Bridged Mono Mode Discussion

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T

The Wizard Of OZ

Well-Known DJ
Dec 13, 2007
3,130
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Tampa Bay Area
On the "New Behringer Amps" thread there was some discussion about using the proper cables when using an amp in bridged mode. I was wondering if someone could explain this stuff in more detail and try to do it in a simple and less technical way. I have several amps and on one it looks like using just the red binding posts is the bridged mode hookup, OR, a single speakon output jack is used in bridged mode.

Specifically, what I'm looking for is what speakon cable you would use and an actual link to one either at NLFXPRO.com or another audio supplier. No way I'm rewiring a cable or making my own. If I need one, I'll gladly buy a professionally made cable and not worry about frying an amp.

One question: I assume that once you go out from the amp to an 8ohm speaker with the 4 conductor wire, you can then go out to another 8ohm cabinet with a regular speaker cable? My understanding is that most amps don't do bridged mode below 4ohms.

I have a Yamaha EMX512 powered mixer that has a bridged mono mode that's activated by a switch on the front panel, but it doesn't seem that this amp requires a 4 conductor cable. It looks like you just need to plug into the correct jacks. Maybe it's just mono mode and not bridged? I know the amp does 4ohms without breaking a sweat.
 
The single cable out for bridge mode usually uses pin1+ and Pin2+ for the bridged output, so your cable would have to be wired accordingly for it. I have found it much more convenient to have all the cables exactly the same, and then wire the cabinets/racks up properly. That way you can use any cable at any place and not have to remember which cable goes where, and if you need another one, you can just get any off the shelf replacement and it will work.


From what I can tell by the online papers, your yamaha doesn't actually bridge the amps.
This amp would not benefit from the type of setup that was discussed.

You can run it as a stereo setup for DJ use with the switch up for L/R. This will send respective signals out the 2 speakon jacks in the back.

if you switch it to L+R / Monitor, then it's more suited to live use, where the mains L/R are combined inside the unit and it sends a mono signal out channel 1, and then you can send a totally separate mix out channel 2 via the 4th rotary knob down from the top of each channel strip labeled monitor. For example, you could have the vocals really strong coming out the mains, and totally different levels coming out the monitor send. This would be good for karaoke, where the singer should hear themselves differently than the customers out front probably.
 
Can you buy the 4 conductor cable already configured for bridged mode? I also have a Peavey PV1500 amp that has bridged mode out through a speakon jack. When I got it I plugged into that speakon jack with a regular speaker cable and I got sound, but I probably wasn't getting the bridged power. I also now have a couple of cable with a banana plug on one end and speakon on the other.
 
The Wizard Of OZ said:
Can you buy the 4 conductor cable already configured for bridged mode? I also have a Peavey PV1500 amp that has bridged mode out through a speakon jack. When I got it I plugged into that speakon jack with a regular speaker cable and I got sound, but I probably wasn't getting the bridged power. I also now have a couple of cable with a banana plug on one end and speakon on the other.
Click to expand...

You were probably getting just the output of a single channel with that cable. When you switch to bridge mode, I think it basically parallels the inputs and inverts the second one, sending the positive signal out the channel 1+, and the negative side of the signal out the channel 2+, that's why you need to connect to both channels. (DON'T quote me on this though, it's not that simple, but I think it's the basic operation)

The cables with the banana plug will more than likely give you a bridged output if you put it across the red terminals and set the amp to bridge mode.
 
Just found this. I like the idea that I can use any of my cables with a male speakon end use it for bridged mode on an amp that uses a speakon output jack for bridged mode. I've never used my Peavey in bridged mode with the right cable, I was planning on getting rid of it, but who knows, maybe it kicks major a$$?
 
Wiz,

In bridged mode using the Speakon connectors you use only channel one of the amplifier the switching is done internally and you don't need a four conductor cable just the same two conductor you have been using.

If you are using more than one speaker connected to the bridged mode then you need an in out speakon on the speaker itself or go to banana plugs and use only the two red post when connecting in bridge mode and stack the banana plugs.
 
We could whip something like that up for you. I just want to double check before I sell you a cable to make sure that it will work with your amp.

Ben

The Wizard Of OZ said:
Just found this. I like the idea that I can use any of my cables with a male speakon end use it for bridged mode on an amp that uses a speakon output jack for bridged mode. I've never used my Peavey in bridged mode with the right cable, I was planning on getting rid of it, but who knows, maybe it kicks major a$$?
Click to expand...
 
Thunder said:
Wiz,

In bridged mode using the Speakon connectors you use only channel one of the amplifier the switching is done internally and you don't need a four conductor cable just the same two conductor you have been using.

If you are using more than one speaker connected to the bridged mode then you need an in out speakon on the speaker itself or go to banana plugs and use only the two red post when connecting in bridge mode and stack the banana plugs.
Click to expand...

I believe bridge mode will require the cable to be connected to different pins on the speakon connector. It shows this on the back panel.
 
I'm gonna check the PV1500 manual to see if it requires the 4 conductor wire. On the back there are 3 speakon output jacks. The center one is for bridged mode. Or you can use just the red binding posts as was mentioned. If I can get way more power out of it I might just keep it and use it to power my subs. i believe it can be run bridged at 4ohms. If not it's going on craig's list. I'm sure I can get at least $200 for it.
 
Wiz,

The Peavey unit using the bridged speakon output will also use a two conductor cable as well, switching is again internal for this amp as well. You don't need 4 conductor for what you are doing.
 
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