PD-Connex CX106 - 3-Pin Male to 5-Pin Female DMX Adapter Cable
The PD-Connex CX106 is a professional adapter cable designed to resolve connection incompatibilities in DMX lighting environments. This high-quality converter allows you to connect equipment using the 3-pin standard with that operating on the 5-pin standard, ensuring seamless integration and communication within any DMX512 lighting control system. Constructed with a high-quality (HQ) flexible signal cable and robust metal connectors, the CX106 guarantees reliable, stable, and interference-free signal transmission—an essential requirement for professional applications such as concerts, theatrical productions, corporate events, and television studios.
Main features
-
Versatile Connectivity: Equipped with a 3-pin male XLR DMX connector on one end and a 5-pin female XLR DMX connector on the other.
-
Robust Construction: The connectors are made of highly durable metal, designed to withstand heavy use and ensure a safe and stable physical connection.
-
Superior Signal Transmission: The cable has an impedance of 120 ohms, complying with the DMX512 standard to ensure signal integrity and avoid reflections and errors in data transmission.
-
Practical Design: With a compact length of 10 cm, this adapter is ideal for connecting nearby devices without creating clutter or excess cable, maintaining a clean and professional setup.
-
Flexible and Durable Cable: The 6mm diameter outer sheath provides excellent protection while maintaining the flexibility needed for easy installation and handling.
Product benefits
The PD-Connex CX106 adapter provides direct solutions for lighting and entertainment professionals. Its main benefit is the ability to unify lighting systems with different connections, eliminating the need to replace expensive equipment. It offers a reliable plug-and-play solution that saves time and prevents technical issues during setup. The high-quality construction ensures a long lifespan even under touring and frequent use, while its design guarantees that the control signal reaches each fixture without degradation, allowing the show to run smoothly without unexpected failures.
Use cases
This adapter cable is an essential tool in any lighting technician's arsenal. It's perfect for situations such as:
- Connect a modern DMX lighting console with a 5-pin output to a dimmer pack or an older moving head with a 3-pin input.
- Integrate LED lighting effects, which commonly use 3-pin connectors, into a professional DMX network that is wired with 5-pin connectors.
- Use it in sound and lighting equipment rental companies to offer full compatibility between your diverse inventory of equipment.
- Facilitate the connection between different sections of cabling in fixed installations of theaters, nightclubs or concert halls where both connector standards coexist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cable convert or modify the DMX signal?
No, this product is a passive adapter. It does not alter the DMX512 digital signal in any way. Its sole function is to change the physical format of the connector from 3-pin to 5-pin, allowing connection between devices with different ports.
Why do 3-pin and 5-pin DMX connectors exist?
The official DMX512 standard specifies the use of 5-pin XLR connectors. However, only 3 of those pins are used for the primary data transmission. Because 3-pin XLR connectors are more common and less expensive (they are the same type used for microphones), many manufacturers have adopted them for their DMX equipment. The two additional pins on the 5-pin connector are reserved for a secondary data link, although their use is very infrequent.
Can I use this adapter to connect a microphone to an audio device?
Although the 3-pin XLR connector is physically compatible, it is not recommended. DMX cables have a characteristic impedance of 120 ohms, designed for high-frequency digital signals. Microphone cables have a much lower impedance. Using this adapter on an audio line could cause a loss of sound signal quality.
Does it work in both directions (3 to 5 pins and 5 to 3 pins)?
Yes, being a passive adapter, the electrical connection works in both directions. However, this CX106 model is built with a 3-pin male connector and a 5-pin female connector, so its primary use is to connect a 3-pin output to a 5-pin input.
Project description
0.10 meter passive adapter cable for DMX512 signal. It features a 3-pin male XLR input connector and a 5-pin female XLR output connector. The cable has a nominal impedance of 120 ohms and a 6 mm diameter outer jacket. The connectors are of metal construction for maximum durability.
