Speaker Wiring Diagrams 4x12 Wiring

Wiring a 4 X 12 Speaker cabinet
Wiring a 4 X 12 Speaker
cabinet
3/04 - Jens Moller http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/4x12wiring.html
Note: For 2 speaker solutions see: Wiring a 2 X 12 Speaker cabinet
This Web page contains a lot of information that may be new to you. You may need to find someone who is
knowledgeable about reading electronic schematics to help understand what some of this information is telling
you.
Many people have asked how to wire up a 4 speaker Cabinet that can have an extension speaker cabinet
(usually another 2 or 4 speaker Cabinet) plugged into it when desired. The most common request I get is for 4
speakers that are 12 inch in diameter (4 X 12), however, this solution pertains to 4 10's, 4 15's or any mix of
sizes. Please try to make sure that each speaker is approximately the same SPL (see SPL Discussion for more
information on this topic). In this set of wiring diagrams, all speakers in the same cabinet are the same
impedance.
Voice Coil Tweeters, if used, may not be the same impedance, it depends on how they are used.
Piezos do not have impedance that affects the other speakers in the cabinet.
For other speaker combinations, please see: Speaker Wiring/Loading Examples and under Speakers - Usage/
Wiring on the Construction Web Page.
Connector Choices
Many people install both 1/4 inch phone jacks and Speakons on the same cabinet. This allows you plug your
cabinet on no matter which is in use.
1/4 inch phone jacks cannot reliably support more than 500 watts of power. If your cabinet will be used at 500
watts or higher, use Speakon connectors instead.
Which connector is right for you?
Most Guitar and Keyboard amplifiers use 1/4 inch phone jacks for thier Speaker connections.
Some higher powered Bass Guitar amplifiers will use Speakon connectors.
http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/4x12wiring.html (1 of 17) [8/4/2010 1:14:17 AM]

Most Low to Mid power PA systems use 1/4 inch jacks and bananna plugs for thier Speaker connections,
some occasionally include Speakons.
Many high powered PA systems only provide Bananna connectors or Speakons
Internal Wire
If your speakers will see 500 watts or less, use 18 or 16 gauge (AWG)wire.
If your speakers will see 500 watts or above, use 16, 14 or 12 gauge (AWG) wire.
Piezos and Voice-Coil tweeters do not use as much power since they are frequency limited. 20 or 18 gauge
(AWG) wire is sufficent.
NOTE: Wire is available a hardware stores and auto parts stores. Use stranded copper wire. Solder all internal
connections to components.
Cabinet Wiring Options
Usage
Wiring Diagram
Information
Mono
4 Musical
Intrument
Speakers.
Hard wired
for a single
total
impedance.
Option 1
4 - 4 ohm
speakers = 16
ohms

Mono
4 Musical
Intrument
Speakers.
Hard wired
for a single
total
impedance.
Option 1
4 - 16 ohm
speakers = 4
ohms
Mono
4 Musical
Intrument
Speakers.
Hard wired
for a single
total
impedance.
Option 1
4 - 4 ohm
speakers = 4
ohms
Option 2
4 - 8 ohm
speakers = 8
ohms
Option 3
4 - 16 ohm
speakers = 16
ohms

Mono with
Piezo
Tweeter
4 Musical
Intrument
Speakers and
1 Piezo. Hard
wired for a
single total
impedance.
Option 1
Note:The power rating of a Piezo should be at least 1/2 of power rating of the 4 - 4 ohm
regular speakers. speakers = 16
ohms
Mono with
Piezo
Tweeter
4 Musical
Intrument
Speakers and
1 Piezo. Hard
wired for a
single total
impedance.
Option 1
Note:The power rating of a Piezo should be at least 1/2 of power rating of the
regular speakers.
4 - 16 ohm
speakers = 4
ohms

Mono with
Voice Coil
Tweeter
4 Musical
Intrument
Speakers and
1 Voice Coil
Tweeter.
Hard wired
for a single
total
impedance.
Note:The power rating of a voice coil tweeter should be at least 1/4 of power rating
of the regular speakers. 4 - 4 ohm
speakers = 16
See First Order Cross-overs for other capacitor frequency ranges. ohms
1 - 16 ohm
Note:As long as the voice coil tweeter's cross-over is 2000 Hz or above, you do not tweeter, 2.5
need a Low Pass inductor for the Woofers. uf capacitor
for 4000 Hz
Mono with
Voice Coil
Tweeter
4 Musical
Intrument
Speakers and
1 Voice Coil
Tweeter.
Hard wired
for a single
total
Note:The power rating of a voice coil tweeter should be at least 1/4 of power rating impedance.
of the regular speakers.
4 - 16 ohm
See First Order Cross-overs for other capacitor frequency ranges. speakers = 4
ohms
Note:As long as the voice coil tweeter's cross-over is 2000 Hz or above, you do not 1 - 4 ohm
need a Low Pass inductor for the Woofers. tweeter, 10 uf
capacitor for
4000 Hz

Mono with
Piezo
Tweeter
4 Musical
Intrument
Speakers and
1 Piezo. Hard
wired for a
single total
impedance
Option 1
4 - 4 ohm
speakers = 4
ohms
Option 2
Note:The power rating of a Piezo should be at least 1/2 of power rating of the 4 - 8 ohm
regular speakers. speakers = 8
ohms
Option 3
4 - 16 ohm
speakers = 16
ohms
Mono with
Voice Coil
Tweeter
4 Musical
Intrument
Speakers and
1 Voice Coil
Tweeter.
Hard wired
for a single
total
impedance.
Option 1

4 - 4 ohm
speakers = 4
ohms
1 - 4 ohm
tweeter, 10 uf
capacitor for
4000 Hz
Option 2
4 - 8 ohm
speakers = 8
ohms
1 - 8 ohm
tweeter, 5 uf
Note:The power rating of a voice coil tweeter should be at least 1/4 of power rating capacitor for
of the regular speakers. 4000 Hz
See First Order Cross-overs for other capacitor frequency ranges. Option 3
Note:As long as the voice coil tweeter's cross-over is 2000 Hz or above, you do not 4 - 16 ohm
need a Low Pass inductor for the Woofers. speakers = 16
ohms
1 - 16 ohm
tweeter, 2.5
uf capacitor
for 4000 Hz
Mono,
Switchable
Impedance
4 Musical
Intrument
Speakers.
Impedance
selectable
between 4
and 16 ohms
by using a
switch.

