Leslie™ Pinout Data

INTRODUCTION

This document covers the 5, 6, 9, and 11 pin STANDARD systems used by Leslie™. Pay special attention to the model’s listed in each section, as there are a number of Leslie™ models out there with “nonstandard” interfaces.

FIVE PIN SYSTEM

This system was originally designed by Hammond™ to:

  • Connect Hammond™ tone cabinets to later model Hammond™ Organs which no longer needed the B+ supply from the cabinet.
  • “Daisy-chain” older Hammond series (21H, 22H, etc.) Leslie™ Cabinets.
  • Connect Hammond™-type Leslie™ models to later Hammond™ Organs (-2 and -3 models among others) via 8000-type connector kits and five-pin sockets at the console.

Despite all these applications, the 6 to 6 cable is far more common and is recommended for new work and as an upgrade to older instruments. In these cases the “extra” pin is simply left open and unconnected. Since a 5 pin plug to 6 pin socket cable is used in the above applications, I have provided the “6 pin” column below to illustrate the wiring of one of these “5 to 6” cables.

TABLE OF CONNECTIONS

5 PIN6 PINFUNCTIONCOLOR
111 of 2 AudioBlack
23AC CommonGray
32GroundYellow
44AC HotBlue
562 of 2 AudioRed
 5B+None

SOCKET DIAGRAM

SIX PIN SYSTEM

There were three versions of this system, each for a different family of tone cabinets.

Balanced Interface (AKA Hammond™)
For Hammond™ Organs because of their balanced output. Includes Models: 30A, 30C, 31A, 31H, 21H, 22H, 22R, 122, 122R, 122V, 122RV, 122A-T, 142, 222, 222RV,
242 and current 122A. NOTE: Early “30” series models below serial number 5200 were not designed to be used with a console connector kit. They must be connected to a Hammond Tone Cabinet socket unless they are modified by the addition of blocking capacitors on the input, or one of Leslie’s original adapters (NLA) is installed.
Unbalanced Interface (AKA Wurlitzer)
Designed so that Leslies would be compatible with Wurlitzer organs, later these models were used on a wide variety of organs. For this reason, the Unbalanced
Interface is sometimes referred to as Universal. Includes Models: 25, 31W, 44W, 46W, 45, 47, 47R, 125, 225, 145, 147, 147V, 147RV, 245, 247, 247RV, and current 147A. NOTE: Early models could be ordered without a power amplifier. Models without power amplifiers have the speaker(s) connected directly to pins 1 and 6
(see Amp Driven Interface).
Amp Driven Interface
This is my way of differentiating between amplified cabinets such as the 147
and un-amplified cabinets such as the 110, 112, 114, 116, 120, 120C, etc. which uses the same pin arrangement but required a different audio signal to operate.
Where an “Unbalanced Interface” model can be driven by an amplifer, Amp Driven cabinets need to be driven by an audio amplifier’s output in order to be heard.
Dual Channel Interface (AKA CONN)
Actually a derivative of the Unbalanced interface. Wiring has been rearranged to allow two audio inputs instead of one. This was done to accommodate Conn’s two channel organs. Again, this system found it’s way onto other organs, for example the Hammond A-100. Includes Models: 50C, 55C, 51C, 251, and 351. NOTE: The Model 55C has no tremolo relay and pin 2 is not connected. With the 55C, tremolo is accomplished by switching audio channels at the organ.

TABLE OF CONNECTIONS

Pin #ColorBalancedUnbalanced & Amp DrivenDual Channel
1Black1 of 2 AudioGroundGround
2YellowGroundRelay CommonRelay Switched
3GrayAC CommonAC CommonNOTE 1 below
4BlueAC HotAC HotAC Hot
5BrownB+ ReturnRelay SwitchedAudio(Secondary)
6Red2 of 2 AudioAudioAudio(Rotary)

NOTE 1: On 2 channel cabinets, pin 3 acts as one half of the AC power (MAINS) and as one half of the Tremolo Relay circuit. On these models it is necessary to connect whichever “side” of the mains is attached to pin 4, to a speed control switch. The circuit is completed by routing the power from the switch to pin 2.

SOCKET DIAGRAMS (Wire side shown)



NINE PIN SYSTEM

The largest change in the 9 pin interface is the addition of independent Slow and Fast control. This allows the selection of Slow, Fast, and Stop. This interface applies to the models 760, 770, 825, 825U, 830, 900, 910, 925, 950. EXCLUDED MODELS: Models not included above are not interchangeable with the models/types listed, each one having its own unique pin-out.

TABLE OF CONNECTIONS

Pin #ColorFunction
1BlackGround
2RedAudio (Rotary Channel)
3YellowNO CONNECTION
4OrangeModels 830(?), 900, 910, 925, 950 Reverb Control (Ground OFF – Open FULL)
5Green+28 v dc (Powers CPAII)
6WhiteFast (Ground to activate)
7VioletSlow (Ground to activate)
8Gray (heavy)1 of 2 Mains
9Blue (heavy)2 of 2 Mains

SOCKET DIAGRAM (Wire side shown)

ELEVEN PIN SYSTEM

All later and current Leslie designs have eleven conductor cables. Current laws do not allow AC power to be supplied from the console and this system provides signal and control voltages only. (All eleven pin Leslie models have separate power cords.) Some pins are not connected in models with fewer channels or features.

TABLE OF CONNECTIONS

Pin #ColorFunction
1BrownAudio (Rotary Channel)
2RedAudio (Stationary Channel)
3OrangeAudio (Aux Channel #1)
4YellowGround
5GreenControl Supply Common (Short to pin 6 to turn the
cabinet on)
6BlueControl Circuit Common
7VioletFast (Short to ground to activate)
8GraySlow (Short to ground to activate)
9WhiteExt. Speed Adjust (unused)
10BlackAudio (Aux Channel #2)
11White w Black Tracer+29 v dc (Powers CPA)

SOCKET DIAGRAM (Wire side shown)

  • Revised – 11/00, 2/11
  • Reformatted – 9/09, 2/11

3 responses to “Leslie™ Pinout Data”

  1. Andy Gilbert Avatar

    I’m a mod on Organ Forum (and a few others!) and often refer people to these pages for very useful info.

    Andy Gilbert

  2. Axel Heim Avatar
    Axel Heim

    BIG APPRECIATION to the “runners” of this site.
    What a help for all Leslie and/or Organ-users out there!

    Thank you guys and keep going, please !
    Axel

  3. simon plantinga Avatar
    simon plantinga

    I just found the information I was looking for. Thank you people! Very nice.
    Kind Regards,
    simon plantinga