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Post subject: Question about a Y splitter cable.
Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2014 6:32 pm
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http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.vi ... 35&alt=web

Alright, so my cab has weird wiring, its 4×12, but wired as 2 separate 2×12s. I've checked, there's absolutely nothing connecting the speakers on the left side to those on the right. I didn't come here for wiring advice, or discussions of properly wiring it, I came here for 2 simple questions:

Could I use this cable to power both sides with one head as a quick fix?

If not, could I run 2 separate heads, one on each side and run this cable into a distortion pedal and not kill myself or my amp assuming impedence and everything matches?

I want a loud rig, I'm at a point where 2 speakers isn't cutting it.

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Post subject: Re: Question about a Y splitter cable.
Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2014 7:08 pm
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Sounds like a stereo cab, if you are sure that the speaker sets, or the jacks themselves aren't wired together. Yes, you can use a Y cable to make it one 4x12, or run two seperate amps, one into each input.

You have two sets of speakers (each set is a pair wired in series or parallel), and using a Y will parallel both sets. You can measure the resistance of each set with an ohm-meter and get a good idea of the impedance. For example, if you measure somewhere around 6 ohms, that will be 8 ohms impedance, and if you measure around 13 ohms, that will be 16 ohms impedance.

If both sets are 8 ohms, using the Y cable will make a 4 ohm cab. If both sets are 16 ohms, using the Y cable will make an 8 ohm cab.

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Post subject: Re: Question about a Y splitter cable.
Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2014 7:49 pm
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Some stereo cabs have a function that allows you to use each side independently or like my Vox BN 412 cabinet have one input set up so that when you plug a speaker cable into that particular input,both sides work as a mono 4-12.I guess that yours doesn't have that option then.

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Post subject: Re: Question about a Y splitter cable.
Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2014 8:00 pm
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It's not a good idea to use a patch lead as a speaker cable. Cables designed for line level use aren't suitable for high power applications like speakers. The conducting wires in speaker cables are much thicker than in patch cables or guitar cables.

Also, if you're using a tube amp then you'll need to know the impedance of the cab when a Y-lead is connected. Two 8 ohm cabs in parallel makes a 4 ohm load so remember to set the amp's impedance selector accordingly.

And if the cab is a switching mono/stereo cab as mentioned above then you probably shouldn't use the Y-lead at all as it's difficult to predict how the speaker inputs and amp outputs will end up wired together.

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Post subject: Re: Question about a Y splitter cable.
Posted: Fri Sep 19, 2014 10:49 pm
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I messaged the seller. He said he can get an actual speaker cable version of this. Does such a thing exist?

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Post subject: Re: Question about a Y splitter cable.
Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 8:04 am
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I'm certain it does. If you look hard enough you can find almost anything these days and even if it never existed before you can always have one made or make it yourself. Before you plug the cable into your amp, plug both ends into their respective jacks on the cabinet and use your ohmmeter on the single end to confirm impedance. Don't be surprised if the number is not what you think it should be.

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Post subject: Re: Question about a Y splitter cable.
Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 9:57 am
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Post subject: Re: Question about a Y splitter cable.
Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 10:18 am
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The patch cable you show may be a shielded cable using the shield as ground this is good for guitar input. Speaker cable has no shield just 2 wires + and - AWG (I like to use at least 13 gauge 12 is better still) easy to make your self.
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Post subject: Re: Question about a Y splitter cable.
Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 10:54 am
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Although you said you don't want wiring advice, the best option would be to simply rewire the cab as a 4x12 and forget the Y-lead entirely. All you're doing with a Y-lead is connecting the speakers in parallel, why not just open the cab up and wire the speakers in parallel or series depending on what impedance you want?

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Post subject: Re: Question about a Y splitter cable.
Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 11:28 am
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The cab has no market value, so no matter how I mess around with it, I'm losing money.

Spending on a cable is how I spend the least money.

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Post subject: Re: Question about a Y splitter cable.
Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 11:50 am
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Buxom wrote:
The cab has no market value, so no matter how I mess around with it, I'm losing money.

Spending on a cable is how I spend the least money.


This is just my opinion Rewiring using the existing cable in the cabinet for the 4 speakers should cost you $00.00 unless of course you need to buy a soldering kit
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Post subject: Re: Question about a Y splitter cable.
Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2014 11:59 am
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I'd have too get new wire, jacks, and tbh, could probably stand to recone the speakers.

Too many road repairs to list on this cab.

The cab, even without the road work in factory condition, is worthless. I'd rather buy a new cab, but that's in the future.

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