Neutrik NL4FXX-W-S 4-Pole speakON Speaker Connector – 6–12mm Cable
Build and repair professional loudspeaker cables with the Neutrik NL4FXX-W-S 4-Pole speakON Cable Connector, designed for speaker cables with an outside diameter from 6mm to 12mm.
Part of Neutrik’s current-generation speakON FXX Series, the NL4FXX-W-S combines four high-current contacts, screw-terminal termination, stranded-wire protection, a secure twist-lock system and Neutrik’s chuck-type strain relief in a rugged ergonomic connector designed for professional loudspeaker applications.
Neutrik describes speakON as the industry-standard connector system for loudspeaker connections, making the NL4FXX-W-S an excellent choice for:
- Concert touring
- Live sound
- Theatre
- Music festivals
- Professional PA
- FOH systems
- Monitor systems
- Loudspeaker cabling
- Amplifier racks
- Equipment-hire inventory
- Production companies
- Professional AV
- Broadcast sound
- Venues
- Schools and performing arts centres
- Permanent audio installations
Whether you are building new speaker leads, repairing touring stock, replacing older NL4FC or NL4FX connectors or maintaining professional venue inventory, the NL4FXX-W-S provides the rugged construction and field serviceability expected from genuine Neutrik speakON.
Designed for 6–12mm Speaker Cable
One of the most important specifications of the NL4FXX-W-S is its cable range.
Neutrik specifies:
Cable Outside Diameter: 6–12mm
The strain-relief and rear-bushing system is engineered around cables within that range.
This makes the NL4FXX-W-S particularly useful for common professional loudspeaker cables used across:
- Theatre
- Touring
- Venue PA
- Stage monitors
- FOH speaker systems
- Equipment hire
- Corporate AV
- Permanent installations
Always confirm the actual outside diameter of the intended cable before ordering.
NL4FXX-W-S vs NL4FXX-W-L
Neutrik manufactures two principal cable-size versions of its current 4-pole FXX connector:
NL4FXX-W-S: 6–12mm cable O.D.
NL4FXX-W-L: 10–16mm cable O.D.
The W-S version is therefore the preferred choice for smaller and medium-diameter professional speaker cables.
The W-L version is intended for larger cable constructions.
There is some overlap between the two ranges from 10–12mm, so cable construction, strain-relief fit and your preferred connector configuration should be considered when choosing between them.
Current Replacement for Older NL4FC and NL4FX Connectors
The NL4FXX-W-S is also particularly relevant to technicians maintaining older speakON cable inventory.
Neutrik identifies the discontinued NL4FC and NL4FX as having the current NL4FXX-W-S and NL4FXX-W-L models as their direct successors, depending on cable outside diameter.
For cables falling within the 6–12mm range, the NL4FXX-W-S is therefore an important current-generation replacement option.
This makes it useful for:
- Touring cable refurbishment
- Theatre workshop repairs
- Hire-company maintenance
- Venue cable upgrades
- Replacement of damaged legacy connectors
- Production-company workshop stock
Always check both cable diameter and conductor size before selecting a replacement.
Professional 4-Pole speakON Connection
The NL4FXX-W-S provides four electrical contacts, allowing professional loudspeaker systems to use multiple circuit configurations depending on the amplifier and loudspeaker design.
Four-pole speakON systems are commonly associated with terminals identified as:
- 1+
- 1−
- 2+
- 2−
Depending on the equipment, these may be used for:
- Single loudspeaker circuits
- Two-channel speaker connections
- Bi-amplified systems
- Passive speaker linking
- Multi-way loudspeaker systems
- Amplifier-rack outputs
- Touring speaker looms
Always follow the wiring specification supplied by the amplifier and loudspeaker manufacturer.
Do not assume every four-pole speaker system uses all four contacts or assigns the same function to each pair.
High-Current Professional Loudspeaker Connector
The NL4FXX-W-S is specifically designed for high-current professional loudspeaker connections.
Neutrik currently specifies:
Europe – IEC 61984: 37 A / 250 V AC
USA – UL 1977: 35 A / 250 V AC
Canada – CSA C22.2 No.182.3: 24 A / 250 V AC.
Neutrik therefore markets the connector with an up to 37 A RMS current rating.
These are connector-component ratings under the respective approval standards.
