Neutrik NL4MP-ST 4-Pole speakON Chassis Connector – Screw Terminals
Build professional loudspeaker panels, amplifier racks and custom speaker systems with the Neutrik NL4MP-ST 4-Pole speakON Chassis Connector, featuring a black D-size flange and convenient screw-terminal connections.
The NL4MP-ST is a genuine Neutrik 4-pole male speakON panel-mount connector designed specifically for professional loudspeaker and amplifier interconnections.
Unlike the standard flat-tab NL4MP-style chassis connector, the NL4MP-ST uses screw terminals with an integrated clamping system, allowing conductors up to 4mm² / 12 AWG to be terminated without soldering or Faston tabs.
Neutrik specifies the connector for:
- 30 A RMS continuous per contact
- 40 A audio signal per contact at 50% duty cycle
- 4-pole speaker connections
- Up to 4mm² / 12 AWG conductors
- Quick Lock speakON mating
- More than 5,000 mating cycles
Its rugged glass-reinforced polyamide construction, precise keyway and metal-reinforced locking area make it particularly suited to professional production environments including:
- Touring PA systems
- Theatre
- Concert venues
- Festivals
- Amplifier racks
- Loudspeaker cabinets
- Speaker patch panels
- Stage boxes
- Equipment hire
- Production companies
- Schools and performing arts centres
- Professional AV
- Permanent installations
- Custom audio equipment
Whether you are building a loudspeaker enclosure, amplifier output panel, touring rack or venue patch system, the NL4MP-ST provides a field-serviceable professional speakON connection with the convenience of screw-terminal wiring.
Professional 4-Pole speakON Chassis Connector
The NL4MP-ST is a panel-mounted speakON receptacle designed for professional loudspeaker connections.
It provides four electrical contacts commonly identified as:
- 1+
- 1−
- 2+
- 2−
The precise use of those contacts is determined by the loudspeaker and amplifier system.
Potential configurations include:
- Single amplifier channel
- Two amplifier channels
- Bi-amplified loudspeaker systems
- Four-core loudspeaker cable
- Passive multi-way speaker systems
- Touring amplifier-rack outputs
- Loudspeaker distribution systems
The connector itself does not determine the pinout.
Always wire the chassis connector according to the amplifier, loudspeaker or system design being used.
Screw-Terminal Version
The “-ST” designation is especially important.
NL4MP-ST uses screw terminals with a conductor clamping device rather than flat Faston tabs.
This can make the connector particularly useful for:
- Custom speaker cabinets
- Prototype equipment
- Amplifier racks
- Workshop builds
- Speaker patch panels
- Installations where screw termination is preferred
- Equipment that may need to be serviced or rewired
The screw-terminal design eliminates the need to solder directly onto the chassis connector or source separate Faston terminals.
Up to 4mm² / 12 AWG Conductors
Neutrik specifies a maximum conductor size of:
4mm² / 12 AWG
for the NL4MP-ST screw terminals.
This accommodates substantial speaker conductors suitable for many professional high-current loudspeaker applications.
Cable and internal wiring should still be selected according to:
- Amplifier output
- Loudspeaker load
- Required current
- Cable length
- Equipment design
- Applicable electrical requirements
The connector's conductor capacity does not determine the appropriate wire size for every system.
Screw-Terminal Clamping System
The NL4MP-ST uses screw terminals incorporating a dedicated conductor clamping arrangement.
Neutrik's assembly instructions specify:
Screwdriver: POZIDRIV #1
Maximum Terminal Torque: 0.5 Nm
Correct terminal tightening is important.
Under-tightening may result in:
- Loose conductors
- Increased contact resistance
- Intermittent connection
- Heating
Over-tightening may damage:
- Terminal hardware
- Conductors
- Connector components
Use an appropriate tool and follow the manufacturer's assembly instructions.
30 A RMS Continuous per Contact
Neutrik specifies:
30 A RMS continuous per contact
for the NL4MP-ST.
This high-current capability makes speakON particularly well suited to professional loudspeaker systems, where substantially more current may flow than in conventional microphone or line-level audio connections.
