Understanding Different Types of Speaker Wire Connectors
1. Why Are There Different Types of Speaker Wire Connectors?
If you search for “speaker wire connectors,” you’ll find a vast number of varieties. This is because any connector that can connect to a speaker can be called a speaker wire connector.
This connector can be used to connect an amplifier to a speaker, between speakers, to transmit signals, or to power a speaker. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right speaker wire connector based on its intended use.
2. What Are the Different Types of Speaker Wire Connectors?
I’ve categorized speaker connectors into two main types: those that power the speaker and those that transmit signals.
Speaker power connectors include Speakon, multipin, binding posts, and banana plugs. The signal one includes XLR, jack (TS/TRS), and RCA.
| Category | Speaker Wire Connector |
| Speaker Power Connectors | 1. Speakon |
| 2. Multipin Connectors | |
| 3. Binding Posts & Banana Plugs | |
| Speaker Signal Connectors | 4. XLR |
| 5. Jack (TS/TRS) | |
| 6. RCA |
3. Speaker Power Connectors
3.1 Speakon Connector
Speakon connectors have into the NL2, NL4, and NL8 series. These correspond to 2-conductor, 4-conductor, and 8-conductor speaker cables, respectively.
Speakon connectors are twisted-lock connector so they are suitable for high-current, high-power professional PA systems.
Among these, the NL2 connector is often replaced by the NL4, as the NL4 is backward compatible. A 2-conductor speakon cable can be connected to an NL4 speakon connector because it has 4 poles. Both connectors feature plastic housings.
The NL8 connector is used for connecting 8-conductor speakon cable. Since 8 core cable is heavy-duty, we generally recommend using metal NL8 connectors, which are much more reliable.
Wiring:
NL2: 1+, 1-;
NL4: 1+, 1-, 2+, 2- (2-pole plugs in 4-pole sockets will only pass signals on 1+ & 1-);
NL8: 1+, 1-, 2+, 2-, 3+, 3-, 4+, 4-
3.2 Multipin Connectors
People use multipin connectors for professional line array systems in touring or large-scale stage events. Multipin connectors offer military-grade performance and an IP67 waterproof rating ensuring your performance runs well.
Wiring
A common example is the CA-COM 8-pin connector, used in L-Acoustics line array systems. Multipin connectors can also connect to NL4 connectors to make a multipin speaker breakout cable. This breakout type cables help speed up setup during tours.
3.3 Binding Posts & Banana Plugs
Binding posts are typically mounted on speakers and amplifiers. They appear in pairs (red and black). You can connect them with bare wire, without a plug.
Some also accept banana plugs directly. In studios where engineers change equipment connections frequently, banana plugs make the task much simpler. Bare wire connections are more suitable for permanent installations.
4. Speaker Signal Connectors
4.1 XLR Connector
The XLR is a type of speaker signal connector. It eliminates interference and primarily transmits signals. People use it to connect mixers to amplifiers, active speakers, and studio monitors. Unless otherwise specified, it is not designed to carry high currents!
The wiring configuration for this connector is as follows:
Balanced audio: Pin 1 = Ground; Pin 2 = “+”; Pin 3 = “−”.
Unbalanced audio: Pin 1 = Ground; Pin 2 = Signal; Pin 3 = Ground (linked to Pin 1).
4.2 Jack Connector
Jack connectors can be classified as TS or TRS, and are available in three sizes: 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, and 6.35 mm (¼”).
TRS connector can be either an unbalanced or a balanced audio connector.
In balanced audio system applications, TRS is used similarly to XLR connectors. People use it to connect mixers to professional audio equipment for signal transmission.
In unbalanced audio applications, it is more commonly used as a headphone cable.
For balanced audio (Mono): TIP = “+”; Ring = “−”; Sleeve = Ground;
For unbalanced audio (Stereo): TIP = Left; Ring = Right; Sleeve = Ground;
TS connectors are used to connect instruments such as guitars and basses; they are unbalanced connectors that use a single 2-conductor cable.
Wiring:TIP = Signal; Sleeve = Ground;
4.3 RCA Connectors
People use RCA connectors in home setups. This connector is an unbalanced connector. They are typically used in pairs (red/white) to connect devices such as CD players, DJ mixers, and amplifiers.
In professional settings, RCA connectors have been replaced by XLR connectors. Because XLR has a better interference performance (XLR cables have shielding and twisted)
5. Choosing Connectors for Use
5.1 Home Theater
Binding Posts & Banana Plugs + RCA
In a home theater environment, speaker wire is usually permanently installed. So binding posts with bare wire or banana plugs are perfectly sufficient. This keeps your wiring neat and tidy without occupying too much space.
5.2 Studio
Binding Posts & Banana Plugs / Speakon + XLR / TRS
In the complex environment of a studio recording room, RCA connectors are definitely not suitable for musicians. Then, you will need interference-resistant XLR cables to transmit signals, combined with easy-to-plug-and-unplug banana plugs or Speakon connectors. This makes work more efficient and effortless.
5.3 Tour & Live Shows
Multipin Connectors + Speakon + XLR
Large-scale events such as touring and live sound performances always have many line arrays. And the complex wiring requires reliable and secure connections. Therefore, we generally recommend using multipin speaker connectors combined with speakon connectors to ensure stable connections.
6. Summary
There are many options for speaker wire connectors. Finding the right connector that matches your equipment and performance needs is no easy task.
With over 10 years of experience in the design and production of audio cables, Tourycable offers speaker cable solutions featuring connectors from branded with reasonable prices. We support OEM ranging from logo printing on heat-shrink tubing to the choice of cable jacket materials. If you’re looking for an amplifier-to-speaker connection solution, feel free to contact us.