What cable is used for XLR?

XLR cables are professional-grade balanced audio cables featuring three-pin (or five-pin for DMX) connectors. They use shielded, twisted-pair construction with oxygen-free copper (OFC) conductors to carry balanced audio signals or DMX512 lighting control data. The cable consists of two signal conductors (positive and negative phase) and a ground wire, all enclosed in a braided or foil shield and a durable outer jacket. For audio applications, standard XLR cables with 50–70 ohm impedance are suitable. For DMX512 lighting control, cables must have 120-ohm impedance and tighter twist specifications to ensure reliable digital data transmission over long distances.

What is an XLR cable and what does it do?

An XLR cable is a professional electrical connector designed for balanced audio signal transmission and lighting control in event technology. It carries audio signals from microphones, instruments and playback devices to mixing consoles, amplifiers and powered speakers, using a three-conductor balanced design (ground, positive phase, negative phase) that cancels electromagnetic interference and noise. XLR cables also transmit 48-volt phantom power to condenser microphones and carry DMX512 digital control data to intelligent lighting fixtures. The locking latch mechanism ensures secure connections during live performances, and the balanced design allows cable runs of 50 metres or more without signal degradation.

Is an XLR cable the same as a mic cable?

Yes, in professional audio contexts, "XLR cable" and "mic cable" are often used interchangeably because the vast majority of professional microphones use 3-pin XLR connectors. However, not all XLR cables are exclusively for microphones. XLR cables also connect line-level audio equipment (such as mixing consoles to powered speakers), carry phantom power to condenser microphones, and transmit DMX512 lighting control data when using 5-pin XLR connectors. While a microphone cable is always an XLR cable, an XLR cable may serve audio, power or lighting control functions depending on the application and pin configuration.

Is XLR higher quality than RCA?

Yes, XLR connections are significantly higher quality than RCA for professional audio applications. XLR cables use balanced signal transmission with three conductors (ground, positive phase, negative phase), which cancels electromagnetic interference and noise picked up along the cable run. RCA cables are unbalanced (signal and ground only) and have no noise rejection, making them unsuitable for long cable runs or electrically noisy environments. XLR connectors also feature a locking latch for secure connections, whereas RCA connectors rely on friction fit and can pull out accidentally. Additionally, XLR connections can carry 48-volt phantom power for condenser microphones, which RCA connectors cannot. For live sound, studio recording and event technology, XLR is the professional standard.

What's the difference between 3-pin and 5-pin XLR?

3-pin XLR connectors are the industry standard for balanced audio signals, with Pin 1 (ground), Pin 2 (positive phase) and Pin 3 (negative phase). They are used to connect microphones, audio interfaces, mixing consoles and powered speakers. 5-pin XLR connectors are specified by the DMX512 standard for lighting control, with Pins 1, 2 and 3 carrying the primary DMX data signal and Pins 4 and 5 reserved for a secondary DMX universe or future protocol extensions. Although many budget lighting fixtures use 3-pin XLR for DMX (which is technically non-compliant), 5-pin XLR is the official standard for professional lighting control systems.

Can I use audio XLR cables for DMX lighting control?

While audio XLR cables are physically compatible with DMX lighting fixtures, they should not be used for DMX512 control. Audio XLR cables have an impedance of 50–70 ohms and are optimised for analogue audio frequencies, whereas DMX cables require 120-ohm impedance and tighter twist-pair construction to reliably transmit digital data at 250 kbit/s. Using audio cables for DMX can cause signal reflections, data packet errors and unreliable fixture behaviour, especially on long cable runs or in systems with many fixtures daisy-chained together. Always use cables specifically rated for DMX512 when controlling intelligent lighting, moving heads or LED fixtures.

What length XLR cable should I buy for live sound?

