Speakon cables, Which one..??

[bubinga5]

I bought a cheap speakon cable from amazon and it was an NL4 FS cable. Apparently my Genz 6.2 takes NF4 cable but first off it didn't work, then the fxxxxn thing got stuck. got it out by the power of a google search. Now I'm confused as to which actual cable I need. Help please. 

[TheGreek]

Contact @obbm

[TwoTimesBass]

Neutrix NL4FX is the typical cable connector on both ends when connecting amps to speakers.

There are a LOT of fake Neutrik clones around which aren't made to the same standards as the legit ones. Had a quick search on Amazon for NL4 and almost all the results are clones.

 

Edited December 22, 2020 by TwoTimesBass
spelling

[peteb]

Now that obbm has retired, you can get perfectly good Speakon cables from Bass Direct (pro series are great). 

https://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Speaker_Leads.html

 

[BassBunny]

You can use NL2 plugs as well. The NL4 is a 4 pole plug, generally used in bi-amp situations. The NL2 is a 2 pole and will work fine.

Genuine Neutrik is the way to go and if you need a custom length Award Session are great.

[bubinga5]

Thanks for the info guys. Bass direct it is.

[TrevorR]

Also highly recommend Cleartone cables...

https://www.award-session.com/cleartone_cables.php

[Chienmortbb]

I hope you are sorted however I bought much of OBBM's stock, including speakon connectors so it you need a specific cable, please let me know.

[Chienmortbb]

16 hours ago, TheGreek said:

Contact @obbm

Dave (@obbm) has retired and I have now got much of his stock so drop me a PM if you need anything.

[peteb]

41 minutes ago, Chienmortbb said:

Dave (@obbm) has retired and I have now got much of his stock so drop me a PM if you need anything.

I don't suppose that you have a list of the stock you have left? 

[M@23]

I’ve probably got one you can have if you pm me an address, and can hang on until after Christmas? 

[peteb]

10 minutes ago, M@23 said:

I’ve probably got one you can have if you pm me an address, and can hang on until after Christmas? 

I've PM'd you my email address (let me know if you need a snail mail address). After Christmas is fine. 

[M@23]

1 minute ago, peteb said:

I've PM'd you my email address (let me know if you need a snail mail address). After Christmas is fine. 

Hi Pete,

Think you want @Chienmortbb

My post was offering a spare cable I have laying about, rather than an obbm stock list!

[PaulWarning]

16 hours ago, BassBunny said:

You can use NL2 plugs as well. The NL4 is a 4 pole plug, generally used in bi-amp situations. The NL2 is a 2 pole and will work fine.

Genuine Neutrik is the way to go and if you need a custom length Award Session are great.

I seem to remember that NL4 and NL2's aren't interchangeable with each other, one won't plug into another's socket, well I had trouble once when I ordered the wrong plug

[Reggaebass]

I’ve got a high quality Speakon cable on its way, I didn’t know there were different ones 

[peteb]

20 minutes ago, M@23 said:

Hi Pete,

Think you want @Chienmortbb

My post was offering a spare cable I have laying about, rather than an obbm stock list!

Apologies - you are quite correct 🙂 

I will re-send the PM to @Chienmortbb

 

Edited December 23, 2020 by peteb

[BassBunny]

5 hours ago, PaulWarning said:

I seem to remember that NL4 and NL2's aren't interchangeable with each other, one won't plug into another's socket, well I had trouble once when I ordered the wrong plug

Must admit I've never had a problem with interchanging them but I've only ever used genuine Neutrik ones. The only difference is one is 2 pole and the other 4 pole, they should be physically the same size.

That said unless you have a Gallien Kruger bi-amp head, you only need 2 pole.

[TrevorR]

The cheap, knock off Speakons are getting a nasty reputation of getting stuck in sockets and only being able to be removed with brute force and ignorance (with a 50/50 chance of knackering the socket on the way out). Much Talkbass and Facebook chatter on this. I’d only ever use kosher Neutrik ones - anything else is the definition of a false economy. My Cleartone speaker cables have given me well over a dozen years of uncomplaining, reliable service.

[Chienmortbb]

9 minutes ago, BassBunny said:

Must admit I've never had a problem with interchanging them but I've only ever used genuine Neutrik ones. The only difference is one is 2 pole and the other 4 pole, they should be physically the same size.

That said unless you have a Gallien Kruger bi-amp head, you only need 2 pole.

A 2 pole plug will go into a 4 pole socket but not the other way round. A 4 pole plug will NOT fit a 2 pole socket.

[BassBunny]

29 minutes ago, Chienmortbb said:

A 2 pole plug will go into a 4 pole socket but not the other way round. A 4 pole plug will NOT fit a 2 pole socket.

You are right, my bad. I think most kit I have come across has 4 pole sockets fitted as standard, in fact do they make a 2 pole?

[BassBunny]

A quick Google and they do make a 2 pole and it is stamped on the outside thus avoiding trying to shove a 4 pole in. 

Thanks for the heads up @Chienmortbb

Edited December 23, 2020 by BassBunny

[PaulWarning]

6 minutes ago, BassBunny said:

You are right, my bad. I think most kit I have come across has 4 pole sockets fitted as standard, in fact do they make a 2 pole?

I remember now, I bought a 2 pole replacement socket for a PA speaker and our speaker cable had 4 pole plugs, confused the hell out of me when they wouldn't plug in and twist

[bazzbass]

I dunno, I prefer 1/4" connectors. No one walks behind my amp that can accidentally kick a speaker cable, it's only 2 feet long, doesn't hang. My amps are 500w or under, not really high powered.

I too had a knockoff speakon stick in my amp. I have remade it with genuine Neutrik speakon but I rarely use it.In 41 years I have never had, or heard about , a speaker cable come out during a gig, never, ever.

Speakons were made for high wattage touring PA setups, not for me with my 200w Elf , which, btw, doesn't have speakon sockets for obvious reasons.

 

[Horizontalste]

I bought several meters of 2x4mm cable & plugs from that well known German shop & made my own.

Bombproof & just as robust as my OBBM ones.

[Dan Dare]

Speakon cables are simple to make. Just make sure you buy genuine Neutrik Speakons (cheap copies don't always fit well and can jam) and decent cable - Van Damme or similar. Get at least 2.5mm for all but low power applications. No soldering required. Just cut the cable strip to the correct length (the Speakon packet has a diagram to guide you) and screw them in. Takes 5 mins tops. You only need two pole 99% of the time.