Rant.. Neutrik Connectors Without 1/4” Connectivity

[Warpeg]

We really need a 'laugh' emoji like FB. I would have made good use of it for this post. On-point, sir.

 

[JimmyM]

Sure, but you usually play relatively low-powered stuff (jealous here btw). For big power Speakon is the way to go though. It just is.

I have run my PF800 many times without speakons, too, but don't tell the EU I'm not disagreeing with you, though. 50w is plenty for me on most of my gigs. And for high power and PA runs, speakon rules. But I don't care!

 

[Balog]

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.

They always feel looser than the regular connectors to me. And I’ve seen a LOT of people used to the combo plugs trying to jam 1/4s into the middle of regular speakon and damage them.

 

[DJ Bebop]

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.

Here, let me help you load up for your gig

 

[Wasnex]

They always feel looser than the regular connectors to me. And I’ve seen a LOT of people used to the combo plugs trying to jam 1/4s into the middle of regular speakon and damage them.

IMHO someone would have to be pretty motivated to damage an NL4 panel mount with 1/4" plug. The hole is not even close to being big enough.

I don't think the Combi-plugs belong on amps that operate in bridge mode due to the short and shock hazard, but I would like to see them on more tube amps.

 

[james condino]

I'll bet some of you are old enough to remember when they used XLRs for speaker connectors. And no, the were not powered speakers! I think one of my first "real" sound systems in 80's had them. An old Community system, if I recall.

You can go all the way back to the '60s with that funky speaker connection setup on my old Ampeg fliptop that looked like XLR but was yet another similar looking confusion plug...

 

[JimmyM]

You can go all the way back to the '60s with that funky speaker connection setup on my old Ampeg fliptop that looked like XLR but was yet another similar looking confusion plug...

Yep, the 4-pin XLR. Ampeg used them for quite a while. And before that they used some other weird type of plug as a way to keep you from blowing up your power amp if you played without a cab plugged in.

 

[Tim Skaggs]

I’ve been wanting to swap out the 1/4” female on my Fender Studio Bass head for a combo panel mount Speakon & have just been too lazy to take the amp out of the case to do it. It does have one of the best 1/4” female jacks I’ve seen. I can just barely pull a speaker cable out of that jack when reaching over the top of the head. I figure it’s an old Switchcraft.

I have many trouble free years using 1/4”, but I’m a Speakon convert.

I guess y’all are going to try to talk me in to one of those basses with the slanted frets now....

I can just hear string makers; ”we spent years of R & D getting string tension just right, and then they come along with multi scale lengths”.......

 

[keyboardguy]

Ten bucks. Run your 1/4 speaker cable to it and plug into your cab

NEUTRIK NA4LJX 1/4" TO SPEAKON NL4MP ADAPTER Ships Free to US Zip Codes 7613187004810 | eBay

 

[BasturdBlaster]

I have some early 80s subs with these connectors, what are these ... pre speakon twist lock?

 

[byacey]

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

Canada went metric years ago, but I still measure in inches and feet, as I can estimate far more accurately, and for distance, it's a no-brainer using miles when the country is divided up into square miles, as are the roadway grids. A gallon of home brew also sounds more impressive that 4.546 liters.

I like the combo speakons for the simple fact that if I need to do some quick on-stage troubleshooting, I have a speaker level source available on speakon or 1/4" without having to look for, or make adapter cables.

 

[Kukulkan61]

My Mesa Subway cabs have the neutrik 1/4 combo!

 

[David Jayne]

I have some early 80s subs with these connectors, what are these ... pre speakon twist lock? View attachment 3714050

That's an old-school 120v receptacle. Crude but they work. You can still buy them, and the plugs.

 

[N4860]

Canada went metric years ago, but I still measure in inches and feet, as I can estimate far more accurately, and for distance, it's a no-brainer using miles when the country is divided up into square miles, as are the roadway grids. A gallon of home brew also sounds more impressive that 4.546 liters.

I like the combo speakons for the simple fact that if I need to do some quick on-stage troubleshooting, I have a speaker level source available on speakon or 1/4" without having to look for, or make adapter cables.

How does 1 unit of something sound bigger than 4.5 units of a different measurement? Are you suggesting that the word gallon just sounds bigger than litre for no apparent reason?

 

[David Jayne]

How does 1 unit of something sound bigger than 4.5 units of a different measurement? Are you suggesting that the word gallon just sounds bigger than litre for no apparent reason?

Yes. Because when you've lived imperial units your whole life, it does. It isn't logical. It just is.

 

[N4860]

Yes. Because when you've lived imperial units your whole life, it does. It isn't logical. It just is.

That's a shame.

 

[David Jayne]

That's a shame.

Is it now. Really. As if it matters.

 

[madmaskbass]

My AKG headpones have a mini XLR that is a really cool little connector...would be a perfect replacement for these IMO. I have absolutely no idea other than they are a good size and work well on these...

 

[whero]

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

Ampeg PF-50 and PF-20. (Low-wattage tube amps.)

I'm pretty sure most - if not all - Ampegs still have 1/4" jacks as well as Speakon connectors. My PF-500 does, and so did a Heritage 50th Anniversary SVT I was looking at recently. Personally I only use the Speakon on mine, but if you're wedded to the 1/4" they're still there.

Other brands vary. Last time I looked at Fender heads, for example (about 9 months ago?) the Fender Bassman 800 had a couple of Speakon sockets but no 1/4" jack, whereas the Rumble 500 head had 2 x 1/4" but no Speakon, so take your pick...

 

[whero]

Is there an angled speakon? I like angled plugs into the back of cabs, they are less likely to catch on something.

Right-angled Speakon connectors are a thing.