Gear article
Adam Hall K4DGH 5-Pole IP65 DMX Cable
The Adam Hall K4DGH is a 10-metre professional-grade lighting cable designed for both indoor and outdoor DMX applications. It features a five-pole configuration and IP65-rated connectors, providing comprehensive protection against dust and moisture ingress in demanding environments.
See live pricesOverview
The Adam Hall K4DGH 5-Pole IP65 DMX Cable is a 10-metre interconnection solution engineered for professional lighting systems. As part of the Adam Hall cabling range, it is specifically designed to handle the rigours of touring and outdoor installations where environmental exposure is a factor. The cable provides a stable path for DMX512 signals, ensuring reliable communication between controllers and lighting fixtures.
Technical Features and Construction
The primary technical advantage of the K4DGH is its IP65 rating. This rating indicates that the connectors are completely protected against the ingress of dust and are resistant to low-pressure water jets from any direction. Internally, the cable utilises dual shielding to provide 100 percent coverage. This construction is critical for maintaining signal integrity by significantly reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) that can disrupt lighting data.
Application and Suitability
Given its environmental protections, the K4DGH is particularly suited for outdoor festivals, architectural lighting, and temporary stages where exposure to rain or dust is likely. The five-pole configuration conforms to the standard DMX512 specification for professional fixtures, providing the necessary pinouts for data transmission. At 10 metres in length, it serves as a versatile mid-range cable for connecting lighting bars or daisy-chaining fixtures across a stage.
Comparison to Alternatives
Within the Adam Hall catalogue, the K4DGH sits as a specialised outdoor alternative to the standard 5 STAR series, such as the 20-metre 5 STAR Neutrik DMX cable, which may not feature the same IP65 ingress protection. While standard XLR cables, such as those from Studiospares, may share the same physical form factor as 3-pin DMX cables, the K4DGH uses specific 5-pole DMX-rated cabling to meet data transmission standards and environmental safety requirements that general audio cables cannot match.
Related gear
£5.99 ($8)Studiospares
Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) Cable 60cm
£17.57 ($22)Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball P06049 10ft Straight-Angle Instrument Cable White
£32.00 ($41)LD Systems
LD Systems WS100BNC10 BNC to BNC Antenna Cable 10m
£4.99 ($6)Gear4Music
Essentials Dual Jack to RCA Phono Cable 3m
£10.50 ($13)Neutrik
Neutrik NC3FRX Right-Angled 3-Pole Female XLR Connector
£19.00 ($24)Neutrik
Neutrik NA2MP Male XLR - 1/4 Jack Adaptor
£30.00 ($38)Adam Hall
Adam Hall 5 STAR Neutrik DMX 5-Pin Lighting Cable 20m
£4.99 ($6)Studiospares
Studiospares Standard XLR (M) - XLR (F) Patch Cable 30cm
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary purpose of the Adam Hall K4DGH cable?
- The K4DGH is designed to transmit DMX512 lighting control signals between controllers and fixtures. It is specifically built to handle both indoor and outdoor environments safely.
- What does the IP65 rating signify for this cable?
- An IP65 rating means the connectors are dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets. This makes the cable suitable for use in rainy or dusty outdoor conditions.
- How long is the Adam Hall K4DGH cable?
- This specific model of the K4DGH cable has a fixed length of 10 metres. This provides a medium-range reach for various stage and installation setups.
- Does this cable feature any specific interference protection?
- Yes, the cable is designed with dual shielding. This provides 100 percent coverage to protect the data signal from external interference.
- Is the K4DGH a 3-pin or 5-pin cable?
- The Adam Hall K4DGH is a 5-pole (5-pin) DMX cable. This is the professional standard for DMX512 lighting communication.
- Can this cable be used for standard audio applications?
- While it features 5-pole connectors similar to some audio gear, it is specifically designed and shielded for DMX lighting data. Using DMX cables for audio is generally possible, but using audio cables for DMX is discouraged due to impedance differences.
- What brand manufactures the K4DGH cable?
- The cable is manufactured by Adam Hall, a company known for producing professional-grade event technology and hardware.
- What is the typical price for a 10m K4DGH cable?
- The typical price range for this cable is approximately £21 GBP. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
- How does the dual shielding benefit the user?
- Dual shielding ensures that the DMX signal remains clean and free from flickers or data errors. It helps block interference from nearby power cables or wireless devices.
- Is this cable suitable for permanent outdoor installation?
- While the IP65 rating allows for outdoor use and protection against water jets, users should always ensure connectors are properly mated to maintain the seal. It is ideal for temporary outdoor events and architectural applications.
- How does this compare to the Adam Hall 5 STAR DMX cables?
- The K4DGH is specifically differentiated by its IP65 environmental rating. The 5 STAR series typically uses Neutrik connectors and is often intended for standard indoor stage use unless otherwise specified.
- Are the connectors on the K4DGH protected against dust?
- Yes, the IP65 rating guarantees that the connectors are completely protected against the ingress of dust. This is essential for maintaining connectivity in dry, windy outdoor environments.