The ideal XLR cable length depends on your specific application and venue layout. For connecting handheld microphones to nearby stage boxes or mixers, 3-metre or 6-metre cables are sufficient and minimise clutter. For longer runs — such as connecting drum overhead microphones, running signals from front-of-house mixing consoles to stage boxes, or linking powered speakers to amplifier racks — 10-metre, 15-metre or 20-metre cables are appropriate. The 10-metre length is the most popular for live sound because it offers enough reach for most stage setups without excessive slack. Balanced XLR cables can reliably carry audio signals over 100 metres or more without significant loss, provided they use high-quality shielded construction and oxygen-free copper conductors.

Why do XLR connectors have a locking latch?

The locking latch on XLR connectors is a spring-loaded mechanism that secures the male and female halves together, preventing accidental disconnection during live performances, rehearsals or installations. When the male connector is inserted into the female socket, the latch clicks into place and must be manually released by pressing the release button to disconnect the cable. This design ensures that cables remain securely connected even when stepped on, pulled or subjected to vibration — a critical feature in live sound and stage environments where cable integrity directly affects performance quality. The latch also ensures that Pin 1 (ground) makes contact first and breaks last, protecting sensitive equipment from voltage spikes and static pops.

XLR cables

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 *

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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 *

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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 *

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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 *

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[International shipping costs]

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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]

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

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

4-universe DMX snake • 4x 3-pin XLR • Up to 2048 channels • Available in different lengths • This DAP 4 universe DMX snake cable allows you to control up to 2048 channels via a...

€47.90 *

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DAP-Audio DMX Snake 4-way 3-pin XLR 4-Universum Multikabel - 15 m

DAP-Audio DMX Snake 4-way 3-pin XLR 4-Universe - 15 m

4-universe DMX snake • 4x 3-pin XLR • Up to 2048 channels • Available in different lengths • This DAP 4 Universe DMX Snake Cable allows you to control up to 2048 channels via a...

€61.90 *

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DAP-Audio DMX Snake 4-way 3-pin XLR 4-Universum Multikabel - 20 m

DAP-Audio DMX Snake 4-way 3-pin XLR 4-Universe - 20 m

4-universe DMX snake • 4x 3-pin XLR • Up to 2048 channels • Available in different lengths • This DAP 4 Universe DMX Snake Cable allows you to control up to 2048 channels via a...

€90.90 *

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

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

4-universe DMX snake • 4x 3-pin XLR • Up to 2048 channels • Available in different lengths • This DAP 4 Universe DMX Snake Cable allows you to control up to 2048 channels via a...

€169.00 *

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

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

4-universe DMX snake • 4x 5-pin XLR • Up to 2048 channels • Available in different lengths • This DAP 4 universe DMX snake cable allows you to control up to 2048 channels via a...

€52.50 *

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DAP-Audio DMX Snake 4-way 5-pin XLR 4-Universum Multikabel - 15 m

DAP-Audio DMX Snake 4-way 5-pin XLR 4-Universe - 15 m

4-universe DMX snake • 4x 5-pin XLR • Up to 2048 channels • Available in different lengths • This DAP 4 Universe DMX Snake Cable allows you to control up to 2048 channels via a...

€66.50 *

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

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

4-universe DMX snake • 4x 5-pin XLR • Up to 2048 channels • Available in different lengths • This DAP 4 Universe DMX Snake Cable allows you to control up to 2048 channels via a...

€95.50 *

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

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

4-universe DMX snake • 4x 5-pin XLR • Up to 2048 channels • Available in different lengths • This DAP 4 Universe DMX Snake Cable allows you to control up to 2048 channels via a...

€175.00 *

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Mikrofonkabel, 15m,schwarz,XLR m/f

High-quality microphone XLR cable. : Low-wear coating • XLR connectors proven over many years • Reliable electrical connections • Reliable strain relief • Good protection...

€13.74 *

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DAP-Audio FLX08 - DMX/AES-EBU XLR/M 5P to XLR/F 5P 3 m

110-Ohm DMX cable • Changeable colour rings • Hook-and-loop fastener included • This 110-Ohm DMX cable is designed for the optimal transmission of AES/EBU digital signals. It comes...

