Professional audio, broadcast and live-production systems frequently use speakON, powerCON and etherCON connections. All three connector families were developed for demanding professional applications, but each is designed for a different electrical purpose.

The simplest way to remember the difference is:

Quick Connection Comparison

What Is a speakON Connection?

speakON connectors carry amplified speaker-level audio. They are commonly used between a professional power amplifier and a passive loudspeaker, stage monitor or speaker cabinet.

The twist-lock design provides a secure connection that is less likely to become accidentally disconnected during a performance, installation or equipment move. The contacts are enclosed inside the connector housing, making speakON a practical choice for high-current loudspeaker connections.

12/2 vs 12/4 speakON Cables

• 12/2 speakON: Two 12-gauge conductors using contacts 1+ and 1−. Our assemblies use the Neutrik NL2FXX-W-S 2-pole connector.
• 12/4 speakON: Four 12-gauge conductors using contacts 1+/1− and 2+/2−. Our assemblies use the Neutrik NL4FXX-W-S 4-pole connector.

A 12/2 cable is appropriate for a standard two-conductor speaker circuit. A 12/4 cable can carry two speaker circuits in one cable or support compatible bi-amped and multi-channel systems.

What Is a powerCON Connection?

powerCON connectors carry AC electrical power. They are used with professional audio, lighting, broadcast and production equipment when a secure locking power connection is preferred.

Unlike a standard IEC power connector that can be pulled out, powerCON uses a twist-lock connection. This helps prevent an accidental loss of power caused by cable movement.

Blue Input and Gray Output

Traditional powerCON connections are color-coded and keyed according to their function:

• Blue: Power input connection to the equipment.
• Gray: Power output connection from compatible equipment.

AV-Cables offers powerCON assemblies manufactured with 12/3 and 14/3 power cable. The three conductors provide line, neutral and protective ground.

What Is an etherCON Connection?

etherCON is a ruggedized, lockable connection system for Ethernet networks. It protects a compatible RJ45 connection inside a durable locking shell, making it better suited for repeated setup, teardown and handling than an exposed RJ45 plug.

etherCON cables are commonly found in:

• Digital audio networks
• Lighting-control systems
• Video-over-IP systems
• Stage boxes and digital consoles
• Broadcast and production networks
• Touring and live-event systems

AV-Cables manufactures single-channel and multi-channel tactical network assemblies with several connection configurations:

• RJ45 to RJ45
• RJ45 to etherCON
• etherCON to etherCON

Why Do the Connectors Look Similar?

speakON, powerCON and etherCON connectors were designed for professional environments where durability, positive locking and reliable connections matter. Their rugged housings and twist-lock operation give them a related appearance.

However, the internal contacts, electrical ratings, cable requirements and intended uses are completely different:

• speakON carries amplified audio to loudspeakers.
• powerCON carries potentially hazardous AC power.
• etherCON carries Ethernet network data.

Similar appearance does not mean electrical compatibility. Proper system design begins with identifying what the cable must carry and selecting the correct connector and cable construction for that application.

Which Connection Do You Need?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can speakON carry electrical power?

speakON carries the amplified electrical output of a power amplifier to a loudspeaker, but it is not an AC mains-power connector. Never use speakON as a substitute for powerCON or another approved mains-power connection.

Can powerCON be used for speakers?

No. powerCON is designed for AC equipment power, not amplifier-to-speaker connections. Use a properly wired speakON speaker cable for compatible passive loudspeakers.

Is etherCON different from RJ45?

etherCON uses an RJ45-based Ethernet connection inside a rugged locking system. It provides additional mechanical protection for professional and mobile applications where an ordinary exposed RJ45 plug may be vulnerable to damage.

Can I connect or disconnect powerCON while equipment is running?

Traditional blue-and-gray powerCON connectors must not be connected or disconnected while energized or under load. Shut down the equipment and disconnect the power source first.

Should I choose 12/2 or 12/4 speakON cable?

Choose 12/2 for a standard single speaker circuit using contacts 1+ and 1−. Choose 12/4 when the system requires four conductors, two speaker circuits or a compatible bi-amped configuration.

speakON, powerCON and etherCON are trademarks of Neutrik AG. Product names are used for identification and compatibility information.