The performance and safe capability of a completed speaker cable will also depend on:
- Cable conductor size
- Cable length
- Cable construction
- Amplifier output
- Loudspeaker load
- Wiring configuration
- Termination quality
- Installation
The connector rating should never be treated as the rating of the complete cable assembly by itself.
Important – Not a Mains Power Connector
Although speakON handles substantial current in professional loudspeaker systems, Neutrik explicitly warns:
The NL4FXX-W-S is not intended for use as an AC mains or power-supply connector.
It is a professional loudspeaker connector.
Do not use it for:
- 230/240 V mains distribution
- Generator power
- General AC power cables
- DC equipment power supplies
- Appliance power
- Temporary event electrical distribution
Professional entertainment power applications require connectors designed and certified specifically for those purposes.
Not for Interrupting Current
Neutrik also explicitly states:
CAUTION: NOT FOR INTERRUPTING CURRENT.
In practice, the speakON connection should not be treated as an electrical switch.
When making or breaking loudspeaker connections:
- Follow the amplifier manufacturer’s procedure
- Mute or disable relevant outputs where required
- Avoid connection changes under load
- Do not rely on the connector to interrupt operating current
This is an important manufacturer warning that should be retained in technically detailed product information.
Screw-Terminal Connection
The NL4FXX-W-S uses screw-type terminals with integrated stranded-wire protection.
This makes the connector particularly practical for professional speaker cable manufacture and servicing.
Benefits include:
- No soldering required
- Straightforward workshop assembly
- Suitable for substantial speaker conductors
- Serviceable construction
- Convenient field repair
- Good conductor retention when assembled correctly
Correct cable preparation and terminal tightening remain essential.
1.5–4mm² Conductor Capacity
Neutrik specifies a conductor range of:
1.5–4mm²
17–11 AWG.
This supports a broad selection of common professional loudspeaker cable constructions.
When selecting cable, check both:
Individual conductor size
and
Overall cable outside diameter
A cable may use appropriately sized conductors but still fall outside the connector’s 6–12mm outer-jacket range.
Both requirements need to be satisfied for correct assembly.
Stranded-Wire Protection
Professional speaker cable typically uses stranded conductors to provide flexibility.
The NL4FXX-W-S screw terminals incorporate stranded-wire protection, helping provide reliable mechanical termination of flexible cable conductors.
When preparing the cable:
- Avoid cutting conductor strands
- Keep strands together
- Avoid stray copper strands
- Strip only the required amount
- Insert conductors fully
- Tighten terminals appropriately
- Inspect for shorts before closing the connector
Poor preparation can compromise even a high-quality connector.
Secure Twist-Lock Connection
One of the defining features of the speakON system is its twist-lock mechanism.
Neutrik describes the NL4FXX-W-S as providing an easy and reliable twist-lock system.
The connector is inserted into a compatible speakON chassis connector and rotated into its locked position.
This provides a secure connection particularly suited to professional environments such as:
- Concert stages
- Theatre
- Touring
- PA hire
- Monitor systems
- Amplifier racks
- Permanent sound installations
Always confirm the connector is fully engaged and locked before operation.
Ergonomic Slip-Resistant Housing
The NL4FXX-W-S incorporates an ergonomic two-component moulded housing with a slip-resistant grip.
This can be particularly useful when cables are being handled:
- During fast bump-ins
- In dark backstage environments
- Behind speaker cabinets
- Inside amplifier racks
- While wearing work gloves
- During touring changeovers
The connector should always be gripped by its housing when disconnecting rather than pulling directly on the speaker cable.
Improved Cable Kink Protection
Neutrik’s current FXX series uses a two-component bushing designed to improve kink protection at the cable exit.
The rear of a connector is one of the most common mechanical stress points in a touring cable.
Speaker cables are frequently:
- Coiled
- Uncoiled
- Bent
- Pulled from trunks
- Routed through racks
- Packed
- Transported
- Deployed repeatedly
Improved bend support helps distribute these mechanical loads rather than concentrating them immediately behind the termination.
Chuck-Type Strain Relief
The NL4FXX-W-S incorporates Neutrik’s locking bushing and chuck-type strain-relief system.
Neutrik states that the system mechanically locks with the insert and aligns with the housing during assembly, helping make assembly easier while securely gripping cables from 6mm to 12mm O.D.