The current capacity of the complete system will always be determined by its lowest-rated component, which may include:
- Amplifier
- Chassis connector
- Cable connector
- Speaker cable
- Internal cabinet wiring
- Loudspeaker components
Do not assume the complete system is rated to 30 A solely because the chassis connector is.
40 A Audio Signal Rating
Neutrik additionally specifies:
40 A audio signal per contact at 50% duty cycle
for the NL4MP-ST.
This rating reflects the dynamic nature of professional audio signals.
It should remain clearly distinguished from the connector's:
30 A RMS continuous rating.
For clear technical product information, avoid simply describing the connector as a generic “40 A connector”.
Four-Pole Loudspeaker Connectivity
The four contacts allow system designers to carry up to two speaker circuits through one compatible 4-core connection.
A common configuration is:
1+ / 1− – Circuit or amplifier channel 1
2+ / 2− – Circuit or amplifier channel 2
However, this is not universal.
Some loudspeaker systems may use the contacts differently for:
- Bi-amping
- Passive crossovers
- Subwoofer systems
- Multi-way cabinets
- Proprietary amplifier configurations
Always confirm the equipment manufacturer’s pin assignment.
Ideal for Loudspeaker Cabinets
The NL4MP-ST is particularly useful for building and servicing professional passive loudspeaker cabinets.
Typical applications include:
- Full-range PA cabinets
- Passive subwoofers
- Stage monitors
- Installation speakers
- Custom loudspeakers
- Multi-way speaker systems
Screw-terminal termination can make cabinet assembly straightforward because internal loudspeaker wiring can connect directly to the chassis receptacle.
Passive Subwoofer Applications
High-power passive subwoofers can place substantial current demands on speaker connections.
The NL4MP-ST’s:
- 30 A RMS continuous rating
- 4mm² conductor capacity
- Low contact resistance
- Secure Quick Lock connection
make it well suited to appropriately designed professional subwoofer systems.
The complete amplifier, wiring, connector and loudspeaker system must still be engineered for the intended load.
Stage Monitor Cabinets
Professional passive monitor wedges commonly use speakON panel connectors.
The NL4MP-ST can provide a robust interface between:
- Amplifier rack
- Speaker cable
- Passive monitor cabinet
Its locking connection helps reduce accidental cable removal on busy stages.
This can be particularly valuable where monitor cables are surrounded by:
- Performers
- Microphone leads
- Instrument cables
- Stage crew
- Rolling equipment
Amplifier Rack Outputs
The NL4MP-ST can also be incorporated into custom amplifier-rack output panels.
Rather than repeatedly accessing amplifier terminals inside a rack, speaker outputs can be presented on a dedicated external speakON panel.
Potential configurations include:
- Individual amplifier channels
- Monitor amplifier outputs
- FOH amplifier racks
- Subwoofer outputs
- Four-core speaker distribution
- Touring rack panels
This can make system deployment faster and help protect amplifier connections inside the rack.
Speaker Patch Panels
Professional venues and touring systems may use speakON patch panels for loudspeaker distribution.
The standard D-size chassis footprint allows the NL4MP-ST to be incorporated into panels alongside other compatible D-size connectors.
Applications may include:
- Theatre patch rooms
- Amplifier racks
- Stage boxes
- Venue speaker infrastructure
- Touring systems
- Equipment-hire racks
Clear labelling of 1+/1−/2+/2− system assignments is strongly recommended.
Standard D-Size Flange
Neutrik specifies the NL4MP-ST with a:
Black D-size flange
and:
Standard hole position with countersunk through-holes.
The D-size format is widely used across professional audio and entertainment-industry connector panels.
This makes it easier to integrate the NL4MP-ST into:
- Custom metal panels
- Rack plates
- Road-case panels
- Speaker cabinets
- Stage boxes
- Connection panels
alongside other professional D-format components.
Countersunk Through-Holes
The NL4MP-ST uses countersunk through-holes for mounting.
Neutrik's assembly documentation indicates suitability for countersunk machine screws such as:
- M3
- 4-40
Mounting screws are not included.
