XLR on speaker box?

[namotvi]

What do you think about XLR as connectors on louspeaker boxes? Can you see any problem with that? I think that BBC LS 3/5A had connectors in this way, so...

Thx!

 

[timo]

There is nothing technically "wrong" with using XLR's for speakers.

However there are a number of reasons why it is not generally recomended.

XLR's may not handle the potential higher current load of speaker leads in heavy duty continuous use.

XLR' connectors don't generally handle large gauge speaker cable sizes.

You may confuse which connector is which and inadvertently plug high level speaker outputs into a pre-amp level input...

Or you might mistakenly use a mic cable as a speaker cable and suffer terrible power loss due to too small cable conductors...

The easy, logical, intuitive solution is to use a different connector for each purpose. It would be confusing if all of them were the same.

My suggestion?
Neutrik Speakon. You can get versions that fit in a standard XLR sized panel cutout hole.

 

[Kanga]

I

I second the Speakon idea. You can get 2, 4 and 6 pole version, so you only need one connector per cabinet. The advantage is also that only one hole (maybe around 25mm diameter) is used, which is a lot easier to make than the normal speaker terminal connection holders, which are round and around 75mm or rectangular.

The only snag I can see is trying to feed a bunch of large diameter speaker cables into the Speakon connector - this may be difficult. Also, purists may rightly argue that the quality of the connection is not quite as good as a gold plated banana connector or spade. Depends if you have gold plated ears or not.

Mick

 

[haldor]

Take a look at the neutrik website for your country.

http://www.neutrik.com/start.asp?country=fl

The Speakon cable connector is rated to handle up to 12 AWG (3.31 square mm) conductor wire size.

Here is some technical data about the Speakon connectors:

Electrical
Rated current/contact: 30 A rms continous,
40 A rms 1 min.
Dielectric strength: 4kV peak
Rated voltage: 250 V ac
Contact resistance: = 3 m (= 10 m for NL4MD-H) after 5000 insertion-withdrawal operations
Insulation resistance - initial: > 2 G
- after damp heat test: > 1 G
Inrush/outrush current capability (12 V source): 300/30 A/200 ms
Creepage distance: according to IEC 664-1

Mechanical
Retention method: Quicklock with latch
Cable anchoring: NEUTRIK® chuck principle
Cable O.D. range:
6 - 10 mm (2 pole)
5 - 15 mm (4 pole)
8 - 20 mm (8 pole)
Cable retention force: = 220 N Subject to cable die and material

WIRING:
- Cable: screw-type terminals (crush ferrules provided for use with stranded cable) on 8 pole version or soldering (12 AWG stranded)

Materials
Contacts: Female: CuZn39Pb3
Male: ZnAI4Cu1 / CuSn8, 4 µm Ag plated
Securing element: ZnAI4Cu1, CuNi plated
Spring element: Neoprene ring
Housing: PA 6 30% GR
Insert (FC part): PBTP 20% GR
Bushing: PA 6 15% GR
Chuck: POM
Temperature range: -30°C to +80°C

One cool thing about Neutrik is that their Speakon and XLR connectors mount in the same size hole.

Very nice speaker connectors. Especially if you want to bi-amp them.

Phil

 

[halojoy]

One cool thing about Neutrik is that their Speakon and XLR connectors mount in the same size hole.
Very nice speaker connectors. Especially if you want to bi-amp them.

Phil

Yes, very nice.
And also gives you the opportunity to drive your speakers
from a balanced output! 😀

 

[bob4]

3.31 square mm

The Speakon cable connector is rated to handle up to 12 AWG (3.31 square mm) conductor wire size.

I've managed to squeeze 4mm² wire in Speakon plugs.........
🙂

I also use XLR connectors on my speakers, the cable running from the amp into my subs is Speakon -> XLR, 'cause my amp has Speakon output jacks.

cheers,

bob

 

[bob4]

Re: 3.31 square mm

I've managed to squeeze 4mm² wire in Speakon plugs.........
🙂

I forgot to tell you that I obviously had to cut away some of the wire on the other end to make it fit in the XLR- plug.......

bob