Rant.. Neutrik Connectors Without 1/4” Connectivity

[nnnnnn]

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

Guitar amps.

 

[agedhorse]

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.

You might be surprised at the persistence of some "round peg, square hole" users...

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

Yes for backwards compatibility reasons.

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...

The TA series connectors are not very rugged and handle almost no current.

 

[byacey]

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

That's a 2 pole twist lock for AC power; they're not that common, but if someone should happen to find a line cord with the appropriate male connector, it could cause some excitement.

 

[JimmyM]

Guitar amps.

Not just guitar amps. They're not legally required by the EU on amps under 500w, so there are plenty of bass amps that still use them.

 

[BOOG]

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

Ashdown CTM 100/300

Trace Elliot elf

 

[Rune Bivrin]

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.

But that's an imperial gallon, as opposed to a US gallon, which is 3.79 liters. Unless it's a dry gallon, that is. Then it's 4.4 liters. And all three are defined in terms of liters anyway.

And don't get me started on needing a 5/32" drill for a #8 screw, or possibly a 10ga wire. Or something to that effect.

I think this kind of speaks to why metric has the upper edge when it comes to the scientific community...

 

[Slevage]

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.

Gaffer's tape is a better option.
Less gummy residue and easier to remove.

 

[beans-on-toast]

I think this kind of speaks to why metric has the upper edge when it comes to the scientific community...

Chemistry and physics have always always used metric. The ohm is an SI unit, represented in metric, kilo-ohm for example.

 

[Rune Bivrin]

Chemistry and physics have always always used metric. The ohm is an SI unit, represented in metric, kilo-ohm for example.

That will depend on your definition of "always"

 

[La Faro]

TCs Bam200 = 6.35mm Jack
TCs BQ250 = Speakon

The BAM is a smaller unit, more in size than power.

 

[spufman]

They annoyed me at first, the bulk and always kinda wondering if I was doing it wrong(!), but I've grown to love that satisfying click of a speakon. And not zapping my amp to oblivion is good peace of mind. I'm sold.

 

[Frank77]

Right-angled Speakon connectors are a thing.
View attachment 3714075

Go ahead and call me a nerd, but I have to say I'm a huge fan of Neutrik connectors. Whenever I handle them to make new cables (my comment applies both to their 1/4" and Speakons) I can't help thinking "Wow, a lot of thought went into this". That's some nice engineering work, right there.

 

[Frank77]

Chemistry and physics have always always used metric. The ohm is an SI unit, represented in metric, kilo-ohm for example.

This comment brings back some memories.

One of the "benefits" of studying engineering in Canada is that you have to become proficient with both systems. I remember the whole class having a "whisky-tango-foxtrot" moment when our Newtonian dynamics teacher introduced the slug (or "geepound"), a unit that was created because the imperial system had no real unit of mass, which you need for calculations when things go beyond the scope of basic commerce.

A slug is 32.2 pounds or 14.59 kg (?!). This pretty much cemented the imperial system as the most Mickey Mouse thing ever in my mind.

 

[johnson79]

My 810 has speakon and 1/4", but my GK 400RB only has 1/4". If I were to make up a 1/4" to speakon cable, would I use a 2 pole? I'm assuming it's 2 pole, but I am not positive (no pun intended).

 

[dwade]

The speakon is vastly superior. It's not like they're new. They've been slowly being "phased in" for 25 years. I always keep a speakon to 1/4" adapter handy, in case of emergencies but I'd rather use speakon connectors in all situations.

 

[JohnnyBottom]

Yeah..I still use 1/4 speaker jacks, and I dont need no stinkin 3 prong power wires either. Never had a problem.
(contempt prior to investigation)

 

[el murdoque]

I remedied those problems long ago. I bought a long 1/4" speaker cable and two Speakon connectors.
1/4" are soldered while Speakons are screwed (due to regulations, I think). So it took me the better part of ten minutes to build myself two cables with are 1/4" to Speakon.
My amps include one that runs 1/4" exclusively and one that runs Speakon exclusively, while my cabs have combo plugs that accept both.

 

[GBBSbassist]

This thread is probably the 6th or so reminder in half a decade of being on Talkbass that I should trash my old ampeg svt because it's technologically inferior.

 

[Bassdirty]

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

I prefer to call them "6.35 mm - SpeakON speaker wires".



T$

 

[dave_bass5]

While i always use Speakons, when i take my amps to rehearsal studios and dont take my cab im glad i have the combo connector in them (some of them). Most studios i use tend to still have old gear/cabs that have hard wired 1/4 jack to jack.
I know i can take an adapter, but its nice not having to remember to take one