XLR Or DMX?

[kadams17]

Hi All -

Another question...

I was reading somewhere that it may be possible to link two intelligent lights using 3 pin XLR cable that is not DMX cable.

So

A.) What is the difference between XLR and DMX?
B.) Can I link two movers with a basic XLR cable and then run DMX from instrument 1 to my lighting board? Or can I only use DMX?

and if it helps, my movers have jacks for 3 pin and 5 pin. I would only want to link them using the XLR and run DMX to my board, and with the terminator in the last instrument.

Thanks.
Kevin

[BillESC]

Mic cable is rated at 80 Ohms whereas DMX cable is 120 Ohms. In a pinch, mic cable can be used but is not recommended.

[kadams17]

Alright,

I don't want to use the XLR cable, we might have an extra DMXer laying around but just in case I run out of cable, I want to have a somewhat backup plan.

[kadams17]

I guess I have another question.

If I like the instruments together using a 3 pin DMX

can i still make the run to my desk using a 5 pin?

[zac850]

DMX is a digital signal.
XLR is a plug type that can have anywhere from three to seven (I think 7 is the most) pins.


You can probably use a standard 3pin XLR cable to link the two movers together in a master/slave configuration; a set-up that is used by DJs so things just flash randomly to the music.

5-pin, 3-pin, it really doesn't matter.

[icewolf08]

Originally Posted by kadams17

I guess I have another question.

If I like the instruments together using a 3 pin DMX

can i still make the run to my desk using a 5 pin?

Yes, DMX signal is only transmitted on pins 1-3 of a 5-pin cable, this is why you can adapt from 5 to 3 and back at will.

[FatherMurphy]

If you're just doing short jumps from one mover to the next, microphone cables with three pin XLR connectors will often work ok, but it is a matter of luck, not design. DMX cable and mic cable are shielded differently, as well as the ohm rating BillESC mentioned, so the longer the cable used, the more likely you are to have interference problems. How acceptable that is varies with the show you're trying to do - if you're just looking for some constant flash and trash, random glitches won't be noticeable. If you're trying to do slow, delicate effects, you probably want to stick to the official DMX cable.

[Sayen]

In a pinch it's definitely worth a shot. Our splitter failed once, so I had to run multiple DMX lines through the house. Short on cable we used an audio snake without any problems. Try to avoid it when you can, but it does work.

[lightman02]

Cat5 can be used as well in a pinch you would just have to solder the connectors on and it is legal but if not shielded you will have to make sure you isolate it from power cables.

[zac850]

Basically, the short answer is with data cable, if you need to try something, try it. The worst that will happen is it just won't work.


I just want to re-state this (its a bit of a pet-peeve). DMX is a digital signal, while XLR is a type of plug. They are not interchangeable words. While DMX-cable usually refers to the specific Beldin cable with a 5-pin XLR plug at each end, DMX can also run over CAT-5, 3-pin XLR, mic cable, or other various cable/connector types.

It is somewhat akin to referring to an extension cable as electricity.