XLR

XLR and DMX cables have a bit of overlap and it can be difficult to keep the two separate. The short answer is that XLR cables are used for audio while DMX cables are for lighting. Both cables use the same kind of connectors and look the same on the outside, there are differences on the inside. There is a little bit of cross-functionality, but XLR and DMX should not be interchanged unless users find themselves in a desperate situation.

Key Takeaways

• XLR and DMX are not the same thing.
• XLR primarily refers to a family of connectors, while DMX is a digital lighting-control protocol.
• DMX systems commonly use XLR-style connectors.
• DMX equipment may use 3-pin or 5-pin connectors.
• A standard microphone XLR cable should not automatically be considered a DMX cable.
• For reliable lighting-control systems, use cable designed for the electrical requirements of DMX.
• Check connector type, pin configuration, impedance, shielding, cable length, and construction before purchasing.
• Keep audio and lighting-control

“Pinout” is a term describing how an electrical cable is wired. Some cables do not have pinouts because they only contain a single internal wire, like coax cables. But if a cable has multiple pins on the end of the cable, it will have a pinout.

Each type of multi-pin cable has a standard pinout or two, but these layouts are not set in stone. Some machines will require non-standard pinouts; this will require users to use a custom cable.

Pinouts also come into play when using a cable with two different ends. For example, going from DB9 (9 pins) to DB25 (25 pins) will mean the DB25 side has 16 unused, “dead” pins.

If you need to know what pinout a cable needs, ideally there will be a spec sheet handy showing it. The next best option is contacting the manufacturer of the equipment the cable will be used with to see if they have a spec sheet available. If you have a cable tester available, that can be used to see how the pins line up. As a last resort, a cable can also be cut open to verify

Audio and video cables go hand-in-hand, often being paired together. Some cables can even transmit audio and video on just one line. Over time a lot of new audio and video cables have been introduced, so the cable you need will often depend on the age of the equipment you are using. Most TVs, computers, and other devices can use multiple types of audio and video connections, so it is good to be able to identify them and know your options.

Key Takeaways

• Audio and video cables connect equipment and transmit analogue or digital sound and image signals.
• Common audio cables include XLR, RCA, 3.5mm, TRS, speaker, and digital audio cables.
• Common video cables include HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, composite, component, S-Video, and BNC cables.
• Some interfaces, such as HDMI, can transmit both audio and video.
• Always identify the connector and signal type before selecting a cable.
• Cable length, shielding, construction, and signal requirements can affect system performance.
• For video, consider