4 - 16 ohm
speakers = 4
or 16 ohms
depending on
which way
the switch is
set
No other
impedance
speaker is
reccomended
for this
configuration.
WARNING:
Do not flip
the switch
while the
power amp is
Mouser Electronics Sells 1/4 inch phone jacks that have a built in DPDT switch. - powered up
Marshall used this type of Jack/Switch to automatically set the speaker selection
mode. They are expensive and prone to failure over time, however, using them
often simplifies set-up of your rig. If you decide to use these, it is reccomended
that you use a seperate Jack for each impedance and that the switch function
depends on which jack you plug into.
Mono,
Switchable
Impedance
with Piezo
4 Musical
Intrument
Speakers.
Impedance
selectable
between 4

and 16 ohms
by using a
switch.
4 - 16 ohm
speakers = 4
or 16 ohms
depending on
which way
the switch is
set
No other
impedance
speaker is
reccomended
for this
configuration.
Mouser ElectronicsSells 1/4 inch phone jacks that have a built in DPDT switch. - WARNING:
Marshall used this type of Jack/Switch to automatically set the speaker selection Do not flip
mode. They are expensive and prone to failure over time, however, using them the switch
often simplifies set-up of your rig. If you decide to use these, it is reccomended while the
that you use a seperate Jack for each impedance and that the switch function power amp is
depends on which jack you plug into. powered up
A Piezo is not dependant on impedance in the ranges that we are operating at.
Because of this, as single Piezo can be used for both impedance settings.
regular speakers.
Mono,
Switchable
Impedance
with 2
Voice Coil
Tweeters
4 Musical

Intrument
Speakers.
Impedance
selectable
between 4
and 16 ohms
by using a
switch.
4 - 16 ohm
speakers = 4
or 16 ohms
depending on
which way
the switch is
set
2 - 8 ohm
tweeters, 5 uf
capacitor for
4000 Hz
Mouser ElectronicsSells 1/4 inch phone jacks that have a built in DPDT switch. -
No other
impedance
speaker is
reccomended
for this
configuration.
Note:The power rating of a voice coil tweeter should be at least 1/4 of power rating
of the regular speakers.
WARNING:
Do not flip
See First Order Cross-overs for other capacitor frequency ranges. the switch
while the
Note:As long as the voice coil tweeter's cross-over is 2000 Hz or above, you do not power amp is
need a Low Pass inductor for the Woofers. powered up
NOTE:You must use a seperate Voice Coil tweeter per Woofer - the Cross-Over
capacitor is based on impedance, you cannot switch load impedance without using
a different capacitor (the cross-over frequency will move) - If run individually,
switching impedances will not alter the cross-over frequency.

Mono/
Stereo in
same
cabinet
4 Musical
Intrument
Speakers.
Mono/Stereo
selectable by
using a
Switch.
Option 1
4 - 4 ohm
speakers = 8
The Right channel jack is completely disconnected when in Mono Mode. Do Not
ohms to each
alter this configuration (you risk doing serious damage to your power amps if
channel if
wired differently).
run in Stereo,
4 ohms in
Mouser Electronics Sells 1/4 inch phone jacks that have a built in DPDT switch - Mono mode.
the switch contacts are electrically isolated from the 1/4 inch Jack connection (they
have to be in order for you to wire this correctly) - Marshall used this type of Jack/
Option 2
Switch to automatically set the speaker selection mode. They are expensive and
prone to failure over time, however, using them often simplifies set-up of your rig.
If you decide to use these, the Mono/Stereo switch functionality would be 4 - 8 ohm
associated with the Right channel, where when nothing is plugged into the Right speakers = 16
channel, the cabinet is operating in Mono Mode. ohms to each
channel if
run in Stereo,
WARNING: Never run a Tube Type power amp to the Right channel if the switch
8 ohms in
is set to Mono mode - it will damage the output transformer.
Mono mode.
NOTE: If you want Tweeters or Piezos in this configuration, you will need 2 of
WARNING:
them, 1 per set of Woofers. This is because the speakers can be operated as
Do not flip
seperate channels, using 2 completely different power amplifiers. The Tweeters or
the switch
Piezos will be wired in parallel with the Woofers. The same arrangement as the
while the
above Dual Impedance systems.
power amp is
powered up
WARNING: The Left and Right jacks cannot be mounted on the same metal plate
(serious damage to some power amps will occur if you do this). Use a seperate jack
plate for each channel, mounted on a non-conductive surface

Mono/
Stereo in
Series/Parallel Configuration in Mono Mode same
cabinet
4 Musical
Intrument
Speakers.
Mono/Stereo
selectable by
using a
Switchcraft
14B Stereo
Jack.
Option 1
4 - 4 ohm
speakers = 8
ohms to each
channel if
run in Stereo,
4 ohms in
WARNING: The Left and Right jacks cannot be mounted on the same metal plate
Mono mode.
(serious damage to some power amps will occur if you do this). Use a seperate jack plate
for each channel, mounted on a non-conductive surface
Option 2
If wanting to wire all 4 speakers in Parallel, (suggest only 16 ohm speakers in that case)
see: 4 - 8 ohm
speakers = 16
Alternate 4X12 Mono/Stereo Wiring Option ohms to each
channel if
run in Stereo,
8 ohms in
Mono mode.
Personally, I prefer external mounted DPDT switches over the 1/4 inch Jacks that have built in DPDT
switches. Part of this is because I use cabinets that have Speakon Connectors as well as 1/4 inch jacks, and
there is no way to automate the switching with a Speakon connector. Another reason is that the switched jacks
are not that reliable over time. Many of my cabinets are 20 years old and get used frequently - all switches
malfunction over time and switched jacks are hard to find if you suddenly need to replace one (buy spares if
you decide to use them).
NOTE: For all DPDT switches shown - I suggest 5 Amp (or higher), 120V rating

