Rant.. Neutrik Connectors Without 1/4” Connectivity

[74hc]

MarkBass still offer dual connectors I believe. I have several of their amps and all have the dual connectors. Best solution to keep everyone happy.

My LM250 has a dual SpeakOn, and a separate 1/4", but honestly who use 1/4" with SpeakOn available. It's like using a truck vs a Yugo to haul ones gear.

I clipped off the 1/4" connectors from all my speaker cables but one, and put on Nuetrik's SpeakOn. It's so easy, a cave man can do it. The only cab I have left with 1/4" is an old Avatar guitar cab. That's because I still have my JCM800.

 

[thetragichero]

I've added speakon connectors to amps and cabs that didn't have em because i am a fan of beefy, locking, non metal connectors for high power
my guitar heads and acoustic 140 will continue with 1/4" but i also wouldn't connect them to a modern-esque bass cabinet because it wouldn't sound as good anyway

 

[RoketRdr]

My LM250 has a dual SpeakOn, and a separate 1/4", but honestly who use 1/4" with SpeakOn available. It's like using a truck vs a Yugo to haul ones gear.

I clipped off the 1/4" connectors from all my speaker cables but one, and put on Nuetrik's SpeakOn. It's so easy, a cave man can do it. The only cab I have left with 1/4" is an old Avatar guitar cab. That's because I still have my JCM800.

HEY!! Cavemen are people too and they have feelings!!!

 

[arbiterusa]

MarkBass still offer dual connectors I believe.

They do not. Their older amps did, but they got rid of those even before they moved production from Italy to Indonesia.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

1st world problems I guess.

They're already using SpeakON in developing countries. They might even be ahead of the curve, because folks aren't stubborn about switching & they're handy about changing plugs.

 

[Max Bogosity]

Following the Law of Unintended Consequences, having now learned that some Speakon jacks will also accept 1/4” plugs, I will be trying to plug in inappropriate cables for the rest of my life.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

It's easy to tell if you have good eyesight, they're GREEN & have COMBO written on there, look at the photo I posted.

 

[Wasnex]

I think only two amps in my collection are still in production. The Ashdown CTM300 has speakON combi connectors and the Orange AD200B has 1/4" outputs jacks.

I have various amps and speakers that only have speakON jacks or only 1/4" jacks. I use the following adapters as needed: Hosa GSK-116 and Neutrik NL4MMX speakON coupler.

To prevent damage to my equipment and ensure personal safety, I position any metal connectors so they cannot short against exposed metal. Also I turn the amp off before handling the connectors.

 

[agedhorse]

Place a heat shrink sleeve over the exposed barrel of the plug.

 

[trevcda]

I have no use for the Speak-On connectors on amps, so if they don't offer a 1/4" option such as the connectors that accommodate both then I simply forgo the amp.

Of course I'm talking regular bass amps here, not 2000w power amp installations for PA or whatever. I realize some will say it's a safety "feature" or that its mandated by law in some jurisdictions. Doesn't matter to me. If I'm worried about disconnections that's why God gave us duct tape.

Locking 1/4" is a good middle-ground solution? I've seen cabs with those. I'm not a fan, but far preferable to Speak-On for me.

Can't stand strap locks either. Have had basses fall due to strap lock failure, but never once with a simple rubber washer over the end of the strap... and I rock out when I perform, even if it's pop or reggae.

And how about that wheel? Just a fad, I tells ya!

 

[gstaats]

Speakon connectors are fantastic. When I first encountered them doing PA work at a church in the late 90's, I quickly wondered why they weren't more prevalent. Then there is GK that uses a 4 pole connector for bi-amp - love that feature of my GK RB head & cabs.

 

[Balog]

I hate the combo speakon connectors, and would be more likely to buy a cab or amp that was speakon only. The luddites can just get a 1/4-speakon cable.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

To prevent damage to my equipment

Why not just build proper 1/4" - SpeakON speaker wires?

 

[TNCreature]

Some of the older ones that are still in production, sure ...

here are four examples all still available today:
View attachment 3713604
View attachment 3713605
View attachment 3713606
View attachment 3713607

Haha all Hartke

 

[lowfreqgeek]

For the Elf it was the best way to fit a connector on that tiny chassis, SpeakON would have gone over the edges.

If people are swerving SpeakON they're just creating a problem for themselves & being far too traditionalist.
It's the same reason we're still not using the Metric System very much in the U.S..

i.e.: there's something better, but people refuse to use it for almost zero reason

Sometimes different is better, i.e. speakon vs. 1/4" for speaker use. One is clearly purpose-designed and performs to spec, the other was never used per the design intent.

Sometimes different is just different, i.e. metric vs. imperial. If you can't easily work in both systems, that's your own problem. It's just relative numbers.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

If you don't know Metric is easier to work with, you haven't used it.

 

[lokikallas]

My PF350 has 1/4", my 7 pro has speak-on. I have cables for both, and an adapter or two female 1/4" to speak-on.

 

[monkeyland]

Meanwhile I’m just sitting here wishing they would replace the IEC power connector with a powercon

 

[57pbass]

I’m in the middle of moving and have a boatload of my stuff in temporary storage..including my Neutrix adapters.
I purchased an older Bag End single 10” cab this AM that does not have the Neutrix connector and when I tried to plug in my modern bass head to this cabinet I realized it wasn’t going to happen. If the head had the combo jack I would have been all set.

Another rant is that my storage facility doesn’t have AC outlets in the spaces/ hallways for customers to use. : )

 

[Wasnex]

Why not just build proper 1/4" - SpeakON speaker wires?

If I just had one amp and speaker I could see the wisdom of getting a "proper" 1/4 to speakON cable. However, the adapter is a lot more flexible for my needs. Keep in mind I have a bunch of speakers and amps crammed in my basement. So if I want to run from my SVTs across the room to my Genz Benz 1288Ts, I use a short 1/4" to 1/4" into the adapter, and then run a speakON cable across the room. I only have short 1/4" speaker cables, but I have various lengths of speakON cables.