Can I use this cable for audio microphones?

While the 3-pin Neutrik connectors will fit standard microphones, this cable is specifically designed for DMX lighting data. Using DMX cables for audio is generally possible, but using audio cables for DMX is discouraged due to different impedance ratings that can cause flickering or signal dropouts.

What is the purity of the copper used in the Adam Hall 5 STAR cable?

This cable features 99.999% pure oxygen-free copper (OFC) wiring. This high level of purity ensures exceptionally clear signal transmission and minimal signal loss over the length of the cable.

Are the connectors on this cable branded?

Yes, the cable is equipped with original Neutrik connectors. Neutrik is an industry-leading brand known for producing durable, high-quality connectors with excellent strain relief and reliable locking mechanisms.

Is this cable suitable for outdoor lighting rigs?

Yes, the cable features a UV-resistant soft PVC jacket. This protects the internal components from environmental damage and wear, making it appropriate for both indoor and outdoor professional use.

How does the shielding protect the lighting signal?

The cable utilises a dense braided shielding system. This design provides robust protection against electrical interference, which is essential for maintaining a clean signal in busy, high-energy environments like concert stages.

Where is the Adam Hall 5 STAR DMX cable manufactured?

The 5 STAR series cables are manufactured in the European Union. This ensures high-quality production standards and consistent performance across the product line.

What is the specific length of this model?

This specific model is 5 metres long. It is a popular length for connecting adjacent lighting fixtures or linking a controller to a nearby fixture.

What is the difference between this and a 5-pin DMX cable?

This cable uses 3-pin XLR connectors, which is common for many modern lighting fixtures. However, some professional consoles and lights require 5-pin connectors; Adam Hall offers a 20m 5-pin version for those specific requirements.

Does this cable offer fast signal transmission?

Yes, it is engineered for consistent and fast transmission of lighting control signals. The low-loss copper and specific construction are designed to handle the high-speed data requirements of the DMX512 protocol.

How does the jacket feel and handle?

The cable uses a 'soft' PVC jacket. This design choice makes the cable more flexible and easier to coil, which is a significant advantage for technicians who need to set up and pack away gear quickly.

Is this cable a good choice for professional studios?

Absolutely, it is marketed toward lighting professionals in both live and studio environments. Its high-quality components ensure it can withstand the demands of constant professional use.

What is the typical price for this 5m cable?

The typical price for the Adam Hall 5 STAR Neutrik DMX 3-Pin Lighting Cable (5m) is approximately £25. This reflects its status as a premium professional accessory compared to entry-level alternatives.

Gear article

Adam Hall 5 STAR Neutrik DMX 3-Pin Lighting Cable (5m)

The Adam Hall 5 STAR Neutrik DMX 3-Pin Lighting Cable is a professional-grade interconnect designed for the high-speed transmission of digital lighting control signals. Manufactured in the European Union, it features 99.999% oxygen-free copper wiring and original Neutrik connectors to ensure signal integrity in demanding live and studio environments.

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Overview and Technical Construction

The Adam Hall 5 STAR series represents the manufacturer's premium tier of cabling solutions. This 5-metre DMX cable is specifically engineered for lighting professionals who require consistent data transmission without the signal degradation often found in standard microphone cables. The core of the cable utilises 99.999% pure oxygen-free copper (OFC), which facilitates exceptionally clear signal transmission with minimal loss.

To combat the electrical noise prevalent in modern lighting rigs, the cable is equipped with dense braided shielding. This provides robust protection against electromagnetic interference, ensuring that DMX data packets remain intact even when the cable is routed near power sources or high-energy stage equipment.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Built to withstand the rigours of touring, the cable is encased in a soft PVC jacket. This material is specifically formulated to be UV-resistant, preventing the outer casing from becoming brittle or discoloured when exposed to sunlight or intense stage lighting. This makes the 5 STAR series suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

The inclusion of original Neutrik connectors further enhances the cable's longevity. Neutrik is widely regarded as the industry standard for connector reliability, providing secure locking mechanisms and strain relief that prevents internal wire breakage during repeated setup and teardown cycles.

Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) Cable 60cm

Professional Application

While 3-pin XLR connectors are physically compatible with standard audio equipment, this cable is designed specifically for DMX512 protocols. The electrical characteristics, including impedance and capacitance, are optimised for high-speed digital data rather than analogue audio. It is ideal for connecting DMX controllers to intelligent lighting fixtures, dimmers, and effects machines. The 5-metre length offers a versatile middle ground for daisy-chaining fixtures on a truss or connecting a small floor-based rig to a nearby stage box.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to budget alternatives like the Studiospares Standard XLR cables or Gear4Music Essentials lines, the Adam Hall 5 STAR cable offers superior shielding and higher-purity copper conductors. While a standard patch cable might suffice for short, low-interference runs, the 5 STAR's braided shield is necessary for professional reliability.

For longer distances, Adam Hall also offers a 20m 5-pin variant of this cable, which is required for certain high-end consoles. When compared to instrument cables, such as the Ernie Ball P06049, the DMX cable is technically distinct; instrument cables are unbalanced and high-impedance, whereas the DMX cable is a balanced, digital-specific interconnect.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use this cable for audio microphones?: While the 3-pin Neutrik connectors will fit standard microphones, this cable is specifically designed for DMX lighting data. Using DMX cables for audio is generally possible, but using audio cables for DMX is discouraged due to different impedance ratings that can cause flickering or signal dropouts.
What is the purity of the copper used in the Adam Hall 5 STAR cable?: This cable features 99.999% pure oxygen-free copper (OFC) wiring. This high level of purity ensures exceptionally clear signal transmission and minimal signal loss over the length of the cable.
Are the connectors on this cable branded?: Yes, the cable is equipped with original Neutrik connectors. Neutrik is an industry-leading brand known for producing durable, high-quality connectors with excellent strain relief and reliable locking mechanisms.
Is this cable suitable for outdoor lighting rigs?: Yes, the cable features a UV-resistant soft PVC jacket. This protects the internal components from environmental damage and wear, making it appropriate for both indoor and outdoor professional use.
How does the shielding protect the lighting signal?: The cable utilises a dense braided shielding system. This design provides robust protection against electrical interference, which is essential for maintaining a clean signal in busy, high-energy environments like concert stages.
Where is the Adam Hall 5 STAR DMX cable manufactured?: The 5 STAR series cables are manufactured in the European Union. This ensures high-quality production standards and consistent performance across the product line.
What is the specific length of this model?: This specific model is 5 metres long. It is a popular length for connecting adjacent lighting fixtures or linking a controller to a nearby fixture.
What is the difference between this and a 5-pin DMX cable?: This cable uses 3-pin XLR connectors, which is common for many modern lighting fixtures. However, some professional consoles and lights require 5-pin connectors; Adam Hall offers a 20m 5-pin version for those specific requirements.
Does this cable offer fast signal transmission?: Yes, it is engineered for consistent and fast transmission of lighting control signals. The low-loss copper and specific construction are designed to handle the high-speed data requirements of the DMX512 protocol.
How does the jacket feel and handle?: The cable uses a 'soft' PVC jacket. This design choice makes the cable more flexible and easier to coil, which is a significant advantage for technicians who need to set up and pack away gear quickly.
Is this cable a good choice for professional studios?: Absolutely, it is marketed toward lighting professionals in both live and studio environments. Its high-quality components ensure it can withstand the demands of constant professional use.
What is the typical price for this 5m cable?: The typical price for the Adam Hall 5 STAR Neutrik DMX 3-Pin Lighting Cable (5m) is approximately £25. This reflects its status as a premium professional accessory compared to entry-level alternatives.