DMX Cable Vs Microphone Cable - What's The Difference?
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- Опубліковано 29 кві 2008
- In this video, I try to explain some of the basic differences between DMX and standard Microphone or Audio cable. I don't explain ALL of the differences, but I try to give some important ones to illistrate why it's a good idea to use propper DMX cable for your DMX lighting.
Enjoy!
Accu-Cable Website:
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Where to buy Accu-Cable:
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www.djtutor.com/briansredd/dmx - Наука та технологія
I appreciate those like yourself that take the time to share knowledge and still acknowledge they have more to learn.
"just for fun, let's build a DMX cable." I love that. It might be fun for you but I often use that phase to preface doing something that I need to do but I know will be kind of tedious.
Nice job. :)
This is probably the single most important video I've seen of yours so far! Thanks for solving a problem that's always perplexed me. I'm going to try my hand at some custom lengths and see how it goes...
Excellent video for newbies (like me), well done and easy to understand.
Great informative video. Cleared some things up.
So many people say they are "functionally the same" - but they are not. I have two identical scanners and whichever one is at the end of the chain will often select the wrong color etc etc.... actually a whole bunch of issues that this explains.
Do it once, do it right.
Getting DMX cables on Monday.
Thanks
I know this is a three year old comment, but: I think it's likely your issue here is that you need a DMX terminator for the end of the chain, rather than the wrong cables?
Just ordered a whole whack of DMX for my school. Thanks a bunch for the info!
Good tutorial. Concise and methodically presented
Thank you!
This info sure will come in handy
I didn't know there was a difference until now
Mic cables carry two signals, 180 "out of phase" with each other. This is done to cancel any noise acquired on the cable when in use. A mic input on a mixer will flip the phase on one input and combine it with the other one and thus,- the noise on either signal is out of phase and canceled and the original two signals are returned to "in phase" and amplified. Because they cancel noise by design, certain cheapo mic cable manufactures skimp on the shielding. But I did not realize that DMX cables needed adequate shielding, now I do. Thanks for the video!
Thanks for this, while I know about all sorts of cable being a ham radio op for 40 years, this DMX stuff is new to me, working on setting up some Altman Cyc lights for a photography studio I am setting up. Thanks for this info.
You have answered that pondering question I've had about the difference between the 2 thanks
Thank you for the info. however, there are braided shield microphone cables as well. Another difference to make note of is microphone cable has a lower characteristic impedance.
Thank you your DMX vs Audio XLR cables was very helpful. Two Thumbs UP!!!!
This was a good honest attempt to explain the difference but cables don't have an impedance , what I wanted to know was "were the two coloured wires twisted together in both cables" they are in mic cables and I wondered if they are in DMX cables
Very informative, thanks for the descriptive overview it was very helpful... Cheers
Hi, I work for a major manufacturer and distributor of cables and communication equipment. Just wanted to throw something @zervice72 regarding comparisons. Regardless of the "quality" of cables, the DMX will be higher quality, it's also rated to the serial RS485 standard for cabling. DMX is MUCH higher quality than a standard Mic cable. Try Roadwork RW600124 or 224 (1pr and 2pr respectively) for all your DMX/Mic needs.
Exceedingly useful video. Line 6 recommend using AES/EBU cabling with their guitar amps, rather than standard/analog XLR. You helped me see the difference between the two. Thanks.
That was a really great vid, loved the how to build a cable part, cool song too.. 5 stars bro!!
Very good video! Now I got it, what the difference there really is.
Hey Brian I just picked up a set of american dj mystic leds and they both came with xlr microphone cables. Cables say "ofc high grade low noise microphone cable".
On another note, I have an eon setup, powered sub and powered speakers and I run shielded microphone cable. I think the key is that the cables has to be shielded.
HA! Thanks. It's insane, man. Some people asked me what the difference was or if there WAS a difference, so I did my best to break it down. The attempt here was to make it simple to understand and BAM! All the "Experts" came out. Oh well, bottom line is they are indeed different. Thanks again!
Really nice informative to the point I though I knew for sure and you verified. Shielding of data thanks
I've been using Canare cable since the late 90's. Canare DMX for DMX and Canare Mic for microphone cables. I've never had a cable issue with either variety and recommend the brand highly.
I put green heatshrink on the end of my DMX cables so I can tell them apart easily. To me a DMX has five damn pins though not three so I make 5 wire DMX leads and have short 5 to 3 pin adaptors for cheap junk lights made with only 3 pin sockets.
Thanks so much, I also had an idea, you can probably differentiate between cables with a multimeter, because mic cables have lower resistance.
Hi, thanks for a great video, can you tell me if I can use a microphone cable on an active speaker or reverse??