Effective strain relief is particularly important because pulling forces should be transferred to the outer cable jacket—not directly to the electrical terminal connections.
Low Contact Resistance
Neutrik specifies:
Contact Resistance: ≤2 mΩ.
Low contact resistance is particularly important in loudspeaker applications because speaker cables carry substantially greater current than conventional microphone or line-level signal cables.
Overall cable resistance is also influenced by:
- Conductor cross-sectional area
- Cable length
- Copper quality
- Connector termination
- Number of connection points
Using a professional low-resistance connector helps maintain an effective high-current loudspeaker path.
Silver-Plated Copper-Alloy Contacts
Neutrik specifies:
Contact Material: Copper alloy
Contact Plating: Silver.
These contacts form part of the high-current speakON connection system.
As with all professional connector inventory, inspect cables regularly for:
- Contact damage
- Excessive wear
- Contamination
- Heat damage
- Loose termination
- Damaged locking components
- Failed strain relief
Connectors showing significant mechanical or electrical damage should be replaced.
Typically 5,000 Mating Cycles
Neutrik specifies a mechanical lifetime of:
Typically 5,000 mating cycles.
This makes the NL4FXX-W-S especially suitable for repeated-use professional environments such as:
- Concert touring
- Theatre
- Equipment hire
- Festivals
- Venues
- Rehearsal rooms
- Production companies
- AV systems
Actual service life will also depend on handling, maintenance, contamination, mating components and cable assembly quality.
Theatre and Performing Arts
speakON connections are widely used across professional theatre sound systems.
Potential NL4FXX-W-S applications include cables between:
- Amplifier racks
- Main loudspeakers
- Stage monitors
- Fill speakers
- Delay systems
- Subwoofers
- Touring PA packages
For venues maintaining significant speaker cable inventory, replaceable connectors can help extend cable service life.
A damaged connector does not necessarily require the entire speaker cable to be discarded where the cable itself remains electrically and mechanically sound.
Concert Touring and Live Sound
Touring speaker cables are subjected to significant daily handling.
They may be repeatedly:
- Deployed
- Connected
- Disconnected
- Coiled
- Packed
- Loaded
- Transported
- Unpacked
- Reinstalled
The NL4FXX-W-S combines the secure speakON locking system with professional strain relief and a rugged moulded housing, making it well suited to touring cable assemblies within the 6–12mm diameter range.
Applications may include:
- Main PA speaker leads
- Stage monitor cables
- Amplifier rack outputs
- Fill speaker connections
- Delay systems
- Touring loudspeaker inventory
Professional PA Systems
The NL4FXX-W-S can be used within suitable professional PA systems including:
- Main loudspeakers
- Stage monitors
- Passive subwoofers
- Fill speakers
- Delay speakers
- Portable PA systems
- Venue sound systems
- Amplifier racks
Actual wiring depends on the equipment.
Always check:
- Amplifier output pinout
- Loudspeaker input pinout
- Required number of conductors
- Conductor size
- Cable length
before constructing a cable.
Four-Core Speaker Cable
Because the NL4FXX-W-S provides four contacts, it can be particularly useful with compatible four-core loudspeaker cable.
A four-core cable may be used to carry:
- Two amplifier channels
- Bi-amplified loudspeaker feeds
- Multiple loudspeaker circuits
- Equipment-specific multi-way connections
This can reduce cable quantity in some professional system designs.
However, the use of contacts 2+/2− varies between systems.
Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s specified pinout.
Stage Monitor Systems
speakON is commonly used for passive stage-monitor connections.
The NL4FXX-W-S may be suitable for cables connecting:
- Amplifier racks
- Passive wedges
- Side fills
- Drum fills
- Other passive stage loudspeakers
Its secure twist-lock connection helps reduce accidental disconnection during stage use.
Correct cable gauge should be selected according to amplifier power, cable length and loudspeaker requirements.
Amplifier Rack Outputs
Professional amplifier racks frequently use speakON outputs.
The NL4FXX-W-S can be used to manufacture compatible cables from:
- Amplifiers
- Amplifier patch panels
- Speaker distribution panels
- Touring racks
to appropriate loudspeakers.
Always verify the specific rack output wiring.