The correct screw type and length depend on:
- Panel thickness
- Panel material
- Front or rear mounting
- Equipment construction
Front or Rear Mounting
The connector can be incorporated from either side of a suitable panel according to the equipment design.
Neutrik's assembly guidance specifies different maximum mounting torques depending on the configuration:
Rear Assembly: Maximum 90 Ncm / 0.9 Nm
Front Assembly: Maximum 60 Ncm / 0.6 Nm
Correct torque helps prevent damage to the glass-reinforced flange.
Quick Lock speakON Connection
The NL4MP-ST uses Neutrik's established Quick Lock system.
A compatible speakON cable connector is inserted and rotated into its locked position.
This positive mechanical connection is particularly suited to professional environments where conventional non-locking connectors could be accidentally removed.
Typical applications include:
- Touring stages
- PA systems
- Theatre
- Festivals
- Stage monitors
- Loudspeaker cabinets
Metal-Reinforced Locking Area
One of the key construction features of the NL4MP-ST is the metal insert within the locking area.
Neutrik combines this with:
- Glass-reinforced housing material
- Precise keyway
- Accurate twist-lock latching
to create a robust connection suitable for repeated professional use.
Contact Only Once Fully Locked
A defining feature of Neutrik's speakON chassis design is that electrical contact is made only once the connector reaches its fully locked position.
This design helps create a predictable professional loudspeaker connection while maintaining the familiar twist-lock workflow used throughout the entertainment industry.
Always rotate compatible speakON connectors fully into the locked position before operating the system.
Low Contact Resistance
Neutrik specifies:
Contact Resistance: ≤3 mΩ after lifetime testing
for the NL4MP-ST.
Low contact resistance is valuable in speaker-level systems because relatively high currents can flow through the connection.
Overall speaker circuit resistance will also depend on:
- Speaker cable
- Cable length
- Cable connectors
- Internal cabinet wiring
- Number of connection points
Bronze Contacts with Silver Plating
Neutrik specifies:
Contact Material: Bronze CuSn6
Contact Plating: 4 µm silver
These contacts form the electrical interface with the compatible speakON cable connector.
Professional loudspeaker connectors should be periodically inspected for:
- Excessive wear
- Contamination
- Mechanical damage
- Heat damage
- Poor locking action
Damaged connectors should be repaired or replaced rather than left in production service.
More Than 5,000 Mating Cycles
Neutrik specifies a mechanical lifetime of:
More than 5,000 mating cycles
for the NL4MP-ST.
This makes the connector particularly suitable for applications involving repeated setup and pack-down, including:
- Touring
- Equipment hire
- Theatre
- Festivals
- Venues
- Production companies
Actual service life will also depend on correct handling, mating connector condition and maintenance.
Glass-Reinforced Polyamide Housing
The NL4MP-ST uses a black:
Polyamide PA6 housing with 30% glass reinforcement
The reinforced polymer construction provides a strong lightweight chassis body suitable for professional loudspeaker equipment.
Neutrik specifically identifies the glass-reinforced material as part of the connector's rugged construction.
Black Chassis Finish
The NL4MP-ST housing is black, making it particularly suitable for:
- Black loudspeaker cabinets
- Rack panels
- Stage boxes
- Touring hardware
- Professional AV systems
The understated appearance blends naturally into most professional production equipment.
Not Airtight
Neutrik explicitly states:
This chassis connector is not airtight.
That distinction matters where the connector is being fitted to:
- Sealed speaker cabinets
- Outdoor equipment
- Enclosures requiring controlled air leakage
- Environmentally sealed equipment
If cabinet air sealing is important, the system designer must account for the connector installation and any appropriate sealing measures.
Do not assume that the standard NL4MP-ST creates an airtight or waterproof panel interface.
No Unqualified Waterproof Claim
The standard NL4MP-ST should not be marketed as:
- Waterproof
- Weatherproof
- Airtight
- IP65
- IP67
Neutrik supplies various compatible covers, seals and accessories for D-size chassis products, but environmental performance depends on the complete installed arrangement.
