Speaker Cab Flexibility?

[Justin Thomas]

Hi Again All,

Got a random idea for my gimungus Bassman 2x15" cab. I already added a dual jack plate to the back to split it into 2x8R speakers, as I was using it with my stereo amp. When I used it with my Bassman 100 I just used 2 speaker cables & both speaker jacks on the amp.

I see there are plates one can buy that use 3 switching jacks to allow for 8R L&R stereo or 4R or 16R mono. So I'm wondering if I can use my existing 3 jack holes for 3x Switchcraft 14Bs & wire the whole shebang like the picture here (the top wiring on the screenshot). Schematic of the 14B jack & the aftermarket jack plate attached. I hates me those Cliff Jacks & other such so I don't mind forking out for S-Craft if this will work. Then I'll prolly sell the cab anyway. Go figure.

Thanks,
Jusrin

[Greg Robinson]

Yeah, will work just fine.
I am curious about your dislike for Cliff jacks though, their S4 style with metal nut is my favourite, though I hate the S2 with plastic nut.
The original Cliff UK brand is still the best IMO, if you've only had experience with clones from the likes of Rean, Neutrik, Amphenol, CHK or generic, maybe you might have a better time with the OG's?

[Justin Thomas]

I don't really understand the schematic representations that well, so that's one reason I like Switchcraft - I can see exactly what's going on in those 5 terminals. I also don't like "enclosed spaces" if you know what I mean. I've worked with cheap ones and real ones & I'll put em in a Marshall but I ain't gonna build with them...

I also dislike Neutrik plugs, too.

Thanks,
Jusrin

[Greg Robinson]

Well, they're just like the 14B's, but with a bonus shunt on the sleeve in addition to the tip and ring. If you just have a play with one and a plug, it's quite easy to SEE where everything connects and the mechanics of the whole thing, even easier than the Switchcrafts IMO. Anyway, we each have our favourites, the world would be boring if we all liked the same things.

[The Dude]

The only thing to be careful of is that jack sleeves can be isolated. You'll either have to use isolation washers, mount the jacks in plastic, or wire accordingly. The point is that you can't wire speakers in series if both grounds are already tied together via the chassis. Generally, Cliff style jacks have the sleeve connection chassis isolated and the Switchcraft does not.

[Justin Thomas]

The Dude thanks for the heads up!

Jusrin

[Justin Thomas]

Hi All,

Following up on this now that I'm done. All good, works like I'd hoped! Finally have a nice cab at home to try out all my experiments on, at about any impedance. It's got identical speakers in the cab so I see no reason to use a dummy plug in the "8R Mono" positions; just use one side as 4R Mono with both speakers or 8R the other side as Mono with a single. The original jack spot is my 16R Mono. Besides, my meter says the impedances are all good, so why complicate it even more?

The Dude got plenty of iso washers for future use.
Greg Robinson I looked at some genuine Cliff jacks & I see what you mean, and I may pick up some to tinker with on future projects.

Now to start collecting 10"s for those Kustom PA cabs I picked up stupid-cheap...

Jusrin