Example of translating a DPDT Jack to/from DPDT Switch (Your Switched Jack may be different)
NOTE: The Ring Connection would be left open for all examples shown above
A regular DPDT switch will not include NO and NC markings - this is because either position is its normal
state. The Switched jack, however, is a momentary contact switch, as as such, when nothing is plugged into it,
the NC positions are what it is set to. When you plug a cable into it, the NO positions are what it is set to. Use
this logic to figure out what mode you want the Default switch configuration (ie. when nothing is plugged into
the jack) when you wire up the jack to the speakers. The NO and NC markings are on the drawing to give you
an better cross-reference perspective.
Be aware that if you use a stereo mode switching jack along with a regular mono phone plug, you have to push
the plug in all the way (as you will feel the first detent - about 1/4 of an inch (approx 6 mm) before the jack is
plugged in all the way) in order for both the switched connections to end up properly switched.
Note: If you do not know how to read schematic diagrams for switches and jacks, please try to find someone
who does, to assist you in this effort.
Using 2 cabinets with a Power Amp
Speaker cables:
❍ Unshielded, stranded copper wire
❍ 18 gauge (AWG) or thicker (the lower the gauge number, the thicker it is)

Usage
Cable Connections
Information
If your Power
amp can drive a
2 ohm load
❍ 2 - 4 ohm
cabinets =
2 ohms
❍ 1 - 4 ohm
and 1 - 8
ohm
cabinet =
2.67 ohms
❍ 1 - 4 ohm
and 1 - 16
ohm
cabinet =
3.2 ohms
Connecting Speakers in Parallel ❍ 2 - 8 ohm
cabinets =
4 ohms
❍ 1 - 8 ohm
and 1 - 16
ohm
cabinet =
5.33 ohms
❍ 2 - 16 ohm
cabinets =
8 ohms
If your Power
amp can drive a

4 ohm load
❍ 2 - 8 ohm
cabinets =
4 ohms
❍ 1 - 8 ohm
and 1 - 16
ohm
cabinet =
5.33
❍ 2 - 16 ohm
cabinets =
8 ohms
If your Power
Stereo is simply wired up as 2 seperate Mono channels. amp can drive
an 8 ohm load
❍ 2 - 16 ohm
cabinets =
8 ohms
If your Power
amp can drive a
4 ohm load
❍ 2 - 2 ohm
cabinets =
4 ohms
❍ 2 - 4 ohm
cabinets =
8 ohms
❍ 1 - 4 ohm
and 1 - 8
ohm
cabinet =
12 ohms
❍ 2 - 8 ohm
cabinets =
16 ohms
❍ 1 - 4 ohm
and 1 - 16
ohm
cabinet =
20 ohms
❍ 2 - 8 ohm
cabinets =
16 ohms

❍ 2 - 16 ohm
cabinets =
32 ohms
If your Power
amp can drive
an 8 ohm load
❍ 2 - 4 ohm
cabinets =
8 ohms
❍ 1 - 4 ohm
and 1 - 8
ohm
cabinet =
12 ohms
❍ 2 - 8 ohm
cabinets =
16 ohms
Stereo is simply wired up as 2 seperate Mono channels. ❍ 1 - 4 ohm
and 1 - 16
For more information about Patch Boxes, see: Patch Boxes; Multi-Purpose ohm
Audio Adapters cabinet =
20 ohms
❍ 1 - 8 ohm
and 1 - 16
ohm
cabinet =
24 ohms
❍ 2 - 16 ohm
cabinets =
32 ohms
If your Power
amp can drive a
16 ohm load
❍ 2 - 8 ohm
cabinets =
16 ohms
❍ 1 - 4 ohm
and 1 - 16
ohm
cabinet =
20 ohms
❍ 1 - 8 ohm
and 1 - 16
ohm

cabinet =
24 ohms
❍ 2 - 16 ohm
cabinets =
32 ohms
For 1/4 inch (and 1/8 inch) phone jacks, you need to verify which
solder tabs go to the + and - connections, 1/4 (and 1/8) inch phone
jacks have no standard for which of the solder tabs goes to what.
Open cased Jacks are easy to verify - just look at it. In an enclosed
Jack, you may need to use a VOM/Digital Multimeter to check which
connection goes to what.
The + and - relate to how the speakers are connected. The speaker
should have a colored dot on it to indicate + or it will be marked with
a +.
Speakons are relatively new to the Audio scene. They were designed
to provide a safe and easy to use High Power Speaker/Power Amp
connection system. Some models also allow you to connect more
than one set of speakers (the most commonly found model, the NL4
series, has 2 sets of connections in it).
The main speakers are typically wired to the 1 connections, and the
secondary (if used at all) are connected to the 2 connections. Each set
has a + and a -. The + corresponds to the Center Tap (which should
be the + connections of the speakers), and the - corresponds to the
Signal Ground/Case.
Other models of the Speakons exist that have more or fewer

connections than the NL4 series.
NOTE: We do not work on Home or Car Audio. We work only with Pro-Audio applications. We cannot
help you with Home or Car Audio questions.
Questions? Comments? Contact me.
Return to Shavano Music Online Home page
© 2004 - Shavano Music Online

