Speakon to 1/4 adapter. Any issues

[Clark Westfield]

So I want to have an adapter so if on a gig, I can continue to use my head that has only Speakon outputs.

I was helping a friend at a backline provided gig, and we ran into issues with an older cab that was 1/4 input only.

Has anybody used an adapter like this? Or should I just buy a cable that is Speakon-1/4?

 

[Bassiclees]

Works fine just make sure the connector and cable are quality, heard of issues (here) with cheap substitutes. My old fridge is 1/4 and I use this, however, it’s a single cable, head to cab- no additional connections between.

 

[agedhorse]

Those are knock-off connectors, be sure that the SpeakOn is genuine Neutrik brand. Knock-offs are often the cause of problems, including possible damage of the mating connector.

 

[KenD]

I have used that for years with no issues at all.

 

[Aloe]

better buy or make a speakon to 1/4 cable. less weight on jacks -> more reliable connection. if you already have a 1/4 to 1/4 cable, you can cut one end and screw a speakon connector there.

as already noted, using a Chinese knockoff plug may result in an expensive amp repair.

 

[brianrost]

I use a Neutrik adapter that lets you connect 1/4” cables to a Speakon jack. I prefer this to a plug + cable approach because I can use any length 1/4” cable…25 foot, 50 foot, 100 foot for PA use is no problem.

No longer made but you can still buy them on Amazon. There’s lots of knockoffs there too so make sure you get a real Neutrik or Hosa branded one.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

This is a far better option
Amazon.com just carry a standard 1/4 heavy duty speaker cable

 

[HolmeBass]

So I want to have an adapter so if on a gig, I can continue to use my head that has only Speakon outputs.

I was helping a friend at a backline provided gig, and we ran into issues with an older cab that was 1/4 input only.

Has anybody used an adapter like this? Or should I just buy a cable that is Speakon-1/4?



View attachment 7017516

I have one, I used it to run a speakon-only cabinet as an extension cabinet for me Eden Metro. Works fine, but I would try not to push more than 300, maybe 400 watts max through it.

CORRECTION - I have a cable that is speakon male on one end, and 1/4” male on the other. That’s what I would use.

 

[ezstep]

I am the opposite. My practice rig head has 1/4 outputs only although the speaker has both types on inputs. I have used a 1/4" to Speakon cable for nearly ten years now, never had an issue.

 

[mrcbass]

I use a similar adaptor (female 1/4" connection) so I can connect my 1/4" cabs. Haven't had any issues

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

I use a Neutrik adapter that lets you connect 1/4” cables to a Speakon jack. I prefer this to a plug + cable approach because I can use any length 1/4” cable…25 foot, 50 foot, 100 foot for PA use is no problem.

No longer made but you can still buy them on Amazon. There’s lots of knockoffs there too so make sure you get a real Neutrik or Hosa branded one.

View attachment 7017529

So Anyway, I still carry one of these in my gig bag even though none of our current gear would need them. But who knows? Always best to be prepared.

 

[Geddaric]

Used these for years going from a crown power amp to my crate 215 cab. Absolutely no issues.

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

I use a Neutrik adapter that lets you connect 1/4” cables to a Speakon jack. I prefer this to a plug + cable approach because I can use any length 1/4” cable…25 foot, 50 foot, 100 foot for PA use is no problem.

No longer made but you can still buy them on Amazon. There’s lots of knockoffs there too so make sure you get a real Neutrik or Hosa branded one.

View attachment 7017529

I have this, and one or two other types, all Neutrik, and have used them without issues for well over a decade.

BBB

 

[jthisdell]

I use a Neutrik adapter that lets you connect 1/4” cables to a Speakon jack. I prefer this to a plug + cable approach because I can use any length 1/4” cable…25 foot, 50 foot, 100 foot for PA use is no problem.

No longer made but you can still buy them on Amazon. There’s lots of knockoffs there too so make sure you get a real Neutrik or Hosa branded one.

View attachment 7017529

I used one of these for years before I realized my cab had dual speakon/ 1/4" combo jacks.

 

[Pep]

I use a Neutrik adapter that lets you connect 1/4” cables to a Speakon jack. I prefer this to a plug + cable approach because I can use any length 1/4” cable…25 foot, 50 foot, 100 foot for PA use is no problem.

No longer made but you can still buy them on Amazon. There’s lots of knockoffs there too so make sure you get a real Neutrik or Hosa branded one.

View attachment 7017529

This is the way to go. Hosa part nunber NA4LJX

 

[agedhorse]

Just beware that the sleeve/barrel of the 1/4” plug when used with an adapter is not at ground. If a grounded plug touches the shell, this can damage many amps.

 

[Wasnex]

I have used a Hosa GSK-116 for over a decade. I use it "as needed" between various amps and cabs in my collection.

I believe the 1/4" is Switchcraft and the speakON is genuine Neutrik.

The biggest concern is to make sure the metal sleeve of the 1/4" does not come in contact with the chassis on an amp that is operating in bridge mode. In bridge mode, the negative terminal on the speaker out carries a signal rather than being at ground potential. So if you allow the sleeve to be grounded, the amp may let out the magic smoke.

Assume all Class-D bass amps operate in permanently in bridge mode.

The other concern is 1/4" is really only rated for about 200W. So if you have the option with your higher powered amps, use speakON.

 

[Bag of Lazers]

That's what I use. Seems to do the job fine.

 

[Thumpin6string]

I use a Neutrik adapter that lets you connect 1/4” cables to a Speakon jack. I prefer this to a plug + cable approach because I can use any length 1/4” cable…25 foot, 50 foot, 100 foot for PA use is no problem.

No longer made but you can still buy them on Amazon. There’s lots of knockoffs there too so make sure you get a real Neutrik or Hosa branded one.

View attachment 7017529

^^^^This^^^^

 

[mikeswals]

I use a Neutrik adapter that lets you connect 1/4” cables to a Speakon jack. I prefer this to a plug + cable approach because I can use any length 1/4” cable…25 foot, 50 foot, 100 foot for PA use is no problem.

No longer made but you can still buy them on Amazon. There’s lots of knockoffs there too so make sure you get a real Neutrik or Hosa branded one.

View attachment 7017529

I have these too. GC sells them and they're genuine Neutrik