Cables Ep 03 | XLR vs DMX cable | Audio and Lighting | Can you use xlr for dmx?

[@matthewbohn765]

It’s not that one is meant for sending analog vs one is meant for digital. Your lighting fixtures just happen to talk to each other in a binary digital signal. The cables are the exact same aside from impedance. Standard XLR’s just are meant to send so much data across one cable (long story short). The best thing to do is buy all DMX cables and never worry about it again, but like you said, that’s costly.

[@DJRickWeb]

I didnt say ment. I said designed for. A dmx cable is designed with the intent to transmit digital signals which require a higher impedance. So yeah just buy all dmx lol

[@69sound81]

Ammmm, no. Impedance d3pends on the amount of shielding and the metal the cable is made of. Dmx cables are made out of aluminum (about 80%) and xlr audio cables should be made out of cooper (80 to 100%). Dmx signal and fistures are calibrated to recieve a signal that comes from an aluminum cable and they understand it because it doesn't variate so much, on the other side cooper allows more freedom to variations in order to let the analog signal be as it is and fluctuate all arround, but it is more succeptible to electromagnetic fields and alterations. If you use a cooper cable for dmx it will pick up noise (random analogue noise) and it will alterate the signal. If you use an aluminum cable for audio you will eventually hear noise due to impurities along the cable, and it is more likely to brake early (but it wont catch so much noise). Use dmx for lights and xlr for audio, dont pay twice the price and enjoy your cables half the time

[@pnnielsen]

@@DJRickWeb A digital cable for AES/EBU digital signals (aka DMX cable) is designed with a specific impedance of 110 ohms. This impedance is an absolute requirement in digital setups. Analog cables have impedances all over the place and must not be used for digital. The other way around is okay and only audio purists will object...

[@leeabel3854]

Excellent video explaining the difference between DMX and XLR cable.

[@victormung6412]

thanks, this video really help me

[@theresevanwyk2000]

Thank you man, you just saved my nerves today - I mean how are we multimedia people supposed to know all this? That's where you come in :)

[@MS-wl6ih]

Good stuff. If I had a pile of mixed cable. How do I know the difference? How do I separate them?

[@DJRickWeb]

See my labeling cables videos

[@DJKWAH]

Thanks for this. Exactly what I needed to know!

[@HavPlayz]

This was very helpful tsm

[@joelou]

Thank you!

[@lilart13ab]

I have these Hosa HRX-020 20 Ft Single Professional XLR (M) to RCA (M) Cable But I want to upgrade which 1 do u perfer for my pioneer ddj-800 controller to my mackie drm215.

[@fireworkdisplaysuk]

We’re getting a weird echo / reverb kind of interference through our speakers, do you think it’s caused by the cable from our mp3 player into our speakers ? We can’t seem to shift it. Any help would be gratefully received thank you.

[@bigfotogmbh]

Hi, I use NF-XLR cable only. (NF is german for nieder Frequenz, which stands for an analog-mic signal) I run about 100 feet xlr cable for dmx lightning, without any problems. You are write with your explanation, but there is one problem! DMX cables usually won´t get moved a lot, while beeing in service. This is different if you have, as an example an handmic, the cable it self will move and someon might step on the cable (chanching the impedance, caused by the then smaller diameter and distance to the shielding). The problem is that the DMX cable is not flexible enough compared to other xlr´s (it does impede you) and it will cause an lower signal, do to its high impedance. All DMX fixtures will overstand interferance due to a xlr cable, because their normal running voltage is around 7V. So the interferance will not hurt the fixture! As long as you wont run over 20 fixtures in a row I have never experienced any problems with either of them (XLR/DMX). BUT keep in mind to use some quality cable, as you already said. Greetings from Germany and keep Spinning (Sry for my "english")

[@jayemjayswatosville937]

I think you got a point dude. It’s a self explanatory. It’s business so they want you to spend more money.

[@odibaana6436]

yep! super helpful!

[@AcesAlliance]

Super helpful!

[@cameronlockett5698]

hi dj rick web brilliant video your the best

[@KenHartstatecollege]

Good video!! Keep 'em coming!

[@djcesaramorim]

Here is a question ... can i use the same neutrik xlr 3 pin that i'm used to take for weld microphone cables the same way with dmx cables ? Thank you for the video

[@DJRickWeb]

Sort of but it's not proper.

[@djcesaramorim]

@@DJRickWeb do you suggest any ?

[@DJRickWeb]

Not sure what you mean?

[@djmojoeofficial]

Good Job! Well explained!

[@disco.jellyfish]

LMAO I use a DMX cable for my condenser mic because the dmx variant had nice golden pins, which prevents corrosion and makes the connector more durable and long lasting. And it had nice all black connectors. I didn't notice they had different impedance. And they didnt cost anything worth mentioning more - but its just a 5m cable anyway. I also simply cannot hear a difference if I replace the cable by a "regular" XLR-cable by bare ear. So if I dont care about spending 5€ more in total, should I go for a really well shielded DMX instead of "regular" really well shielded XLR because DMX is even less noisy although I might need a touch of more gain in my mixer? As of the video it seems like cost is the only drawback and DMX is basically just a better XLR than XLR itself.

[@tjthedj2612]

Great explanation thanks.