For outdoor loudspeaker applications, use components and enclosure designs appropriate to the required environmental rating.
Not for Mains Power
This is an essential manufacturer warning.
Although the NL4MP-ST carries substantial current and has a published 250 V AC rated voltage, Neutrik explicitly states:
speakON is NOT to be used as an AC mains or power-supply connector.
The NL4MP-ST is designed specifically for:
professional loudspeaker connections.
Do not use it for:
- 230/240 V mains power
- Lighting power
- Generator distribution
- Appliance power
- General DC power
- Temporary electrical distribution
For electrical power applications, use an appropriately approved power connector such as the relevant Neutrik powerCON family.
250 V AC Rated Voltage
Neutrik publishes:
Rated Voltage: 250 V AC
as part of the NL4MP-ST electrical specification.
This does not mean it is approved for mains-power distribution.
The rating relates to the electrical design and insulation of the loudspeaker connector.
The manufacturer's prohibition against using speakON for mains or general power-supply applications remains absolute.
4 kV DC Dielectric Strength
Neutrik specifies:
Dielectric Strength: 4 kV DC peak
and:
Insulation Resistance: >1 GΩ after damp-heat testing
for the NL4MP-ST.
These specifications describe the electrical performance of the connector within its intended loudspeaker application.
Professional PA Systems
The NL4MP-ST is suitable for professional speaker infrastructure including:
- Main PA loudspeakers
- Stage monitors
- Passive subwoofers
- Delay speakers
- Fill speakers
- Distributed loudspeaker systems
- Custom amplifier racks
Its combination of high-current capacity, locking connection and screw termination makes it particularly useful for custom professional audio builds.
Theatre
Theatre sound departments may use speakON chassis connectors across:
- Permanent speaker systems
- Stage monitors
- Touring speaker cabinets
- Amplifier racks
- Patch panels
- Temporary production infrastructure
The screw-terminal design can be particularly useful for venue workshop teams assembling or maintaining custom panels.
Concert Touring
Touring PA equipment experiences repeated:
- Connection
- Disconnection
- Loading
- Transport
- Installation
- Pack-down
The NL4MP-ST's >5,000 mating-cycle specification and reinforced locking area suit this kind of repeated professional handling.
Festivals and Major Events
Large festival PA systems may contain numerous speakON chassis connections across:
- Stage monitors
- Fill speakers
- Delay systems
- Passive loudspeakers
- Amplifier racks
- Custom distribution panels
The NL4MP-ST provides a professional option where screw-terminal chassis wiring is preferred.
Equipment-Hire Companies
Professional hire companies may use NL4MP-ST connectors when:
- Repairing loudspeaker cabinets
- Building custom panels
- Refurbishing speaker inventory
- Building amplifier racks
- Maintaining stage boxes
The screw-terminal configuration can also simplify servicing because internal conductors can be removed and reinstalled without soldering.
Schools and Performing Arts Centres
Schools, universities and performing arts venues frequently maintain professional PA systems.
Potential NL4MP-ST uses include:
- Auditorium loudspeakers
- Theatre monitors
- Music facilities
- Amplifier racks
- Technical-training projects
- Custom speaker cabinets
Its straightforward screw-terminal connection can also provide a useful practical example when teaching professional loudspeaker wiring.
Film, Television and Broadcast
Passive professional loudspeakers and custom audio infrastructure may also be used across:
- Film studios
- Television production
- Broadcast facilities
- Temporary studio PA
- Live entertainment recording
- Production stages
Where speakON loudspeaker connectivity is required, the NL4MP-ST provides a rugged panel-mount interface.
Wiring the NL4MP-ST
The four terminals are identified:
1+
1−
2+
2−
Before wiring:
- Confirm the required system pinout.
- Select suitable conductor size.
- Strip conductors cleanly.
- Avoid damaged or stray conductor strands.
- Insert conductors fully into the clamping terminals.
- Tighten using a POZIDRIV #1 driver.
- Do not exceed the manufacturer's 0.5 Nm terminal torque.
- Check all four terminals for correct assignment.
- Test continuity and shorts before placing the system into service.
