speakON vs. powerCON vs. etherCON: What's the Difference?
Professional audio, video, and live production systems depend on reliable connections. Three common locking connector families are speakON, powerCON, and etherCON. Although they may look similar, they perform completely different jobs.
Speaker Audio • AC Power • Ethernet Networking
Quick Connector Comparison
Use this comparison to identify the correct cable type for your professional AV system.
| Feature | speakON | powerCON | etherCON |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Speaker-level audio | AC electrical power | Ethernet data |
| Typical Equipment | Power amplifiers and passive speakers | Lighting, amplifiers and powered equipment | Network switches, digital audio and control systems |
| Connection | Locking speaker connector | Locking power connector | Ruggedized RJ45 connection |
| Common Cable | 12 AWG speaker cable | Application-rated power cable | Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6A |
| Typical Application | Live sound and speaker systems | Professional equipment power distribution | Digital audio, video and network control |
1. speakON — Professional Speaker Connections
speakON connectors are designed for speaker-level audio connections between power amplifiers and compatible passive loudspeakers. Their locking design helps prevent accidental disconnection during live events, touring and permanent installations.
Common Applications
- Professional PA speaker systems
- Amplifier-to-speaker connections
- Touring and live sound production
- Church and auditorium sound systems
- Passive subwoofers and stage monitors
2-Conductor vs. 4-Conductor speakON
A 2-conductor assembly commonly carries one speaker circuit using contacts 1+ and 1-. A 4-conductor assembly can support two speaker circuits using 1+/1- and 2+/2-, depending on equipment wiring requirements.
Always confirm amplifier and speaker pin assignments before connecting equipment.
2. powerCON — Professional AC Power Connections
powerCON connectors provide locking AC power connections for compatible professional equipment. They are commonly used in audio, lighting, video and event production systems where secure power connections are important.
Common Applications
- Professional amplifiers and powered speakers
- Stage lighting and production equipment
- Video walls and AV equipment racks
- Touring power distribution systems
- Permanent professional AV installations
Important powerCON Safety Information
Not all powerCON connectors have the same operating specifications. Traditional powerCON versions are not intended to be connected or disconnected under load. Certain powerCON TRUE1 models are designed for breaking capacity under specified conditions.
Connector series, current rating, voltage rating, cable construction and equipment compatibility must all be verified before use.
3. etherCON — Rugged Ethernet Connections
etherCON connectors provide a ruggedized locking interface for compatible RJ45 Ethernet connections. They are especially useful in demanding production environments where standard Ethernet connections may be exposed to repeated handling or accidental cable pulls.
Common Applications
- Dante and AES67 audio networking
- Digital mixing consoles and stage boxes
- Lighting control networks
- Broadcast and video production networks
- Professional AV control systems
- Touring and portable network installations
Cat6 and Cat6A etherCON Cables
Cat6 and Cat6A Ethernet cables are used in professional AV networks. Actual network performance depends on the cable category, connector specifications, installed length and network equipment.
AV-Cables also offers custom Ethernet snake assemblies and staggered breakouts for complex production environments.
Which Connector Should You Choose?
Connecting an amplifier to a passive speaker?
Choose speakON.
Supplying AC power to compatible professional equipment?
Choose powerCON.
Connecting professional Ethernet networking equipment?
Choose etherCON.
Important: These connector types are not interchangeable. Never use a speaker or Ethernet cable as a substitute for a properly rated AC power cable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are speakON and powerCON connectors interchangeable?
No. speakON carries speaker-level audio, while powerCON is designed for AC electrical power. Each requires the appropriate connector, cable and equipment interface.
Can etherCON carry Dante audio?
Yes. Compatible etherCON Ethernet connections can be used in Dante audio networks. Network performance and configuration requirements still apply.
What is the difference between Cat6 and Cat6A etherCON cables?
Cat6A supports higher specified transmission frequencies and is designed to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet over standard channel distances when properly installed. Cat6 performance depends on application, distance and installation conditions.
Can I order custom cable lengths?
AV-Cables specializes in custom professional cable assemblies. Available configurations and lengths depend on the cable type, connector selection and application requirements.
Which connector is best for live production?
Each connector serves a different purpose. Many live production systems use all three: speakON for passive speakers, powerCON for compatible AC-powered equipment, and etherCON for network connectivity.
Professional Cable Assemblies from AV-Cables
Since 1995, AV-Cables has supplied professional audio, video, broadcast and connectivity solutions for production companies, systems integrators, houses of worship, OEM manufacturers and professional AV installations.
Our cable assemblies are hand-built in the USA, with custom lengths and configurations available for demanding production requirements.
Need a Custom Cable Solution?
From individual professional cables to multi-channel snake assemblies and custom production runs, AV-Cables can help you select the appropriate connection solution.
speakON, powerCON and etherCON are trademarks or registered trademarks of Neutrik AG. Connector selection, wiring and electrical specifications should always be verified against the equipment manufacturer's requirements.