Rant.. Neutrik Connectors Without 1/4” Connectivity

[Geri O]

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

Here, here!

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I'm wondering why more don't use the locking IEC, like Quilter.

 

[bumperbass]

The 1/4" present in the combo Jack's doesn't feel very substantial to me, so I wouldn't consider using one for my head/cab.
There's a world of difference between any barrel type 1/4" jack when compared to the original old standard Switchcraft #11.
I hated it when they quit using #11's for input Jack's as well.

 

[Wasnex]

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.

Why do you hate the Combi-speakON connectors? They mate with NL2, NL4, or 1/4" jacks. The only reason I can see to not use them is if you are biamping. They won't work for biamp applications because pins 2+, 2- are not present so there is room for the 1/4" connector in the middle.

 

[agedhorse]

There's a world of difference between any barrel type 1/4" jack when compared to the original old standard Switchcraft #11.
I hated it when they quit using #11's for input Jack's as well.

Yes, the (quality) cantilever type 1/4" jacks are much more reliable, especially the switching contacts. I wouldn't go back to the #11 type myself.

 

[David Jayne]

The ONLY time I got bent over Speakon was when I wanted to use my amp with an older house cab that didn't have it and my amp doesn't have 1/4". Since then I've carried a cable with both ends.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

SpeakON just makes sense with Class D amps, because the contacts are isolated. You don't want that exposed shield-side of 1/4" connectors.

(because technically, the amp is pushing Power on both wires, not just one)

 

[Axtman]

Remember these?

 

[BasturdBlaster]

View attachment 3713779 View attachment 3713782 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. : )

For this (and your) bag end cab, you can buy a new input plate with dual combo speakons though it's 72 bux I believe.

I have added my own speakon in the same position as bag end did on a few of their other input plates. I ran my leads into the existing "board" so the original inputs are included.

I prefer the banana inputs vs the 1/4 if no speakon option is available

 

[Wasnex]

Remember these?

View attachment 3713823

Still own a three of these

 

[smogg]

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.

This is very interesting. I'm on the other side of the coin with this. I generally pass over any amp or cab that does not have speak-on and I won't gig a bass without strap locks. Different strokes and all that I guess.

 

[flojob]

Are there amps being produced that still have 1/4" speaker jacks?

I totally scrolled back up to see what year the original post was written in haha I thought I had stumbled onto a zombie thread

 

[57pbass]

I totally scrolled back up to see what year the original post was written in haha I thought I had stumbled onto a zombie thread

Present time but Twilight Zone

 

[Jim C]

I like and use SpeakOn connectors.
The Neutric connectors with the metal release are great.
Some of the Chinese plastic junk connectors I've seen are horrible.

 

[Hounddog409]

It seems like there’s a transition taking place in the amp/speaker market with regards to the types of connectors that are being used. It seems like many are moving away from the 1/4” type and using Neutrik types. This is a great thing. Some of the Neutriks I have experienced accept a 1/4” jack and some unfortunately don’t.. which aggravates me.
This should be a standard on amps and cabs with so many mixing old and new gear.
Really frustrating. I know there are adapters available.

No, 1/4 inch should just go away.

There is a far superior option. There is ZERO reason to keep hanging on the 1/4" connectors. None.

 

[Hounddog409]

For those building higher powered amps for the international market, SpeakOn is by far the most universal choice for safety regulation compliance. It's also short circuit proof and locking which reduces the chance of failure when a 1/4" speaker plug gets pulled out, this is of additional concern to companies that offer long warranties.

There's also the issue of the tip or sleeve of a 1/4" plug accidentally contacting any grounded object, since neither the tip or sleeve are at ground potential in a bridged topology amp (most class D amps are internally bridged) and this could damage the amp. Also, on the higher powered amps, you can get a good jolt when holding the plug when there's a signal present. I have designed amps that swing over 150 volts peak which most folks would find very objectionable.

Then there's the current... at 2 ohms especially, it's not uncommon to find peak currents (at least in the amps I have designed) of 25 amps. This is enough current to exceed the allowable current density at a 1/4" connector. This comes up in safety compliance because this can result in heating of the contacts and arcing with the potential for fire. Not a big issue in smaller amps, but becomes significant as the power of the amp grows. This is the specific reason why I don't use the combination connectors.

If somebody won't consider an amp without SpeakOns, than there are many amps that must be crossed off their list... and the list will grow more once the new global safety regulations come into effect at the end of this year. Since I won't consider designing an amp without SpeakOns, they might as well cross the Subway line off the list and I won't be offended in the slightest.

I am the opposite. No speakon. Not on my list.

I am not going to spend that much money on a worse design than is readily available.

 

[Geri O]

I'm wondering why more don't use the locking IEC, like Quilter.

That’s a great idea, too. The Yamaha digital surfaces come with those. They look as though they could be fitted to IEC inlets pretty easily.

One of those projects I think about, then forget.

 

[57pbass]

View attachment 3713824

For this (and your) bag end cab, you can buy a new input plate with dual combo speakons though it's 72 bux I believe.

I have added my own speakon in the same position as bag end did on a few of their other input plates. I ran my leads into the existing "board" so the original inputs are included.

I prefer the banana inputs vs the 1/4 if no speakon option is available View attachment 3713820

I will look into this. Thank you.

 

[seamonkey]

I've got no use for combo speakon/phone plug combo. I won't use the phone plug and I don't want to pay the $1.50 more it would cost the manufacturer to install them at the factory.
In fact I'd love if 6.35mm took the path of 8track tapes.

 

[agedhorse]

I like and use SpeakOn connectors.
The Neutric connectors with the metal release are great.
Some of the Chinese plastic junk connectors I've seen are horrible.

Good point, avoid the Chinese knockoffs and counterfeit connectors, they are the source of significant customer service issues that are initially blamed on the amps.