Wiring a 2 X 12 Speaker
cabinet
2/04 - Jens Moller http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/2x12wiring.html
Note: For 4 speaker solutions see: Wiring a 4 X 12 Speaker cabinet
This Web page contains a lot of information that may be new to you. You may need to find someone who is
knowledgeable about reading electronic schematics to help understand what some of this information is
telling you.
Many people have asked how to wire up a 2 speaker Cabinet that can have an extension speaker cabinet
(usually another 2 speaker Cabinet) plugged into it when desired. The most common request I get is for 2
speakers that are 12 inch in diameter (2 X 12), however, this solution pertains to 2 10's, 2 15's or any mix of
sizes. Please try to make sure that each speaker is approximately the same SPL (see SPL Discussion for more
information on this topic). In this set of wiring diagrams, all speakers in the same cabinet are the same
impedance.
Voice Coil Tweeters, if used, may not be the same impedance, it depends on how they are used.
Piezos do not have impedance that affects the other speakers in the cabinet.
For other speaker combinations, please see: Speaker Wiring/Loading Examples and under Speakers - Usage/
Wiring on the Construction Web Page.
Connector Choices
Many people install both 1/4 inch phone jacks and Speakons on the same cabinet. This allows you plug your
cabinet on no matter which is in use.
1/4 inch phone jacks cannot reliably support more than 500 watts of power. If your cabinet will be used at
500 watts or higher, use Speakon connectors instead.
Which connector is right for you?
Most Guitar and Keyboard amplifiers use 1/4 inch phone jacks for thier Speaker connections.
Some higher powered Bass Guitar amplifiers will use Speakon connectors.

Most Low to Mid power PA systems use 1/4 inch jacks and bananna plugs for thier Speaker connections,
some occasionally include Speakons.
Many high powered PA systems only provide Bananna connectors or Speakons
Internal Wire
If your speakers will see 500 watts or less, use 18 or 16 gauge (AWG)wire.
If your speakers will see 500 watts or above, use 16, 14 or 12 gauge (AWG) wire.
Piezos and Voice-Coil tweeters do not use as much power since they are frequency limited. 20 or 18 gauge
(AWG) wire is sufficent.
NOTE: Wire is available a hardware stores and auto parts stores. Use stranded copper wire. Solder all
internal connections to components.
Cabinet Wiring Options
Usage
Wiring Diagram
Information
Mono
2 Musical
Intrument
Speakers.
Hard wired
for a single
total
impedance.
Option 1
2 - 8 ohm
speakers = 4
ohms
Option 2
2 - 16 ohm
speakers = 8
ohms

Mono
2 Musical
Intrument
Speakers.
Hard wired
for a single
total
impedance.
Option 1
2 - 4 ohm
speakers = 8
ohms
Option 2
2 - 8 ohm
speakers = 16
ohms
Mono with
Piezo
Tweeter
2 Musical
Intrument
Speakers and
1 Piezo. Hard
wired for a
single total
impedance.
Option 1
2 - 8 ohm
speakers = 4
ohms
regular speakers.
Option 2
2 - 16 ohm
speakers = 8
ohms

Mono with
Voice Coil
Tweeter
2 Musical
Intrument
Speakers and
1 Voice Coil
Tweeter.
Hard wired
for a single
total
impedance.
Option 1
2 - 8 ohm
speakers = 4
Note:The power rating of a voice coil tweeter should be at least 1/4 of power ohms
rating of the regular speakers. 1 - 4 ohm
tweeter, 10 uf
See First Order Cross-overs for other capacitor frequency ranges. capacitor for
4000 Hz
Note:As long as the voice coil tweeter's cross-over is 2000 Hz or above, you do
not need a Low Pass inductor for the Woofers. Option 2
2 - 16 ohm
speakers = 8
ohms
1 - 8 ohm
tweeter, 5 uf
capacitor for
4000 Hz
Mono with
Piezo
Tweeter
2 Musical
Intrument
Speakers and
1 Piezo. Hard
wired for a
single total
impedance

Option 1
2 - 4 ohm
speakers = 8
ohms
Option 2
2 - 8 ohm
speakers = 16
Note:The power rating of a Piezo should be at least 1/2 of power rating of the ohms
regular speakers.
Mono with
Voice Coil
Tweeter
2 Musical
Intrument
Speakers and
1 Voice Coil
Tweeter.
Hard wired
for a single
total
impedance.
Option 1
2 - 4 ohm
speakers = 8
Note:The power rating of a voice coil tweeter should be at least 1/4 of power ohms
rating of the regular speakers. 1 - 8 ohm
tweeter, 5 uf
See First Order Cross-overs for other capacitor frequency ranges. capacitor for
4000 Hz
Note:As long as the voice coil tweeter's cross-over is 2000 Hz or above, you do
not need a Low Pass inductor for the Woofers. Option 2
2 - 8 ohm
speakers = 16
ohms
1 - 16 ohm
tweeter, 2.5
uf capacitor
for 4000 Hz

Mono,
Switchable
Impedance
2 Musical
Intrument
Speakers.
Impedance
selectable
between 4
and 16 ohms
by using a
switch.
2 - 8 ohm
speakers = 4
or 16 ohms
depending on
which way
the switch is
set
Mouser ElectronicsSells 1/4 inch phone jacks that have a built in DPDT switch. -
No other
impedance
speaker is
reccomended
for this
configuration.
WARNING:
Do not flip
the switch
while the
power amp is
powered up

Mono,
Switchable
Impedance
with Piezo
2 Musical
Intrument
Speakers.
Impedance
selectable
between 4
and 16 ohms
by using a
switch.
2 - 8 ohm
speakers = 4
or 16 ohms
depending on
Mouser ElectronicsSells 1/4 inch phone jacks that have a built in DPDT switch. - which way
Marshall used this type of Jack/Switch to automatically set the speaker selection the switch is
mode. They are expensive and prone to failure over time, however, using them set
that you use a seperate Jack for each impedance and that the switch function No other
depends on which jack you plug into. impedance
speaker is
A Piezo is not dependant on impedance in the ranges that we are operating at. reccomended
Because of this, as single Piezo can be used for both impedance settings. for this
configuration.
regular speakers. WARNING:
Do not flip
the switch
while the
power amp is
powered up

