Custom Amp Rack Wiring Question

[CrunchBerry]

Hey all,

Recently, me and the drummer of our band decided that we wanted to streamline our PA setup, so we are adding a permanent connection panel to connect the speaker outputs and mains/monitor inputs from the snake. So we will have 5 amps, power conditioner, and driverack 260 all permanently wired within the amp rack. The plan is to wire the connector panel to the driverack for inputs and from the amp outputs to the connector panel. I am using shielded 22 AWG wire for the signal from the snake to the driverack and monitor amp input.

However, I am not exactly sure what to use for the cable to pre-wire the output of the amps for the speaker. Or more so what gauge I should use. I am not exactly sure what gauge the speaker cables we are using. Maybe 14 or 16 gauge?

Do I just need to get X AWG speaker wire or another type of stranded wire, or do I need something better or different. I would imagine the sound is as strong as the weakest link, but just wanted to check and see if anyone on the forum has any suggestions.

Thanks,
CB

[loudboy]

I'd use 12 or 14.

BTW, this is a great idea - anything you can do to streamline/idiot-proof your rig will pay off in spades.

[Aaron Smith]

Generally speaking, the bigger the better- but you don't have to go crazy. The length of cable inside your amp rack will be pretty short compared to the speaker line between the rack and the speaker, so it shouldn't matter a lot. I would think 12AWG should be plenty.

[mixwiz]

I did exactly what you are planning. Used 14ga. Works great and cuts down on setup/take down. Previous poster is correct in that with 1 ft runs, speaker gague isn't as critical. If you think about it, speakers have pretty small wire running the 2 inches from terminal to cone. Longer runs is a different story.

[CrunchBerry]

Ok... thanks for the replies... I will see what I can get around here for wire.

That sounds good. Hopefully get it wired up this weekend. I for one am tired of climbing behind the old amp rack to make all the connections before and after the show. And it has only taken 10+ years for me to figure out an easier way.. :jo

Thanks..