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Different types of Speakons offer specific configurations and apply to particular professional audio applications to ensure a secure, durable connection in loudspeaker systems.
The simplest variant, the 2-pole Speakons, is mainly used in low-power situations or where the connection doesn't require a high current. Examples of these applications include microphones or smaller speaker cabinets. Due to its robust construction, the connection is fully locked to guarantee reliable functionality in professional audio settings.
These connectors are designed for more complex uses, such as bi-amping or tri-amping systems. The extra poles allow separate signal paths for more sophisticated speaker designs requiring multiple drivers, such as dual-voice-coil speakers. This versatility makes 4-pole Speakons very common in high-end audio installations and professional PA systems.
Single action Speakons, also called SA Speakons, are designed for ease and speed in connection. They are mainly used in situations where speaker cables have to be rapidly connected and disconnected, such as in touring audio equipment. Those connectors provide a highly durable connection and can be easily locked and unlocked with a single action rather than multiple turns.
Dual action Speakons provide additional flexibility in connection. Unlike single action Speakons, which are locked with a single click, dual action Speakons require two steps to lock the connector, providing additional locking mechanisms. This characteristic is designed for environments where more security against accidental disconnection is needed. It's easy to see dual action Speakons in permanent installations where audio systems are expected to be in place for long periods and where heavy use is expected.
Speakons were constructed fundamentally from two elements - the housing and the contact. The contact was at the back end of the connector and secured to the device or cable. In other words, the housing was the outer shell of the connector, providing protection. The locking mechanism was integrated into the housing to ensure secure connections.
The locking mechanism further allowed users to lock the connectors securely by rotating them with the help of a simple snap lock system that could be performed with one hand in minutes. To release the lock, the user had to push a small button; the lock or lock-release was always embedded in the connector's design.
Speakons were designed with a practical and robust build to withstand external installations and be highly usable in various professional applications. Hence, their ergonomic design contributed to cable management, where larger and thicker cables could be easily connected through a connector without messy entanglement.
Speakon audio connectors were manufactured primarily from high-quality materials to bear the pressure from heavy-duty uses. Plastics with a high coefficient of elasticity, known as thermoplastics, were used for the connector housings to avoid breaking or becoming damaged by impact. Brass or nickel-plated copper were the primary materials for the contacts due to their high conductivity and resistivity in corrosion.
The commercial use of Speakons ranged vastly in various fields. For starters, they served in live sound reinforcement for concerts or events requiring quick connections/disconnections with high power more secure and durable audio.
Other commercial usage was in professional audio-visual installations. For instance, in large venues or corporate spaces with installed sound systems, Speakons used ensured reliable connections between amplifiers and speakers without frequent disconnections.
Finally, they also found application in the theatre, as stage monitors and PA systems here would require similar connection security and sound quality transmission.
Furthermore, in the field of public addressing within commercial buildings and outdoor facilities, the goal was to distribute sound systems with reliable Speakons where they would not have to disconnect frequently, ensuring good speech intelligibility in large areas.
Lastly, with fitness and commercial applications in gyms, fitness centres, or other facilities with many users needing robust equipment, durable Speakons were there to ensure quality background music or vocal reinforcement for classes, simulcasting.
The first consideration should be the connect/disconnect requirement. If the system is permanent, go for dual-action Speakons, as they will not have to be disconnected frequently. Conversely, if the system were mobile and changes would always be anticipated, the single action Speakons would be more appropriate.
The next consideration should be the number of poles in the Speakons. For simple applications where low power is needed, for example, a single speaker or a two-channel system, 2-pole Speakons will be sufficient. Conversely, if the application used was more complex and would need signals to be separated for bi-amping or tri-amping speakers, then Speakons should be 4 poles.
Another important consideration is the cable size that the Speakons can handle. Inother words, larger connectors had a bigger opening at the end that facilitated thicker cables, thus supporting greater power.
The last consideration should be compatibility. While Speakons are highly versatile, that does not mean there are no exceptions. It is always a good practice to check with the equipment manufacturer to avoid problems.
A1: Speakons are professional audio connectors. They are designed to provide secure and high-power connections in loudspeaker systems. The locking mechanism and durable build are the distinguishing features that make Speakons suitable for live sound, installations, and theatre.
A2: Speakons advantageously offer enhanced safety, durability, and efficient performance. They could be locked in securely to prevent accidental disconnections during operations. This locking system also ensured that power transmission could be held at higher wattage without any arcing or damage to the equipment as well as without interference in sound quality.
A3: Speakons differ from regular audio connectors in their stringent build, higher power handling capability, and secured locking mechanisms. Unlike everyday connectors like RCA or 1/4 inch jacks that were designed for low power, Speakons were specifically designed for high power professional audio applications.
A4: Speakons were used for live sound reinforcement in concerts and events, professional audio installations in theatres, corporate venues, and other large spaces and fitness centres, where they needed robust and reliable sound systems.
A5: Choosing the right Speakons depended on the application requirements: whether the system was permanent or mobile and the number of poles needed, as well as the cable size compatibility.