Mono,
Switchable
Impedance
with 2
Voice Coil
Tweeters
2 Musical
Intrument
Speakers.
Impedance
selectable
between 4
and 16 ohms
by using a
switch.
2 - 8 ohm
speakers = 4
or 16 ohms
depending on
Mouser ElectronicsSells 1/4 inch phone jacks that have a built in DPDT switch. - which way
Marshall used this type of Jack/Switch to automatically set the speaker selection the switch is
mode. They are expensive and prone to failure over time, however, using them set
that you use a seperate Jack for each impedance and that the switch function 2 - 8 ohm
depends on which jack you plug into. tweeters, 5 uf
capacitor for
Note:The power rating of a voice coil tweeter should be at least 1/4 of power 4000 Hz
rating of the regular speakers.
No other
See First Order Cross-overs for other capacitor frequency ranges. impedance
speaker is
Note:As long as the voice coil tweeter's cross-over is 2000 Hz or above, you do reccomended
not need a Low Pass inductor for the Woofers. for this
configuration.
NOTE:You must use a seperate Voice Coil tweeter per Woofer - the Cross-Over
capacitor is based on impedance, you cannot switch load impedance without WARNING:
using a different capacitor (the cross-over frequency will move) - If run Do not flip
individually, switching impedances will not alter the cross-over frequency. the switch
while the
power amp is
powered up

Mono/
Stereo in
same
cabinet
using
DPDT
switch
2 Musical
Intrument
Speakers.
Selectable
between
Stereo/Mono
by using a
switch.
4 ohm
impedance
speakers are
not
reccomended
for this
configuration.
Option 1
2 - 8 ohm
speakers = 8
ohms to each
The Right channel jack is completely disconnected when in Mono Mode. Do channel if run
Not alter this configuration (you risk doing serious damage to your power amps if in Stereo, 4
wired differently). ohms in
Mono mode.
Mouser Electronics Sells 1/4 inch phone jacks that have a built in DPDT switch -
the switch contacts are electrically isolated from the 1/4 inch Jack connection Option 2
(they have to be in order for you to wire this correctly) - Marshall used this type
of Jack/Switch to automatically set the speaker selection mode. They are
2 - 16 ohm
expensive and prone to failure over time, however, using them often simplifies
speakers = 16
set-up of your rig. If you decide to use these, the Mono/Stereo switch
ohms to each
functionality would be associated with the Right channel, where when nothing is
channel if run
plugged into the Right channel, the cabinet is operating in Mono Mode.
in Stereo, 8
ohms in
WARNING: Never run a Tube Type power amp to the Right channel if the Mono mode.
switch is set to Mono mode - it will damage the output transformer.

NOTE: If you want Tweeters or Piezos in this configuration, you will need 2 of Option 3
them, 1 per Woofer. This is because the speakers can be operated as seperate
channels, using 2 completely different power amplifiers. The Tweeters or Piezos In case you
will be wired in parallel with the Woofers. The same arrangement as the above have 2 - 4
Dual Impedance systems. ohm
speakers, and
WARNING: The Left and Right jacks cannot be mounted on the same metal want mono
plate (serious damage to some power amps will occur if you do this). Use a
mode to be 8
seperate jack plate for each channel, mounted on a non-conductive surface
ohms. You
have to wire
the switch
differently -
link goes to
new
schematic.
WARNING:
Do not flip
the switch
while power
amp(s) is(are)
powered up
Mono/
Stereo in
same
cabinet
using
Switchcraft
14B Stereo
Jacks
2 Musical
Intrument
Speakers.
Selectable
between
Stereo/Mono
by
connecting a
cable to the
Stereo Jack.
4 ohm
impedance

speakers are
not
reccomended
for this
configuration.
Option 1
2 - 8 ohm
speakers = 8
ohms to each
channel if run
in Stereo, 4
ohms in
Mono mode.
Option 2
WARNING: The Left and Right jacks cannot be mounted on the same metal plate 2 - 16 ohm
(serious damage to some power amps will occur if you do this). Use a seperate jack plate speakers = 16
for each channel, mounted on a non-conductive surface ohms to each
channel if run
in Stereo, 8
ohms in
Mono mode.
Personally, I prefer external mounted DPDT switches over the 1/4 inch Jacks that have built in DPDT
switches. Part of this is because I use cabinets that have Speakon Connectors as well as 1/4 inch jacks, and
there is no way to automate the switching with a Speakon connector. Another reason is that the switched
jacks are not that reliable over time. Many of my cabinets are 20 years old and get used frequently - all
switches malfunction over time and switched jacks are hard to find if you suddenly need to replace one (buy
spares if you decide to use them).
NOTE: For all DPDT switches shown - I suggest 5 Amp (or higher), 120V rating

Example of translating a DPDT Jack to/from DPDT Switch (Your Switched Jack may be different)
NOTE: The Ring Connection would be left open for all examples shown above
A regular DPDT switch will not include NO and NC markings - this is because either position is its normal
state. The Switched jack, however, is a momentary contact switch, as as such, when nothing is plugged into
it, the NC positions are what it is set to. When you plug a cable into it, the NO positions are what it is set to.
Use this logic to figure out what mode you want the Default switch configuration (ie. when nothing is
plugged into the jack) when you wire up the jack to the speakers. The NO and NC markings are on the
drawing to give you an better cross-reference perspective.
Be aware that if you use a stereo mode switching jack along with a regular mono phone plug, you have to
push the plug in all the way (as you will feel the first detent - about 1/4 of an inch (approx 6 mm) before the
jack is plugged in all the way) in order for both the switched connections to end up properly switched.
Note: If you do not know how to read schematic diagrams for switches and jacks, please try to find someone
who does, to assist in this effort.
Using 2 cabinets with a Power Amp
Speaker cables:
❍ Unshielded, stranded copper wire
❍ 18 gauge (AWG) or thicker (the lower the gauge number, the thicker it is)