Some professional amplifier racks use all four contacts for dual-channel configurations, while others use only 1+/1−.
Festivals and Major Events
Large festivals can deploy extensive loudspeaker cabling across:
- Main stages
- Secondary stages
- Delay systems
- Front fills
- Stage monitors
- Temporary distributed audio
These environments demand connectors that can cope with repeated installation, removal and transport.
The NL4FXX-W-S provides a professional option for common 6–12mm speaker cables used throughout temporary sound systems.
Equipment-Hire Companies
The NL4FXX-W-S is particularly useful for equipment-hire workshops.
Potential applications include:
- Manufacturing new speaker leads
- Replacing damaged connectors
- Refurbishing rental stock
- Creating custom cable lengths
- Touring-package preparation
- Workshop spare inventory
Standardising on a common current-generation connector can simplify:
- Workshop repairs
- Technician familiarity
- Spare parts
- Cable identification
- Inventory maintenance
Film, Television and Broadcast
Professional broadcast, film and television environments may use speakON wherever passive professional loudspeakers form part of the production system.
Potential applications include:
- Temporary studio PA
- Live music television
- Production stages
- Broadcast monitoring systems
- Event-style studio setups
- Location entertainment systems
The connector should only be used where the equipment itself specifies compatible speakON loudspeaker connections.
Corporate AV and Exhibitions
Professional loudspeaker systems are also deployed throughout:
- Conferences
- Corporate events
- Exhibitions
- Product launches
- Awards shows
- Brand activations
- Temporary installations
AV companies maintaining substantial speaker-cable inventories can use NL4FXX-W-S connectors for both new cable construction and repairs.
Schools and Performing Arts Centres
Schools, universities and performing arts venues often maintain substantial PA and theatre sound systems.
The NL4FXX-W-S provides a professional option for:
- Speaker cable repair
- New speaker cable manufacture
- Theatre audio
- Auditorium systems
- Music facilities
- Technical-production training
Assembly should be undertaken by people with appropriate technical knowledge and completed cables should be tested before use.
IP20 Protection Class
Neutrik specifies:
Protection Class: IP20.
The standard NL4FXX-W-S should therefore not be marketed as waterproof or weatherproof.
For outdoor events:
- Protect speaker connections from rain
- Keep connectors away from standing water
- Use appropriate weather-management systems
- Follow loudspeaker and amplifier manufacturer instructions
Professional ruggedness does not equal environmental sealing.
Operating Temperature
Neutrik specifies:
Temperature Range: -33°C to +80°C.
The practical operating range of a completed loudspeaker cable may still be restricted by:
- Cable jacket
- Cable insulation
- Other connectors
- Connected equipment
- Environmental conditions
Always consider the complete assembly.
Electrical Specifications
Neutrik publishes the following electrical data:
Contact Resistance: ≤2 mΩ
Dielectric Strength: 2.8 kV AC
Insulation Resistance: >10 GΩ initially
Number of Electrical Contacts: 4.
Regional ratings are:
Europe: 37 A / 250 V AC – IEC 61984
USA: 35 A / 250 V AC – UL 1977
Canada: 24 A / 250 V AC – CSA C22.2 No.182.3.
These figures describe the connector and its respective approvals.
They do not convert speakON into a general-purpose electrical power connector.
Material Specifications
Neutrik currently specifies:
Contacts: Copper alloy
Contact Plating: Silver
Insert: Polyamide PA6.6
Locking Element: Zinc die-cast
Housing/Shell: Polyamide PA6 / TPE
Strain Relief: Polyketone
Bushing: Polypropylene / TPE
Flammability: UL94 V-0.
These materials form part of the FXX connector’s robust professional construction.
IEC 61984 Certification
The NL4FXX-W-S is IEC 61984 certified and Neutrik states that it is therefore accepted as a component of equipment according to IEC 62368-1.
The connector also carries relevant North American ratings under UL 1977 and CSA C22.2 No.182.3.
These approvals apply within the manufacturer’s specified use and installation requirements.
Colour Coding Options
Neutrik offers XXS-series coloured bushings for the NL4FXX-W-S.
Current accessory listings identify compatible colour options including:
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Violet.
