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Trace Elliot XLR connection

mantaraya

mantaraya

Apr 10, 2007
462
186
#1
Hi there guys. I have an Old trace elliot head with the XLR outputs for powering cabs. I was wondering where i can find any XLR SPEAKER CABLE for it since i couldn't find one. Or do i need to be custom made? Or maybe this option: Buy this cable:
I would really like to have this cable to make full use of my amp. Thanks Guys
 
#2
Check all your wiring and make a cable to suit. Trace used an odd wiring scheme, your gear may be modified from stock.

You want a + from 9V to move the cones outwards. I don't know how to figure what is the + in the amp insides. I don't suppose it matters so long as you have the right two of the three pins for your cable.
 
#3
If i open the chassis of the amp and look for the wiring inside it is possible to make my own cable. I guess thats no complicated. But i would like to know, what would happen if i mismatch cables? Would that damage the amp? Thanks Man!
 
#4
Just don't strip too much insulation, you don't want them crossing wire on wire if the cable gets twisted. Use at least 16ga speaker cable. Don't leave any stray copper strands.

Pays to use a hotter iron than you might use for electronics, 40w does ok. Tin, set up, zap, solder, quicker is better or the pins melt the plastic. Google solder tutorial on youtube.

One way you could potentially smoke your amp is if the 3rd unused pin has been grounded and you miswired your cable.
 
#5
Thanks Downunderwonder. Since you are the olny one whose answering, i would like to know form yours, is t possible to buy this 2 things in order to use it. Its just that i prefer to buy one instead of making it: Buy a XLR Speaker cable: http://www.amazon.com/Pyle-Pro-PPJX...=1340070936&sr=1-1&keywords=xlr+speaker+cable
And then buy a female-female converter since XLR cable end is male:
http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-GXX145-X...40070993&sr=1-1&keywords=xlr+female+to+female

Also, i opened the head, and i couldn't find the wiring of the 3 leads of male connector to determine polarity. They just go trough a little board, and then a cable goes directly to the most massive capacitor i have seen in a amp!! Thanks Downunderwonder!!
 
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#6
I bought a used Trace and had to make a cable
Just used a standard xrl but don't remember the pin out
As above, be super careful trying to attach speaker cable to what was intended to be mic level wiring.
Unless you're stuck on vintage; changing this to speakon or even 1/4" would be a good mod
 
#9
Back up a second, all the trace amps I've seen have a 1/4" output, what's going on that you need the xlr?

You must find which pins are in use on the amp and same on cab. Smoke gets out easy! You will be saving money by your 2nd cable if you buy a soldering iron.
 
#10
I did not have aTrace Elliot but a Craaft bassic 400

That one used also XLR - and had the wiring printed on the back.

Invalid Link Removed

Interestingly, I had a PMK box that had XLR speaker input. So, was quite popular in the early - mid 80s. PMK got Speakon plug, Craaft is retired.
 
#12
mantaraya said:
Jim, when you say "don't remember the pin out" you mean no to use the ground pin?
Click to expand...

Just don't remember what pins correspond to what wires from the amp; which in turn would decide which XLR pins connect to the tip and shield on the 1/4" plug

Where do the wires come from that are connected to the connector at the back of the amp, and, which pins do they connect to?
 
#13
Downunderwonder said:
Back up a second, all the trace amps I've seen have a 1/4" output, what's going on that you need the xlr?

You must find which pins are in use on the amp and same on cab. Smoke gets out easy! You will be saving money by your 2nd cable if you buy a soldering iron.
Click to expand...

Yes, it has 1/4. The point is to get full use of this amp, and for that i need the XLR output. But i couldnt find the way to determine polarity opening the head. The 3 pins goes directly to a little boar. Thanks
 
#15
Jim C said:
Just don't remember what pins correspond to what wires from the amp; which in turn would decide which XLR pins connect to the tip and shield on the 1/4" plug

Where do the wires come from that are connected to the connector at the back of the amp, and, which pins do they connect to?
Click to expand...

And Jim. Is there anyway to determine what pins corresponds in the amp male connector? Maybe with a tester? I don't know... Thanks
 
#16
This was years ago so I just can be certain as to what the connections should be.
I would call Trace Elliot who are now owned by Peavey and explain the problem.
 

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