Usage
Cable Connections
Information
If your Power
amp can drive a
2 ohm load
❍ 2 - 4 ohm
cabinets =
2 ohms
❍ 1 - 4 ohm
and 1 - 8
ohm
cabinet =
2.67 ohms
❍ 1 - 4 ohm
and 1 - 16
ohm
cabinet =
3.2 ohms
❍ 2 - 8 ohm
cabinets =
Connecting Speakers in Parallel 4 ohms
❍ 1 - 8 ohm
and 1 - 16
ohm
cabinet =
5.33 ohms
❍ 2 - 16
ohm
cabinets =
8 ohms
If your Power

amp can drive a

4 ohm load
❍ 2 - 8 ohm
cabinets =
4 ohms
❍ 1 - 8 ohm
and 1 - 16
ohm
cabinet =
5.33
❍ 2 - 16
ohm
cabinets =
8 ohms
Stereo is simply wired up as 2 seperate Mono channels.
If your Power
amp can drive
an 8 ohm load
❍ 2 - 16
ohm
cabinets =
8 ohms
If your Power
amp can drive a
4 ohm load
❍ 2 - 2 ohm
cabinets =
4 ohms
❍ 2 - 4 ohm
cabinets =
8 ohms
❍ 1 - 4 ohm
and 1 - 8
ohm
cabinet =
12 ohms
❍ 2 - 8 ohm
cabinets =
16 ohms
❍ 1 - 4 ohm
and 1 - 16
ohm
cabinet =
20 ohms

❍ 2 - 8 ohm
cabinets =
16 ohms
❍ 2 - 16
ohm
cabinets =
32 ohms
If your Power
amp can drive
an 8 ohm load
❍ 2 - 4 ohm
cabinets =
8 ohms
❍ 1 - 4 ohm
and 1 - 8
ohm
cabinet =
12 ohms
❍ 2 - 8 ohm
cabinets =
16 ohms
❍ 1 - 4 ohm
Stereo is simply wired up as 2 seperate Mono channels. and 1 - 16
ohm
For more information about Patch Boxes, see: Patch Boxes; Multi-Purpose cabinet =
Audio Adapters 20 ohms
❍ 1 - 8 ohm
and 1 - 16
ohm
cabinet =
24 ohms
❍ 2 - 16
ohm
cabinets =
32 ohms
If your Power
amp can drive a
16 ohm load
❍ 2 - 8 ohm
cabinets =
16 ohms
❍ 1 - 4 ohm
and 1 - 16

ohm
cabinet =
20 ohms
❍ 1 - 8 ohm
and 1 - 16
ohm
cabinet =
24 ohms
❍ 2 - 16
ohm
cabinets =
32 ohms
For 1/4 inch (and 1/8 inch) phone jacks, you need to verify which
solder tabs go to the + and - connections, 1/4 (and 1/8) inch phone
jacks have no standard for which of the solder tabs goes to what.
Open cased Jacks are easy to verify - just look at it. In an enclosed
Jack, you may need to use a VOM/Digital Multimeter to check
which connection goes to what.
The + and - relate to how the speakers are connected. The speaker
should have a colored dot on it to indicate + or it will be marked
with a +.
Speakons are relatively new to the Audio scene. They were
designed to provide a safe and easy to use High Power Speaker/
Power Amp connection system. Some models also allow you to
connect more than one set of speakers (the most commonly found
model, the NL4 series, has 2 sets of connections in it).
The main speakers are typically wired to the 1 connections, and the
secondary (if used at all) are connected to the 2 connections. Each
set has a + and a -. The + corresponds to the Center Tap (which
should be the + connections of the speakers), and the - corresponds
to the Signal Ground/Case.
Other models of the Speakons exist that have more or fewer

connections than the NL4 series.
NOTE: Steve Dallman writes
Piezo tweeters are seen by the power amp as a capacitor. Some power amps (such as Kustom) can't handle a
capacitive load. When that happens, the amp goes into thermal runaway and it can take the amp out.
To remedy this, simply add a resistor in series with the piezo. The resistor can be anywhere from 2 to 20
ohms and I'd suggest using at least 5 watts handling. I generally use an 8 ohm/20watt from Radio Shack.

The resistor will not change the response of the piezo, and it will help protect the piezo from burnout as well.
NOTE: We do not work on Home or Car Audio. We work only with Pro-Audio applications. We
cannot help you with Home or Car Audio questions.
Questions? Comments? Contact Us.

Shavano Music Online - Patch Boxes; Multi-Purpose Audio Adapters
Patch Boxes;
Multi-Purpose Audio
Adapters
3/98, updated 12/03, 2/04 and 9/05 - Jens Moller - http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/patchbox.html
NOTE: The information here relates to semi-professional and professional musical/audio gear that is used in live
performances; Where the gear is set-up for a performance, then later taken down to be moved somewhere else for
another performance. These Patch Boxes have proven useful when making temporary wiring/connections for home
recording situations in place of a Patch Bay.
Patch Boxesare single function devices that can be used to:

