Question 1

What do you call the plug on the cable?

Accepted Answer

The plug on a cable is called a connector or plug, with specific names depending on the type. In professional event technology, common connector types include XLR connectors (3-pin or 5-pin) for audio and DMX signals, Schuko plugs for standard 230V power connections, CEE connectors (also called IEC 60309) for three-phase power distribution, Speakon connectors for loudspeaker connections, and PowerCon connectors for professional power connections. Each connector type is designed for specific applications, with features like locking mechanisms, current ratings and environmental protection suited to professional use. Quality connectors from manufacturers like Neutrik, Sommer Cable and Adam Hall ensure reliable connections that withstand the demands of touring and permanent installations.

Question 2

Which cable goes where in the plug?

Accepted Answer

In standard power plugs, cable colour coding follows European standards: the brown wire connects to the live/phase terminal (marked L), the blue wire connects to the neutral terminal (marked N), and the green-yellow wire connects to the earth/ground terminal (marked E or with the earth symbol). For XLR audio connectors, pin 1 connects to the cable shield (ground), pin 2 connects to the hot/positive conductor (often white or red), and pin 3 connects to the cold/negative conductor (often black or blue). Always ensure the cable strain relief grips the outer jacket, not just the internal conductors, to prevent stress on the connections. Professional installations should always be carried out by qualified electricians in compliance with VDE standards and local electrical codes.

Question 3

What cable lengths are available for event technology applications?

Accepted Answer

Professional event technology cables are available in a wide range of standard lengths to suit different applications. Pre-made audio cables typically come in 1m, 3m, 5m, 10m, 15m, 20m and 30m lengths, with some manufacturers offering up to 50m or 100m for long-distance runs. Power cables are commonly available in 5m, 10m, 25m and 50m lengths, with heavy-duty rubber cables available on reels of 50m or 100m. DMX cables follow similar length options to audio cables. For custom requirements, many cable types are available as meterware (sold by the metre), allowing you to create cables of any length with the appropriate connectors. When selecting cable length, remember that longer runs may require larger cross-sections to compensate for voltage drop in power cables, or signal boosters for extended DMX runs beyond 300 metres.

Question 4

Which IP rating do I need for outdoor events?

Accepted Answer

For outdoor events, the minimum recommended IP rating is IP44, which provides protection against splashing water from any direction and solid objects larger than 1mm. IP44-rated connectors and distribution boxes are suitable for temporary outdoor installations where equipment is protected from direct rain exposure, such as under canopies or stage roofs. For equipment exposed to direct rain or harsh weather conditions, IP65 rating is recommended, providing complete dust protection and protection against water jets from any direction. Permanent outdoor installations should use IP67-rated equipment, which offers complete dust protection and can withstand temporary immersion in water up to 1 metre depth. All outdoor power distribution must use rubber-sheathed H07RN-F cables combined with appropriately rated connectors, and installations must comply with DGUV Vorschrift 17 safety regulations including RCD protection and proper earthing.

Question 5

What is the difference between DMX cable and microphone cable?

Accepted Answer

DMX cables and microphone cables differ in their characteristic impedance and construction, though they may look similar. True DMX512 cables are built to 120-ohm characteristic impedance using precisely spaced twisted-pair conductors with specific insulation properties, optimised for RS-485 differential signalling used in lighting control. Microphone cables typically have 60–80 ohm impedance and are optimised for audio frequency signals. While microphone cables may work for short DMX runs of 10–20 metres, longer distances or complex systems with multiple universes require proper DMX cable to prevent data errors, fixture dropouts and intermittent behaviour. Professional DMX installations should use dedicated DMX cable with 120-ohm termination at the end of each chain. Modern installations increasingly use Cat5e or Cat6 network cables with Art-Net or sACN protocols, offering even greater reliability and the ability to carry multiple DMX universes over a single cable.

Question 6

How do I calculate the correct cable cross-section for power distribution?

Accepted Answer

Calculating the correct cable cross-section requires considering the load current, cable length, ambient temperature and installation method. As a starting point, 1.5 mm² cable is suitable for 16A loads over distances up to 20 metres, 2.5 mm² for 16–20A loads or longer runs up to 30 metres, and 4 mm² for 32A circuits or distances up to 50 metres. For longer cable runs, you must account for voltage drop – professional installations limit voltage drop to 3% maximum to ensure equipment operates correctly. A 50-metre cable carrying 16A will experience approximately 3% voltage drop with 2.5 mm² cable, but only 1.8% with 4 mm² cable. Three-phase installations require five-core cables with appropriate cross-sections for the total load. Professional installations should use cable cross-section calculators that account for all factors, and all work must comply with VDE standards and DGUV Vorschrift 17 regulations. When in doubt, consult a qualified electrician to ensure safe and compliant installations.

Question 7

What are multicore cables and when should I use them?

Accepted Answer

Multicore cables bundle multiple audio channels into a single cable assembly, dramatically reducing setup time and cable clutter in live sound applications. A typical stage multicore contains 16, 24 or 32 individually shielded pairs for balanced audio signals, plus additional conductors for power or control signals, all protected by a heavy-duty outer jacket. Multicore systems consist of a stage box (with XLR inputs for microphones and instruments) connected to a fan-out box or direct connections at the mixing console position. This allows you to run a single cable between stage and front-of-house instead of dozens of individual microphone cables. Multicore cables are essential for professional live sound reinforcement, permanent installations in theatres and concert halls, and any application where multiple audio channels must be transmitted over distances of 30 metres or more. Modern digital snake systems take this concept further, transmitting dozens of audio channels plus control data over a single Cat6 cable using protocols like Dante or AVB, offering even greater channel capacity and simplified cabling.

Question 8

Which cable and connector brands are recommended for professional use?

Accepted Answer

Professional event technology demands cables and connectors from manufacturers with proven reliability and quality. Neutrik is the industry standard for connectors, offering XLR, Speakon, PowerCon and etherCON connectors that withstand thousands of connection cycles in touring applications. Sommer Cable produces premium audio cables with excellent shielding and low-capacitance construction for transparent signal transmission. Adam Hall Cables offers a comprehensive range of audio, power and data cables specifically designed for event technology, backed by rigorous testing and quality control. For heavy-duty power distribution, Titanex rubber cables provide exceptional durability and weather resistance. Other respected brands include Hicon for affordable quality connectors, Accu Cable for touring-grade assemblies, and MONACOR for permanent installations. At LTT, we stock these premium brands alongside our own tested and approved products, ensuring you have access to professional-grade cables and connectors that deliver reliable performance in demanding event technology applications. All products meet relevant VDE, CE and industry standards for safety and performance.

Cables & plugs