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a question for electronics guys

Mike Arnopol

Mike Arnopol

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Commercial User
Jan 4, 2005
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Chicago
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Owner of MAS Soundworks
#1
I think I can post this. Mods--please let me know.
Maybe someone has a good suggestion. I'm having a problem with xlr/1/4 input jacks on my powered speakers. Because of the crazy airflow sometimes I still get air noise even after trying to block any holes. I wanted to offer the balanced xlr--unbalanced (or balanced) 1/4". I initially used the thick panel 1/4 TRS jack which can be airtight, but then an adapter would be necessary for an xlr. I'd be happy to provide one with the cabs but maybe I just need to bite the bullet and go back to the trs 1/4" jack. I can't find any xlr/1/4 combo jacks that don't have a bunch of holes. I've only used Neutrik jacks. Anyone know of another one? All other jacks I use are airtight--this is the only problem one.
 
#3
Would it help to wire the jack to a little printed circuit board, so you can seal around it? Small boards are super easy to design using free software, and cheap to get made.

I like the idea of two jacks. Run them into a summing junction on the main board, which would eliminate the need for switch contacts to select the inputs. Might be cheaper in the long run and more reliable.
 
#4
agedhorse said:
Why not both types of jacks? That's how it's been done in pro audio for decades.
Click to expand...

Uh--yeah--I get that. I do understand pro audio. The problem is that the amp module is inside the cab in the air chamber. High velocity or air escaping through many small holes in the jack. I need something airtight. The air pressure in my cabs is WAY greater than a reflex cab. ANY leakage whistles like a sunufabeech.
 
#6
I don't know the specifics of your cabinet so this may not be practical but could you isolate the jacks with a sealed 5-sided box behind the jack plate? I did that with an SVT-810 I built several years ago. I just drilled a large enough hole for the wires from the jacks and sealed around them with silicone. In my case the slight loss in internal volume wasn't noticeable - it may have more of an impact on your design.

svt67b.jpg
 
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#8
Mike Arnopol said:
Uh--yeah--I get that. I do understand pro audio. The problem is that the amp module is inside the cab in the air chamber. High velocity or air escaping through many small holes in the jack. I need something airtight. The air pressure in my cabs is WAY greater than a reflex cab. ANY leakage whistles like a sunufabeech.
Click to expand...
There are sealed 1/4" jacks available and there are sealed SpeakOn jacks available, not so much sealed Combicon style.
 
#9
Vintage-Blue said:
I don't know the specifics of your cabinet so this may not be practical but could you isolate the jacks with a sealed 5-sided box behind the jack plate? I did that with an SVT-810 I built several years ago. I just drilled a large enough hole for the wires from the jacks and sealed around them with silicone. In my case the slight loss in internal volume wasn't noticeable - it may have more of an impact on your design.

View attachment 3401652
Click to expand...
Thanks--yeah I've thought of that. Problem is that the air volume within the cab is critical in my designs. I'd have to adjust and increase cab dimensions.I guess I'll just use the sealed 1/4 trs jacks
 
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#11
the 1/4 trs thick panel jack is pretty airtight. A drop of hot melt on the terminals to make sure.
The combo jack has a bunch of holes---the spray insulation--or silicone-- can get in the holes--no more contact
 

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