dmccombe7 Posted December 2, 2011 Share Posted December 2, 2011 Can anyone explain the diff between the 3-pin XLR cables for DMX & standard XLR cables or even balanced Mic cables all with same end plugs / skts. Do they all have same pins wired each end or are some only single core with screen. Any help appreciated. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whizzzy Posted December 2, 2011 Share Posted December 2, 2011 Hi Dave, Most 3 pin XLR cables will be twin core with screen which should be connected to pin 1. Please also see the response to your post earlier in the other thread. Col Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obbm Posted December 2, 2011 Share Posted December 2, 2011 Both audio/mic and DMX use a screened pair cable and XLR connectors. They are both wired the same way. Audio cable has a nominal impedance of 70-ohms, DMX cable has a nominal impedance of 120-ohms. Audio signal is analogue, DMX signal is digital. Audio/Mic cable is typically lap screen, DMX cable uses a tight woven braided screen, like a transparent USB cable. The DMX signal is low level and susceptible to interference unless screened correctly. I understand that using an audio cable can effect the operation of the lights by losing data and in the extreme damage the lamp electronics. There is also Starquad audio/mic cable which has 2 pairs of conductors and an overall screen. The conductors are wired as opposite pairs into normal XLR connectors. This cable is very good for mics in electrically hostile environments and is used extensively in radio and tv outside broadcasts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted December 2, 2011 Author Share Posted December 2, 2011 thanks guys. I'm looking for DMX cables and nearly bid for standard ones on ebay. I'm new to DMX and can't afford (mentally) to use the wrong cables and get some minor issues. Thanks Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
warwickhunt Posted December 3, 2011 Share Posted December 3, 2011 I bought a 10m DMX cable from this ebayer @ £10.21 inc delivery; [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370395564666?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_1026wt_1163"]http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370395564666?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_1026wt_1163[/url] They arrived promptly and are marked on the cable sleeve as 'DMX' cable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted December 3, 2011 Author Share Posted December 3, 2011 [quote name='warwickhunt' timestamp='1322903322' post='1457074'] I bought a 10m DMX cable from this ebayer @ £10.21 inc delivery; [url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370395564666?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_1026wt_1163"]http://www.ebay.co.u...#ht_1026wt_1163[/url] They arrived promptly and are marked on the cable sleeve as 'DMX' cable. [/quote] Cheers Warwickhunt. I've just bought some on ebay from same seller. Appreciated Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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