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Gear / Technical Help => Cables => Topic started by: travelinbeat on June 02, 2013, 09:12:44 PM

Title: Using DMX cables for audio
Post by: travelinbeat on June 02, 2013, 09:12:44 PM
I'm going to be heading into a taping situation which could use some long cabling.  I don't want to invest in a pair though, as I don't really have any long-term use for long cables.  While I probably wouldn't be able to borrow any long XLR cables, I am confidant that I could procure a pair of loaner 50' DMX cables.  Google searches have come back with mixed results so I'm turning to the experts at TS-- would I notice any ill-effects from using 50' DMX cables for running my mic's? 

Thanks!
Title: Re: Using DMX cables for audio
Post by: kirk97132 on June 03, 2013, 11:36:30 AM
True DMX cables are 110 ohm and will work just fine for mic signal. 
Title: Re: Using DMX cables for audio
Post by: ScoobieKW on June 03, 2013, 12:04:32 PM
Reaquanted myself with the DMX wiring spec.

Shield is on pin 1, check.

Should work, depending on how the DMX cable is terminated you may need 5pin to 3 pin adapters.

Title: Re: Using DMX cables for audio
Post by: travelinbeat on June 03, 2013, 12:18:34 PM
Thanks for the input guys!  The DMX I'm speaking about are indeed the 3-pin variety, so they should fit just fine. 

The nay-sayers I've heard from speak about the difference in the impedance of the two cables (XLR vs DMX).  I understand why a person would not want to use XLR in place of DMX, but I just can't see why using a DMX in place of an XLR wouldn't work.
Title: Re: Using DMX cables for audio
Post by: kirk97132 on June 03, 2013, 04:33:16 PM
DMX, cable...if in fact it is true DMX, should be 110 ohm which is the same spec for AES cable.  And can be used with no issue.  You should NOT use standard mic cable for DMX.  It can be used, and often is, but on longer runs it can cause among other things an issue with the DMX signal that can result in bounce back, and  can even cause issues with termination on DMX runs.  Most Pro DMX gear uses 5 pin cable, will have both 5 & 3 pin hookups.    Prosumer gear has three pin.  the DMX data stream only requires three out of the five wires to carry the signal.