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Views: 0 Author: Zayn Publish Time: 2022-09-05 Origin: https://www.suntechleds.com/
Overview:
DMX vs. XLR cables, what is the difference?
Can I use XLR for DMX LED lights?
Is it possible to use DMX cable as as a mic cable?
We know that there are many cables in the world, they all have different functions, but they look alike, or use the same connectors. The XLR and DMX lines overlap a bit, making it difficult to tell them apart. Both products use a standard three-pin configuration, and in some cases, their connectors can be the same. However, you have two different cables with completely different functions and connectors.
Simply put, XLR cable is for sound and DMX cable is for lighting such as media facade lighting and LED mesh facade lighting, and connect with DMX rope lights. Two different cables use the same type of cable and have the same shape, but there are differences on the inside. While there are some crossover features, XLR and DMX are not interchangeable until the user is cornered. So, what are the differences, can you mix them together, and which one you need to choose? Mention DMX and we think of XLR. DMX VS XLR is always being compared by us. We will detail the difference between XLR and DMX in this article. Let's look at the specifics.
DMX is a control protocol that enables users to control the light required by their lighting. Although DMX is not only used for lighting, it is also the most commonly used application of DMX. DMX is one of DMX512, which is a digital communication. The DMX standard was established in 1986, it uses the current XLR connector and does not require any proprietary connection to be applied in the market. The original intention of DMX is to establish a compatible lighting equipment for lighting manufacturers, rather than establishing an independent control site for each lighting equipment. This is a major breakthrough for the audiovisual industry, as they can control everything from a single source, which gives them more freedom and flexibility to produce light shows.
DMX cables were the first to use XLR technology from the 80s. DMX was designed with the idea of applying existing technology to lighting systems that were all clumsy and old cables. DMX cable is a cable used for DMX LED lighting fixtures. The cable is not for transmitting sound, but for transmitting different information or data between light source and light source. Similar to XLR, the most common version of DMX is a 3-pin header. DMX is also available in a regular version with 5 pins. The original idea was that the 5 pin dmx cable could be the same as the 3 pin, and the other two plugs could be used in future upgrades. Although there have been attempts for many years, none of them have become an industry standard. Because of these similarities, some DMX adapters can be used between 3-5, or vice versa. This requires a 110 ohm resistor. They also use a 5-pin configuration and can go through the DMX interface.
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What is an XLR cable used for? XLR cables can be used for audio applications, microphones and interconnects from live performance to professional recording. XLR cables have three wires and a ring wire. They are used to carry mic and line-level equalized signals over long distances, so XLR cables can simply be thought of as microphone cables. The XLR cable equalizes the signal, which means that the final sound signal is less unwanted due to external electronic interference. This preserves the original sound signal, even from far away or near electronic devices. The most common XLR configuration is a 3-5 wire, but in some audio equipment, such as walkie-talkies, there are dedicated 4-pin XLR wires.
DMX cable VS XLR cable, their difference between DMX and microphone cable I will tell you in detail from the following three points.
Take a look at the DMX and XLR cables and you'll see they look exactly the same. Both products are fitted with XLR plugs that allow the cable to carry a variety of signals, whether or not those signals are lighting fixtures. But that's two different kinds of cables: resistors. XLR cables have a resistance of 75 ohms and can be used for sound signals, while DMX cables are between 110 and 120 ohms, which are more suitable for lighting. 120 ohm dmx cable might be the most suitableIn fact, XLR cables do smaller and simpler jobs. However, if you want to buy more equipment, we highly recommend DMX cables.
When a DMX cable is used in an audio setup, it can be easily distinguished from a real microphone. The higher the resistance of the DMX line, the worse the sound quality. Because of its masking effect on the data signal, not the sound signal.
From another angle, it looks better with a mic with light. However, lower sound cables can affect the way DMX transmits messages. This way, your lights will be more problematic and your response will be sluggish. The longer the cable is used, the worse its performance will be.
Although many XLR cables have XLRs on both ends, XLRs are common with other types of cables. Other common audio formats such as 3.5mm, RCA, "and SpeakOn" are compatible with XLR. This makes XLRs ideal for connecting between a variety of different input/output devices. Since 1955, 3-pin XLR connectors have been used on microphone cables, and in 1986, 5-pin tubes began to appear. Not only can this help differentiate the light and sound cables, but it can also add a pair of data lines for future development. Few manufacturers want to use this additional wire, so most devices today use 3-5 wire connectors, and many 5-5 wire cables have only the first 3 plugs. So, XLR connectors are no different than the number and pins of XLR plugs on audio and lighting cables.
In both examples, all the wires in the 5-pin cable are the low voltage power from the lamp to the DMX controller, and the second DMX signal to the distributor, which effectively provides 2 separate DMX data lines .
In the end, there is only one major factor that will influence some people to buy wire, and that is price. Based on the above, it is not difficult to see why DMX cables are more expensive. They are produced according to certain reliable standards, using different materials, production methods, and naturally high prices. This doesn't mean that XLR cables aren't more expensive than DMX cables, or better than DMX cables, but XLR cables are generally cheaper, so XLR cables are more attractive for beginners.
If someone asks like this: can you use xlr for dmx?You need to answer:XLR cables can be used in DMX cables, but only as a last resort. Using XLR cables instead of DMX will cause the connected fixtures to flicker, dim, or go out completely. Also, if a DMX cable is used instead of an XLR cable, the sound quality will be degraded. The difference between XLR and DMX is the performance of the cable. It is possible (but not recommended) to use XLR cables for DMX connections. The impedance of DMX (110 ohms) is higher than that of XLR (75 ohms). This means that the signal used by XLR is different from the signal used by DMX. XLR cables can transmit DMX data, but they are not ideal. When an XLR cable is used here, it can cause flare or loss of signal, even if it is working properly.
Using XLR and DMX at the same time won't damage your phone, but the signal will be worse. Depending on the distance of the cable, the number of connections used, and the XLR and DMX connections, the degradation or total loss will increase.
ShowMeCables can offer XLR and DMX in different lengths, from 1 to 100 feet, with custom options. XLR cables can be used as mono or stereo. Our products include XLR standard cables and other audio equipment, including ",", 3.5mm, RCA and SpeakOn.
The structure of DMX cable is divided into three-wire and five-wire. Both products are AES/EBU compatible and use 110Ω signals for professional audio cable performance.
On the other hand, you can use DMX cables as microphone cables. But since these cables have different shields, noise interference occurs. Again, XLR cables don't have to be built to be sturdy, so emulated XLR cables are subject to a lot of unnecessary misuse in performance situations. DMX cable is more expensive because it requires compliance with 110 ohms. In some cases, the copper conductors of the DMX cables are also smaller than the analog XLR cables, so there will be some impact on the sound.
DMX lines can be used to transmit sound. XLR cables can transmit DMX. But if you're going to pay to do a show, it's not worth the risk. XLR cables can cause flashes and erratic behavior, If you connect dmx cable for audio,DMX cables will make your voice muffled. Also, when you mix XLR and DMX cables together, it can be hard to tell them apart without checking each one. Save yourself the hassle; pick the right wire for the job, because at worst, things will go bad. First, always use the right cable correctly. If you're using it for lighting, buy a few DMX wires to ensure uninterrupted voltage. If you want to connect two monitors from one interface, buy a couple of XLR cables, and of course you can use dedicated mic cables for all the mics and gigs.