Pin 1 is ground on DMX too. Some lighting manufacturers though, swap pins two and three on their fixtures, so if you have a mix of lighting brands, you may need crossover cables.
Nice job Brian!
Thanx for the info!
Thanks Brian I actually thought they were pretty much the same except maybe quality. Now I know there is a DATA cable in there! good job as always!
What about the XLR ends them selives? I was apparently sold XLR cables instead of DMX cables. So I'm considering buy the bulk cable and recycling the ends from the mic cables. Do you think that's a good idea or do I really have to go and buy new ends also (basicly new cables)?
In a permanent install situation, especially for long FOH to stage/truss runs, Cat5e cable is often used, since it's impedance of ~110 ohms closely matches DMX's specs.
The CAT5e is then pulled through a dedicated 1/2" EMT conduit to it's destination, and gets patched through an xlr mounted to a wall plate on a metal box with a more flexible DMX patch cable to the fixtures hung on the truss/pipe.
The wire at 4:02 reminds me of the String from the 'Fraid Knot joke.
Thanks for showing me why not to use temptingly-cheap mic cables. :)
of course they are used differently too. xlr is used with audio in two opposite phases where an audio signal, for example a straight up sine wave with 4V peak is split up into two wires (2V+2V) and the other one is mirrored around into the opposite signal so that when the first signal is at a +2V state, the other is at -2V. when this signal in a cable picks up the same +0.3V interference peak both wires are ofcourse affected -> 1.wire: +2V + 0.3V = 2.3V and 2.wire: -2V + 0.3V = -1.7V. when we do the mirroring conversion again at the receiving end, we have two signal peaks: one 2.3V and one 1.7V. when we modulate these together we have: 2.3V + 1.7V = 4V. so the 4V peak didn't get affected at all. this is why they say that xlr cable is balanced. Actually I unjustly talked about volts when I should have talked about Amps or milliamps. but the basic theory applys.
Nice Brian. GREAT points. DO IT, DMX CABLE, NOW
DJ B
Thanks heaps mate, great to share little bits of knowlege that i sometimes dont take into account. :)
Nice video Brian. Here in South Africa I have yet to see a DMX cable sold in the retail outlets either in completed form or by length off the roll. I myself use balanced line microphone cable and only really had issues in the beginning stages when I used high end factory made cables. Some of the thinner and expensive cables either wouldn't work at all for DMX or cause the fixtures to do strange things. Since I started making all my own cables these issues have all but gone away. I only buy really good microphone cable and decent connectors. I try and keep the "DMX" cable separate from all the other cables as much as possible and have successfully run lengths in excess of 80 meters without problems. With all this being said, I now try and avoid using cables as much as possible and use wireless DMX for virtually everything. This wasn't as much a decision to eliminate problems as it was to make setup quicker, easier and neater.
Thanks for a great video :-)
very informative thanks briansredd I will keep watching hope to see a video on how economy has effected us small town d.j.'s
hi there,
thx for your posting - nice job!
Just sharing my story....
I have about 20 LED fixtures including 2 moving heads and two icolor 4s.
I run show off a macbook & have the two hour performance choreographed. I have had over 40 shows using mic cables without a prob, until recently. not sure if Ive got a bad lead or possibly the interference monster you mentioned has finally reared its ugly head. I check connections, reboot several times & luckily all works. im gonna buy some dmx cables :)
What I mean is that Pin 1 is connected to the shield or screen of the cable at both ends.
The actual DMX512 standard is to use 5 pin XLRs (then there'd be no mistaking which is which), but the 3 pin connectors started being used by manufacturers - either to save costs or simply ignorance of the official standard. As I understand it, they are trying to get everyone to use 5 pin though.
You can actually buy the official docs from ESTA for $40 but there's plenty of info on the web.
@BigBoiNow23 XLR is Actualy the plug on the end also Microphone cable is called Cannon cable commonly.
Thank U soo! .. Now my customer is not gonna be happy for the "change" of pricing because of this. Do you know if there is a lenght limit for the DMX to work ??? We are reaching distances between 50m - 150m (about 165 - 500 feet).. And if there is any device to regain the small signal???
i get your point. Although very dmx little uses the 5 pin din these days. Just think the right terms always help and save confusion. Either way, keep up the good work :)
Thanks for the love
@alecs12222 all the shielding is internal inside the outer jacket of the cable, the only thing you need to buy is the male and femal connectors, and a soldering iron and some solder if you dont already own one...you can look up how to make cables or how to solder on youtube here too!
Great video , thanks 👍
Thanks! Off to get me some DMX cable!
