M-Bass-M Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 I have an old Trace cabinet that has both XLR and 1/4" jack inputs. I understand the benefits of a balanced XLR connection when it comes to line/mic signals, but not so for speakers. For speaker cables, are XLR better than 1/4"? Also, is it possible to match a speakon connector to either an XLR or 1/4"? And again, which is preferable? Cheers Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grissle Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 Try here: http://www.thomann.de/gb/cordial_ctl_5_fl25gr.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 Those XLRs and Jack Sockets are all wired in parallel, so it makes no odds which you use from an electronic point of view. From a practical point of view, the XLRs might be a better option as they lock into place and won't get accidentally pulled out. Speakons can connect to either 1/4 jacks or XLRs - same advantages as above. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 Jack connections are a really bad idea for anything over 50W IMO. Either use the XLR sockets and get OBBM to make you a Speakon the XLR lead, or replace the panel with a Speakon loaded one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted July 16, 2013 Share Posted July 16, 2013 [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1373998703' post='2144114'] or replace the panel with a Speakon loaded one. [/quote] This is by far the best idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M-Bass-M Posted July 17, 2013 Author Share Posted July 17, 2013 Thanks for all the responses. Having a speakon:XLR lead made by OBBM was my original thought, so I imagine I will go down that route. Seems a bit of an easier option than having the panel replaced! Cheers Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 You shouldn't have to replace the entire panel as a Speakon normally fits straight into the hole left by an XLR socket. You may have to solder a couple of tags though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keving Posted July 17, 2013 Share Posted July 17, 2013 Last year I did just that, but the holes weren't quite big enough, I had to make them a bit bigger first using a sheet metal punch. I picked mine up on eBay for about £7. I now have a lot more confidence in my speaker connections. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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