There are many different ways to wire speaker cabinets, but one popular option is the 4×12 series parallel wiring diagram. This wiring setup allows you to connect four 12-inch speakers in a way that provides a balanced load to your amplifier and a variety of tonal options. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how the 4×12 series parallel wiring diagram works and how you can use it to get the most out of your speaker cabinet.
What is Series Parallel Wiring?
Before we dive into the specific wiring diagram, let’s first explain what series parallel wiring is. In series wiring, you connect the positive terminal of one speaker to the negative terminal of another speaker, and so on, until you connect to the amplifier. This setup creates a higher overall impedance, which can lead to a more balanced load on your amplifier. On the other hand, in parallel wiring, you connect all positive terminals together and all negative terminals together before connecting to the amplifier. This setup creates a lower overall impedance, which can lead to a louder overall volume and a brighter tone.
Series parallel wiring combines the best of both worlds to provide a balanced load and tonal options. In this setup, you connect two pairs of series-wired speakers together in parallel. This allows you to take advantage of the balanced load of series wiring while also giving you the tonal options of parallel wiring.
How to Wire a 4×12 Cabinet in Series Parallel
Now that we understand the basics of series parallel wiring, let’s take a look at how you can wire a 4×12 cabinet in this configuration. Here is the wiring diagram:
| Speaker # | Positive Terminal | Negative Terminal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | B |
| 2 | C | D |
| 3 | E | F |
| 4 | G | H |
As you can see, speakers 1 and 2 are wired in series, as are speakers 3 and 4. Then, those two pairs of speakers are wired in parallel to each other. This creates a 16-ohm load for the amplifier, which is a common and balanced load for many amps.
Tonal Options with the 4×12 Series Parallel Wiring Diagram
Now that you have your 4×12 cabinet wired in series parallel, you have a variety of tonal options at your disposal. Here are a few to consider:
1. Series Mode
If you want a warmer, smoother sound with less treble, you can switch your amp to series mode. This allows you to take advantage of the series wiring in your cabinet and get a darker, more vintage tone.
2. Parallel Mode
If you want a brighter, more present sound with more treble, you can switch your amp to parallel mode. This allows you to take advantage of the parallel wiring in your cabinet and get a more modern, high-gain tone.
3. Half Power Mode
If your amp has a half power switch or option, you can use this to take advantage of the fact that your cabinet is wired in series parallel. By switching to half power mode, you’ll only be using two of the four speakers in your cabinet. This allows you to get a lower volume, more manageable sound while still maintaining the balanced load of series parallel wiring.
4. Different Speaker Combinations
Finally, you can experiment with different speaker combinations to find the tone that works best for you. For example, you could pair speakers 1 and 3 together and speakers 2 and 4 together to get a different tonal balance. The possibilities are endless!
FAQs
What is the difference between series and parallel wiring?
Series wiring connects the positive terminal of one speaker to the negative terminal of another speaker. This creates a higher overall impedance and a more balanced load for your amplifier. Parallel wiring connects all positive terminals together and all negative terminals together. This creates a lower overall impedance and a louder overall volume.
What is series parallel wiring?
Series parallel wiring combines the balanced load of series wiring with the tonal options of parallel wiring. In this setup, you connect two pairs of series-wired speakers together in parallel.
What is a 4×12 cabinet?
A 4×12 cabinet is a speaker cabinet that contains four 12-inch speakers. These cabinets are commonly used in guitar amplification and can provide a powerful, full-bodied sound.
What is impedance?
Impedance is the resistance to the flow of electric current. In speaker cabinets, impedance is measured in ohms and is an important factor in matching your cabinet to your amplifier.
What are some tonal options with the 4×12 series parallel wiring diagram?
You can switch between series and parallel mode to get a different balance of warmth and brightness in your tone. You can also experiment with different speaker combinations to find the right sound for you.
Overall, the 4×12 series parallel wiring diagram is a popular and effective way to wire your speaker cabinet. By understanding how this diagram works and experimenting with different tonal options, you can get a powerful and versatile sound that will work well for your music.