❍ Change from one type of connector to another
❍ Connect multiple Audio signals to the same source
■ Parallel Wiring
■ Series Wiring
❍ Sum a series of signals together into a single Audio feed
Each Patch Box is a very simple device. You create each one for a specific purpose and that is all that it is used for.
The reason that you create these as separate boxes is that you will often use Patch Boxes at random places on a stage
or recording studio area. You will build the ones that you need most often, and keep these with your cables. A few
companies make some of these, but they are quite expensive to buy compared to building your own.
Always use the best connectors that you can afford (I recommend Switchcraft). Avoid gold plated connectors unless
these Patch Boxes are intended to remain connected in a studio or rack mount environment once put into service. The
gold on any gold plated connector will wear off very quickly if the Patch Boxes are used frequently.
What wire to use:
Patch Boxes used for Low Level audio signals: 22 gauge or larger wire.
❍
Patch Boxes used for High Power audio signals: 18 gauge or larger wire.
❍
NOTE: as the wire gauge number gets smaller, the wire becomes thicker
Since these wires will all be under 6 inches in length (15 cm), I don't use sheilded cable. In situations where you
expect low level audio signals and all the wiring will be Parallel connections, use a metal case to install the connectors
in.
Patch Box #1 - The connector adapter - Parallel connections
Most Audio gear use some combination of 1/4 in Phone, RCA Phono and 1/8 inch Phone jacks/plugs. The Phone
plugs can also be stereo, which adds another level of confusion to the equation. You will often be in a position where
you have to an audio device that has one of these connectors to something that needs one of the other connectors.
1/4 inch Phone Jacks/Plugs are commonly used on:
❍ High Impedance Guitars and Bass Guitars

❍ Pro-Audio Synthesizers / Keyboards
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❍ Pro-Audio Effects/Mixers/Signal Processors
1/4 inch Stereo Phone Jacks/Plugs are commonly used on
❍ Headphones
❍ Stereo Microphones
❍ Some Multi-channel Mixer Boards
❍ Some Stereo Pro-Audio Special effects.
RCA Phono Jacks/Plugs are commonly used on:
❍ High and Low end Home stereo equipment

❍ Component CD Players
❍ Turn Tables
❍ Home-Audio Synthesizers / Keyboards
1/8 inch Stereo Phone Jacks/Plugs are commonly used on
❍ PC Based Sound Cards

❍ Portable CD Players
❍ Portable Cassette Decks.
❍ Headphones
❍ Stereo Microphones
Your need will be to have at least one of each possible connector type
wired to each of the other connector types. This way, you can connect
a 1/8 inch stereo cable to a 1/4 inch stereo cable, or break out the
stereo signal to a separate left and right phono jack, and a left and right
1/4 inch phone jack.
You will often find that you need this when you are playing live and
suddenly need to patch a stereo cassette deck or a portable CD player
into your PA system and find that none of your cables are compatible.
Suddenly, you'll find yourself unable to play some important
recording. Sometimes someone will show up with an instrument that
needs to be connected to your PA system and it will not have been
wired with the right connectors.
This patch box typically deals with low level signals (but not always).
In general, this would be wired in a metal case.
When you are recording, you'll often find that 50% of what you need to connect together has the wrong connectors on
it. A common problem is connecting to a Sound Card in a PC - these usually have 1/8 inch Stereo connectors (many
high end Sound Cards have Phono Jacks). The rest of your audio gear is likely to have 1/4 inch Phone Jacks.
You can either buy every possible cable combination that you can think of, or build a few Patch Boxes that convert

the connectors. This way, you only need a few specialty cables, and they will have the same type of connectors on
both ends. You'll use the Patch Box to convert to the right connections for you.
Patch Box #2 - Multiple connectors of the same type/Splice - Parallel connections
The goal of this patch box is to allow you to connect a number of wires to the same
signal. This could be used to wire speaker cabinets in Parallel, or connect the same low
level audio signal to 2 separate pre-amplifiers. Its often used to splice 2 audio cables
together to make a longer wire (for example, if you have 2 20 foot cables, but you need
to run a cable 30 feet, you can connect the 2 20 foot cables into the patch box, and now
you have the equivalent of a 40 foot connector. This is my most common use of this
sort of Patch Box.
Its simple to build. All you need to do is wire 2 or more of the same type of connector
in a single box.
Patch Box #3 - Series connections
These should be put in a non-conductive box, otherwise, you may require special connectors
that have isolated ground connections. These are typically used when wiring Speaker cabinets
in series. There are 3 connectors on the box and the input is specifically marked, and the
outputs are also specifically marked - the connectors do not provide interchangeable functions
as in Patch Box #1 or #2.
Warning: Never run a Tube amplifier without a full speaker load. If using a Series
Adapter, make sure all of the speakers are plugged in before turning the Amplifier on
Sample Usage

Note: The In/Out Jacks on the Monitors are wired in parallel as shown at Floor Monitor Concept Plans
❍ If the 4 floor monitors are 4 ohms each, the total load will be 4 ohms
This effectively makes the speakers wired up as Series/Parallel - Use 18 gauge or heavier wire.
You must have speaker cabinets plugged into both Out 1 and Out 2 in order for this to work.
Patch Box #4 - Passive Audio Mixer (Mono)
Occasionally you will be desperate for an additional audio mixer. It won't

need to have any form of volume or tone controls, it just needs to sum
together a series of low level audio signals that can be used into a normal
mixer channel.
This specialty box is simple to make, but I don't recommend having more
than 4 inputs summed together. You'll need 4 input connectors and one
output connector. You'll also need 4 1/4 watt 10,000 ohm resistors (the
color code on these will be 'brown, black, orange'). The 4 input jacks
should be marked as inputs (and numbered 1 thru 4) and the output jack
also needs to be marked as 'Summed Output'. All that is required is that the
center tap of each input jack has one side of the 10,000 ohm resistor
soldered to it, and the remaining wires of the 4 resistors are all connected
together, then this is connected to the center tap of the Output Jack. This
should be mounted in a metal case.

