What is the main benefit of the right-angled design?

The right-angled design reduces the depth required behind equipment panels, allowing for tighter installations in racks and preventing cable strain in narrow spaces.

How many outlet positions are available on the NC3FRX?

The connector features five selectable cable outlet positions, providing significant flexibility for cable routing depending on the equipment's layout.

What series does the NC3FRX belong to?

It is part of Neutrik’s RX series, which is essentially the right-angled version of their gold-standard XX series connectors.

What material is used for the connector shell?

The shell is constructed from a rugged zinc die-cast, ensuring durability and high reliability in demanding professional environments.

How is the strain relief improved in this model?

It uses an improved chuck-type strain relief design that facilitates higher pull-out force while making the assembly process quicker and more efficient.

What prevents the cable from kinking at the connector exit?

The connector includes a boot with a polyurethane gland that provides high protection against cable bending stresses.

What is unique about the female contacts in the NC3FRX?

The female contacts feature a unique cage design that ensures higher contact integrity and low electrical resistance.

Is this connector suitable for high-density patch bays?

Yes, its low-profile right-angle design and selectable cable outlets make it an ideal choice for crowded patch bay environments.

Does Neutrik offer a male version of this connector?

While this specific model is the female NC3FRX, Neutrik produces a matching RX series male connector for complete cable sets.

What is the typical price for a single NC3FRX connector?

The typical price range for this high-performance connector is approximately £11 per unit.

How does the assembly of this connector differ from older models?

The RX series is designed for easier and faster assembly compared to older designs, primarily due to the simplified chuck-type strain relief.

Can the NC3FRX be used with standard 3-pin XLR cables?

Yes, it is a standard 3-pole XLR connector and is fully compatible with standard 3-pin XLR male connectors and cables.

Gear article

Neutrik NC3FRX Right-Angled 3-Pole Female XLR Connector

The Neutrik NC3FRX is a professional-grade, right-angled 3-pole female XLR connector designed for high-performance audio applications. Part of the RX series, it provides a space-saving alternative to standard XX series connectors while maintaining ultra-reliable contact integrity and rugged durability.

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Background and Design

The Neutrik NC3FRX represents the right-angled evolution of the industry-standard XX series. Neutrik developed this connector to address the logistical challenges of high-density patch bays and tight stage environments where straight connectors might be prone to damage or create excessive cable clutter. It is specifically engineered to provide a low-profile footprint without compromising the mechanical strength or electrical performance for which the brand is known.

Key Engineering Features

This connector incorporates several patent-pending or proprietary technologies to ensure long-term reliability:

Cage Contact Design: The female contact uses a unique cage design that increases surface area and ensures low contact resistance.
Improved Strain Relief: A chuck-type strain relief system allows for higher pull-out force resistance, making the assembly process faster and more secure.
Polyurethane Gland: The boot is equipped with a polyurethane gland, which offers superior protection against cable bending stresses.
Zinc Die-cast Shell: A rugged outer shell provides a long service life and dependable shielding against electromagnetic interference.

Versatility and Use Cases

One of the most distinctive features of the NC3FRX is its versatility in cable orientation. It offers five selectable cable outlet positions, allowing the user to choose the direction the cable exits the connector relative to the locking mechanism. This makes it suitable for various equipment layouts, such as rear-panel connections on mixers or internal rack cabling where space is at a premium. It is often compared to adapters like the Neutrik NA2MP or specialized patch cables from Mogami and Studiospares.

Target Users

The NC3FRX is aimed at professional audio engineers, touring technicians, and broadcasters who require dependable connectivity in cramped spaces. It is particularly useful for building custom XLR patch cables or for use in permanent installations where equipment is housed in shallow racks. While more expensive than basic generic connectors, its build quality suits environments where failure-free operation is mandatory.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main benefit of the right-angled design?: The right-angled design reduces the depth required behind equipment panels, allowing for tighter installations in racks and preventing cable strain in narrow spaces.
How many outlet positions are available on the NC3FRX?: The connector features five selectable cable outlet positions, providing significant flexibility for cable routing depending on the equipment's layout.
What series does the NC3FRX belong to?: It is part of Neutrik’s RX series, which is essentially the right-angled version of their gold-standard XX series connectors.
What material is used for the connector shell?: The shell is constructed from a rugged zinc die-cast, ensuring durability and high reliability in demanding professional environments.
How is the strain relief improved in this model?: It uses an improved chuck-type strain relief design that facilitates higher pull-out force while making the assembly process quicker and more efficient.
What prevents the cable from kinking at the connector exit?: The connector includes a boot with a polyurethane gland that provides high protection against cable bending stresses.
What is unique about the female contacts in the NC3FRX?: The female contacts feature a unique cage design that ensures higher contact integrity and low electrical resistance.
Is this connector suitable for high-density patch bays?: Yes, its low-profile right-angle design and selectable cable outlets make it an ideal choice for crowded patch bay environments.
Does Neutrik offer a male version of this connector?: While this specific model is the female NC3FRX, Neutrik produces a matching RX series male connector for complete cable sets.
What is the typical price for a single NC3FRX connector?: The typical price range for this high-performance connector is approximately £11 per unit.
How does the assembly of this connector differ from older models?: The RX series is designed for easier and faster assembly compared to older designs, primarily due to the simplified chuck-type strain relief.
Can the NC3FRX be used with standard 3-pin XLR cables?: Yes, it is a standard 3-pole XLR connector and is fully compatible with standard 3-pin XLR male connectors and cables.