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Protect your Speakers & Amps with this Simple Fix

R

Robert Barrett

Mar 28, 2016
1
0
57
Disclosures
I may like to post some bass items for sale in your classified section (if you have one)
#1
I had a speaker shorting out and I also thought it was the amp cutting out. Both major expenses. Turned out it was just a bad jack in the back of the speaker (from bumping the cord into walls or just from being a cheap-ass 1/4" jack).

Anyways to prevent the potential problem of destroying the jack in the future (by bumping up against walls with the cabinet) I hard-wired my 1/4" speaker cord directly to the speaker, sealing the cord & hole (that had the jack) with silicone, and leaving just enough speaker cord (about 12") to connect to the amp sitting on top of the cabinet.

I would suggest this cheap but very critical fix to anyone who gigs regularly or who just wants to protect their amp & speakers.

Rockin Rob
 
#3
Robert Barrett said:
I had a speaker shorting out and I also thought it was the amp cutting out. Both major expenses. Turned out it was just a bad jack in the back of the speaker (from bumping the cord into walls or just from being a cheap-ass 1/4" jack).

Anyways to prevent the potential problem of destroying the jack in the future (by bumping up against walls with the cabinet) I hard-wired my 1/4" speaker cord directly to the speaker, sealing the hole (that had the jack) with silicone, and leaving just enough speaker cord (about 12") to connect to the amp sitting on top of the cabinet.

I would suggest this cheap but very critical fix to anyone who gigs regularly or who just wants to protect their amp & speakers.

Rockin Rob
Click to expand...

May I suggest that this is an absolutely horrible idea that will void the warranty of any manufacturer that I am aware of.

A much better and safer solution is to use a cable with a right angle 1/4" connector if you plan to be careless with your cabinet and jam it up against the wall. Alternatively, choose a speaker that uses a Speakon connector which is much more robust.
 
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#5
Your solution will work in the short term, but eventually the cable will break from being bent back and forth. Ampeg with the B-15 and SVT, had a speaker cable coming out of the amp's chassis. It is common to see the rubber jacket broken and eventually the cable's wires. They eventually went with a jack because of these issues.

In addition, the dangling attached cable is a pain to deal with. It makes the cabinet harder to load and transport.

I recommend that you replace the jack and be careful. Or install a speakon and be careful. :laugh:
 
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#7
agedhorse said:
May I suggest that this is an absolutely horrible idea that will void the warranty of any manufacturer that I am aware of.

A much better and safer solution is to use a cable with a right angle 1/4" connector if you plan to be careless with your cabinet and jam it up against the wall. Alternatively, choose a speaker that uses a Speakon connector which is much more robust.
Click to expand...
Tell it like it is, Bro.
 
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#8
Robert Barrett said:
I had a speaker shorting out and I also thought it was the amp cutting out. Both major expenses. Turned out it was just a bad jack in the back of the speaker (from bumping the cord into walls or just from being a cheap-ass 1/4" jack).

Anyways to prevent the potential problem of destroying the jack in the future (by bumping up against walls with the cabinet) I hard-wired my 1/4" speaker cord directly to the speaker, sealing the cord & hole (that had the jack) with silicone, and leaving just enough speaker cord (about 12") to connect to the amp sitting on top of the cabinet.

I would suggest this cheap but very critical fix to anyone who gigs regularly or who just wants to protect their amp & speakers.

Rockin Rob
Click to expand...
Maybe don't move your gear with the cables plugged in?
 
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#9
Speakons go bad too.

I have had to fix them on Ampeg cabs before. I just replace entire plug module as I'm not skilled enough to start desodering and replacing individual connections.

Point is, they can all wear out.

I look at connections like tires and brakes on cars, often used and regularly replaced if you ride them hard.
 
#13
rodl2005 said:
And if I wanna daisy-chain another cab?
I'll leave mine. But, thanx anyway
Click to expand...
^^^why they make 90 degree 1/4" jacks. They are not just for bling anymore :D
Fat Freddy said:
And a good day to you sir....:)
Click to expand...
Always good to see Fat Freddy's cat. Always give me a boost. FF's cat takes me back to when I was young, foolish and always getting in trouble. Not so young now :(
 
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#17
:yawn:
Robert Barrett said:
I had a speaker shorting out and I also thought it was the amp cutting out. Both major expenses. Turned out it was just a bad jack in the back of the speaker (from bumping the cord into walls or just from being a cheap-ass 1/4" jack).

Anyways to prevent the potential problem of destroying the jack in the future (by bumping up against walls with the cabinet) I hard-wired my 1/4" speaker cord directly to the speaker, sealing the cord & hole (that had the jack) with silicone, and leaving just enough speaker cord (about 12") to connect to the amp sitting on top of the cabinet.

I would suggest this cheap but very critical fix to anyone who gigs regularly or who just wants to protect their amp & speakers.

Rockin Rob
Click to expand...

Bad idea--- too easy to rip the cord out. Been moving gear since age 12, just turned 57. How many times have I loaded a band van? :yawn:

90 degree speaker cord or speakon . And be careful now that you know of a potential problem.
 
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