SPEAKON Power cables

[shyamwestwind]

Hi Everyone
Is there any particular advantage using a power cable with a Speakon at one end and a three pin plug at the other ? Most of thec amps and mixers have the computer power cables, but this dB sub 15, Subwoofer with me has a SPeakon connector.
Does anyone know why ? If its good then why haven't other brands used them ?

[weeo]

Hi Shyam,
If i understand you correctly,it seems you are trying to put mains voltage on to a Speakon connector.
Speakon connectors are for speakers only.
DO NOT PUT MAINS VOLTAGE ON TO THEM
hope this helps
regards
Eddie

[shyamwestwind]

Hi Eddie, the cable is called a NEUTRIC POWERCON CONNECTOR. Its the same as the Speakon but with a Three Pin Plug at one end.
Please check the dB technologies web site under dB Sub 15 and you can see what I'm referring to.Do give me your opinion on this. Thanks.

[cptkay0s]

Looks like you can plug them in series Shyam??

Warren

[shyamwestwind]

I have not tried that, Warren. I have just one dB Sub 15

[weeo]

hi Shyam
I've had a look at the web site,and although it's hard to see properly,it seems that you are right .I have always thought that speakon connectors were for speakers only.
Hey what do i know??
Sorry if i alarmed you.I think the advice you need is best left to some of the techy guys on here,or It may be an idea to send an e-mail to db technologies and ask their advice .
I'd be interested to know the outcome .
Regards
Eddie

[shyamwestwind]

Eddie, I have the usual Speakon cables for connecting my Power amp to my Wharfedale speakers and I find they are different sizes, though they look the same.
I now understand that the ones used for connecting the powered sub woofer are called NEUTRIC POWERCONS .
This is what is written about these:

The PowerCon® is a lockable equipment AC connector. It’s used in the audio business for the power lines of lighting applications, amplifiers, etc. It can be used as power supply for industrial applications with the advantage of it’s locking system in comparison to standard non locking MAINS* connector. The connectors fulfill all current safety standards such as SEV, UL, CSA and VDE and uses a colored power inlet-outlet coding to prevent a short circuit. To transmit 20A @ 250V it has a thicker silver plating (20µ) and an enlarged isolation between the Faston contacts. * Not to be used in the wall of a building structure as a mains power connector.

The PowerCon® is approved as a power "connector" and not as "plug and socket device". Connectors: are components which in normal use (under live) are not be engaged ot disengaged under live. Plug and socket devices: are components which in normal use (under live or load) may be engaged or disengaged when live or under load

To be frank, Eddie, I would have preferred the usual power connections. This is actually a bit dicey though I guess its useful for big time sound operators. Another important factor is that in the usual set ups, we can always swap cables but with these we just have to use them. Not a nice thought if you forget to bring this Neutric Powercon !!!

[JohnG]

Yep,
Please don't confuse locking power cables (usually Neutrik (actually plugs and sockets)) with Speakon loudspeaker cable plugs and sockets. The result could be a very loud bang and/or your eyes lighting up like quartz halogen headlamps ... painful, even fatal.
Speakon cables are for transferring the output from power amp to speaker.
The Neutrik power cable is for mains voltage to power the amp or to power an active sub or active LS.
JohnG.

[shyamwestwind]

GOT IT, JohnG, but only now!!! Cant really blame me, .......... they look so alike (till you try it !!!) Whats your opinion abiut these type of Power Connectors, JohnG ?

[JohnG]

Hi Shyam,

Speakon, Physically a good solid connector which prevents those cables coming out when you dont want them to. Drawback, if someone trips on the cable the speakers fall over or the amp flies off the table, or if rack mounted the whole rack tips over. Hint make sure the cables are well out of the way of feet. Locking power cables have the same advantages and disadvantages.

Neutrik (a manufacturer of connectors) make some of the best plugs and sockets known to mankind. Bar none IMHO. When I make up my own cables I only buy Neutrik connectors. When I buy made up cables I look for Neutrik connectors. They've never let me nor anyone I know down.

Other than that I cant stand them! (Joke! Ha, ha!)

JohnG.

[ovation99]

Just to add my 2 pence worth...........
You'll find that the barrel end of a Spekon plug is blue and a Powercon is sometimes white or off-white. Also the locating lugs should prevent you from plugging one into the other.
When using speakons, there are different pin configurations for different applications.
For instance, a NL2 is for standard plus/minus scenario; NL4 is for connecting to an either bi-amped cabinet or where you have seperate high and low speakers in one cabinet and being driven from 2 separate sources.(although you can use NL4 on a standard configuration by just using pins +1 and -1. There is also NL8 but that can get real confusing.
Hope I've described it correctly!

[shyamwestwind]

Thanks Ovation, that was clear enough. Luckily I only have on Sub 15 so its simple enough but I need to remember to take the Powercon with me. It would have been so convenient if the power cable was permanently connected to the ampli speaker, instead of carrying it separately. You can always find a spare power cable for the rest of the amps and gadgets, but this one just has to have the Powercon. !!!!!!!!!

[valves4ever]

Hi....we have these type of mains leads/connectors on our RCF powered subs....they are very robust and can handle larger current flow plus they lock as well....only downside is to make sure you carry a spare or two as there is no qucik fix if you lose or damage a lead on a gig....