What is a DMX cable for?

A DMX cable is used to transmit the DMX512 lighting control protocol from a console to intelligent fixtures such as moving heads, LED bars, dimmers, scanners, hazers and fog machines. Instead of carrying audio or power, a DMX cable carries digital data that tells each fixture how to behave — its brightness, colour, movement and effects. Fixtures are linked in a daisy chain, so the DMX cable forms the signal backbone of the entire lighting rig. A purpose-built 110-ohm DMX cable ensures this data arrives reliably and reflection-free, even over long runs with many fixtures.

What cable should I use for DMX?

For DMX you should use a screened, twisted-pair cable with a characteristic impedance of 110 ohms, since DMX512 is based on RS-485 transmission. Proven reference cables include Belden 9841 (single pair), Belden 9842 (two pair), Van Damme Smart Control for touring and the Van Damme Purple Series for installations. Shielded Cat 5/6/7 cable is also ANSI-approved for DMX. Avoid using ordinary analog XLR audio cables for DMX, because their lower, unrated impedance can cause flickering and dropouts. Choose 3-pin or 5-pin XLR connectors to match your fixtures, and use braided screening and solid connectors for touring reliability.

Are DMX and XLR cables the same thing?

DMX and XLR cables are not the same thing, even though they often share the identical 3-pin XLR connector. A DMX cable carries digital lighting data and is rated at 110 ohms, while a standard XLR audio cable carries analog sound and typically measures 45–75 ohms. Because the DMX512 protocol reused existing XLR connectors when it was created in 1986, the two cables look confusingly similar. In practice, using an audio cable for DMX can cause strobing and dropouts, while using a DMX cable for microphones can introduce noise. Always use a purpose-built DMX cable for lighting control.

Why are DMX cables so expensive?

DMX cables are more expensive than ordinary audio cables mainly because of the construction required to meet the 110-ohm impedance standard. Holding a precise characteristic impedance demands a carefully engineered screened twisted pair, consistent conductor spacing and quality screening — either braided or foil — to keep the fast digital data reflection-free over long distances. Professional DMX cables also use solid, well-strain-relieved connectors such as Neutrik and a durable, flexible jacket built for daily touring abuse. You are paying for reliable, noise-free data transmission that keeps a full lighting rig stable, which is far cheaper than a flickering, unreliable show.

What is the difference between 3-pin and 5-pin DMX cables?

The difference between 3-pin and 5-pin DMX cables lies in the connector and its pinout. A 3-pin DMX cable uses Pin 1 signal common, Pin 2 Data -, and Pin 3 Data +, and is the most common type for LED bars, DJ effects and most fixtures. A 5-pin DMX cable is the original DMX512 standard connector, adding Pin 4 Data 2 - and Pin 5 Data 2 +, and is often found on touring and professional fixtures and consoles. The extra data pair is rarely used, so most 5-pin cables only have three conductors wired. Conversions between 3-pin and 5-pin are simple with a DMX adapter.

Do I need a DMX terminator on my chain?

You need a DMX terminator on longer or heavily loaded DMX chains to prevent data errors. A DMX terminator is a 120-ohm resistor fitted to the DMX output of the last fixture in the chain. It absorbs signal reflections that would otherwise travel back down the cable and corrupt the DMX512 data, causing fixtures to flicker or respond erratically. For short chains with only a few fixtures you may not notice a difference, but for long runs, high fixture counts or permanent installations a terminator is strongly recommended. It is a small, inexpensive part that dramatically improves signal stability across the whole rig.

How long can a DMX cable run be?

A DMX cable run can be surprisingly long thanks to the robust RS-485 transmission behind DMX512, but there are practical limits. As a rule of thumb, keep a single DMX chain below roughly 300 metres total length and no more than around 32 fixtures before signal integrity suffers. Long runs and high fixture counts increase the risk of data errors, so a DMX splitter or buffer is used to regenerate the signal and branch it to further fixtures. Fitting a 120-ohm terminator at the end of the chain also stabilises long runs by absorbing reflections. For reliable performance, plan your cabling to keep individual runs as short as practical.

Which DMX cable should I buy for my lighting rig?

Which DMX cable you should buy depends on your fixtures, run lengths and how hard the cable will work. First check whether your fixtures use 3-pin or 5-pin XLR connectors, and add a DMX adapter if your console and fixtures differ. Choose a genuine 110-ohm screened cable — a touring grade with braided screening and Neutrik connectors for mobile rigs, or a low fire hazard installation grade for fixed venues. Order a mix of lengths, using short jumpers between close fixtures and longer runs to reach outlying positions. At LTT you get quality branded DMX cables with a 3-year warranty and fast dispatch from Germany.

DMX cables

DAP-Audio FLN09 – DMX & AES/EBU XLR/M 3P auf XLR/F 3P Neutrik NC3-BAG Serie 10 m – versilbert

DAP-Audio FLN09 - DMX & AES/EBU XLR/M 3P to XLR/F 3P Neutrik NC3-BAG Series 10 m - Silver plated

120 Ω DMX and AES/EBU cable • OFC copper wires with foil and braided shielding • Neutrik NC3XXX-BAG 5P XLR connectors with silver plating • Hook-and-loop fastener included • The...