Always Test Completed Equipment
Any newly built or repaired loudspeaker cabinet or panel should be tested before connection to production equipment.
Check:
- Correct pin assignment
- Continuity
- No shorts between contacts
- Terminal tightness
- Speaker polarity
- Locking action
- Connector condition
Incorrect wiring can send amplifier output to the wrong loudspeaker circuit or create an amplifier fault.
NL4MP-ST vs NL4MP
The model suffix is important.
NL4MP-ST
- Current Neutrik product
- 4-pole
- Black D-size flange
- Screw-terminal termination
- Up to 4mm² / 12 AWG
- 30 A RMS continuous per contact
NL4MP
- Older flat-tab model
- 3/16-inch flat-tab termination
- Now discontinued by Neutrik
- Replaced by the current NL4MPXX family
The discontinued status of NL4MP does not mean NL4MP-ST is discontinued.
Neutrik continues to list NL4MP-ST as a current product.
This distinction is particularly important when customers are searching by model number.
NL4MP-ST vs NL4MPXX
The current NL4MPXX belongs to Neutrik's newer speakON chassis generation and is the successor to the discontinued flat-tab NL4MP.
However, the standard NL4MPXX uses 3/16-inch flat tabs, whereas the NL4MP-ST uses screw terminals.
Therefore, customers specifically requiring easy screw-terminal wiring should not assume that NL4MPXX is a direct like-for-like replacement for NL4MP-ST.
Select the connector according to:
- Required termination method
- Equipment design
- Compliance requirements
- Panel construction
Product Specifications
Brand: Neutrik
Model: NL4MP-ST
Product Family: speakON
Product Type: Chassis / panel-mount loudspeaker connector
Gender: Male
Number of Poles: 4
Terminal Identification: 1+, 1−, 2+, 2−
Termination: Screw terminals with clamping device
Maximum Wire Size: 4mm² / 12 AWG
Terminal Driver: POZIDRIV #1
Maximum Terminal Torque: 0.5 Nm
Rated Current: 30 A RMS continuous per contact
Audio Signal Rating: 40 A/contact at 50% duty cycle
Rated Voltage: 250 V AC
Contact Resistance: ≤3 mΩ after lifetime
Dielectric Strength: 4 kV DC peak
Insulation Resistance: >1 GΩ after damp-heat testing
Contact Material: Bronze CuSn6
Contact Plating: 4 µm silver
Housing: Polyamide PA6, 30% glass reinforced
Housing Colour: Black
Locking System: Quick Lock
Chassis Format: D-size
Mounting Holes: Countersunk through-holes, standard hole position
Suggested Mounting Screws: M3 / 4-40 countersunk machine screws
Mounting Screws Included: No
Maximum Rear-Mount Torque: 0.9 Nm
Maximum Front-Mount Torque: 0.6 Nm
Mechanical Life: >5,000 mating cycles
Flammability: UL94 HB
Temperature Range: -30°C to +80°C
Airtight: No
Important: For loudspeaker connections only – speakON must not be used as an AC mains or general power-supply connector.
Why Choose the Neutrik NL4MP-ST?
Choose the NL4MP-ST where professional loudspeaker equipment requires:
- Genuine Neutrik speakON
- 4-pole speaker connectivity
- Screw-terminal chassis wiring
- Up to 4mm² / 12 AWG conductors
- 30 A RMS continuous rating per contact
- 40 A audio signal capability
- Quick Lock connection
- D-size panel mounting
- Reinforced locking area
- Low contact resistance
- Silver-plated contacts
- More than 5,000 mating cycles
- Professional speaker cabinet and rack integration
It is particularly useful for speaker cabinets, amplifier output panels, theatre systems, touring PA and custom professional audio equipment where screw-terminal wiring is preferred.
Why Buy Neutrik NL4MP-ST from GigLife?
GigLife supplies professional connectors, adaptors, cables, 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 how professional speaker systems are assembled, 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 repairing a passive loudspeaker, building an amplifier rack, manufacturing a speaker patch panel or restocking a professional workshop, GigLife supplies genuine components selected 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.
