What is the Neutrik NC3FXX?

It is a 3-pole female XLR cable connector from Neutrik's XX series, used for professional audio connections.

What material is the shell made from?

The shell is constructed from a rugged zinc die-cast, providing durability and long-life connectivity.

How does the strain relief work?

It uses an improved chuck-type design that provides higher pull-out force and makes assembly quicker and easier.

What is the benefit of the cage contact design?

The unique cage design of the female contact ensures low contact resistance and high signal integrity.

Does it protect the cable from bending?

Yes, it features a boot with a polyurethane gland that provides high protection against cable bending stresses.

What is the typical price for a single NC3FXX connector?

The typical price is approximately GBP 6.00 per unit.

Is this connector easy to assemble?

Yes, Neutrik designed the XX series to be much quicker and easier to assemble than previous generations.

How many poles does the NC3FXX have?

This specific model is a 3-pole connector, which is the standard for balanced audio.

What is the difference between the NC3FXX and the NC3FRX?

The NC3FXX is a straight connector, while the NC3FRX is a right-angled version of the same 3-pole female XLR design.

Can this connector be used for DMX lighting?

While it can physically fit 3-pin DMX equipment, professional DMX standards (like the Adam Hall 5 STAR) typically use 5-pin connectors.

Is the NC3FXX suitable for touring use?

Yes, its zinc die-cast shell and improved strain relief make it highly dependable for rigorous touring environments.

What series of Neutrik connectors does this belong to?

It belongs to the XX series, which is the high-performance successor to the original X series.

Gear article

Neutrik NC3FXX 3-Pole Female XLR Connector

The Neutrik NC3FXX is a professional-grade 3-pole female XLR connector belonging to the manufacturer's high-performance XX series. It is designed for ultra-reliable connectivity in audio applications, featuring an improved chuck-type strain relief and a unique cage contact design for low resistance.

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Background and Design

The Neutrik NC3FXX represents the next generation of the worldwide accepted standard of XLR cable connectors. As part of the XX series, it succeeds the previous X series with several enhancements aimed at durability and ease of assembly. The connector is housed in a rugged zinc die-cast shell, designed to withstand the rigours of professional touring and studio environments.

One of the primary engineering focuses of this model is the mechanical integrity of the connection. It incorporates a polyurethane gland boot, which provides high protection against cable bending stresses, preventing internal wire fatigue over time.

Technical Features

The NC3FXX introduces a unique cage design for the female contact. This design increases the surface area of the contact point, ensuring low contact resistance and high signal integrity. The internal construction also features an improved chuck-type strain relief. This mechanical design allows for a higher pull-out force compared to previous iterations, ensuring the cable remains securely attached to the connector even under physical tension.

Assembly is streamlined through the design of the internal components, which are engineered to be quicker and easier to solder and put together than traditional XLR connectors.

Sound Character and Performance

While a connector does not possess a 'sound' in the way a microphone or amplifier does, the NC3FXX is designed for transparency. By maintaining low contact resistance and high integrity through its cage contact design, it ensures that the audio signal is passed with minimal degradation. The robust shielding provided by the zinc die-cast shell helps in maintaining a low noise floor by protecting the internal connections from external electromagnetic interference.

User Suitability and Applications

This connector is suited for audio engineers, cable manufacturers, and DIY enthusiasts who require dependable, tour-grade connectivity. It is the standard choice for balanced microphone cables and line-level interconnects. Due to its reliability, it is frequently found in high-end patch cables, such as the Studiospares Standard XLR series, and is the preferred choice for environments where cables are frequently plugged and unplugged.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to budget alternatives like the generic connectors found on entry-level cables, the NC3FXX offers significantly better strain relief and contact longevity. Within the Neutrik range, users might also consider the NC3FRX, which is a right-angled version of this connector designed for tight spaces. For applications involving lighting, the Adam Hall 5 STAR DMX cables often use 5-pin variants, but the NC3FXX remains the industry standard for 3-pin audio transmission.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Neutrik NC3FXX?: It is a 3-pole female XLR cable connector from Neutrik's XX series, used for professional audio connections.
What material is the shell made from?: The shell is constructed from a rugged zinc die-cast, providing durability and long-life connectivity.
How does the strain relief work?: It uses an improved chuck-type design that provides higher pull-out force and makes assembly quicker and easier.
What is the benefit of the cage contact design?: The unique cage design of the female contact ensures low contact resistance and high signal integrity.
Does it protect the cable from bending?: Yes, it features a boot with a polyurethane gland that provides high protection against cable bending stresses.
What is the typical price for a single NC3FXX connector?: The typical price is approximately GBP 6.00 per unit.
Is this connector easy to assemble?: Yes, Neutrik designed the XX series to be much quicker and easier to assemble than previous generations.
How many poles does the NC3FXX have?: This specific model is a 3-pole connector, which is the standard for balanced audio.
What is the difference between the NC3FXX and the NC3FRX?: The NC3FXX is a straight connector, while the NC3FRX is a right-angled version of the same 3-pole female XLR design.
Can this connector be used for DMX lighting?: While it can physically fit 3-pin DMX equipment, professional DMX standards (like the Adam Hall 5 STAR) typically use 5-pin connectors.
Is the NC3FXX suitable for touring use?: Yes, its zinc die-cast shell and improved strain relief make it highly dependable for rigorous touring environments.
What series of Neutrik connectors does this belong to?: It belongs to the XX series, which is the high-performance successor to the original X series.