Colour coding can help production companies identify speaker cables according to:
- Length
- Loudspeaker type
- Amplifier rack
- Stage
- System
- Department
- Ownership
- Production package
The smaller W-S connector uses XXS coding accessories, while the large-cable W-L version uses XXL accessories.
NL4FXX-W-S vs Legacy NL4FC
Neutrik now marks the older NL4FC as discontinued and identifies NL4FXX-W-S and NL4FXX-W-L as its direct successor products according to cable diameter.
This is particularly useful for customers searching for:
- NL4FC replacement
- Old speakON replacement connector
- Current Neutrik 4-pole connector
- Replacement touring speaker connector
For cables within 6–12mm O.D., the NL4FXX-W-S is the relevant current-generation option.
NL4FXX-W-S vs Legacy NL4FX
Neutrik also marks the older NL4FX as discontinued, again directing customers toward the current NL4FXX-W-S or NL4FXX-W-L according to cable diameter.
That makes the FXX range particularly important for technicians maintaining older cable inventory.
Always Test Completed Speaker Cables
Every newly manufactured or repaired loudspeaker cable should be tested before being connected to production equipment.
Check:
- Pin assignment
- Continuity
- Shorts
- Conductor integrity
- Terminal security
- Strain relief
- Locking operation
- Cable condition
This is particularly important with 4-pole cables where incorrect wiring can route amplifier channels to unintended loudspeaker circuits.
Product Specifications
Brand: Neutrik
Model: NL4FXX-W-S
Series: speakON FXX
Connector Type: Loudspeaker cable connector
Number of Poles: 4
Termination: Screw-type terminals
Stranded-Wire Protection: Yes
Cable O.D.: 6–12mm
Conductor Size: 1.5–4mm² / 17–11 AWG
Locking System: Twist lock
Contacts: Copper alloy
Contact Plating: Silver
Contact Resistance: ≤2 mΩ
Dielectric Strength: 2.8 kV AC
Insulation Resistance: >10 GΩ initially
European Rating: 37 A / 250 V AC – IEC 61984
US Rating: 35 A / 250 V AC – UL 1977
Canadian Rating: 24 A / 250 V AC – CSA C22.2 No.182.3
Mechanical Life: Typically 5,000 mating cycles
Housing: Polyamide PA6 / TPE
Insert: Polyamide PA6.6
Locking Element: Zinc die-cast
Strain Relief: Polyketone
Bushing: Polypropylene / TPE
Protection Class: IP20
Flammability: UL94 V-0
Temperature Range: -33°C to +80°C
Important: For loudspeaker connections only – not for AC mains or power-supply use and not for interrupting current.
Why Choose the Neutrik NL4FXX-W-S?
Choose the NL4FXX-W-S where professional loudspeaker cable construction requires:
- Genuine Neutrik speakON
- 4-pole speaker connectivity
- 6–12mm cable compatibility
- 1.5–4mm² conductor support
- Up to 37 A RMS connector rating
- Screw-terminal assembly
- Stranded-wire protection
- Secure twist locking
- Professional chuck-type strain relief
- Improved cable kink protection
- Low contact resistance
- Typically 5,000 mating cycles
- International approvals
- Current-generation replacement for older NL4FC/NL4FX connectors
It is particularly well suited to common professional loudspeaker cables used throughout live sound, touring, theatre, AV, festivals and venue installations.
Why Buy Neutrik NL4FXX-W-S from GigLife?
GigLife supplies professional connectors, cables, adaptors, tapes, consumables and technical accessories specifically for the entertainment and production industries.
With more than 25 years of hands-on live entertainment industry experience, GigLife understands that loudspeaker connectors become part of cable assemblies that may be plugged, unplugged, coiled, toured, repaired and relied upon show after show.
Products are selected by people who work in production and understand the requirements of:
- FOH engineers
- Monitor engineers
- Audio professionals
- Theatre technicians
- Touring crews
- Production companies
- Film and television departments
- Broadcast facilities
- Festivals
- AV companies
- Schools and performing arts centres
- Conference venues
- Exhibition contractors
- Equipment-hire businesses
Whether you are building speaker leads, repairing touring inventory, preparing a festival PA package or maintaining venue workshop stock, GigLife supplies professional components chosen by people who understand the job.
Orders are dispatched from Brisbane, with Australia-wide shipping available.
GigLife is proudly by the professionals… for the professionals.