€38.25 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLN09 – DMX & AES/EBU XLR/M 3P auf XLR/F 3P Neutrik NC3-BAG Serie 15 m – versilbert

DAP-Audio FLN09 - DMX & AES/EBU XLR/M 3P to XLR/F 3P Neutrik NC3-BAG Series 15 m - Silver plated

120 Ω DMX and AES/EBU cable • OFC copper wires with foil and braided shielding • Neutrik NC3XXX-BAG 5P XLR connectors with silver plating • Hook-and-loop fastener included • The...

€49.13 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLN09 - DMX & AES/EBU XLR/M 3P to XLR/F 3P Neutrik NC3-BAG Series 1.5 m - Silver plated

120 Ω DMX and AES/EBU cable • OFC copper wires with foil and braided shielding • Neutrik NC3XXX-BAG 5P XLR connectors with silver plating • Hook-and-loop fastener included • The...

€18.53 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLN09 – DMX & AES/EBU XLR/M 3P auf XLR/F 3P Neutrik NC3-BAG Serie 20 m – versilbert

DAP-Audio FLN09 - DMX & AES/EBU XLR/M 3P to XLR/F 3P Neutrik NC3-BAG Series 20 m - Silver plated

120 Ω DMX and AES/EBU cable • OFC copper wires with foil and braided shielding • Neutrik NC3XXX-BAG 5P XLR connectors with silver plating • Hook-and-loop fastener included • The...

€60.35 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLN09 – DMX & AES/EBU XLR/M 3P auf XLR/F 3P Neutrik NC3-BAG Serie 3 m – versilbert

DAP-Audio FLN09 - DMX & AES/EBU XLR/M 3P to XLR/F 3P Neutrik NC3-BAG Series 3 m - Silver plated

120 Ω DMX and AES/EBU cable • OFC copper wires with foil and braided shielding • Neutrik NC3XXX-BAG 5P XLR connectors with silver plating • Hook-and-loop fastener included • The...

€21.93 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLN09 – DMX & AES/EBU XLR/M 3P auf XLR/F 3P Neutrik NC3-BAG Serie 6 m – versilbert

DAP-Audio FLN09 - DMX & AES/EBU XLR/M 3P to XLR/F 3P Neutrik NC3-BAG Series 6 m - Silver plated

120 Ω DMX and AES/EBU cable • OFC copper wires with foil and braided shielding • Neutrik NC3XXX-BAG 5P XLR connectors with silver plating • Hook-and-loop fastener included • The...

€28.73 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLN09 – DMX & AES/EBU XLR/M 3P auf XLR/F 3P Neutrik NC3-BAG Serie 0,75 m – versilbert

DAP-Audio FLN09 - DMX & AES/EBU XLR/M 3P to XLR/F 3P Neutrik NC3-BAG Series 0.75 m - Silver plated

120 Ω DMX and AES/EBU cable • OFC copper wires with foil and braided shielding • Neutrik NC3XXX-BAG 5P XLR connectors with silver plating • Hook-and-loop fastener included • The...

€21.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLN85 Quad DMX & AES/EBU-Kabel Neutrik NC5-BAG Serie 10 m – versilbert

DAP-Audio FLN85 Quad DMX & AES/EBU Cable Neutrik NC5-BAG Series 10 m - Silver plated

120 Ω DMX and AES/EBU cable • OFC copper wires with foil and braided shielding • Neutrik NC5XXX-BAG 5P XLR connectors with silver plating • Hook-and-loop fastener included • The...

€60.35 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLN85 Quad DMX & AES/EBU-Kabel Neutrik NC5-BAG Serie 15 m – versilbert

DAP-Audio FLN85 Quad DMX & AES/EBU Cable Neutrik NC5-BAG Series 15 m - Silver plated

120 Ω DMX and AES/EBU cable • OFC copper wires with foil and braided shielding • Neutrik NC5XXX-BAG 5P XLR connectors with silver plating • Hook-and-loop fastener included • The...

€67.15 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLN85 Quad DMX & AES/EBU Cable Neutrik NC5-BAG Series 1.5 m - Silver plated

120 Ω DMX and AES/EBU cable • OFC copper wires with foil and braided shielding • Neutrik NC5XXX-BAG 5P XLR connectors with silver plating • Hook-and-loop fastener included • The...

€48.45 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLN85 Quad DMX & AES/EBU-Kabel Neutrik NC5-BAG Serie 20 m – versilbert

DAP-Audio FLN85 Quad DMX & AES/EBU Cable Neutrik NC5-BAG Series 20 m - Silver plated

120 Ω DMX and AES/EBU cable • OFC copper wires with foil and braided shielding • Neutrik NC5XXX-BAG 5P XLR connectors with silver plating • Hook-and-loop fastener included • The...