What about the other way around? you talked about using XLR cables with lights being a possible problem however what if you were to use a DMX cable in a sound system?
You 100% positive on that pin 1 grounding issue, Paul?
I don't normally question what you tell me because I know you are a very smart guy. However, the source I got that particular tidbit from is someone else I wouldn't normally question.
Right now, that's what's up. It would be my guess that they will be expanding that website with more products very soon. In the mean time, check out the 6 star DJ link. THey carry lots of Accu Cable products :)
thank you very much for all of your informative info!!! :)
Thank you for making a video which i can use to educate my "slowgoing" friends :)
@2Shye so in short.. mic cables are good for instruments and performers who move around alot.. and data cables are better for longer distances and carrying signals between fixed gear like mixers/lighting and speakers.
Brian is right. Quote from WikiPedia "For example, microphone and line level audio cables do not have the correct characteristics and should never be used for DMX512. The significantly lower nominal impedance and significantly higher capacitance of these cables distort the DMX512 data which can cause irregular operation or intermittent errors that are difficult to identify and correct."
Some mic cables also have braided shields.
I think his point was that because data flows through it, the spec is meant to be different when manufactured.
@@TmanaokLine that is correct and also the way they process the information given is different
dose the spool come with the sheliding and all that or do you have to buy that separate? please reply..
-se7en
data cables are usually more rigid (more solid with thicker threads) which allows them to carry a better frequency range (i.e. better sound).. but also makes them much more prone to cracking... so they are better suited to static installations. i.e. when your not moving gear around all the time old coax cable works as a great audio cable. However mic cables are built for flexibility (walking around with the mic and frequent coiling) so they last longer on stage (more durable)
Well done. The only thing i would change is that you probably should use the Proper terms. Not Recepticals but XLR connector etc. But well done all the same.
As far as the no-sayers are concerned, why do Martin, Clay Packy, Coemar, Robe and every other high end dmx lighting manufacturer, demand that DMX data cable and not mic cable is used.
Sometimes on short runs you can get away with mic cable, but over long runs with numerous fixtures you will end up in trouble with mic cables. Cheers
thank you, Answered my question... But other than the way it's shielded how can you physically tell them apart if they don't have any writing on the outside jacket? I don't wanna have to sacrifice a cable to find out. Thanks.
To help with jitter, also add a DMX terminator!
The XLR or Cannon connectors are themselves the exact same!
But your enjoyement, data cables tend to have all black connectors!
hey im studying sound technician in college. but i still need to learn A LOT. This helped A LOT, thanks! Quick question i know mic cables are for mics obviously haha. But um when can i use the dmx cables? For what is it use for? im barely learning all of those stuff. (:
So would it be okay to use DMX for audio. I know an XLR audio sends to signals and rejects an interference picked up by the ground, or at least that's what I think I know. Downsides of using DMX for audio?
Is the wiring the same as a xlr cable 1 ground 2 pos + 3 neg - or is there a difference
that wouldn't be a problem at all. i would suggest investing in quality audio cables that are build like the dmx cable shown in this video anyway. use braided shielding and gold plated neutrix plugs all the way. that way when your setting up and packing up you don't have to discriminate between your audio and dmx cables.
I just ordered an adapter 3.5mm to 3 pin DMX without doing any study if this adapter will convert my 3.5 mm microphone to function, please inform if this adapter will function or I wasted money, thanks
so could you use a dmx cable for audio from a mixer to an amplifier?
thanks I now at least can see why to use dmx cable vs mic cable. Good luck.
high quality audio cable built with braided sheilding (even better if it has foil shielding as well) are fine for dmx. i have seen audio cable that only have like 25 percent coverage on the shielding. those cables i wouldn't even use for audio.
I can't believe nobody said this before, but many people also use 5-pin simply so they can keep track of which cables are DMX and which are XLR (audio). Lighting guys, who are not also sound guys, often use these, even if they're only 3-wire cables with 5-pin connectors, so the sound guys don't "mistake" them for XLR.
you are super awesome .im learning a lot....
Good video. Like the song you added, very appropriete! LOL! Very cool. :)
great video
Very enjoyable.
Please what about the XLR ends themselves? I mean the connector plugs (male and female)? Are they also different or we have Microphone cable connector and a DMX cable connectors.
Everyone is quick to say how "Wrong" I am, but nobody has yet to come up with anything solid to show WHERE I'm SO wrong. There IS a difference in inpedence and what signals these two cables are ment to carry. One is a Data cable, one is an Audio cable.
One of the requirements for the DMX cable that is overlooked in the video is that it be twisted pair. i.e. the two insulated wires are twisted together the length of the cable to cancel out EMI.
