Description
DMX cable adaptors are useful additions that are suitable for running between a lighting desk and dimmers or lighting fixtures that require DMX control. DMX cables were originally designed using pre-existing XLR technology in the 1980s. The idea behind DMX was to take existing technology and adapt it to lighting systems, which at the time were using older cables that were cumbersome and clunky. On the outside, a DMX connector is identical to an XLR equivalent. The writing printed onto the outside of the cable will say either “DMX” or “XLR” to identify the cable.
Like XLR, the most common version of DMX is the 3-pin version. DMX also has a 5-pin version that is common. Originally, the idea was that a 5-pin connector could function the same as the 3-pin version. The two extra pins could then be used for future upgrades. While there have been attempts to make use of those extra pins over the years, none of those attempts has become industry standard. Due to this similarity, there are DMX adapters that can be used to go from 3-pin to 5-pin or vice versa.
The key difference between 3-pin and 5-pin DMX is the size and layout of the pins. Because the two extra pins on 5-pin DMX are rarely used, many DMX cables on the market today actually leave them unconnected and only wire the main three pins. It should also be noted that 5-pin DMX resembles some 5-pin DIN connectors, particularly the 180° version. However, these are not the same and are not interchangeable.
DMX Cable Adaptors available:
- Male DMX batten
- Female DMX batten
- DMX batten extension
- 3 pin to 5 pin adaptor
- 5 pin to 3 pin adaptor
- 4-way DMX splitter
- 5-way DMX splitter
In addition to the DMX cable adaptors, we also have XLR adaptors available.
