What power source does the dbx CT-2 require?

The unit requires a single 9V battery to operate. Note that the battery is not included with the device and must be purchased separately.

How do I check if the battery is still good?

The CT-2 features a 6-position rotary switch. Turning the dial to the sixth position will illuminate an LED to indicate the current status and strength of the internal 9V battery.

Can I test a cable that has different connectors on each end?

Yes, the CT-2 is designed to test hybrid cables. For example, you can plug an XLR connector into one side and a TRS jack into the other to verify the internal wiring.

Which connector types are supported by the CT-2?

It supports a wide selection including XLR, TRS, DIN, Speaker Twist (Speakon), Phono (RCA), BNC, DMX (5-pin), and Banana connectors.

How does the device indicate a working connection?

The device uses a row of individual LEDs. As you rotate the selector switch through the pins, the LEDs light up to show which conductors are making a successful connection.

Is the dbx CT-2 suitable for testing DMX lighting cables?

Yes, the inclusion of 5-pin DMX-style DIN connections makes it suitable for testing professional lighting cables, such as those from Adam Hall.

Can I test speaker cables with this unit?

The CT-2 includes 'Speaker Twist' connectors, which are standard for professional speaker cabling. It can also test speaker cables using Banana plugs or 1/4 inch jacks.

Does the CT-2 have a continuity buzzer?

The primary feedback mechanism for the CT-2 is the LED array associated with the 6-position rotary switch. This provides a visual confirmation of the pin-to-pin continuity.

Can I test BNC antenna cables with this device?

Yes, the CT-2 features dedicated BNC inputs. This allows for the testing of cables like the LD Systems WS100BNC10 used in wireless microphone systems.

How many pins can the CT-2 test individually?

The selector switch allows for the individual testing of up to five pins. This covers standard XLR and DMX configurations as well as 5-pin DIN MIDI cables.

Is the dbx CT-2 portable enough for touring?

The unit is designed as a compact, standalone box. Its battery-powered nature and robust build make it ideal for use in mobile toolkits and live sound environments.

What should I do if the LEDs do not light up during a test?

If the LEDs fail to light, first check the battery status using the sixth switch position. If the battery is good, the lack of an LED indicates a broken conductor or a failed solder joint in the cable being tested.

Gear article

dbx CT-2 Cable Tester

The dbx CT-2 is a portable battery-powered diagnostic tool designed to evaluate the integrity of a wide range of audio and data cables. It allows technicians and musicians to identify internal wiring faults or connector failures across common industry formats including XLR, TRS, and DMX.

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Overview and Construction

The dbx CT-2 is a compact utility device housed in a durable chassis, designed to troubleshoot cable failures in studio and live sound environments. It provides a comprehensive interface for testing cables with different connectors at either end, such as an XLR-to-TRS configuration. By offering a central hub for connectivity, it eliminates the need for complex multimeter probes in basic continuity testing.

Operation and Features

Operation is centred around a 6-position rotary switch. Positions one through five are dedicated to checking the individual pins or conductors within a cable, with corresponding LEDs indicating successful signal flow. The sixth position functions as a battery check, allowing the user to verify the strength of the 9V power source.

The device includes a variety of sockets, supporting: * XLR (3-pin and 5-pin DMX) * TRS (1/4 inch Jack) * DIN (5-pin) * Speaker Twist (Speakon style) * Phono (RCA) * BNC and Banana connectors

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

Sound and Performance

As a diagnostic tool, the CT-2 does not pass audio for listening purposes; rather, it provides visual confirmation of electrical continuity. It is particularly effective for identifying 'dead' cables or intermittent shorts in instrument cables like the Ernie Ball P06049 or patch leads like the Studiospares Standard XLR series. The dedicated banana connectors at the bottom of the unit facilitate quick testing for cables without standardized terminations.

Applications

The unit is best suited for live sound engineers, studio technicians, and touring roadies who must maintain large cable inventories. It is highly versatile for testing specialised equipment, such as LD Systems WS100BNC10 antenna cables or Adam Hall 5-star DMX lighting cables. Because it supports cross-format testing, it is an essential tool for verifying custom-made adapters or cables using Neutrik NC3FRX right-angled connectors or NA2MP adaptors.

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Frequently asked questions

What power source does the dbx CT-2 require?: The unit requires a single 9V battery to operate. Note that the battery is not included with the device and must be purchased separately.
How do I check if the battery is still good?: The CT-2 features a 6-position rotary switch. Turning the dial to the sixth position will illuminate an LED to indicate the current status and strength of the internal 9V battery.
Can I test a cable that has different connectors on each end?: Yes, the CT-2 is designed to test hybrid cables. For example, you can plug an XLR connector into one side and a TRS jack into the other to verify the internal wiring.
Which connector types are supported by the CT-2?: It supports a wide selection including XLR, TRS, DIN, Speaker Twist (Speakon), Phono (RCA), BNC, DMX (5-pin), and Banana connectors.
How does the device indicate a working connection?: The device uses a row of individual LEDs. As you rotate the selector switch through the pins, the LEDs light up to show which conductors are making a successful connection.
Is the dbx CT-2 suitable for testing DMX lighting cables?: Yes, the inclusion of 5-pin DMX-style DIN connections makes it suitable for testing professional lighting cables, such as those from Adam Hall.
Can I test speaker cables with this unit?: The CT-2 includes 'Speaker Twist' connectors, which are standard for professional speaker cabling. It can also test speaker cables using Banana plugs or 1/4 inch jacks.
Does the CT-2 have a continuity buzzer?: The primary feedback mechanism for the CT-2 is the LED array associated with the 6-position rotary switch. This provides a visual confirmation of the pin-to-pin continuity.
Can I test BNC antenna cables with this device?: Yes, the CT-2 features dedicated BNC inputs. This allows for the testing of cables like the LD Systems WS100BNC10 used in wireless microphone systems.
How many pins can the CT-2 test individually?: The selector switch allows for the individual testing of up to five pins. This covers standard XLR and DMX configurations as well as 5-pin DIN MIDI cables.
Is the dbx CT-2 portable enough for touring?: The unit is designed as a compact, standalone box. Its battery-powered nature and robust build make it ideal for use in mobile toolkits and live sound environments.
What should I do if the LEDs do not light up during a test?: If the LEDs fail to light, first check the battery status using the sixth switch position. If the battery is good, the lack of an LED indicates a broken conductor or a failed solder joint in the cable being tested.