• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Speakon on to 1/4 inch?

#5
Any decent speaker cable will be fine. You can take an existing 1/4 > 1/4 cable, snip off one end, and install your own Speakon (~$5). The remaining parallel connection between the (2) enclosures will be restricted to a conventional 1/4 > 1/4 speaker cable unless you upgrade to Speakons inputs on the cabs...which I wouldn't at this point. Do make sure all inter-component connections are secure and free of trip hazards (duh!).

Riis
 
#6
As Jeff said,

SpkOnAdapt.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Gospel Bass Player
#7
Key safety point: get some heat-shrink tube big enough to fit over the end of the 1/4" plug if it is metal. On "all" bridged amps and many Class-D amps, the sleeve, and the backshell if it is metal, are -not- at ground potential. If it should contact something that is grounded like, for instance -you- when it is powered, Bad Things can occur.

The shell should be insulated... And never plug or unplug speakers with the amp powered.

I apologize if this sounds pedantic. I for one was not aware that the shell is not at ground and was quite surprised to learn it. I still have to find some big heatshrink to do this myself, even tho that particular cable just takes up space in my spares box just now...
 
#14
ArtechnikA said:
Key safety point: get some heat-shrink tube big enough to fit over the end of the 1/4" plug if it is metal. On "all" bridged amps and many Class-D amps, the sleeve, and the backshell if it is metal, are -not- at ground potential. If it should contact something that is grounded like, for instance -you- when it is powered, Bad Things can occur.

The shell should be insulated... And never plug or unplug speakers with the amp powered.

I apologize if this sounds pedantic. I for one was not aware that the shell is not at ground and was quite surprised to learn it. I still have to find some big heatshrink to do this myself, even tho that particular cable just takes up space in my spares box just now...
Click to expand...

If the amplifier is running in bridge mode using a 1/4" phone cable is dangerous for the amp and player both. If your cabinets only have phone sockets think about adding speakons asap. In bridge the tip is hot with respect to ground. So is the barrel. Between tip and barrel, sleeve, there's twice that voltage!!!

Edit: I fully agree with ArtechnikA's post.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back