Neutrik Speakon to 1/4" for Mesa D800+

[Bass Danger]

Hello all!
I just picked up a Mesa D800+ & a Mesa Subway 410. I understand and respect that these components are quite picky about using Neutrik specific Speakon cables. My question is, if I want to plug the head into a cab that will only take a 1/4" connector is there a cable for that? For instance, if I'm playing a club that backlines an Ampeg 410, or 810 cab, can I use my head?
Thanks!

 

[HelpImaRock]

I have the D-350 and use a Livewire SpeakOn to 1/4" speaker cable.

 

[Bass Danger]

I have the D-350 and use a Livewire SpeakOn to 1/4" speaker cable.

Thanks! I'll check it out.

 

[Wasnex]

Hello all!
I just picked up a Mesa D800+ & a Mesa Subway 410. I understand and respect that these components are quite picky about using Neutrik specific Speakon cables. My question is, if I want to plug the head into a cab that will only take a 1/4" connector is there a cable for that? For instance, if I'm playing a club that backlines an Ampeg 410, or 810 cab, can I use my head?
Thanks!

You can use a speakON to 1/4" adapter but you have to be careful to not let the barrel of the 1/4" jack come into contact with the chassis of the amp or any other metal surface that could function as a ground.

I use this one from Hosa:

There are also versions like this:

I also have speakON couplers like this:

The risk:
Tube amps and old led sleds usually ground the negative speaker terminal. Class D amps operate in bridge mode and have a differential output. This means a signal is on both the + and - terminals. If you short out the - terminal, the amp may go into protect mode or it may let out the magic smoke.

Led sleds that are bridged have the same issue as Class D amps. So an SVT 4-Pro operated in dual mode would not have the risk. But an SVT 4-Pro in bridge mode would.

 

[agedhorse]

I prefer the cable rather than an adapter, less metal parts to touch other metal parts, resulting in less potential for damage.

Use cables with genuine Neutrik plugs, the big problem is with the knock-offs.

 

[Ratterbass_]

Use cables with genuine Neutrik plugs, the big problem is with the knock-offs.

Can't stress this enough. Both for the SpeakOn as well as the 1/4" connectors.

I also like to put a generous piece of shrink tube around the the chassis of the 1/4" connectors. Especially with high power bridge mode power amps (which is the case with amps like 800D that use the 700AS1 module). Prevents accidents like shorting the output or getting zapped.

 

[RobD_BritBass]

If you go with the cable, I'd check the gauge of the wire is enough to handle the power of the amp, there's plenty out there that are, but you probably don't want the smallest gauge if you're using an 800W amp

 

[J-Bass RMR]

I re-purposed my old 1/4 to 1/4 speaker cables - assuming you have one now that you won't be needing anymore, just replace one end with a Speakon connector.

You can still find the NL2FX out there (or NL4FX - doesn't really matter.) Looks like ZZounds still shows them in stock.
While I have the necessary tools - I don't care for the newer Speakon connectors - they're really not practical for my application, and I haven't have one fail in 35+ years. (PA & bass applications)

I also double check the continuity/polarity once done, put shrink wrap over the 1/4 barrel side, and when ever possible, plug the 1/4 in side in FIRST.
you shouldn't need anything more than 16ga.

 

[agedhorse]

When making adapter cables, be sure the top goes to 1+ and sleeve goes to 1-.

 

[logdrum]

I have a premade cable and prefer it to the adaptor one even though it came from Acoustic Image and works with no issues. I wrapped the metal barrel in heat shrink then electricians tape. Then as a rule. I plug in the speaker first before turning the amp on and never touch the cable if the amp is on, even if it has a mute

 

[logdrum]

The best thing is to put a Neutrik jack in your cab. Total replacement or in addition to. If you can do it SAFELY of course.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

....if I'm playing a club that backlines an Ampeg 410, or 810 cab...

Sort of off-topic, but this has to be a stunningly good reason for bringing your own cab (if IEM isn't an option) to gigs. I can imagine that 1/4" jack has weathered a lot of insertions over the years. With no speakon option on the cab, I'm guessing random disconnection could still cause issues for the amp.

 

[scanpire]

Hello all!
I just picked up a Mesa D800+ & a Mesa Subway 410. I understand and respect that these components are quite picky about using Neutrik specific Speakon cables. My question is, if I want to plug the head into a cab that will only take a 1/4" connector is there a cable for that? For instance, if I'm playing a club that backlines an Ampeg 410, or 810 cab, can I use my head?
Thanks!

yes, speakon-to-w/4” cables are available, and always good to have for just the situations you mention

 

[scanpire]

yes, speakon-to-w/4" cables are available, and always good to have for just the situations you mention

I assume the Mesa does NOT have a dual output? It’s annoying that manufacturers don’t spend the extra .50 cents and equip their heads with such. Extra annoying that Ampeg and Hartke heads often have one speakon output and one 1/4” output. geez ***

 

[Geri O]

I assume the Mesa does NOT have a dual output? It's annoying that manufacturers don't spend the extra .50 cents and equip their heads with such. Extra annoying that Ampeg and Hartke heads often have one speakon output and one 1/4" output. geez ***

The Mesa Subway series of amplifiers have dual Speakon outputs.

What I would find annoying is if the Subway series had anything resembling a 1/4” speaker output connector, 1 or 2.

Clearly inferior speaker output connectors. It doesn’t affect me either way, but it would be better (and safer) if manufacturers and users alike would get away from 1/4 output connectors altogether.

 

[agedhorse]

I assume the Mesa does NOT have a dual output? It's annoying that manufacturers don't spend the extra .50 cents and equip their heads with such. Extra annoying that Ampeg and Hartke heads often have one speakon output and one 1/4" output. geez ***

Since the Subway heads are professional touring grade amps designed to comply with global safety standards, they are not equipped with 1/4” speaker output jacks.

This has absolutely nothing to do with saving “50 cents”, it has to do with global safety compliance. If you find it to be too annoying, there are plenty of alternatives.

 

[scanpire]

Since the Subway heads are professional touring grade amps designed to comply with global safety standards, they are not equipped with 1/4" speaker output jacks.

This has absolutely nothing to do with saving "50 cents", it has to do with global safety compliance. If you find it to be too annoying, there are plenty of alternatives.

So, have a dual output jack is safer? (I don’t mean separate, just in case that wasn’t clear.)

 

[agedhorse]

So, have a dual output jack is safer? (I don't mean separate, just in case that wasn't clear.)

The safety regulations in some regions of the world require that the speaker outputs be touch-proof, especially where the output is bridged. Since the Subway models are all internally bridged, the choice was to use SpeakOn only which is acceptable in every global region.

The jack, plus the plug into the jack on the amp's end all count for safety purposes, so that's what makes 1/4" connections problematic in some (not all) regions,

We manufacture to the strictest standards because we are truly a global brand that ships just about everywhere (that makes sense).

 

[scanpire]

The Mesa Subway series of amplifiers have dual Speakon outputs.

What I would find annoying is if the Subway series had anything resembling a 1/4” speaker output connector, 1 or 2.

Clearly inferior speaker output connectors. It doesn’t affect me either way, but it would be better (and safer) if manufacturers and users alike would get away from 1/4 output connectors altogether.

So, the Subway DOES have the dual speakon - 1/4” outputs? ok, good to know. I agree, the speakon is clearly and audibly a better connection

 

[scanpire]

So, the Subway DOES have the dual speakon - 1/4” outputs? ok, good to know. I agree, the speakon is clearly and audibly a better connection

I should have used the term “combo” out put jack, not dual. I know there’s safety standards to comply with, but i still wish all outputs were combo