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Ampeg SVT4 Pro mono-bridge cable question

Ringhammer

Ringhammer

Supporting Member
Sep 3, 2016
3,519
18,123
S. F. Bay Area
#1
I recently scored an SVT4pro and when I picked it up, the seller supplied a speaker cable which was Speakon to 1/4”. I didn’t think much about it, and I used it in the mono-bridged output when connecting the stereo/ bi-ampable SVT4 to my ‘80’s 810e, and everything worked as it should. But when I took the SVT4 down and put my SVT6Pro up there, which is simply a mono amp, and used the same cable, it didn’t work. I looked at the cable and it specifies “Speakon +1 / +2 to 1/4” T/S. I tried a regular Speakon +1/-1 to 1/4” T/S and everything worked. I checked the SVT4 manual and under the diagram for connecting a single cabinet to the mono-bridge output it specifies +1/-1 for use in this application. Is this a typo? To add to the confusion, I also have an SVT5Pro which is also a bi-ampable amp with a mono-bridge output, abd for that, the manual specifies using a +1/+2 Speakon when using this output.

If I want to order some of these Speakon cables that are for this specific purpose, how do I do that?
If using these mono-bridge outputs to a single speaker cabinet with a Speakon input, does a cable need to be +1/+2 at one end and +1/-1 at the other?

Seems like a lot of potential for not having the right speaker cable when you would need it.

Any help here will seriously be appreciated, I would like to order a couple of new speaker cables for these for each situation.
 
#2
The SVT4-Pro has been around for awhile and gone through various revisions. From the FAQ SVT4PRO FAQ - English .pdf (ampeg.com)

Question: How are my Speakon outputs wired?

Answer: In the current production, all of the Speakon outputs are wired pin '1+' for positive and pin '1-' for negative. In the older production unit, the bridged Speakon output is wired pin '1+' for positive and pin '2+' for negative, and the other two Speakon outputs are wired pin '1+' positive and pin '1-' negative.

Question: How can I know if I have the old or new version of the SVT4PRO?

Answer: The most visible difference is in the logo in the front face and the power connector in the back. If you have the current production, the front face only has the Ampeg logo not the Ampeg writing, and the back will only have input power connector and no output power connector.​

Here is the back of the older version.
upload_2022-1-22_21-58-26.png

Although it's not labeled, the bridge output is wired 1+, 2-.

Here is the current version:
upload_2022-1-22_22-0-28.png

Notice the bridge output is now labeled 1+, 1-. This makes a bridge cable unnecessary.

Also, it's not a great idea to run 1,200W or 1,600W through a 1/4" plug. If you really need that much power, I suggest using speakON to speakON if possible. If you get a new bridge cable, make sure it's clearly marked.
 
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#4
Thank you guys, I clearly have the old version, which is good.

So now another question, I have a jack plate from a 1999 810AV, which has some Speakon connectors. From what you are telling me, it seems as though it would be worth it to install it in my old ‘80’s 810e, but will I need some special Speakon cable with +1/+2 on one end and +1/-1 on the other?
 
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#6
Ringhammer said:
Thank you guys, I clearly have the old version, which is good.

So now another question, I have a jack plate from a 1999 810AV, which has some Speakon connectors. From what you are telling me, it seems as though it would be worth it to install it in my old ‘80’s 810e, but will I need some special Speakon cable with +1/+2 on one end and +1/-1 on the other?
Click to expand...

Yes this is correct. You can either rewire and mark one end of an existing cable, or get a bridge adapter; see this post: Speakon cable for bridged power amp
 
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#9
Wasnex said:
Here is the back of the older version.
upload_2022-1-22_21-58-26-png.png

Although it's not labeled, the bridge output is wired 1+, 2-.
Click to expand...

I think the “*” above the Mono Bridge/Bi Amp Speakon refers to a note over to the left of that image that spec’s the required wiring of the Speakon connector for both Mono Bridge and Bi Amp, which I had never notice before.

I’m glad that both my 4pro and my 5pro are the same as far as the mono bridge output, even though I would likely plan to utilize these more for “Fun with Bi Amping” over simply using them with a single cab. I have my variety of old tube Ampeg’s for that!
 
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#10
Ringhammer said:
I think the “*” above the Mono Bridge/Bi Amp Speakon refers to a note over to the left of that image that spec’s the required wiring of the Speakon connector for both Mono Bridge and Bi Amp, which I had never notice before.

I’m glad that both my 4pro and my 5pro are the same as far as the mono bridge output, even though I would likely plan to utilize these more for “Fun with Bi Amping” over simply using them with a single cab. I have my variety of old tube Ampeg’s for that!
Click to expand...
Agreed. The asterisk caught my eye as well, but the note was concealed by a sticker on that image.

Found the note on a different image:
upload_2022-1-23_17-53-3.png
 
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#12
Hello there, good people.
I am planning to connect my SVT4 pro through mono bridge to a TecAmp 810L cab. I would need a double sided speakon cable for that. I already made one mono bridge cable with 1/4" on the speaker side, years ago and it works.
The thing is that I kind of forgot how it goes and the inputs of this cab seem different form each other and I don't know which one to use. Shall I need the NL4MP speakon on both sides? What kind of speaker cable do I exactly need?

Thanks in advance
1000033602.jpg
 

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