What does the 'B' in NC3FXX-B stand for?

The 'B' stands for the black chrome finish on the zinc die-cast shell, paired with gold-plated contacts. This is typically chosen for both its aesthetic look and its superior corrosion resistance compared to the standard silver-plated version.

Is the NC3FXX-B compatible with standard XLR male connectors?

Yes, it is a standard 3-pole female XLR connector designed to mate with any standard 3-pin male XLR plug. It is fully compliant with international standards for XLR interconnects.

What are the benefits of gold-plated contacts in this connector?

Gold-plated bronze contacts provide excellent conductivity and are highly resistant to tarnish and oxidation. This ensures a reliable electrical connection over a longer period, especially in humid or coastal environments.

How does the cage design of the female contact improve performance?

The unique cage design increases the surface contact area between the male and female pins. This results in lower contact resistance and improved signal integrity for sensitive audio signals.

What type of strain relief does this connector use?

It features an improved chuck-type strain relief. This design grips the cable jacket securely, allowing for higher pull-out force and protecting the soldered joints from mechanical tension.

Is this connector suitable for outdoor use?

While the zinc die-cast shell and gold contacts offer excellent durability, the connector itself is not rated as waterproof. It is highly rugged for professional use, but should be protected from direct rain or immersion.

What material is used for the connector boot?

The boot is made from a polyurethane gland. This material provides high protection against cable bending stresses, preventing the cable from fraying or breaking at the entry point of the connector.

How many poles does the NC3FXX-B have?

This is a 3-pole connector, which is the standard configuration for balanced audio signals in microphones and line-level equipment.

Can I use this connector for DMX lighting cables?

While 3-pin XLRs are sometimes used for budget DMX equipment, professional DMX standards usually require 5-pin connectors like the Adam Hall 5 STAR Neutrik DMX cable. However, the mechanical build of the NC3FXX-B is sufficient for the physical requirements of DMX if 3 pins are used.

Is soldering required for the NC3FXX-B?

Yes, the internal contacts are designed for solder termination. The design of the XX series is specifically optimised to make the soldering and assembly process quicker and easier for the user.

How does this compare to the Neutrik NC3FRX?

The NC3FXX-B is a straight connector, whereas the NC3FRX is a right-angled version. The NC3FRX is better suited for tight spaces where a straight cable might be bent too sharply against a wall or rack.

What is the typical price for a single NC3FXX-B connector?

The typical price for a single unit is approximately GBP 7. This reflects its status as a high-performance professional component compared to generic unbranded alternatives.

Gear article

Neutrik NC3FXX-B 3-Pole Female XLR Connector

The Neutrik NC3FXX-B is a professional-grade 3-pole female XLR cable connector featuring a black metal housing and gold-plated contacts. Part of the industry-standard XX series, it is designed for high-performance audio applications where contact integrity and mechanical durability are paramount.

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Overview

The Neutrik NC3FXX-B represents the successor to the widely used RC series, offering significant refinements in both electrical performance and mechanical assembly. As a female XLR connector, it is primarily used for microphone terminations and line-level inputs in professional audio environments. The 'B' suffix denotes the black finish and gold-plated contacts, which differentiate it from the standard silver-plated variants.

Design and Key Features

The connector is engineered with several proprietary technologies to ensure long-term reliability:

Contact Design: A unique cage design for the female contacts helps to ensure low contact resistance and high signal integrity by increasing the surface area and pressure of the connection.
Strain Relief: The improved chuck-type strain relief provides a higher pull-out force than previous designs, securing the cable firmly within the housing.
Protection: A polyurethane gland boot protects the cable from bending stresses at the exit point, reducing the risk of internal wire breakage.
Construction: The rugged zinc die-cast shell is built for longevity, capable of withstanding the rigours of touring and studio use.

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

Assembly and Conductivity

One of the primary advantages of the XX series is the ease of assembly. The design allows for quicker soldering and housing attachment compared to older industry standards. Electrically, the NC3FXX-B utilises gold-plated bronze contacts. Gold is chosen for its exceptional conductivity and resistance to oxidation, ensuring that the audio signal remains clean over years of use in various environmental conditions.

Comparison and Alternatives

Within the Neutrik ecosystem, the NC3FXX-B is a premium alternative to the standard NC3FXX, which typically uses nickel housing and silver contacts. For tight spaces, the Neutrik NC3FRX provides a right-angled alternative, while the Neutrik NA2MP serves as a solution for converting XLR signals to 1/4 inch jacks.

In terms of pre-built solutions, products like the Studiospares Standard XLR Cable or the Adam Hall 5 STAR DMX Cable utilize similar connector technology for different applications, such as audio signal path or lighting control.

Target Audience

The NC3FXX-B is suited for professional audio engineers, cable manufacturers, and DIY enthusiasts who require high-specification connectors for custom cabling. Its robust build makes it ideal for live sound reinforcement, broadcast facilities, and recording studios where downtime due to cable failure is unacceptable.

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Frequently asked questions

What does the 'B' in NC3FXX-B stand for?: The 'B' stands for the black chrome finish on the zinc die-cast shell, paired with gold-plated contacts. This is typically chosen for both its aesthetic look and its superior corrosion resistance compared to the standard silver-plated version.
Is the NC3FXX-B compatible with standard XLR male connectors?: Yes, it is a standard 3-pole female XLR connector designed to mate with any standard 3-pin male XLR plug. It is fully compliant with international standards for XLR interconnects.
What are the benefits of gold-plated contacts in this connector?: Gold-plated bronze contacts provide excellent conductivity and are highly resistant to tarnish and oxidation. This ensures a reliable electrical connection over a longer period, especially in humid or coastal environments.
How does the cage design of the female contact improve performance?: The unique cage design increases the surface contact area between the male and female pins. This results in lower contact resistance and improved signal integrity for sensitive audio signals.
What type of strain relief does this connector use?: It features an improved chuck-type strain relief. This design grips the cable jacket securely, allowing for higher pull-out force and protecting the soldered joints from mechanical tension.
Is this connector suitable for outdoor use?: While the zinc die-cast shell and gold contacts offer excellent durability, the connector itself is not rated as waterproof. It is highly rugged for professional use, but should be protected from direct rain or immersion.
What material is used for the connector boot?: The boot is made from a polyurethane gland. This material provides high protection against cable bending stresses, preventing the cable from fraying or breaking at the entry point of the connector.
How many poles does the NC3FXX-B have?: This is a 3-pole connector, which is the standard configuration for balanced audio signals in microphones and line-level equipment.
Can I use this connector for DMX lighting cables?: While 3-pin XLRs are sometimes used for budget DMX equipment, professional DMX standards usually require 5-pin connectors like the Adam Hall 5 STAR Neutrik DMX cable. However, the mechanical build of the NC3FXX-B is sufficient for the physical requirements of DMX if 3 pins are used.
Is soldering required for the NC3FXX-B?: Yes, the internal contacts are designed for solder termination. The design of the XX series is specifically optimised to make the soldering and assembly process quicker and easier for the user.
How does this compare to the Neutrik NC3FRX?: The NC3FXX-B is a straight connector, whereas the NC3FRX is a right-angled version. The NC3FRX is better suited for tight spaces where a straight cable might be bent too sharply against a wall or rack.
What is the typical price for a single NC3FXX-B connector?: The typical price for a single unit is approximately GBP 7. This reflects its status as a high-performance professional component compared to generic unbranded alternatives.