inside the amp. Break the problem down, consider one possibility at a time, starting with the easiest stuff.

Bjess002 · #19 01-23-2012, 07:14 PM

OK I've started trouble shooting and while I don't have an ohm meter I did re-connect the cables and everything is tightly fastened and in the correct pairs. I did, however, try putting the speakon in mixed inputs on the amp/cab. I usually plug in to the left input on both the head and cab but I tried left on the head, right on the cab, etc. Then I did both connectors on the right side of the amp and cabinet. That's when I finally got a clear sound. However, after playing for a few seconds, my head switched on standby/protect (GK 1001RB-ii), as if I just turned it on. This would continue to happen as I played until I hit the 14-db pad, then it was fine. Passive bass though, and obviously not at the optimal volume.

I don't have another head/speakon cab at my disposal at the moment, so I can't see if it's the cable or not, and I'm not sure how to check if there's a problem with the connectors in the amp or cab (shouldn't be the latter-- it's a brand new 410). Next step?

beans-on-toast · #20 01-23-2012, 08:57 PM

Checking the speakon connections inside the amp and cab is more a last resort. Testing with other amps and cabs is a lot easier.

From the manual for your amp:

Speakon Outputs: High current twist-lock Speakon output connectors. Pins 1+ and 1- send a fullrange signal from the Main (Woofer) amplifier. Pins 2+ and 2- send a signal 5kHz and above from the Tweeter amplifier. Use a four-conductor Speakon cable when connected to a GK Horn Bi-Amp compatible speaker cabinet. Use a standard two-conductor Speakon cable when connected to a non-GK cabinet or if you’re using a Speakon to 1⁄4” adapter. See Horn Bi-Amp System on page 8 for more information.

If you are using a non-GK cab, try undoing the +2 and -2 connections. If you are using a bi-amp compatible speaker cabinet, confirm that the specs of the amp output are compatible with the cab. Consulting the manuals might provide the answers.

Even if you are using a GK cab, try a cable with only +1 and -1 connected. For a quick test, disconnect the wires at the amp end, make sure they don't come into contact with anything. Leave the plug cover off for a quick test. The safest way to do this is to connect two wires to +1 and -1 at each end of the cable. Just make sure that the same two colors go in +1 at each end. Check and double check just to be sure. This is where an ohm meter can come in handy. You would test +1 at one end to -1 at the other end to ensure an open connection (infinity).