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Neutrik Speakon Help Needed

EtoBb

EtoBb

Nov 27, 2009
311
281
Chicago, IL
#1
I read this: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/a...overunderpowercabs-diy-techtalk-links-166225/

and I searched for a while.

I don't think I understand neutrik speakon cables.

SPEAKER OUTPUTS – The SHUTTLE 6.0® provides two Neutrik Speak-On™ connectors (wired 1+/1-). The speaker jacks are paralleled. The minimum speaker load is 4 ohms. Do not ground either the “+” or the “-” outputs.

I don't understand the 1+/1- part or what I'd do to avoid grounding them.

This will be my first venture with these cables and I'd like to know what's what.
 
#2
That's how a cable will be wired stock. You shouldn't need to worry about it.

The grounding issue is probably because it is using some sort of class D output module where both sides are hot. So if you were trying to do something like wiring it to a panel in an amp rack you would have to isolate the - side from ground just like the positive.

Again, if you are plugging a regular speakon head in to a regular speakon cab you shouldn't need to worry about it.
 
#3
Unlike the 1/4" speaker connections which can only have one positive (+) and one negative (-) terminal per jack/plug, Speakon connectors can come in 2, 4 or 8 pole versions. The most common is the 4-pole (NL4) although usually only two of the connectors are used (1+/1-). The other two poles on a 4-pole jack/plug are labeled 2+/2-. These are used for bi-amping a cabinet with only one cable etc. Also, sometimes amps use some of the connectors of the 4-pole Speakon to put the amp in to bridged-mono mode (see pg 14 here) Invalid Link Removed

Most of the Speakon speaker cables that you will find premade are 2-pole which make connections with the 1+/1- contacts on the jack of the amp and the cab.

I'm not sure what the warning about not grounding the outputs - anyone else know??
 
#6
The +1/-1 does not mean that the plug has positive and negative voltages on each side, it's just used to denote which one is neutral and which one carries the voltage, they make an adapter that goes from speakon to 1/4" and they can be found in most music stores
 
#7
They sell 1/4" and speakon combo cables, but really as mentioned the speakon connectors are quite superior and safer in so many regards.

Unless your 1/4" cab jack plate has a crossover or filter built onto it, you may want to look around Parts Express or Speaker Hardware for a same-sized jack dish and some speakon panel connectors. For not a lot of $$ you can convert that 1/4" cab to speakon. The also make a single speakon connector/dish combo that you just drill a small hole in the cab to install it. You could wire it in parallel to the existing 1/4" - just don't use them all at once. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Unless you are not familiar with wiring/soldering etc.
 
#8
Also by grounding I think they meant grounding to earth, most speakers don't do that anyway so I have no clue as to why they put in there, or perhaps they meant just make sure you don't short them out or something dumb like that.
 
#9
Also, Speakon cables are a breeze to put together yourself, and the parts are cheaper than a ready-built cable.

Passed up a nice deal on an Ampeg PF350 this week because it was only 1/4" on the back. Seriously, TS is not retro, it's bad design for anything carrying a significant load.
 
#11
Kawaii said:
The +1/-1 does not mean that the plug has positive and negative voltages on each side, it's just used to denote which one is neutral and which one carries the voltage, they make an adapter that goes from speakon to 1/4" and they can be found in most music stores
Click to expand...

So there is a correct one to use then, right? Positive or neutral?

Am I going to want to buy the 4 pin version? I realized my cabinet that was in question is either/or speakon/.25 inch.
 
#12
I'm just going to say this one more time (I think this is three...) and leave you guys to your own devices.

That amp is using an output configuration in which you have voltage on both terminals. That is why it will either shut off or blow up if you ground either conductor and it is why you don't want to be using it with a phone jack.

Best of luck.
 
#13
Oh sorry, I should have "RTFM" Because it clearly has a block diagram and Malamute is right, you probably don't want to use that amp with a 1/4" adapter, It's just that most other Class D amps I've dealt with are half bridge because they are stereo and can operate in full bridge mono (the way that the Shuttle operates). If you must use a 1/4" plug make sure the amp is off before plugging in and disconnecting the speaker, and again sorry for providing false information.
 

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