What is the primary use for the Adam Hall 5 STAR 20m DMX cable?

It is designed for professional lighting control, connecting DMX-capable devices such as consoles and fixtures. It is also suitable for AES/EBU digital audio connections.

Which connectors are used on this cable?

The cable is equipped with original Neutrik 5-pole XLR connectors, which are widely regarded as the industry standard for durability and secure locking.

Why is a 5-pin connector used instead of a 3-pin XLR?

Professional DMX standards specify 5-pin connectors to prevent accidental connection to audio equipment and to allow for additional data pairs as per the DMX512 standard.

What material is used for the connector contacts?

The Neutrik connectors feature silver-plated contacts. This ensures excellent electrical conductivity and long-lasting performance by resisting corrosion.

How does the cable handle electromagnetic interference?

It features a robust copper braided shield. This wrap protects the internal signal conductors from EMI generated by external sources like power cables or wireless devices.

Is the outer jacket of the cable flexible?

Yes, it is engineered with a soft PVC jacket. This provides superior flexibility for easy handling and coiling, even in challenging stage environments.

Can this cable be used outdoors?

The cable jacket is UV resistant, which helps protect it from damage during outdoor use. However, the connectors themselves should be protected from direct moisture.

What length is this specific model?

This specific Adam Hall 5 STAR model is 20 metres long, making it ideal for medium to large stage runs.

Does this cable meet DMX standards for conductor resistance?

Yes, the conductor cross-section and resistance comply fully with DMX standards. This ensures precise, interference-free communication between lighting devices.

Can I use this cable for standard microphone signals?

While it could technically carry audio, the 5-pin configuration is not compatible with standard 3-pin XLR microphone inputs without an adapter. It is optimized for digital data levels.

Is this cable suitable for AES/EBU digital audio?

Yes, its electrical properties and impedance characteristics make it a trusted choice for AES/EBU digital audio connections as well as DMX.

How does the price of this cable compare to generic alternatives?

Typically priced around £30, it is a mid-to-high-tier professional cable. The cost reflects the use of genuine Neutrik components and specialized shielding compared to budget essentials.

Gear article

Adam Hall 5 STAR Neutrik DMX 5-Pin Lighting Cable (20m)

The Adam Hall 5 STAR Neutrik DMX 5-Pin Lighting Cable is a professional-grade signal lead designed for DMX512 and AES/EBU applications. Measuring 20 metres in length, it features original Neutrik 5-pole connectors with silver-plated contacts to ensure high-fidelity data transmission and electromagnetic shielding.

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Overview

The Adam Hall 5 STAR DMX cable represents the manufacturer's premium range of interconnects, specifically engineered for the rigours of professional stage and touring environments. With a 20-metre span, this cable provides a reliable link between lighting desks and fixtures or between DMX-capable nodes. It is dual-purposed for both DMX lighting control and AES/EBU digital audio signals, adhering to the specific impedance and resistance requirements these formats demand for error-free operation.

Technical Characteristics and Build

The construction of the cable focuses on durability and signal integrity. It utilizes a copper braided shield to provide robust protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is critical in environments crowded with power cables and wireless signals.

Key physical features include: - Neutrik Connectors: Industry-standard 5-pole connectors that provide a secure, locking interface. - Silver-Plated Contacts: These contacts ensure high conductivity and resistance to oxidation over time. - Soft PVC Jacket: The outer layer is designed for extreme flexibility, allowing for easy coiling and layout while providing UV resistance for outdoor applications. - Standard Compliance: The conductor cross-section and electrical resistance are tuned specifically to meet DMX protocol standards.

Performance and Character

In operation, the cable is noted for its ability to maintain signal purity over long distances. Unlike standard microphone cables, which may cause signal reflections or flickering in DMX systems, the 5 STAR cable provides a precise impedance match. The silver-plated contacts facilitate a low-resistance connection, ensuring that high-frequency data packets are transmitted without data loss or jitter.

Suitability and Applications

This cable is best suited for professional lighting technicians and event production companies who require a dependable connection for moving heads, LED arrays, and complex DMX universes. The 20-metre length is particularly useful for spanning medium-to-large distances between truss points or from the stage to a control booth. It is an appropriate choice for those seeking to avoid the common pitfalls of using 3-pin non-DMX cables in professional lighting rigs.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to general-purpose options like the Studiospares Standard XLR or Ernie Ball instrument cables, the Adam Hall 5 STAR is purpose-built for high-speed digital data rather than analogue signals. While 3-pin patch cables from brands like MOGAMI or LD Systems are excellent for audio, they do not meet the 5-pin physical standard required for many professional-grade DMX consoles. The inclusion of genuine Neutrik hardware places this cable in a higher tier than budget 'essentials' cables, offering significantly better mechanical reliability for frequent setup and teardown.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use for the Adam Hall 5 STAR 20m DMX cable?: It is designed for professional lighting control, connecting DMX-capable devices such as consoles and fixtures. It is also suitable for AES/EBU digital audio connections.
Which connectors are used on this cable?: The cable is equipped with original Neutrik 5-pole XLR connectors, which are widely regarded as the industry standard for durability and secure locking.
Why is a 5-pin connector used instead of a 3-pin XLR?: Professional DMX standards specify 5-pin connectors to prevent accidental connection to audio equipment and to allow for additional data pairs as per the DMX512 standard.
What material is used for the connector contacts?: The Neutrik connectors feature silver-plated contacts. This ensures excellent electrical conductivity and long-lasting performance by resisting corrosion.
How does the cable handle electromagnetic interference?: It features a robust copper braided shield. This wrap protects the internal signal conductors from EMI generated by external sources like power cables or wireless devices.
Is the outer jacket of the cable flexible?: Yes, it is engineered with a soft PVC jacket. This provides superior flexibility for easy handling and coiling, even in challenging stage environments.
Can this cable be used outdoors?: The cable jacket is UV resistant, which helps protect it from damage during outdoor use. However, the connectors themselves should be protected from direct moisture.
What length is this specific model?: This specific Adam Hall 5 STAR model is 20 metres long, making it ideal for medium to large stage runs.
Does this cable meet DMX standards for conductor resistance?: Yes, the conductor cross-section and resistance comply fully with DMX standards. This ensures precise, interference-free communication between lighting devices.
Can I use this cable for standard microphone signals?: While it could technically carry audio, the 5-pin configuration is not compatible with standard 3-pin XLR microphone inputs without an adapter. It is optimized for digital data levels.
Is this cable suitable for AES/EBU digital audio?: Yes, its electrical properties and impedance characteristics make it a trusted choice for AES/EBU digital audio connections as well as DMX.
How does the price of this cable compare to generic alternatives?: Typically priced around £30, it is a mid-to-high-tier professional cable. The cost reflects the use of genuine Neutrik components and specialized shielding compared to budget essentials.