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Neutrik Connectors

Neutrik connectors are the plugs fitted to the end of a cable to make up professional audio, loudspeaker and mains power leads. This page holds Neutrik 3-pole XLR line connectors, 2-pole and 4-pole Speakon cable connectors for loudspeaker lines, and Powercon locking AC mains connectors. All of them have strain relief, so the choice comes down to the signal, the pole count and the diameter of the cable.

Choosing Neutrik Connectors

Match the connector to what runs through the lead first (audio signal, loudspeaker power or mains), then check the pole count and the cable it has to grip.

XLR line connectors

The NC3FXX 762.122UK and the NC3MXX are 3-pole XLR line connectors in the standard metal version. The NC3FXX and NC3MXX have a flexible rubber cable protector and are made for cables of 8mm diameter or less.

Speakon loudspeaker connectors

Speakon is the twist lock connector used on loudspeaker lines. The NL4FXX 763.481UK is a 4 pole cable connector with screw terminals and a chuck type strain relief for cable diameters of 6 to 12 mm and 10 to 16 mm. The NL2FXX 763.483UK is a 2 pole connector for 6 to 12 mm cable, and it is compatible with both 2-pole and 4-pole chassis connectors. Each Speakon here carries a current rating of up to 37 A rms.

Powercon mains connectors

The NAC3FXX Powercon is a single phase (3 conductor) lockable AC mains cable connector with a screw terminal assembly. It replaces appliance couplers where a rugged, locking connection is needed, and it has circuit breaking capability when mated with Powercon XX Series receptacles. Power-in versions are blue and power-out versions are grey, with different keying so the two cannot be intermated.

TypeExampleKey detail
XLR line connectorNC3FXX 762.122UK3-pole, rubber cable protector
XLR line connectorNC3MXX3-pole, standard metal
Speakon 4 poleNL4FXX 763.481UKScrew terminals, chuck strain relief
Speakon 2 poleNL2FXX 763.483UKFits 2-pole and 4-pole chassis
PowerconNAC3FXX 763.486UKLocking AC mains, 3 conductor

Related categories

See the full Neutrik range in Neutrik products, find other plugs and sockets in audio connectors, choose cable to suit them in speaker cable and the wider cables range, or browse audio and visual equipment.

Frequently asked questions

How do I connect a Speakon connector?

Wire the cable into its screw terminals, then lock the connector in place with its twist lock. The NL4FXX 763.481UK has solid contacts with screw-type terminals that include stranded wire protection, and its strain relief locks with the insert mechanically and aligns with the housing for easy assembly. The NL4FXX 763.481UK grips cable diameters of 6 to 12 mm and 10 to 16 mm with its chuck type strain relief, and the NL2FXX 763.483UK takes 6 to 12 mm cable.

Will a 2 pole Speakon plug fit a 4 pole chassis socket?

Yes, a 2-pole Speakon cable connector is compatible with both 2-pole and 4-pole chassis connectors. The Neutrik NL2FXX 763.483UK has a screw terminal assembly, a twist lock system and a current rating of up to 37 A rms, and it takes cable of 6 to 12 mm. It suits audio, theatre and live music events.

Why fit Powercon instead of an appliance coupler?

Because Powercon is a lockable mains connector, made to replace appliance couplers where a rugged connection with a locking device is needed. The Neutrik NAC3FXX is a single phase, 3 conductor lockable AC mains cable connector, and it has circuit breaking capability when mated with Powercon XX Series receptacles. The 763.485UK is rated for 5000 mating cycles.

Which Neutrik connector suits which kind of lead?

Choose by what the lead carries: XLR for professional audio, Speakon for loudspeaker lines and Powercon for AC mains power. The NC3FXX and NC3MXX are 3-pole XLR line connectors, the NL2FXX and NL4FXX are Speakon cable connectors, and the NAC3FXX Powercon connectors, such as the 763.487UK, are lockable AC mains cable connectors.

How much current can a Speakon cable connector carry?

It depends on the model, so check its current rating; a 2-pole or 4-pole Speakon cable connector can be rated up to 37 A rms. That rating applies to the NL2FXX 763.483UK and to the NL4FXX 763.481UK and 763.482UK. The 763.481UK also has screw-type terminals with stranded wire protection and a twist lock system.

Why buy from West Midlands Electrics

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated