DMX Cable Vs Microphone Cable - What's The Difference?

[ThePilbaraPrince]

This is probably the single most important video I've seen of yours so far! Thanks for solving a problem that's always perplexed me. I'm going to try my hand at some custom lengths and see how it goes...

[rrcammy1967]

you are super awesome .im learning a lot....

[DeeJC123]

Great video!!!

[mc85eu]

Exceedingly useful video. Line 6 recommend using AES/EBU cabling with their guitar amps, rather than standard/analog XLR. You helped me see the difference between the two. Thanks.

[sweetandsimple0817]

very informative; thank you.

[Pauliticiann]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH I was about to plug in a regular XLR audio cable to extend the DMX cable at a venue with built in lights but decided to make sure it was OK at the last minute. Good thing I checked. Theyre not my lights and theyre really expensive

[atuck288]

get to the point sooner man

[EJWolff]

Thank you for this video. I just checked all my so called DMX cables, and what did I find?! All bar two of them are made with microphone cable. They were sold to me as DMX cables, (that's also what they were advertised as.) I was wondering why some of my lights weren't working correctly, now I do. Unfortunately I can't remember where I purchased from. Now I've got a big event happening in seven days time and no longer have any cables and not enough money to buy more.

[ozsoundlight]

Thank you for posting this!

[ripNdeb27]

One of the requirements for the DMX cable that is overlooked in the video is that it be twisted pair. i.e. the two insulated wires are twisted together the length of the cable to cancel out EMI.

[thebugger2000]

What about the XLR ends them selives? I was apparently sold XLR cables instead of DMX cables. So I'm considering buy the bulk cable and recycling the ends from the mic cables. Do you think that's a good idea or do I really have to go and buy new ends also (basicly new cables)?

[CentreReveil]

thanks for this video....



[bacos21]

XLR and DMX are similar thye both work in lighting how ever you xlr are made to work with millivolts and milliwatts. DMX are made to work with plus 5v DC minus 5V DC (standard digital pulse) alot harder to have interference because its either plus or minus 5v because if you don't know DMX stands for Digital Multiplexing where as XLR is made to carry an analogue signal which is constantly changing in peaks and troughs thus making it easier to interfere with by AC power etc

[bergweg]

could I use DMX cable to make my own SPDIF cables?

[djcactus96]

thanks really good review:) i think i destroyed my 900dollar movinghead by using the wrong cable! XD

[ProAudioDevelopment]

Excellent video... Will be sharing this for sure!

[thedamino87]

Hi, I work for a major manufacturer and distributor of cables and communication equipment. Just wanted to throw something @zervice72 regarding comparisons. Regardless of the "quality" of cables, the DMX will be higher quality, it's also rated to the serial RS485 standard for cabling. DMX is MUCH higher quality than a standard Mic cable. Try Roadwork RW600124 or 224 (1pr and 2pr respectively) for all your DMX/Mic needs.

[zservice72]

is it a joke? compare low quality mic cable with good dmx cable - very simple commercial.

may be you never meet HI quality MIC cables with much more low resistance then DMX and with better shield? Just try to learn more on cable companies webs. people - don't afraid to use mic cables, just choose a little better then shown

[DjBlitz619]

@stereostonestudio not dumb, I'm wondering the same thing now, too. Lol

[StereoStoneStudio]

thanks ! very helpful !

I only have one doubt.. if those cables are so similiar and the dmx does a better isolation, it means that it could be used to audio record to, and it would give best results?

sorry if is a dumb question ! =X

[SouthernCaliDJs]

Nice vid, thanks.



[xxxRAZOxxx]

nice info thank you briansredd......

[MrHartlas]

bit long winded.......

[fincaman2]

Some mic cables have braided screen so that is irrelevant as is the voltage rating of the cable. The only real difference is that DMX cable has lower capacitance between the cores which means that if you are using long cables it's better to use DMX cable. I use mic cables for DMX with no problems

[fincaman2]

Lots of mic cables have braided screen that is irrelevent as is the voltage rating of the cable. The only real difference between DMX and MIC cable is that DMX has lower capacitance between the cores. I have used mic cable for DMX with no problems but if I was using long cables it would be better to use DMX cable

[thecoolman9909]

Thank you very much thats really help!!

[donjaved]

Thanks la lot brian, I was such a ignorant dumbass i went and bought a dmx cable for my condensor mic and i wasnt getting a good input level.. coz now u told me it cant carry the required voltage.. my wire is braided and it was a red and white wire so its a dmx and not a microphone cable right???

[djjake29]

where did you get that 300ft spool from, and how much was it ?

[mvinaround]

r u from somerset kus im from yeovil

[thepunkranter]

Any cable can have braided sheilding

[chvydrptop]

Hey Brian I just picked up a set of american dj mystic leds and they both came with xlr microphone cables. Cables say "ofc high grade low noise microphone cable".

On another note, I have an eon setup, powered sub and powered speakers and I run shielded microphone cable. I think the key is that the cables has to be shielded.

[2Shye]

data cables are usually more rigid (more solid with thicker threads) which allows them to carry a better frequency range (i.e. better sound).. but also makes them much more prone to cracking... so they are better suited to static installations. i.e. when your not moving gear around all the time old coax cable works as a great audio cable. However mic cables are built for flexibility (walking around with the mic and frequent coiling) so they last longer on stage (more durable)

[2Shye]

@2Shye so in short.. mic cables are good for instruments and performers who move around alot.. and data cables are better for longer distances and carrying signals between fixed gear like mixers/lighting and speakers.

[cdynasty24]

Thanks a bunch! Helped me make my purchase decision today!

[tomlaur104]

Thanks...good info......

[CP9er]

I bet Brian S Redd wishes he could "redo" this video...

[ronniesaras]

hi there,

thx for your posting - nice job!

Just sharing my story....

I have about 20 LED fixtures including 2 moving heads and two icolor 4s.

I run show off a macbook & have the two hour performance choreographed. I have had over 40 shows using mic cables without a prob, until recently. not sure if Ive got a bad lead or possibly the interference monster you mentioned has finally reared its ugly head. I check connections, reboot several times & luckily all works. im gonna buy some dmx cables :)

[camposizzy]

hey im studying sound technician in college. but i still need to learn A LOT. This helped A LOT, thanks! Quick question i know mic cables are for mics obviously haha. But um when can i use the dmx cables? For what is it use for? im barely learning all of those stuff. (:

[yror10]

search google for this "THE SSSNAKE SMK22BK" (top result)

[yror10]

Hey, u said the term *microphone cable* is cable without good twisted shielding but I found this real cheap stuff and in the pic it's shows twisted sheiding like dmx cable, do u think it would work?

[mikespice]

hey man, nice technique on the wire stripper but you skipped the most important part... the soldering of the connectors<<

[serric007]

Thank U soo! .. Now my customer is not gonna be happy for the "change" of pricing because of this. Do you know if there is a lenght limit for the DMX to work ??? We are reaching distances between 50m - 150m (about 165 - 500 feet).. And if there is any device to regain the small signal???

[stonehartfloydfan]

Microphone cable has a characteristic impedance of approximately 600 Ohms, DMX has an impedance of 120 Ohm, they are not the same. Microphones are low-frequency analogue signals and DMX are hi-frequency digital signals. Microphone cables will work most of the time on short runs but using them can lead to trouble with signal reflections (Erratic behaviour).

[jimbob1ist]

that may be why my LED par can is brock, not good

[kittypurr2222]

how come so many types..data cables, microphone, audio

is a dmx a type of audio cable? I need subcategories. are data cables shielded the same way microphone cables are?

[alecs12222]

dose the spool come with the sheliding and all that or do you have to buy that separate? please reply..

-se7en

[codemsan]

@alecs12222 all the shielding is internal inside the outer jacket of the cable, the only thing you need to buy is the male and femal connectors, and a soldering iron and some solder if you dont already own one...you can look up how to make cables or how to solder on youtube here too!

[elnfilms]

can you do 2 dmx cable and 1 mic cable?

[ZackDonovan]

thanks :)

[fincaman2]

This was a good honest attempt to explain the difference but cables don't have an impedance , what I wanted to know was "were the two coloured wires twisted together in both cables" they are in mic cables and I wondered if they are in DMX cables

[kljfoesika]

great video

[ramonnoel6565]

I am aware that youtube doesn't allow live sports, television episodes and movies stream however, stream episodes [dot] net allows it. I seriously urge you guys specially #VIDEOPOSTERID# to go check it out!

DMX Cable Vs Microphone Cable - What's The Difference?

[misteriojoel]

Hi brian....well seriuslly thanks for all ur advice is really gonna make a difference on our light show...thanks man......i guess going though waste thats how u learn after all..

[IDJohio]

Brian once again gives all the (vital facts) on the internal distinction of the internal components of Mic vs DMX cabling. I learned from another DJ's use of substituting DMX for mic cable the hard way. I purchased (4) ADJ concept 2 fixtures (used & had them shipped to me). 1 of the four fixtures would not address itself or sound activate. The DJ had also shipped the cables. Short version, they were mic cables, not DMX! One (part) & a hard reset & good to go. Get The DMX data cable! P&N-joy!

[b3fiend]

True DMX has 5 pins, though that standard has been largely forgotten.

[Nolimitsfan]

My friend told me there where no diffirent between these two cables because I always have used mic cables for his movinghead.

[skiing54]

Nice Brian. GREAT points. DO IT, DMX CABLE, NOW

DJ B

[flyingfireguy]

3Pin XLR is mostly use and on most 5 Pin dmx the 4th and 5th pin arnt used and With Ethernet and RJ-45 are use becasue you can run 4 univeries(4 DMX cables thro I lead).

At big gigs we ould use more then i DMX a Avolites Pearl can take up to 4 512 leads Which is 2048 channels of dmx

[patchcords]

Both cables are the same ....

two conductor shielded with XLR connectors.

[BigBoiNow23]

its called XLR, not "microphone cable" and they both use a basic 3 pins, but dmx has 2 extra's incase one of the signals gets weak

[Boomdoggles]

@BigBoiNow23 XLR is Actualy the plug on the end also Microphone cable is called Cannon cable commonly.

[mrodriguez4829]

My set-up for the industry always is 2 High End Systems Studio Spot 575 and Cyberlight SV fixtures. Both use 3-Pin XLR. I never run a 5-pin DMX with these fixtures just to only turn it around back (XLR to DMX). The only fixtures I've seen that can use both DMX and XLR cables are Martin's Mac movers. Those fixtures have both inputs/outputs

[djwizby]

dude, XLR is connector type not cable name. like RCA or RJ45.

[VisualFXReview]

What Brian is showing you is a 3 PIN XLR cable. Manufacturers make these XLR cables suitable to accept DMX512A. The Accu cable that Brian is displaying is a 3 pin XLR cable that has been properly constructed to handle the DMX 512A signal. DMX cables do not exist. Cables used to transfer the DMX512A protocol are: 3 PIN XLR, 5-Pin XLR(most commonly used and most appropriate for the transfer of DMX512A) and rarely Ethernet or RJ-45 with appropriate adapters.

[johnstmry]

Brian is right. Quote from WikiPedia "For example, microphone and line level audio cables do not have the correct characteristics and should never be used for DMX512. The significantly lower nominal impedance and significantly higher capacitance of these cables distort the DMX512 data which can cause irregular operation or intermittent errors that are difficult to identify and correct."

[leafygreentree]

Great basic tips. Some people are going a little deep in their comments and that's cool. Bottom line, use DMX for DMX and Mic cables for mics.

[saludcristalvideos]

we are all forgetting something very important here, a DMX link must always be terminated. Why? because the termination regulates the overall impedance in the link that will make it REAL DMX signal for the first time. A non-terminated DMX link cannot be considered a true DMX link.

[gbznemo]

good tip...

[compulite]

may i using ethernet cable (RJ45) for DMX? (looks possible for me becuz ethernet equipment sends much more Mbps than DMX (RS-485))

[VisualFXReview]

You can use a DMX to RJ45 adapter although you wouldn't see much difference. You would need a instrument that had a RJ45 input and a control console with RJ45 output to see a difference.

[VisualFXReview]

you may use RJ-45 Ethernet cable to transfer the DMX 512 A protocol However it does not matter because equipment with an Ethernet jack are still sending DMX 512 A. You do need to make sure that the equipment is sending a DMX 512A signal and not ACN. ACN is a completely different protocol. If you need any answer please do not hesitate to contact me.

[exitlim]

Thanks for sharing.. Man

[VisualFXReview]

3 pin DMX and 3 pin XLR cables have no difference. The only difference the manufacturer who makes them. In the video you said it is because one is shielded and one is not. You just happened to have an unshielded XLR cable. XLR cables come shielded and un- shielded. XLR and DMX cables can both come balanced or un-balanced as well. Now the difference between the both depends on the AWG cable size. Both DMX and XLR come in different sizes to allow more data to flow through them.

[ooCHICOoo]

hey nice video now i know what is the difer....... of this cables thanks real nice support chicoDj from PuertoRico

[MintFlux]

Thanks! Off to get me some DMX cable!

[stsfin]

Thank you for making a video which i can use to educate my "slowgoing" friends :)

[robjcrowston]

so could you use a dmx cable for audio from a mixer to an amplifier?

[jameswcrofts]

hi there, no you might end up with earth signals ie hum distortion and som times wiring on pin 3 and 2 may be short....

be carefull........

[harrym2457]

thanks

[Fractal80Y]

Thanks heaps mate, great to share little bits of knowlege that i sometimes dont take into account. :)

[StaticBrigade]

thanks for putting this together. I built a few based on this video and they work great! Now i group the regular mic cables and dmx cables in sep. boxes so that they don;t get mixed up.

[StaticBrigade]

..and as you said - you aren't pretending to know everything about this subject, but what you do know far outweighs what you might not know and that is useful to me! Thanks

[d2tminc]

is there a difference between audio xlr cables and microphone xlr cables are mic xlr only for mic's and audio xlr only for speakers?

[ccam108]

1 Wrong impedance causes reflections at the end of the DMX chain, doing all sorts of funny things, NOT a difference in current.

2 Using microphone cable will NOT cause your light's chips to burn out. Interference will be about 0.0001V or thereabouts. DMX signals are +-15V.

3 Mic cables are not designed for stronger signals, mic level is about 0.01V.

The real difference is the frequency - audio is up to 20kHz, DMX runs at 25kHz. Cheap microphone cable won't always cope with that.

Colin C

[milleniumjazz]

i need help with my amphenol...

[temanyada]

that was a great video

[gabegeforce]

that was something! you're rigth pretty much I just noticed dmx and mic cables look alike. so that was the diffrence since dmx are designed to carry data. I've seen some mobile dj's here do have that scanner miror shaky in the spot mode. thats why haha! you also took the liberty in striping out your mic & dmx cable because you got one spool and you can make one for your self hahaha I liked the video though I don't have DJ stuffs yet. planing to get my own cd players,speakers and ligths.

[Hobadee]

What you showed us was not DMX cable - USITT has defined DMX cable as having a 5-Pin connector, not a 3-pin. Additionally, there is no merrit to the claim that mic cable carries a stronger signal - just the opposite. DMX carries a 5VDC digital signal whereas mic cable (Without phantom) carries about a 0.7V analog signal.

[Sw0rdN00b]

Yes, Hobadee, it WAS a dmx cable. Although the "official" cables have 5 pins, many products offer additionally or only 3-pin XLR options.

[kiodo99]

the 3-pin DMX is also known as microplex by some companies

[popinpuppy]

WOW MAN

[popinpuppy]

WOW MAN

[MartinGod3992]

well i got my cable off eBay, mine is made by Van Damme; the best people for cables, soo if you need cables get Van Damme, the ones i brought are used by the Army, it is army grade and unbreakable. interference is also caused by the connectors you use(i use black full gold XLR's that cost £13 each(thats for one not m+f)), and if you have bad soldering, that will make a difference to, its not all about the cable is about other things to. most cable that you can buy off the high street,

[MartinGod3992]

as the lighting people call it 'Cheap and cheerful'

[chazhs]

Firstly. VDC is not unbreakable, no cable is unbreakable, Sommer and Piranha are just as good as Van Damme. As for your connectors, you're paying over the odds for no reason, standard Neutrik XLRs will do fine, they are the same resistance and provide the same connectivity, and even their gold plated XLRs are not £13 each; Neutrik are the best in the world, so if you're buying someone elses connectors you are wasting your time. Also, the army do not use DMX. =P

[MartinGod3992]

the army use data cables, DMX is data isn't it, doesn't mean that they use DMX, means that they use that cable. and i never said that i paid £13 i just found them for £13 on the net, which is a rip off, but gold plated are better as i get better signal from them, and nickel connectors have a higher resistance, hence why they dont use it for power cables. oh yer another tip ALWAYS solder the bit that grounds the outer casing of XLR's, give you better signal

[chazhs]

You will get 100ths of an ohm less resistance using gold plated connectors, however, all Neutrik connectors are regarded in the industry as 'transparent', so frankly it makes very little difference to the end result whether you use gold plated or standard connectors. Something which will make more of a difference is what solder you use and how good the bared cables are connecting to the connector itself. Are you just called Martin or did/do you work for them or something?

[MartinGod3992]

well i know a lot about lighting and repairing them, like i kno how to take a Martin Mac iii to bits and clean it, its easy to be like me u just have to understand that i have read all the manuals for Martin lighting and Clay Paky, thats where all my knowledge comes from

[chazhs]

Well Im ex BBC and Im Martin and Robe service trained, so I'd trust me about cables and connectors. ;-)

[martin0mac2000]

for a general rule u can use xlr cable for approx 100m and any longer u have to use high high end xlr cable or dmx cable

[alexnadam]

They're both XLR cables, although one is used for lighting but the industry standard for moving lights is 5pin XLR. :)

[martin0mac2000]

if the industry standard is 5 pin the why does martin offer the option of 3 pin and highend technobeams are 3 pin

[MartinGod3992]

well, it a good way of saving money, 3 pin is cheaper but if you look @ a 5pin you will realise that it only uses 3 cores meaning there is no need for the other 2 pins, but yes industry standard is 5 pin, but essentualy its the same, oh a the difference between Mic cable and DMX cable is that Mic cable is Analogue, and DMX is Digital cable, but for Dmx you can only go upto a maximum of 500 meters before you need a signal booster.

[newton2013]

The wire at 4:02 reminds me of the String from the 'Fraid Knot joke. Thanks for showing me why not to use temptingly-cheap mic cables. :)

[michael1980123]

Nice video...this is exactly why the industry standard for professionals is 5 pin DMX. While most DJ equipment is 3 pin, all pro production lighting gear is 5 pin or both 5 pin and 3 pin (like martin).mWe use 5 pin so there is no confusion between DMX and Audio cabling. One thing to note that was not covered in your video is that you can actually Damage lighting equipment by accidentally patching an Audio cable into a DMX input..if that audio cable is carrying phantom power...zap

[MartinGod3992]

look @ my comment above for the 3pin and 5 pin, yes you can atually damage lighting by using Phantom power, Phantom power means +48volts, meaning that it sends 48 volts throught the cable, if you atually bother reading the manual of lights it tells you not to do this as it wil PERMANTLY damage the chips on the PCB of the lights and may even fry them. and if you have Martin lights and your have done this, prepare to spend £500+ on a new PCB

[JacquesTutite]

Excellent video for newbies (like me), well done and easy to understand.

[petergossweiler]

hey !

thank you for the info!!

Appreciate that very much!

Peter

[Studio112iceland]

Thank you!

This info sure will come in handy

I didn't know there was a difference until now

[mproductionzDOTnl]

We had some shaking issues in the past, after seeing your vid we've changed all the mic cables for DMX cables and the shaking went away. Thnx dude :)

[lvjmusic]

In high end audio, there are many manufactureers of properly shielded cabling for audio. The better the shielding the more resistant to stray EMF and FM signal interference. Simply stated, if you want your equipment to perform to the best of it's ability -for audio or data transmission - DON'T SKIMP ON THE CABLE!

The wires impedence should be as close to 0 as possible - higer impedence values (i,e resistance) lower both data and audio signal integrity. Cheap is as cheap does.

Get it?

Good!

[Dougski12001]

nice use of the light mirror in the beginning.....Ha! We can see you...

[totalcyclingfreak]

Yes there are differences, but only tiny problems might become apprent when you have a large set up and loads of fixtures (over 20 fixtures and 100+ meters of cable). Or if the cable isnt in a good condition.

If your running 5 or so lights with only short bits of cable inbetween you wont have any problems as the signal travels so fast it dosent have time to be affected by interference. In my years of working with DMX lights ive never had any problems.

[danceofthedruids]

Excellent ... you saved my gear before a power seller Ebayer (yovus) tried to sell me mic cable for DMX three pin ... back to Pro Stage and Lighting for the proper cable! Thanks again ... excellent video!

[MichaelBradus]

ILWIHT!! He says "pen" instead of "pin" and "ind" instead of "end." Maybe he's saying "in" for that second one, but I don't think so. Strange pronunciation aside, it was a very informative and useful video. I definitely didn't know what the difference was before I saw this.

[briansredd]

HA! Sorry about that. Welcome to my Midwest accent :) Thanks for watching

[ozskipper]

Well done. The only thing i would change is that you probably should use the Proper terms. Not Recepticals but XLR connector etc. But well done all the same.

As far as the no-sayers are concerned, why do Martin, Clay Packy, Coemar, Robe and every other high end dmx lighting manufacturer, demand that DMX data cable and not mic cable is used.

Sometimes on short runs you can get away with mic cable, but over long runs with numerous fixtures you will end up in trouble with mic cables. Cheers

[briansredd]

The reason I stayed away from the term XLR is because not all DMX cables have XLR style end connections.

[ozskipper]

i get your point. Although very dmx little uses the 5 pin din these days. Just think the right terms always help and save confusion. Either way, keep up the good work :)

[123scottsdj]

@briansredd thatss righttt

[themaxco]

As an addition. If you want to know why impedance is important start googling but in a nut shell if you match the impedance of your cables to your equipment (Balanced audio is a 600ohms and DMX is at 120ohms) you get a cleaner signal which can be transmitted further.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

[Lateatthebusstop]

It's not the audio cable that has an impedance of 600ohms. It's the mixers Input. A mic normally has less resistance (like 200ohms). Because the higher the resistor the higher the voltage it takes the mixer get's a lot more Volts than the mic - which is good for soundquality. The cable has the smallest resistance possible.

[Lateatthebusstop]

1. You won't ever break a light by using a mic cable - if you do your light is a big piece of crap.

2. DMX has a higher voltage than Audio

3. Scanners shaking has nothing to do with shielding

So that's 3 times bullshit. That's a little much for one video just to show there's a difference. You could have said "I don't know anything about this, just use DMX cable rather then making stuff up.

[eucalor]

1. true, lights should have shielded inputs.

2. im a light tech, but dont you sometimes throw 48v phantom down those cables?

3. scanners shake due to lousy signal. interference causes lousy signal. shielding prevents interference.

[Lateatthebusstop]

Lousy signal is caused bei interference BUT wrong imdedance and no endresistor are worse problems than that.

And yes, you throw +48v through a mic cable but it's just a few mA. Look at a telephone line, it's thin as hell but carries a lot of voltage but just a few mA.

[eucalor]

i have never needed to use an endresistor, i have tried it a couple of times, but it has destroyed the signal due to worn wires. a dmx signal can run well through a cable with either +5v or -5v missing, but if you put an endresistor on that, you lose your signal.

regarding the few mA, I know, but you were the one who brought up the voltage through mic cables.

[Deeceedj]

Im sorry Brian, but i have to say that your wrong on this one. But i see your gotten enought of a beating for it already.

[briansredd]

Everyone is quick to say how "Wrong" I am, but nobody has yet to come up with anything solid to show WHERE I'm SO wrong. There IS a difference in inpedence and what signals these two cables are ment to carry. One is a Data cable, one is an Audio cable.

[themaxco]

Hi Brian,

A quick vote for support and some info.

Firstly if anyone is interested they should look at the USITT standard for DMX and also search on RS485 which DMX uses.

info

Audio: Analouge signal, has huge voltage range microphone to speaker but on the cable shown generally a couple of volts. Importantly the cable shown should have an impedance of 600ohms.

DMX: Digital signal at normally 0 to 5v.

Cable impedence of 120ohms.

I could go on and on but the difference is the impedance.

[briansredd]

HA! Thanks. It's insane, man. Some people asked me what the difference was or if there WAS a difference, so I did my best to break it down. The attempt here was to make it simple to understand and BAM! All the "Experts" came out. Oh well, bottom line is they are indeed different. Thanks again!

[djtitan]

thank you very much for all of your informative info!!! :)

[djhpr69]

yay for differential signalling

[alexmcdonald2]

Brin ur awsome - i am a young dj an d i have 2 mojo spins 1 and they r dmx i njeed a longer cable!! anyway id like to thank yuou very much and i really think ur cool!!!!!!!

[TheLastDJ007]

Thanx. Never thought about the wrong cable hurting your light. I got some 3 pin DMX cables from

progearwarehouse.

[scwallac]

Oh boy....where to start? The situation is exactly the opposite as you describe. Microphone cables handle extremely small analog signals that are very sensitive to interference. Hence, mic cables need heavy shielding. For data, you can use, well just about anything. I'd wager that you could wire up a 10 cent/foot Cat 5 cable to some 3-pin XLR's and everything would work just fine.

[briansredd]

Are you 100% SURE on that?

[Lateatthebusstop]

It's not about shielding, it's about resistance. A mic cable and a dmx cable have a different resistance, while mic cables try to have it as low as possible for best sound, dmx cable are at a certain resistance ( I think 120ohms) to ensure the data's going through the cable the right way. Also Dmx Cable has a twisted pair so the lines don't fuck with each other. What makes you mirror shake is the lack of an endresistor + wrong resistance. Connectors are both XLR there's NO difference.

[radioviper]

Hi , DO Accu Cable .. Have A Website .. or the website you got the spool from ?

[briansredd]

Right now, that's what's up. It would be my guess that they will be expanding that website with more products very soon. In the mean time, check out the 6 star DJ link. THey carry lots of Accu Cable products :)

[lineman55]

Nice job Brian! Thanx for the info!

[CDJSnede]

A real DMX cable has 5 pins :)

[davehikah]

Thnx

[mgmmikemiller]

Great Info Brian! I have experienced the "shakyness" from the lights you were describing, but just always thought was normal during programming. Now I know! What about 5 pin DMX cable? Do any fixtures still require this, and what is the difference and need for the extra 2 pins?

[numberexhaust]

the dmx512 protocol has one pin for your standard data link, two for your primary data link (positive and negative, going both ways) and two for your secondary. the three pin version of the cable doesn't have a secondary data link, but you can get away with it for DJ purposes. you'll see five pin setups in permanent club installations and large architectural applications, etc.

[easternmafia]

bout should be shielded. only low signals need to be shielded. it is not about the current...

by the way brass is NOT GOOD shield. Brass can not shield NOTHING! It needs to be ferreo or al...mixture...

[sleeperawaken36]

Stringy bits? You've been around J too much...hehe...

[sleeperawaken36]

Good video. Like the song you added, very appropriete! LOL! Very cool. :)

[trancemaster66]

great vid once again bry cool information

[zmance]

Oh yeah can you simulate a braid with your hands again heheheheh!

[zmance]

Thanks Brian I actually thought they were pretty much the same except maybe quality. Now I know there is a DATA cable in there! good job as always!

[groovindj]

What I mean is that Pin 1 is connected to the shield or screen of the cable at both ends.

The actual DMX512 standard is to use 5 pin XLRs (then there'd be no mistaking which is which), but the 3 pin connectors started being used by manufacturers - either to save costs or simply ignorance of the official standard. As I understand it, they are trying to get everyone to use 5 pin though.

You can actually buy the official docs from ESTA for $40 but there's plenty of info on the web.

[djfreebey]

get the cable drum as you can make as meny as u need and make to the size you so you dont get a lot more to trip up on also just a tip if you got lot cable left you dont need to can all ways make tham to fit for peaple on ebay i do and make good money form it to

[BigMilan]

wow. really usefull. i don't use this stuff, but i can see hwo someone would EASILY make the mistake. and the bit at the end was awesome. lol

[MYDMXTECH]

That was GREAT!! i loved it! good job. i hope this helps a lot of people who just go ah mic cable same difference as dmx!! and then they call me and complain there lights are not working! ha!! one other note is any Data run for your lights that goes over 100 feet it is recommended to use a terminator and a opto beanch 4 dmx splitter. this will ensure signal strength at great lengths! sincerely, James

[twrea]

That was a really great vid, loved the how to build a cable part, cool song too.. 5 stars bro!!

[SKILLDELL]

THANKS MAN

[chebeale00]

Very Helpful!

[bluetech7753]

So What would happen if I used a dmx cable for a mic or aa sudio component like a cd deck with xlr commectors ?

[briansredd]

It's my understanding that it may work out OK. However, apparently, Pin #1 on an Audio cable is grounded and is not on a DMX cable. So yeah, it could work but you could also get shocked pretty good if you touch the wrong thing

[groovindj]

Pin 1 is ground on DMX too. Some lighting manufacturers though, swap pins two and three on their fixtures, so if you have a mix of lighting brands, you may need crossover cables.

[briansredd]

You 100% positive on that pin 1 grounding issue, Paul?

I don't normally question what you tell me because I know you are a very smart guy. However, the source I got that particular tidbit from is someone else I wouldn't normally question.

[bluetech7753]

So the bottom line is use the right cable for the right task.

thoaks

[theHappyViking]

Ah, so that is the difference. I know I learned something :)