[@LasleyMediaGroup]

Like if you just always use XLR for everything 🤷🏻‍♂️😂

[@syaz4380]

ah yes xlr for power, xlr mixer, xlr cars

[@protus3882]

I use XLR connections in my house’s plumbing

[@alrose4790]

hey whats goin on rick.. im trying to hookup some powered speakers with a passive one .could u tell me THE WAY TO GO THANKS

[@lukedowns13]

I think you may have yourself a bit confused when you talk about impedance. It's not about the durability of the cable or the shielding. It's about the conductivity of the cable and the resistance in it. That's why longer runs of XLR don't work well for dmx because the longer the run the more that resistance becomes

[@modingo21]

Well done boss

[@JordanHourGlassDJ]

Thank you sir, you just opened my cranium (and filled it with useful information that I will continue to use throughout my DJ career!) ONE BIG QUESTION----> Can I connect my lights (using a DMX cable of course), then to my Pioneer DJM-750 Mixer, and have the lights sync up with my hardtechno/hardcore, etc. Tracks that I'm currently mixing? Or do I need a separate splitter to connect the lights to, then connect them to my mixer? (I've been DJ'ing since 2004, but never ever thought about setting up club lights in my House until I was given a bunch of pro club lights as a gift)🇺🇸🤘🏻😎🍻

[@DJRickWeb]

No you will really mess up your lights if you run out of a mixer in the dmx port. Its a completely different signal. Dmx is digital. Your mixer is analog audio

[@Philmc11]

Hi Ricky! Quick question: which would you go with first for a fraternity DJ: Uplighting or wash lighting?

[@DJRickWeb]

Fraternity??? What? House parties? Uplighting and wash lighting are the same in terms of fixtures. Really depends on room, type of event and application goal.

[@robbiedalecarter9425]

Another thing is that DMX is not only three pin cable, once you step up into higher end fixtures like Martin vipers, they have five pin DMX only.

[@matteponken1]

5-pin dmx has been used since way back..

[@robbiedalecarter9425]

Yes, in most cases they are not used but sometimes they are there for redundancy and some fixtures do require them. And no 5 pin does not mean high end at all, but once you step up to fixtures that cost thousands of dollars each, thats about all that you are going to find. Now days in the touring/concert market some fixtures require so many dmx channels that they are putting ethernet ports on the fixtures to allow you to use protocols like ArtNet and SACN.

[@RadINation]

Thanks for confirming my theory of using DXM for XLR due to the higher quality. Due to interference I try not using DMX wireless transmitters and receivers. I have a Donner Wireless DMX but only use it when it is not feasible to run 100' DMX cable to the back for the room. With interference in mind I will only used wireless on a simple RBG par can.

[@ludman2299]

I've never had an issue with my wireless dmx

[@RadINation]

Not saying one will have issues, it could get a wireless interference. Now the built in wireless (ex. ADJ WiFly) I believe are more reliable then a 3rd party wireless system.

[@ludman2299]

Ok....I hear you. But what I'm saying is I've never had an issue. I've ran wireless recievers next to Mic cable, in proximity of diversity antenna's, and antenna's transmitting wireless in ear mixes.... I've had recievers within a foot of wireless routers also... No issues.

[@pnnielsen]

It's all about analog vs digital. If you have a digital signal (AES/EBU digital audio or a DMX signal), then you need to use 110 ohm digital cables. It does not matter if it's a DMX cable or if it's a DIGITAL audio cable. You can use your digital audio cables for DMX and vice versa. The specs are the same. However, don't use analog (XLR mic cables) for anything digital... Digital cables will work great for analog audio too, and are generally pretty much the same price as regular analog cable, and much cheaper than high quality quad wire analog cables like Canare L-4E6S quad star analog cable. I purchased a 500' spool of excellent DMX (AES/EBU) cable for around $100. The Canare analog cable is around $300....

[@richardmoral8888]

good job ,,,,

[@djphillmp]

It's all about resistance. ( ohm)

[@ronaldmcdonald7349]

When is gonna be your next gig because i really want to see one

[@DJRickWeb]

Next week.

[@ronaldmcdonald7349]

OH MY GOD ITS HAPPENING (massive hug no homo)

[@razzerraw1108]

I'm ultimately trying to find a way to have audio from my Yamaha MG XU (Audio Mixing Board) Trigger DMX Lights like Chauvet, ect! Is there a way I can do this so my audio transits can alter lights on a device? I'm currently looking at a Chauvet Scorpion

[@DJRickWeb]

No clue

[@DjTruzz1]

Thanks , now I know .

[@fbuildingllc3386]

visually how to know difference with bolt cables ( xls & dmx )

[@DJRickWeb]

Cant

[@DJDynablend]

Ima buy me one of your shirts!

[@nicholaskanakis4759]

Whats your opinion on the avante a15?

[@DJRickWeb]

Cant say yet

[@nicholaskanakis4759]

Ok thanks for your reply

[@nounix]

Do you KNOW (no assumptions please if you are not 100% sure! ;) ) whether it's ok for me to just be buying ONLY DMX cables to use BOTH with audio AND with dmx lighting? (I mean, I've been reading that you should not do the OPPOSITE: use XLR cables for DMX lighting - cable "shielding", impedance etc etc, so that leads me to understand that XLR cables are more "limited" than DMX cables are, as they may cause problems with DMX lighting. So, what if I I justify bought DMX all the way? That way I can buy A LOT of only one cable type, DMX, and I can just use this for whatever I need. Whether lighting OR sound..) If my thinking/understanding is correct, then why would anyone even bother with XLR cables anymore. Just use DMX for everything and just stop producing XLR cables altogether to avoid confusion and mistakes! Right?

[@antzyturtle6192]

uhhhhh i totally don't use XLR cables for lighting

[@arielmainieri8072]

you mean that I fuck it up?

[@DJRickWeb]

What?

[@Tpigeon5]

You were misspeaking the whole video, XLR is only referring to the type of connector, the cable is microphone and DMX

[@SherwinBajao]

Speak or pronounce? lol

[@tekarts]

I HATE HATE HATE DJ's

[@DJRickWeb]

Cool