SWR 750x/Speakon Issue

[ItMeansMischief]

Ok, so I am running an swr 750x into a GK neo 412 cabinet. The cab came with a 4 conductor speakon cable. When running that cable, the cabinet actually sounds pretty terrible. Very farty and lacks any punch. When switching to a 1/4 inch, it sounds reasonable. I'm curious if its because the swr head won't work with a 4 conductor cable. Any thoughts?

[Sneakypete]

You need a multimeter. Switch the amp off and connect BOTH the Speakon and the 1/4". You should now be able to read continuity (a short circuit) between the tip of the 1/4" and +1 of the Speakon. Also, continuity between the sleeve of the 1/4" and -1 of the Speakon.
Note that the +1, -1 and the +2, -2 of the Speakon are identified by moulded numbers next to the pins but can be quite hard to see. I'm old so I need good lighting and my glasses on! I'm not familiar with the gear but those are the standard pin-outs for a mono speakon cable. Hope this helps.

[RickenBoogie]

That cable is meant to be used with a GK head that has biamp capability. You should NOT be using it with your current set up.

[bassacechase]

Take the panel off of the back of the GK cab and check the light bulb. It is a fuse type bulb for an automobile. It is used as as buffer of sorts to save the tweeter from being overpowered. You can get a new bulb at any auto parts store. I had this very issue with a GK cab. I found a bulb close to the same dimensions and it fixed the problem. Be sure the switch on the back of the cab is set to mono or opposite of the bi amp option. The SWR will only use 2 of the 4 conductors anyway. The cable is most likely not the problem. I hope this helps.

[lbwdog]

Are you sure the bi-amp switch is off on the cab?

That amp will run with a 4 conductor Speakon.

[ItMeansMischief]

Thanks to everyone for the input. I haven't had a chance to test any of the options presented, but I do know that the switch is set to full range on the back of the cab. As far as the suggestion of running a 1/4" and the speakon at the same time to the cab, that's safe to do? I mean that won't cause any damage to either the cab or the head?

[lbwdog]

Originally Posted by ItMeansMischief

Thanks to everyone for the input. I haven't had a chance to test any of the options presented, but I do know that the switch is set to full range on the back of the cab.

Well, so much for my theory.....

As far as the suggestion of running a 1/4" and the speakon at the same time to the cab, that's safe to do? I mean that won't cause any damage to either the cab or the head?

No reason to do that anyway, is there? The fact that it sounds different/worse with the Speakon cable tells me that there is a problem either with the cable itself, or the connectors on the amp or cab.

[Bass_Pounder]

Originally Posted by ItMeansMischief

Thanks to everyone for the input. I haven't had a chance to test any of the options presented, but I do know that the switch is set to full range on the back of the cab. As far as the suggestion of running a 1/4" and the speakon at the same time to the cab, that's safe to do? I mean that won't cause any damage to either the cab or the head?

You were NEVER told to do that..............

What was suggested was connecting both cables at the same time to check for continuity with a tester to ensure that your outputs/inputs are wired correctly.

Nowhere was it suggested that you run your rig that way.

[ItMeansMischief]

Glad I cleared that up then.. Could have been a very expensive mistake.