Wiring 2-2x12s to a Parallel/Series 4x12

[somethin'else]

I have 4-16 ohm speakers in 2-2x12 cabs. The 2x12s are wired parallel for 8 ohms each.
I know I could run 'em both on 4 ohms, but I want to connect them in series for a 16 ohm cab.
Is it possible with internal wiring to the jacks in some way, so when connecting the 2x12s they'd make a 16 ohm 4x12?

I did find this diagram for a speaker cable that handles the series thing, and I've made one just to check it out.
Indeed it works, but I can't wrap my brain around making this happen internally at the jacks, so I can just use a 'normal' speaker cable.

If any Wizard may know this, I'd be forever grateful!

[908ssp]

You can simply wire each cab for 32 ohm series wiring. Then when you plug in both cabs to your head they will be parallel for 16 ohms.

[somethin'else]

Thank you Alex

I know that's an option, but I run a single 2x12 most of the time and love an 8 ohm 2x12.
In that instance I'd have to run the 4x12 at all times.

Wonder about a 32/8 ohm switch then for each cab? Basically a Series/Parallel switch?
Or am I asking too much?!

[Scumback Speakers]

With enough wire and switching jack plates you MIGHT be able to do this. But your tone would probably be compromised by the switch/jack plate/device you use to achieve all of this in the two cabs.

[somethin'else]

Thank Ya Jim. You know, as soon as I wrote that I remembered that I hate switches on cabinets! For the very reason you mention, and . . . switches inevitably fail somehow.

Guess I'll try to devise a 3-way cable like that diagram with locking jacks and all. The one I made looks like something outta the Beverly Hillbillies. Solder and lots of electrical tape

Thank you guys.

[908ssp]

If each speaker has its own jack you'd have four 16 ohm speakers with jacks. Two parallel Y cables will turn two speakers into two 8 ohm speakers and two series Y cables will turn two speakers into two 32 ohm cabs which when run in parallel with be 16 ohms.

[TWANGGG]

I've been considering doing something like that to my 2x12 also Dave and thought I'd pass along some of the stuff I've found.

2x12_parallel_wiring.pdf

(25.56 KiB) Downloaded 90 times

If you do something like that, along with what Alex describes above, you should have all the options you're looking for. You can read more about it here:http://www.soundgaragetales.com/speaker ... inet-input

Toward the bottom the wiring for two 16 ohm speakers in a 2x12 is discussed. In my case I would have to add something like this to my cabinet to accomodate the three cliff jacks:http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdet ... er=262-328