Speak On, Twist Off

[Jeff Romard]

I'm with Houston on this one. On standard setups there is no real advantage to Neutrix aside from they won't short because they can't be easily pulled out but the fact they can't be easily pulled out can be a problem also. I watched a rack (not mine) come tumbling to the ground one night because someone tripped over a speaker wire and took the rack with them when they went.

That being said if you are doing FOH you should really consider Neutrix

 

[SoftJock Rick]

Then you have nothing valuable to contribute to this thread.

Did that ever stop me?

I contributed the fact that I use 1/4 in plugs. If you have 150 people stomping on the floor, and making more noise than what is the issue about which type of connector you use?

 

[steve149]

The black part in front is much smaller than the blue nut, and since it's pressed against the amp....it's really tough.
As for the Neutrik's...they're a great idea. But I notice the ones you linked to are FOUR poles.
Is there a difference?

They make 2 pole and 4 pole "plugs" but only 4 pole receptacles (and 8 pole plugs/receptacles). The 2 pole plugs have a circular collar that pulls back and then you twist, whereas the 4 poles have a thumb latch. The 4 pole ones are beefier and I use them for all 2 conductor needs. They are the preferred standard.

 

[steve149]

I used Speakon for a very short period of time went Neutrix after that and back to 1/4 to Banana. Neutrix is much better than Speakon and more durable but for durability they still don't match up with the 1/4 or Banana

Actually Speakon was a Neutrik invention. That is the preferred method of cabling high power audio components together.

 

[MIXMASTERMACHOM]

I must be the only DJ on the planet that uses 1/4" plugs.

The output from the computer is unbalanced (unless you have a $3000 DAC). Seems a waste of money to me, and it takes more time to connect them.

The thing is I've used those before. They are very easy to have someone step on the wire and disconnect it from the source they are plugged into and that can damage either the connection or what they are connected to.

 

[Ausumm]

I contributed the fact that I use 1/4 in plugs. If you have 150 people stomping on the floor, and making more noise than what is the issue about which type of connector you use?

True, but that has nothing to do with the thread!
I was asking how solve a problem.
I wasn't asking for opinions on my choice, or your choice of connectors.

 

[SoftJock Rick]

True, but that has nothing to do with the thread!
I was asking how solve a problem.
I wasn't asking for opinions on my choice, or your choice of connectors.

Mike, since when did you see a post on here, that totally stays on topic after 5 posts?

It's a chat board -- nothing more, nothing less. You don't go to chat boards for advice on how to hook up your respective connectors properly. Hire someone who knows what they are doing to fix it for you

 

[Ausumm]

You don't go to chat boards for advice on how to hook up your respective connectors properly.

I do.
I did.
And I got the answers that I was looking for.
When I have a question...I ask people here because I value their advice.
Just as I value YOUR advice on computer issues.
You don't see me jumping in the middle of one of your computer threads,
just to state that I don't use a Mac, and don't care for them.

 

[SoftJock Rick]

You don't see me jumping in the middle of one of your computer threads,
just to state that I don't use a Mac, and don't care for them.

I couldn't care less Mike. You can derail any of my threads to your hearts desire.

My point was that, if you have no clue -- get somebody else to do it for you. Yer gonna get different answers from every one here.

Relax, take a chill pill, and enjoy the conversation

 

[Ausumm]

I do have a clue, and there is nothing for someone else "to do" for me.
And I got the answers I was looking for.
I understood your point perfectly...

Remember, the person who tells you to "relax"....
is usually the person who pissed you off to begin with!

 

[SoftJock Rick]

See the apology thread I wrote many years ago here -- that should cover the pissed off thing (I think ahead).

So you can either listen to everyone on the planet, fix it yourself, or have some decent cables made for you...

BTW, my home speaker cables probably cost more than your entire DJ system. Add in a few thousand for thermal/blackout curtains. I test, and test, and test. If you need to rely on a bunch of DJ dudes online, it means you have no clue to what you are doing.

 

[steve149]

Some of us are happy to provide good answers.

 

[SoftJock Rick]

Some of us are happy to provide good answers.

Problem I see most, is yer gonna get 50 "good" answers -- so how do you know which one is correct...?

Unless you have a decent consensus, it's kinda hard to tell...

 

[steve149]

Problem I see most, is yer gonna get 50 "good" answers -- so how do you know which one is correct...?

Unless you have a decent consensus, it's kinda hard to tell...

Well, if they're my answers, they're correct ...

 

[ittigger]

That's funny.

 

[NickC]

Good Answer!

 

[Fred Wright]

Agreed with the suggestion of 4-pole Neutrik plugs. They're very tough and will last damn near forever. It's all we used for years on the road and there was never an issue with the Neutriks. Actually, I bought the cables from Carvin - they were 4-conductor 12 gauge with Neutrik Speakon connectors.

As for the 1/4" phone plug and jack scenario, it's true that was the standard for stage sound back in the day. Bear in mind, in those days of the Beatles and the Stones, available amplifiers topped out at around 200 WRMS. That's low voltage when compared to today's pro power amps.

 

[SoftJock Rick]

As for the 1/4" phone plug and jack scenario, it's true that was the standard for stage sound back in the day. Bear in mind, in those days of the Beatles and the Stones, available amplifiers topped out at around 200 WRMS. That's low voltage when compared to today's pro power amps.

Possibly, but they had racks filled with amplifiers -- usually 30-50. And that was basically for vocals and drums.

I check all my amps using the Kill a watt meter, to determine the input wattage, and amps being used. Then I check the outputs with my digital meter. The output is not even close to the specs they give you.

What I've found, is that an amp specked to 1000 watts per side, is usually only putting out about a 50-100 watts per side.

That's why I don't go by specs, because they are highly inflated.

 

[MIXMASTERMACHOM]

Possibly, but they had racks filled with amplifiers -- usually 30-50. And that was basically for vocals and drums.

I check all my amps using the Kill a watt meter, to determine the input wattage, and amps being used. Then I check the outputs with my digital meter. The output is not even close to the specs they give you.

What I've found, is that an amp specked to 1000 watts per side, is usually only putting out about a 50-100 watts per side.

That's why I don't go by specs, because they are highly inflated.

That normally applies to cheap low budget amps and speakers. They make fantastic claims to sucker in people who don't know better to buy their product. Buying the real professional gear makes a big difference. Certain companies have a reputation to keep up to keep people coming back to buy their products. So they can't half step to stay on top of their game.

It's basically about one knowing what to buy and what to stay away from. My experience is that comes over time and at times learning from making mistakes.

 

[Ausumm]

So you can either listen to everyone on the planet, fix it yourself, or have some decent cables made for you...If you need to rely on a bunch of DJ dudes online, it means you have no clue to what you are doing.

Really?
I've been doing this for 30-years,
and just because I seek a little advice on cable connectors...
I have no clue to what I am doing???

BTW, Everybody here gave me pretty much the same advice...go with Neutrik connectors.
Yeah...everybody but you!