5M 5 Pin XLR Male to Female DMX Lighting Cable - B&Q

5 Metre XLR Male to XLR Female DMX Cable (5 Pin). Commonly used for connecting a lighting console ...

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Product Information

Full details

This 5-meter DMX cable is designed for lighting professionals and hobbyists needing to connect lighting consoles to DMX-controlled devices like moving lights, strobes, and fog machines. Its primary benefit is ensuring reliable, interference-free signal transmission for smooth lighting operation. A key consideration is that it must be used with DMX devices, as XLR audio cables have different electrical properties that can cause errors.

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FAQs

Can I use this cable for audio signals?

No, this is a DMX cable designed for lighting control. Using it for audio can cause signal distortion and equipment malfunction due to different impedance and capacitance.

What is the difference between a 5-pin XLR and a 3-pin XLR DMX cable?

Both are used for DMX, but 5-pin is more common in professional installations and offers greater signal integrity. This 5-pin cable uses pins 1, 2, and 3 for signal and ground, leaving pins 4 and 5 unused. 3-pin DMX cables typically use pins 1, 2, and 3 for signal and ground.

How many devices can I connect with one cable?

This cable connects one device to your DMX controller or the previous device in a chain. You can daisy-chain multiple devices using multiple DMX cables.

What is the maximum number of DMX devices I can connect in a chain?

The general recommendation is to not exceed 32 devices on a single DMX universe to maintain signal integrity. The total length of the DMX run also affects signal quality.

How do I ensure proper DMX addressing?

Each DMX fixture in your setup needs a unique DMX starting address set via its onboard controls. This tells the console which channel to control for that specific fixture.

What does 'fully shielded' mean?

A fully shielded cable has a metallic layer (like foil or braid) around the internal wires, which blocks electromagnetic interference, preventing signal noise and ensuring a cleaner data stream.

Troubleshooting

Lights are not responding to the console.

Verify that the cable is securely connected at both ends. Ensure you are using a DMX cable and not an audio cable. Check that the DMX address on the fixture is set correctly and that the cable is connected in the correct sequence within the DMX chain (output to input).

Lights are flickering or behaving erratically.

This often indicates a poor signal. Ensure all connections are firm and that the cable is not damaged. Try a different DMX cable to rule out a faulty connection. Check for nearby sources of electrical interference.

Connectors are loose or difficult to plug in.

Inspect the connectors for any bent pins or debris. Clean gently with a dry cloth. Ensure you are using a DMX cable and not an audio cable, as pin spacing can sometimes differ subtly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Ensures reliable DMX signal transmission.
  • Durable construction for professional use.
  • Shielding reduces interference for cleaner light shows.
  • Cost-effective solution for essential lighting connections.

Cons

  • Only compatible with DMX devices, not audio equipment.
  • Fixed 5-meter length may not suit all setups.
  • 5-pin configuration is specific to DMX and less versatile than other connectors.

Setup, Compatibility & Care

Setup: Simply connect the male XLR end to the DMX output port on your lighting controller or the previous DMX device in the chain. Connect the female XLR end to the DMX input port of your lighting fixture (e.g., a floodlight, moving light, or strobe). Ensure a secure click when plugging in both ends.

Compatibility: This cable is specifically designed for DMX lighting control systems. It is *not* compatible with standard XLR audio cables or microphones. While the connectors may physically fit, the internal wiring and impedance are different, which can lead to signal distortion, operational errors, and intermittent failures. Always verify that your lighting console and fixtures support 5-pin DMX connections.

Care: Store the cable loosely coiled to avoid stressing the internal wires or jacket. Avoid sharp bends, especially near the connectors. Keep the connectors clean and free from dust and debris; use a dry, lint-free cloth for cleaning. Protect the cable from excessive moisture and extreme temperatures.

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