Dmx Cable Vs Xlr

Though some people attest to the interchangeability of dmx and xlr cables proper dmx cables should be used especially in more complex lighting systems using dmx controllers.

Dmx cable vs xlr. Xlr cables are what s most often used for analog functions such as microphones and interconnects. Xlr cables are used for audio and dmx cables are used for lighting. This was done for 2 reasons 1 to distinguish the cables from audio xlr and 2 to leave the last 2 pins open for future expansion. Xlr is used for audio while dmx is used for lighting.

Xlr and dmx cables have a bit of overlap and it can be difficult to keep the two separate. Though dmx cables and xlr cables are often both three pin cables and look the same they should not be used interchangeably especially along longer cable runs. There have been a few attempts to use this over the years but none of them have stuck. The reason why network and dmx cable are different from xlr is purely twist rate.

A dmx cable is a shielded three pin xlr cable that transmits data signals between lighting fixtures ensuring a solid consistent signal. Dmx cables and xlr cables are engineered to handle different types of information at different impedance. Both use identical 3 pin connectors but xlr has a lower impedance 75 ohms than dmx 110 ohms. Both cables look the same on the outside but xlr and dmx should not be interchanged unless users find themselves in a desperate situation.

Analog has a much lower impedance requirement so cables don t have to be rated but usually the impedance is around 45 ohms. The dmx standard was designed with 5 pin xlr cable as the connection for data. Without the proper twist rate of internal conductors the xlr cable is will not break the induction loops causing crosstalk and the data to fail. Dmx cables are what we use for lighting.

They look awfully similar so what makes dmx analog xlr cables different.