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View Full Version : [Help Needed] Basic Connection Questions - Very Novice User


skotshim
10-07-2008, 08:23 PM
Hi.

I recently inherited a pair of Polk LS 50 speakers. I understand that they are no longer available for sale.

My question is: Is it possible to connect these speakers with a banana cable?

Also, I want to hook them up to a Mackie Board (that I use for instruments, microphones, etc.), that has 16 inputs, two 3-prong outputs, and two 1/4 inch outputs. I want to connect the 1/4 inch outputs to my Polk speakers. Is this advisable / possible?

Thanks,
S
Dennis Gardner
10-07-2008, 08:43 PM
Welcome! The Polks may have plastic plugs in the end of the posts that pop out with a blade. Many Polks have this feature to allow bananas.

The Mackie will only work if it is a powered mixer. Since it has the XLR (3 prong) outputs, I bet it is a passive mixer (preamp) only and doesn't actually have a builtin power amp.

Let me know what model it is and I will research it for you.
stebesplace
10-07-2008, 09:47 PM
I don't think what you describe will connect properly. You would need some sort of intermediate until to provide power. The polk speakers are not powered, and what you really would want is a pair of Alesis or KRK or something along those lines, powered monitors that accept XLR or 1/4" inputs, or even balanced/unbalanced inputs. Otherwise, you would need to have an amp running to those speakers, and your board feeding into the amp.
McLoki
10-07-2008, 10:54 PM
Yes the speakers will work with bananna plugs. (if the speakers terminals on back look solid, just spin them all the way off, remove the cap on the post and spin them back on)

Not 100% on your mixer, but I think you would have to go from the mixer to an amp to the speakers. Some mackie studio monitors (speakers) will work with the setup you are talking about (like the HR824's) but that is because they are powered speakers and have amps built into them. Your speakers do not have built in amps. You will have to go from the mixer, to an external amp to the speakers.

Anything I can help with or clarify, just ask.

Michael

Edit - almost forgot..... Welcome to Club Polk!!!