€14.90 *

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PD-Connex CX109-1 DMX IP65 XLR 5-polig Stecker-XLR Buchse 1,5m

PD-Connex CX109-1 DMX IP65 XLR 5-pin Male-XLR Female 1,5m

PD Connex professional HQ DMX signal cable, dust and water resistant (IP65). This flexible signal cable is fitted with high quality 5-PIN XLR connectors and guarantees a trouble-free and reliable...

€19.90 *

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PD-Connex CX109-3 DMX IP65 XLR 5-polig Stecker-XLR Buchse 3,0m

PD-Connex CX109-3 DMX IP65 XLR 5-pin Male-XLR Female 3,0m

PD Connex professional HQ DMX signal cable, dust and water resistant (IP65). This flexible signal cable is fitted with high quality 5-PIN XLR connectors and guarantees a trouble-free and reliable...

€22.00 *

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PD-Connex CX109-6 DMX IP65 XLR 5-polig Stecker-XLR Buchse 6,0m

PD-Connex CX109-6 DMX IP65 XLR 5-pin Male-XLR Female 6,0m

PD Connex professional HQ 6meter DMX signal cable, dust and water resistant (IP65). This flexible signal cable is fitted with high quality 5-PIN XLR connectors and guarantees a trouble-free and...

€26.00 *

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PD-Connex CX109-12 DMX IP65 XLR 5-polig Stecker-XLR Buchse 12m

PD-Connex CX109-12 DMX IP65 XLR 5-pin Male-XLR Female 12m

PD Connex professional HQ DMX signal cable, dust and water resistant (IP65). This flexible signal cable is fitted with high quality 5-PIN XLR connectors and guarantees a trouble-free and reliable...

€35.00 *

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PD-Connex CX109-20 DMX IP65 XLR 5-polig Stecker-XLR Buchse 20m

PD-Connex CX109-20 DMX IP65 XLR 5-pin Male-XLR Female 20m

PD Connex professional HQ DMX signal cable, dust and water resistant (IP65). This flexible signal cable is fitted with high quality 5-PIN XLR connectors and guarantees a trouble-free and reliable...

€49.90 *

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PD-Connex CX104-1 DMX IP65 XLR 3-polig Stecker-XLR Buchse 1,5m

PD-Connex CX104-1 DMX IP65 XLR 3-pin Male-XLR Female 1,5m

PD Connex professional HQ DMX signal cable, dust and water resistant (IP65). This flexible signal cable is fitted with high quality 3-PIN XLR connectors and guarantees a trouble-free and reliable...

€16.00 *

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PD-Connex CX104-3 DMX IP65 XLR 3-polig Stecker-XLR Buchse 3,0m

PD-Connex CX104-3 DMX IP65 XLR 3-pin Male-XLR Female 3,0m

PD Connex professional HQ DMX signal cable, dust and water resistant (IP65). This flexible signal cable is fitted with high quality 3-PIN XLR connectors and guarantees a trouble-free and reliable...

€18.50 *

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Currently not available

PD-Connex CX104-20 DMX IP65 XLR 3-polig Stecker-XLR Buchse 20m

PD-Connex CX104-20 DMX IP65 XLR 3-pin Male-XLR Female 20m

PD Connex professional HQ DMX signal cable, dust and water resistant (IP65). This flexible signal cable is fitted with high quality 3-PIN XLR connectors and guarantees a trouble-free and reliable...

€44.00 *

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PD-Connex CX60-12 Kabel 2xXLR Stecker-2xXLR Buchse 12m

PD-Connex CX60-12 Cable 2xXLR Male-2xXLR Female 12m

PD Connex professional HQ balanced 2x XLR (M) - 2x XLR (F) OFC signal cable. This extremely flexible signal cable is fitted with high quality metal XLR connectors and guarantees a trouble-free and...

€38.00 *

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