DMX Cables & Adapters

  • DMX-000 DMX512 Cable on white background

    DMX-000 Series Cable

    XLR5M to XLR5F, 4-conductor Price range: $26.95 through $135.95
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  • DMX-500 DMX512 Cable on white background

    DMX-500 Series Cable

    XLR5M to XLR5F Price range: $20.95 through $104.95
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  • DMX Extenders

    DMX Extenders

    8P8C to XLR3M or XLR3F $44.95
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  • DMX Extenders

    DMX Extenders

    8P8C to XLR5M or XLR5F $55.95
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  • DMX-300 DMX512 Cable on white background

    DMX-300 Series Cable

    XLR3M to XLR3F Price range: $18.95 through $98.95
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  • DMX-400 Series Cable

    DMX-400 Series Cable

    XLR3M to XLR3F Price range: $18.95 through $55.95
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  • DMX-700 Series Cable

    DMX-700 Series Cable

    XLR5M to XLR5F Price range: $22.95 through $61.95
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  • DMX512 Terminator

    DMX512 Terminator

    XLR5M $16.95
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  • DMX512 Terminator

    DMX512 Terminator

    XLR3M $13.95
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  • DMX-106 DMX512 Adapter on white background

    DMX512 Adapter

    XLR5M to XLR3F $21.95
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  • DMX-306 DMX512 Adapter on white background

    DMX512 Adapter

    XLR3M to XLR5F $18.95
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The Ultimate Guide to DMX Cables & Adapters

What Makes DMX Cables Different?

It's a common misconception that you can use a standard microphone (XLR) cable for DMX. While they may look similar, DMX (Digital Multiplex) cables are designed specifically for data transfer. They are built to the EIA-485 (RS-485) communication standard and feature a specific impedance of 110 ohms. Microphone cables, on the other hand, have a much lower impedance, typically around 50-75 ohms, and are not designed for the high-speed, two-way data transfer required for DMX control. Using the wrong cable can lead to signal degradation, data errors, and unpredictable lighting behavior. For a deeper dive into why you should always use the correct cable for the job, check out our blog post, "XLR vs DMX Cables: Are They the Same?". For reliable performance, always opt for genuine DMX cables with the correct number of conductors. Our DMX-000 Series Cable is a great example of a high-quality 4-conductor cable, perfect for applications requiring additional data lines. For standard 3-pin and 5-pin connections, our DMX-400 and DMX-700 Series Cables offer robust and dependable signal transmission.

Essential DMX Adapters and Extenders

Beyond the standard cables, a professional setup often requires a variety of adapters and extenders to handle different connector types and long cable runs. Our range includes versatile solutions to meet these needs:
  • DMX512 Adapters: Easily convert between 3-pin and 5-pin DMX connections with our XLR5M to XLR3F and XLR3M to XLR5F adapters. These are a must-have for integrating different fixtures into the same system.
  • DMX Extenders: Our 8P8C to XLR extenders allow you to use standard Cat5/Cat6 Ethernet cables for DMX runs. This can be incredibly useful for installations where Ethernet cabling is already in place, offering a cost-effective and flexible way to extend your DMX network.  (8P8C to XLR3M or XLR3F) (8P8C to XLR5M or XLR5F)

The Importance of DMX Terminators

For any DMX lighting system with more than a few fixtures, a DMX terminator is essential. A DMX terminator is a simple device, typically a 120-ohm resistor, that plugs into the last fixture in your DMX chain. Its purpose is to absorb the DMX signal at the end of the line, preventing signal reflection and ensuring a clean, stable signal. Without a terminator, the signal can bounce back up the cable, causing flickering lights, erratic behavior, and data loss. Our DMX512 Terminators are available in both 3-pin and 5-pin configurations to fit your specific needs. Ready to build a reliable lighting rig? Explore our full range of DMX cables, adapters, and terminators to find the perfect solution for your next project.