Speaker wires may seem straightforward, but understanding the color codes for different cable types and connectors is crucial to maintaining proper polarity and ensuring high-quality sound. In this blog, we will analyze the common color codes for speaker wires and their corresponding connections.
What is the color coding of speaker wire?
Speaker wire color coding is used to identify the positive (+) and negative (-) conductors in speaker cables. This standardization ensures correct alignment between woofers and woofers, preventing phase issues that can lead to decreased sound quality. Color codes vary based on cable type, configuration, and connector.
Color-coding speaker wires help identify the correct cable polarity, simplify installations and follow industry standards.
The primary two-conductor speaker wire
For most home audio systems or simple setups, two-conductor (NL2) speaker wires are used. These cables usually contain:
red: positive (+)
black: negative (-)
Alternative combinations may include:
White/Black: Common in some systems.
Red/blue or green/blue: Found in Custom or Legacy settings.
This is the simplest and most commonly used setup for passive speakers in home audio systems and small venues.
The chart below shows the standard two-conductor and multi-conductor color codes:
Multi-conductor cables for professional audio
In professional audio systems, multi-conductor cables (NL4 or NL8) are used for more complex setups, such as bi-amplified or multi-driver speaker systems. These cables allow multiple signals to be sent over a single connection, reducing cable clutter.
NL4 (4 connectors):
Black (+1) / White (-1)
Red (+2) / Green (-2)
Used in dual amplification settings where different frequency bands (for example, lows and highs) are sent to separate drivers.
Pin 1+ and pin 1- are typically used for one actuator, while pin 2+ and pin 2- are used for another actuator, with the colors black/white and red/green.
NL8 (8 connector):
Pin 1+: Black, Pin 1-: White
Pin 2+: Red, Pin 2-: Green
Pin 3+: brown, pin 3-: blue
Pin 4+: Orange, Pin 4-: Yellow
NL8 cables are designed to handle multiple audio channels in a single cable, making them ideal for line arrays or large-scale speaker systems used at concerts, festivals and live events.
This visual guide below explains how each connector (NL2, NL4, NL8) corresponds to its pin assignments and wire colors:
Special configurations: power series cables
For high-power settings, such as live performances or large venues, power series cables are used. These cables often feature thicker conductors (for example, 14 gauge) and distinct color codes:
Speaker 1: Orange (+), Red (-)
Speaker 2: White (+), Green (-)
This configuration supports multiple speakers with minimal signal loss.
At Nassau National Cable, you can find different types of speaker wires at excellent prices.
