XLR vs DMX - Differences Explained

[@giministwin1975]

I’ve seriously gone through 8 videos to find out if dmx (cheaper $$) can properly handle xlr. You were the first in 40min to even touch on the subject! Thank you! You’ve earned my subscription.

[@LeisuretecDistribution]

Thank you, that's great to hear we helped!

[@hornetIIkite3]

This really was the info I needed. And more than I knew I needed

[@SHICHANGDUAN]

What is difference between dmx cable 5 pin with 5 couductors and dmx cable 3 pin with 3 couductors ?

[@LeisuretecDistribution]

DMX was originally designed with the 5 pin cable, this included space for expansion for future iterations with pins 4 and 5 but never happened. DMX uses 3 pins so most new DMX equipment now comes with 3 pin DMX instead of 5. Basically no difference apart from the connector and 2 unused cables in the 5 pin version.

[@DavePatrick]

Very useful thank you. One thing that you didn't cover though is how to identify if a cable you have is XLR or DMX. I've got tens of cables that I assumed/ thought were XLR. How can I check and identify which is DMX and which is XLR?

[@LeisuretecDistribution]

Hi Dave, thanks for your comment! There are next to no visual differences between the DMX and XLR cables. There are some tale-tale signs of each but nothing definitive. Firstly, if you have a 5 pin cable, this will automatically be a DMX. The DMX cable itself however will usually be ‘stiffer’ and have a gloss finish to them (but we cant vouch for every DMX cable), plus a model number, name or what it should be used for may be written on the side. An XLR cable will usually have a ‘matt’ finish to it and be a lot more flexible as they’re used with mic’s and, again, could have ‘XLR’ or ‘microphone cable’ etc… written on it. I hope this helps, thanks, Leisuretec

[@김효준-n6k]

Can the DMX repeater amplify the audio signal as well?

[@michaelkindred5114]

Back in the days when I played in bands, we didn't have this technology; and regretfully I was distracted when I should've been learning. Now I'm setting up a home recording studio because I joined the music team at my church ( Leveno Ideapad 330S [ not sure if it's a good fit, but it's what I already had ] ; Yamaha mixer board ; Focusrite 2i2 Duo 3rd Gen ; Rode NT2-A cond mic ; and my lovely Shure Beta 58A ) . Should I be using DMX or XLM for recording video and audio to my bandmates at church? I'll be sending videos to my bandmates (and youth musicians) of how I play our popular songlist, and to collaborate on original songs. Thank you.

[@raggaroaringsound]

Is there a difference between an XLR and DMX connector? Building a rack and I use XLR thru ports.

[@jedgould5531]

But short of an impedance measurement, how can you tell the difference between them if you have both? (glaring omission!)

[@LiveeviL6969]

Great question. When I bought my DMX cables, I immediately tagged them so I wouldn't mix them up with the XLR cables.

[@thebentleycobb.music2240]

Drill Twist XRL cables? Y or N?

[@Tsamados]

I've got an old Japanese DAT machine with a 5 pin XLR socket, would it be possible to swap the socket for a 3 pin XLR socket?

[@LeisuretecDistribution]

Hi, Could you let me know the model of the DAT machine?

[@Tsamados]

@@LeisuretecDistribution it's an Aiwa HHB Pro 1 portable DAT

[@bounesragabdenour3046]

Useful

[@quiteenigmamusic]

If you want to use xlr for dmx in first disconnect shielding and leave only 3 internal cables so lights are not grounded together by data cable. Flickering solved. Using dmx as xlr has opposite problem. You want that shielding. Worth noting: cheap cables, both, dmx and xlr, has same standard stereo cable (2 lines and shielding) and body of the plug isnt connected with other side at all. Check impedances in real life... One may notice there is no difference at all and it's because of price. Standard cable, standard copper, different is only print on cable so they can charge accordingly to naiveness of buyer.

[@djphillmp]

Ohms ( Resistance)