€73.95 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLN85 Quad DMX & AES/EBU-Kabel Neutrik NC5-BAG Serie 3 m – versilbert

DAP-Audio FLN85 Quad DMX & AES/EBU Cable Neutrik NC5-BAG Series 3 m - Silver plated

120 Ω DMX and AES/EBU cable • OFC copper wires with foil and braided shielding • Neutrik NC5XXX-BAG 5P XLR connectors with silver plating • Hook-and-loop fastener included • The...

€50.83 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLN85 Quad DMX & AES/EBU-Kabel Neutrik NC5-BAG Serie 6 m – versilbert

DAP-Audio FLN85 Quad DMX & AES/EBU Cable Neutrik NC5-BAG Series 6 m - Silver plated

120 Ω DMX and AES/EBU cable • OFC copper wires with foil and braided shielding • Neutrik NC5XXX-BAG 5P XLR connectors with silver plating • Hook-and-loop fastener included • The...

€54.23 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

DAP-Audio FLN85 Quad DMX & AES/EBU-Kabel Neutrik NC5-BAG Serie 0,75 m – versilbert

DAP-Audio FLN85 Quad DMX & AES/EBU Cable Neutrik NC5-BAG Series 0.75 m - Silver plated

120 Ω DMX and AES/EBU cable • OFC copper wires with foil and braided shielding • Neutrik NC5XXX-BAG 5P XLR connectors with silver plating • Hook-and-loop fastener included • The...

€47.43 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Delivery time: 3-5 days

Showtec DMX Verlängerungskabel für Cameleon Serie 3m

SHOWTEC DMX Extension Cable for Cameleon Series Dedicated 3P IP65 DMX Extension Cable - 3 m

DMX extension cable for Cameleon fixtures • Dust and water resistant (IP65), fit for outdoor use • Available in various lengths • The Showtec Cameleon series offers IP65-rated...

€13.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Currently not available

DAP-Audio FL84 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5p. > XLR/F 5p. Neutrik - 3 m

DAP-Audio FL84 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P Neutrik 3 m

: Cable Length: 3 m •

€56.50 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Currently not available

DAP-Audio Neutrik DMX Snake 4-way 3-pin XLR 4-Universum Multikabel - 10 m

DAP-Audio Neutrik DMX Snake 4-way 3-pin XLR 4-Universe - 10 m

4-universe DMX snake • 4x 3-pin Neutrik XLR • Up to 2048 channels • Available in different lengths • Designed to survive the rigors of frequent touring • This Neutrik 4...

€59.42 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Currently not available

DAP-Audio Neutrik DMX Snake 4-way 3-pin XLR 4-Universum Multikabel - 50 m

DAP-Audio Neutrik DMX Snake 4-way 3-pin XLR 4-Universe - 50 m

4-universe DMX snake • 4x 3-pin Neutrik XLR • Up to 2048 channels • Available in different lengths • Designed to survive the rigors of frequent touring • This DAP 4...

€245.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

DAP-Audio Neutrik DMX Snake 4-way 5-pin XLR 4-Universum Multikabel - 10 m

DAP-Audio Neutrik DMX Snake 4-way 5-pin XLR 4-Universe - 10 m

4-universe DMX snake • 4x 5-pin Neutrik XLR • Up to 2048 channels • Available in different lengths • Designed to survive the rigors of frequent touring • This DAP 4...

€209.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

DAP-Audio Neutrik DMX Snake 4-way 5-pin XLR 4-Universum Multikabel - 20 m

DAP-Audio Neutrik DMX Snake 4-way 5-pin XLR 4-Universe - 20 m

4-universe DMX snake • 4x 5-pin Neutrik XLR • Up to 2048 channels • Available in different lengths • Designed to survive the rigors of frequent touring • This DAP 4...

€249.00 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

DAP-Audio Neutrik DMX Snake 4-way 5-pin XLR 4-Universum Multikabel - 50 m

DAP-Audio Neutrik DMX Snake 4-way 5-pin XLR 4-Universe - 50 m

4-universe DMX snake • 4x 5-pin Neutrik XLR • Up to 2048 channels • Available in different lengths • Designed to survive the rigors of frequent touring • This DAP 4...

€126.32 *

incl. tax, free shipping to Germany
[International shipping costs]

Availability:

Currently not available

EUROLITE DMX cable EC-1 IP65 3pin 1m bk

Package contents 1 x XLR cable, 2 x plug (male), 2 x end cap • IP classification: IP65 • Cable length: 1 m • Plug A: 1 x 3-pin XLR (F) IP • Plug B: 1 x 3-pin XLR (M) IP...

€9.90 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Currently not available

EUROLITE DMX Kabel EC-1 IP65 3pol 10m sw

EUROLITE DMX cable EC-1 IP65 3pin 10m bk

Package contents 1 x XLR cable • IP classification: IP65 • Cable length: 10 m • Plug A: 1 x 3-pin XLR (F) IP • Plug B: 1 x 3-pin XLR (M) IP • Color: Black • Weight:...

€23.55 *

incl. tax, plus shipping costs

Availability:

Currently not available