Can u connect two DMX cables together male-female to make the wire longer?
hey nice video now i know what is the difer....... of this cables thanks real nice support chicoDj from PuertoRico
hi i had perches some dmx cable but after watching your video i am concerned....
on my cable, it says audio, however, after looking they have the same inodes as a dmx cable...
what would you say it is?
please comment back.
how come so many types..data cables, microphone, audio
is a dmx a type of audio cable? I need subcategories. are data cables shielded the same way microphone cables are?
Damn, I'm glad I watched this
Very helpful
Thanks for the helpful printed cable ratings tip. 3:12 Sorry about your cables. You are right, data cables carry much less power. Now: can you use a DMX cable for AES/EBU? (I think the industry has been drifting away from the latter)
It's my understanding that it may work out OK. However, apparently, Pin #1 on an Audio cable is grounded and is not on a DMX cable. So yeah, it could work but you could also get shocked pretty good if you touch the wrong thing
Most good quality mic cables have braided shielding (and this goes back before DMX0. I have personally used both type cables for lighting AND microphones without any problems.
thanks for the video!
for a general rule u can use xlr cable for approx 100m and any longer u have to use high high end xlr cable or dmx cable
Microphone cable has a characteristic impedance of approximately 600 Ohms, DMX has an impedance of 120 Ohm, they are not the same. Microphones are low-frequency analogue signals and DMX are hi-frequency digital signals. Microphone cables will work most of the time on short runs but using them can lead to trouble with signal reflections (Erratic behaviour).
is there a difference between audio xlr cables and microphone xlr cables are mic xlr only for mic's and audio xlr only for speakers?
could I use DMX cable to make my own SPDIF cables?
The main problem with using XLR cables for DMX is the chance of accidently plugging a DMX fixture into a sound desk or any other sound equipment providing phantom power (The real reason the original spec had 5 pins). Doing this has a good chance of blowing something up. The shielding of both XLR cables and DMX cables are designed to absorb the interferece caused by changing magnetic field, usally from mains cables, it is always a good idea to move any data cable away from AC mains if possible.
that was a great video
Hi Brian, great vid I enjoy learning from all your vids, they are very helpful My shows are a little different and off the wall but use many of the ADJ lasers. I put computerized lights shows at my home for Halloween and Christmas. I run a system called LOR through my computer and I am needing to convert my DMX lighting to Cat 5 Cable so I can run my DMX lasers, fog, and bubble machines via Cat5 do you have any or can you give any info on how to do this. Thanks
Carlos @ colona Christmas House
Nice vid, thanks.
Lots of mic cables have braided screen that is irrelevent as is the voltage rating of the cable. The only real difference between DMX and MIC cable is that DMX has lower capacitance between the cores. I have used mic cable for DMX with no problems but if I was using long cables it would be better to use DMX cable
In high end audio, there are many manufactureers of properly shielded cabling for audio. The better the shielding the more resistant to stray EMF and FM signal interference. Simply stated, if you want your equipment to perform to the best of it's ability -for audio or data transmission - DON'T SKIMP ON THE CABLE!
The wires impedence should be as close to 0 as possible - higer impedence values (i,e resistance) lower both data and audio signal integrity. Cheap is as cheap does.
Get it?
Good!
"Braided foily stuff" "Stringy bits"
Thanks for speakin in a language I can understand. :)
thanks for this video....
Its also worth noting that official DMX512 uses XLR-5 connetors, while the DJ grade equipment uses 3 pin.One of the reasons for the use of the 5 pin is specifically to avoid the ability to cross cables/ use the wrong type.
+Mark LeRoy The DMX512 standard now officially also accepts 3-pin XLR. Originally pin 4 and 5 were reserved for receiving feedback from the fixtures, but they never managed to agree on a protocol for that. And since DMX over ethernet (ArtNet, sACN) is more successful at this, it wasn't considered very important any more.
+Jason Borne This is interesting. When was the standard updated? I always remember it prohibiting 3 pin connectors
The last update was in 2008 and was re-affirmed in 2013.
The thing is that they badly formulated paragraph on alternative connectors. So it can be an XLR plug as long as you can't plug a 5-pin XLR in it (and you can't "just" plug a 5-pin in a 3-pin and vice versa).
Simply put.
well i know a lot about lighting and repairing them, like i kno how to take a Martin Mac iii to bits and clean it, its easy to be like me u just have to understand that i have read all the manuals for Martin lighting and Clay Paky, thats where all my knowledge comes from
Some mic cables have braided screen so that is irrelevant as is the voltage rating of the cable. The only real difference is that DMX cable has lower capacitance between the cores which means that if you are using long cables it's better to use DMX cable. I use mic cables for DMX with no problems