Another Variation of a passive Mono mixer
In case you need to have seperate level controls for

each input channel. The Variable resistors
(Potentiometers) should be Audio Taper if
possible, however, Linear Taper will work, but it
will seem to be right as you set the levels to
different positions (Your ear is not linear; Audio
Taper Variable Resistors compansate for that).
As above, 4 Signal In inputs is a reasonable

amount.
Either of these designs are often used to allow you

to connect 2 mixers together to drive a power amp.
If you run stereo, then use 2 of these, one for each
channel.
Swapping XLR connections between Channels

The Type of XLR connector is not mentioned, since

you might use either Male or Female depending on
your need. This will allow you (using a single
switch) to swap XLR input 1 with XLR input 2,
allowing you to re-route microphones from one
effects box to another - handy when you need to
share effects. Works best if both microphones are
the same type and brand.
The Switch is shown in the position where Input 1

goes to Output 1, and Input 2 goes to Output 2.
You could use 2 DPDT switches if you can't find

4PDT switches in your area; just rember to switch
them both the same way when you use this mode.
Other common Patch Boxes
Don't forget MIDI and XLR connectors. You'll often have need to splice cables together with these types of
connectors on them. these will be more highly focused in their purpose. You won't be converting MIDI signals to
anything else, or another connector type. XLR connectors imply low impedance and as such, you won't expect these
signals to go to high impedance connections. These are just a variation on Patch Box #2, you will always you the same
type of connector on the Patch Box, and they will always be wired as Parallel connections. In MIDI connectors, wire
all 5 connections (though only 3 are normally used), pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2, etc. Do the same for XLR
connectors - these have only 3 wires.
Construction Considerations
In order to keep things simpler in the diagrams, I use the Phone Jack and Phono
Jack interchangeably. These are mono-phonic connectors. You could even use
banana connectors in their place.
Low level audio signals should always be in a shielded case. I suggest small
Aluminum boxes (available from Radio Shack and other electronic supply
houses). High level Audio Signals may have large high current voltages applied to
the connectors - I often make Patch Boxes for this purpose out of wood using 1/8
inch tempered Masonite as the surface for mounting the connectors.

- = Signal Ground
+ = Signal (Hot)
For 1/4 inch (and 1/8 inch) phone jacks, you need to verify which solder tabs
go to the + and - connections, 1/4 (and 1/8) inch phone jacks have no
standard for which of the solder tabs goes to what. Open cased Jacks are easy
to verify - just look at it. In an enclosed Jack, you may need to use a VOM/
Digital Multimeter to check which connection goes to what.
The + and - relate to how the speakers are connected. The speaker should
have a colored dot on it to indicate + or it will be marked with a +.
NOTE:Signal Ground will always need to be isolated by the patch box. You don't want to allow Patch Boxes to touch
each other. This will be more significant if you have low level audio signal Patch Boxes laying on the floor next to
Patch Boxes that are being used to correctly wire your Speakers. Always make sure that none of your Patch Boxes
touch each other (tape them down to the floor with Duct Tape if you need to). What are trying to avoid?
❍In low level audio signals, you will introduce ground loops
❍ In high power audio signals from your power amplifiers, you could short circuit power amplifiers output
stages and destroy them.

Many of these situations can be avoided by using non-metal boxes to mount your connectors in. Low end plastic boxes
are usually a poor choice as they usually can't take the abuse that it will encounter lying on the floor (they will be
crushed the first time someone steps on them).
All Signal Grounds in any Patch Box must be connected together. If using a metal case (such as an Aluminum Box),
the case will provide the ground contact for metal Phone Plugs and some Phono Plugs. In non-metal Patch Boxes,
you will have to wire the Ground connections together. Always verify that the grounds are connected visually or with
an Ohm Meter. If in doubt, wire up all the Ground connections in a box as per the above schematics/diagrams. Be
careful in the case of Serial connections because one or more of the connectors will not share a Signal Ground.
Questions? Comments? Contact Us.

Speaker Wiring Diagrams 4x12 Wiring

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Speaker Wiring Diagrams 4x12 Wiring

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Wiring a 4 X 12 Speaker cabinet

3/04 - Jens Moller http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/4x12wiring.html

Note: For 2 speaker solutions see: Wiring a 2 X 12 Speaker cabinet

Which connector is right for you?

http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/4x12wiring.html (1 of 17) [8/4/2010 1:14:17 AM]

Many high powered PA systems only provide Bananna connectors or Speakons

Cabinet Wiring Options

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http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/4x12wiring.html (12 of 17) [8/4/2010 1:14:17 AM]

Using 2 cabinets with a Power Amp

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http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/4x12wiring.html (16 of 17) [8/4/2010 1:14:17 AM]

Other models of the Speakons exist that have more or fewer

Questions? Comments? Contact me.

Return to Shavano Music Online Home page

© 2004 - Shavano Music Online

http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/4x12wiring.html (17 of 17) [8/4/2010 1:14:17 AM]

2/04 - Jens Moller http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/2x12wiring.html

Note: For 4 speaker solutions see: Wiring a 4 X 12 Speaker cabinet

Which connector is right for you?

http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/2x12wiring.html (1 of 17) [8/4/2010 1:15:59 AM]

Many high powered PA systems only provide Bananna connectors or Speakons

Cabinet Wiring Options

http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/2x12wiring.html (2 of 17) [8/4/2010 1:15:59 AM]

http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/2x12wiring.html (3 of 17) [8/4/2010 1:15:59 AM]

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http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/2x12wiring.html (11 of 17) [8/4/2010 1:15:59 AM]

Using 2 cabinets with a Power Amp

http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/2x12wiring.html (12 of 17) [8/4/2010 1:15:59 AM]

http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/2x12wiring.html (13 of 17) [8/4/2010 1:15:59 AM]

amp can drive a

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http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/2x12wiring.html (15 of 17) [8/4/2010 1:15:59 AM]

Other models of the Speakons exist that have more or fewer

NOTE: Steve Dallman writes

http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/2x12wiring.html (16 of 17) [8/4/2010 1:15:59 AM]

Questions? Comments? Contact Us.

Return to Shavano Music Online Home page

© 2004 - Shavano Music Online

http://www.colomar.com/Shavano/2x12wiring.html (17 of 17) [8/4/2010 1:15:59 AM]

Patch Boxesare single function devices that can be used to:

❍ Connect multiple Audio signals to the same source

❍ Sum a series of signals together into a single Audio feed

What wire to use:

Patch Box #1 - The connector adapter - Parallel connections

1/4 inch Phone Jacks/Plugs are commonly used on: