Whirlwind / Multipin Connectors

MASS and Multipin Connectors

The MASS connector series from Whirlwind provides outstanding multipin connector reliability.

The rugged metal shell protects against moisture and physical abuse.

The hermaphroditic design eliminates stocking and logistical problems encountered with male/female connector systems by reducing the number of required parts.

All MASS connectors include a heavy-duty dust cap. Inlines also include strain relief.

Read about how these became the leading multipin connectors in audio history with this article published in the June 2003 issue of LiveSound! Intl.

MASS connectors are available in four sizes: W5 48 contacts; up to 16 pair cable W6 84 contact; up to 28 pairs cable W3 122 contact; up to 40 pair cable W4 176 contact; up to 58 pair cable

W3 and W4 pinnable MASS connectors are completely compatible with existing fixed-pin solder-type MASS connectors, and use the same inline and panel-mount housings. These new crimp type versions are designed for easy, positive insertion and removal of pins and sockets, using a standard crimp tool and locator insert available from Whirlwind or other suppliers.

W4IRP

W3IRP

W6IRP

W5IRP

W5CRP

W6CRP

W3CRP

W4CRP

MASS CONNECTOR PRODUCT NUMBERS

W3CRP	MASS 122 pin chassis, crimp type pin/socket
W3IRP	MASS 122 pin inline, crimp type pin/socket
W4CRP	MASS 176 pin chassis, crimp type pin/socket
W4IRP	MASS 176 pin inline, crimp type pin/socket
W5CRP	MicroMASS 48 pin chassis, crimp type pin/socket
W5IRP	MicroMASS 48 pin inline, crimp type pin/socket
W6CRP	MicroMASS 84 pin chassis, crimp type pin/socket
W6IRP	MicroMASS 84 pin inline, crimp type pin/socket

Wiring MASS Connectors

All MASS connectors are asexual with every connector containing an equal number of pins and sockets . This means that there is only one model of chassis and inline connector for each size without the usual male/female connector designations.

However, the male/female connectors are replaced with differing wiring conventions that must be adhered to in order to obtain the expected results and to ensure compatibility with existing systems.

It's really a simple job to get a MASS connector system wired correctly if a few basic conventions are adhered to.

Read more about it in our tech article:
"Wiring MASS Connectors FAQ" .

CRIMP TOOL AND COMPONENTS

M1R-TOOL KIT

Designed to streamline the assembly process, the Whirlwind crimp tool and locator easily attaches MASS pins and sockets to the wire ends. Contacts then load into the MASS contact blocks from the rear and are easily removed by inserting the extraction tool into the wire hole which expands the spring fingers of the retention clip. The ends of the tool are color-coded (red for insertion and white for extraction) for at-a-glance identification.

MASS Crimp Components

M1R-TOOL KIT	Includes crimper, locator and 2 insert/extract tools
M1RPIN	Crimp type male (pin) contact
M1RSKT	Crimp type female (socket) contact
91067- 2	Insertion/extraction tool

MASS ANGLE ADAPTER KIT

The convenient MASS Angle Adapter Kit mounts in a panel and swings down to redirect the cables toward the floor.

This relieves the strain on the cable while increasing the working area around the front of the panel.

A built-in wrap-around shroud keeps connector wires hidden and protected.

Without connected cable, the Angle Adapter swings closed and locks in traditional straight-ahead position .

(Connector and panel not included)

W3W4AK Large hinge kit for W3, W4
W5W6AK Small hinge kit for W5, W6

W1 and W2 MULTIPIN CONNECTORS

W2CF

W2IM (top), W1IM (bottom)

In addition to MASS and MicroMASS connectors, Whirlwind offers a second compact line of multipin connectors. This smaller series is used on multipair cables from 6 to 20 pairs, and is based on the proven military 1/4 turn quick-disconnect MIL-26482 series.

This style comes in two sizes: W1 (which has 39 solder type contacts and is used for cables with 12 pairs or fewer), and W2 (which has 61 solder type contacts and is used on 16 and 20 pair cables). Each size has a male connector and a female connector. The male pins are fixed in a shell that has a locking ring attached. The female socket contacts are mounted in a receptacle shell that mates with and accepts the locking ring of the male connector.

39 pin connectors

W1CF	39 pin chassis mount female
W1IF	39 pin inline female
W1CM	39 pin chassis mount male
W1IM	39 pin inline male

61 pin connectors

W2CF	61 pin chassis mount female
W2IF	61 pin inline female
W2CM	61 pin chassis mount male
W2IM	61 pin inline male

DT12 SERIES
BROADCAST MULTIPIN CONNECTORS

The broadcast industry has standardized the DT12 wiring configuration based on the Cannon FK-37 connector. Whirlwind supplies intermatable 37 pin connectors with machined aluminum contact housings and lightweight glass-filled valox backshells. Solder-style silverplated contacts are 16 gauge.

DT12CF	Chassis female sockets with locking ring
DT12CM	Chassis male pins with locking threads
DT12IF	Inline female sockets with locking ring and backshell
DT12IM	Inline male pins with locking threads and backshell

Whirlwind supplies many other multipin connector types either in bulk or wired in systems.

19 PIN SOCAPEX STANDARD
MULTIPIN CONNECTORS

Whirlwind offers the Socapex 19 pin standard connectors in the original SPX19 with metal housing. Solder-style goldplated contacts are rated at 23 amps and accept 12 or 14 gauge wire.

SPX19CF	Chassis female sockets with locking threads
SPX19CM	Chassis male pins with locking ring
SPX19IF	Inline female sockets with locking threads and backshell
SPX19IM	Inline male pins with locking ring and backshell

Elco/EDAC MULTIPIN CONNECTORS

Elco/EDAC connectors are rectangular and use a single gold plated fork contact in both the plug and the receptacle.

Solder-style contacts are supplied (as loose contacts).

Catalog Number
1 2 3 4
Match colored numbers to chart

SIZE

E1	56 pin connector
E2	90 pin connector
E3	120 pin connector

CONNECTOR

C	chassis mounting connector no cover
I	inline mounting connector with cover housing

GENDER

F	female block recessed contacts, female guide sockets
M	male block exposed contacts, male guide pins

BLOCK TYPE

N	actuating nut on block
S	actuating screw shaft on block

EP/AP SERIES SPEAKER CONNECTORS

Cannon EP Series	Cannon AP Series
EP4-11	AP4-11	4 pin inline female
EP4-12	AP4-12	4 pin inline male
EP4-13	AP4-21	4 pin chassis mount female
EP4-14	AP4-22	4 pin chassis mount male
EP6-11	AP6-11	6 pin inline female
EP6-12	AP6-12	6 pin inline male
EP6-13	AP6-13	6 pin chassis mount female
EP6-14	AP6-14	6 pin chassis mount male
EP8-11	AP8-11	8 pin inline female
EP8-12	AP8-12	8 pin inline male
EP8-13	AP8-21	8 pin chassis mount female
EP8-14	AP8-22	8 pin chassis mount male

NEUTRIK NL SERIES SPEAKON ^® CONNECTORS

NL2MP	2 pole chassis mount
NL2FC	2 pole inline
NL4MP	4 pole chassis mount
NL4MPR	4 pole large flange chassis mount
NL4FX	4 pole inline
NL4FRX	4 pole inline, right angle
NL4MM	4 pole inline coupler
NL8MPR	8 pole chassis mount
NL8FC	8 pole inline
NL8MM	8 pole inline coupler

Also available in the NLT series featuring metal shells with high power contacts.


NL2MP	NL2FC

NL4MP	NL4FX	NL4FRX	NL4MM


NL8MPR	NL8FC	NL8MM

D-SUB CONNECTORS

Industry standard connectors used for digital multitrack recorders, mixers, and computers are available. The DSUB multipin connectors have solder-type contacts, goldplating, and metal backshells. Crimp type also available.

DSUB9ILM	9 pin DSUB inline male
DSUB9ILF	9 pin DSUB inline female
DSUB9CHM	9 pin DSUB chassis male
DSUB9CHF	9 pin DSUB chassis female
DSUB15ILM	15 pin DSUB inline male
DSUB15ILF	15 pin DSUB inline female
DSUB15CHM	15 pin DSUB chassis male
DSUB15CHF	15 pin DSUB chassis female
DSUB25ILM	25 pin DSUB inline male
DSUB25ILF	25 pin DSUB inline female
DSUB25CHM	25 pin DSUB chassis male
DSUB25CHF	25 pin DSUB chassis female