Speak-On Cable Needed??

[cpt8101]

I am running an Ampeg SVT-VR & Ampeg 810 Cab. Do I need to run a Speak-On cable from the head to the cab? Or will 1/4 work just fine?

[toobalicious]

1/4" is fine so long as it is a proper speaker cable and not 200' long. speakon is safer, as it cannot become accidentally unplugged or shorted, but with the relatively small amount of power you are dealing with, those are perhaps the only advantages.

[Slowgypsy]

Originally Posted by cpt8101

I am running an Ampeg SVT-VR & Ampeg 810 Cab. Do I need to run a Speak-On cable from the head to the cab? Or will 1/4 work just fine?

If both the head and cab have a provision to use a Speakon cable... that's what I'd use. When you're playing at high volumes and really pushing the cab, 1/4" connectors can sometimes be incapable of carrying that level of current which Speakon cables/connectors were made to handle.

[sykes of christ]

I'm picking up a SVT 810e today, I was reading on the ampeg site that using a speakon is recommended. I will be running this cab with a power amp that doesn't have speakon outputs, it only has the "banana" out puts. Do I need a speakon cable?

[CapnSev]

Originally Posted by sykes of christ

I'm picking up a SVT 810e today, I was reading on the ampeg site that using a speakon is recommended. I will be running this cab with a power amp that doesn't have speakon outputs, it only has the "banana" out puts. Do I need a speakon cable?

Get a banana-to-speakon cable.

[busmandan]

Originally Posted by sykes of christ

I'm picking up a SVT 810e today, I was reading on the ampeg site that using a speakon is recommended. I will be running this cab with a power amp that doesn't have speakon outputs, it only has the "banana" out puts. Do I need a speakon cable?

Go to the home improvement store of your choice and buy a length of 14/2 SJ wire. Go to a music store/pro sound vendor and buy a Neutrik NL4FC connector and a banana connector. Strip the SJ wire jacket back to reach the two wires within. Strip about 1/4" of insulation from the two wires. Connect the white wire to +1 on the Speakon, and the black wire to -1 on the Speakon. On the other end, connect the white wire to the lug on the banana plug that has the bar cast into the side. Connect the black wire to the other one.

[uhdinator]

what BUSMANDAN said

1/4 inch cables have just a tiny contact area touching one side of the tip and sleeve.

Speakons have a bigger contact area as well as locking in.

Banana plugs have the greatest contact the length of the plug and all the way around, and easy to fix or swap.

I use 12 Gauge braided pair even if its 3 feet long and especially on PA amps and cabs. Length and gauge effects
ohms and damping ability of an amp with longer runs.
With PA amps the damping ability is what effects tight bass or sloppy bass.

[Hopkins]

Originally Posted by busmandan

Go to the home improvement store of your choice and buy a length of 14/2 SJ wire. Go to a music store/pro sound vendor and buy a Neutrik NL4FC connector and a banana connector. Strip the SJ wire jacket back to reach the two wires within. Strip about 1/4" of insulation from the two wires. Connect the white wire to +1 on the Speakon, and the black wire to -1 on the Speakon. On the other end, connect the white wire to the lug on the banana plug that has the bar cast into the side. Connect the black wire to the other one.

I agree, but I use 12/2 SOW cord, SO/SOW is a bit tougher.......and I can get as much as I want from work