What Type of Cable Is Used for DMX?

1. Introduction

DMX cable refers to the wiring used for connecting and controlling lighting equipment and accessories. It is also called as the DMX-512 lighting control cable.
Although the DMX512-A standard specification is based on EIA-485 (RS485) signals, not all RS485 signal cables can substitute for DMX cable.
This article will detail precisely what type of cable is used for DMX.

2. What Is DMX?

DMX 512 lighting control cable refers to cables manufactured according to the ANSI E1.27-1-2006 entertainment technology control cable standard published by ESTA.

Cable Construction

Typically, DMX cable is a 2-pair cable. Single-pair cables are permitted when properly marked to distinguish them from 2-pair cables.
This cable uses twisted-pair conductors to maintain signal integrity and prevent noise interference.

Cable Shielding

Shielding may consist of individual pair shielding, overall shielding for all pairs, or a combination of both.
Common shielding materials include aluminum foil, tinned copper foil, or aluminum foil combined with a tinned copper braid.

Cable Capacitance

Capacitance between conductors within a shield shall not exceed 65 pF/m.
Capacitance between any conductor and the shield shall not exceed 35 pF/m.

Low capacitance reduces signal attenuation in cables.
This can be achieved using PE-insulated cables.

Cable Connector

The physical connector for this cable at any device is a 5-pin XLR connector.

Cable Impedance

The ANSI E1.27-1 standard specifies that DMX512 cables shall have a characteristic impedance between 100 and 120 ohms.
Due to the 120-ohm characteristic impedance in EIA-485 systems, 120 ohms is preferred.

However, lighting engineering practice generally favors 110 ohms. Because 110 ohms represents an optimal value balancing signal stability and cable durability.

110 Ohm is specified by the IEC 60958-4-4-2006 standard established by ASE/EBU and the AES 3-4-2009 standard.

This standard defines specifications for digital audio cables(AES-3 Cable). ASE-3 cables demand higher performance than DMX lighting control cables in terms of transmission frequency and capacitance.

Consequently, such cables offer excellent backward compatibility with DMX-512 lighting control cables and analog audio signal cables.

3. DMX Cable Typical Structure

• Number of Pairs: 1 pair or 2 pairs

• Conductor Size: 0.22mm²–0.25mm² (24 AWG–23 AWG)

• Insulation: PE or XLPE

• Overall Shielding: Tinned Copper Braid + Aluminum Foil

• Jacket: PVC

• Cable OD: 6mm–8mm

• Impedance: 100–120 Ohms (110 ohms preferred)

• Capacitance: C1 < 60 pF/m

4. FAQ

Q1. Can XLR Microphone cables replace DMX cables?

Typically, XLR cables aren’t specified for impedance.
Therefore, some XLR cables are unsuitable, as their characteristic impedance may be around 75-90 ohms. These cables have high capacitance, leading to unstable signals when used as DMX cables.

However, most XLR cables on the market today can achieve a characteristic impedance between 100-120 ohms. PE-insulated XLR cables generally meet this standard.
If unsure, consult the manufacturer.

Q2. Can AES-3 Digital Audio Cable Replace DMX Cable?

Yes. AES-3 cables support digital audio transmission, analog signal transmission, and DMX 512 lighting signal transmission.

Q3. Can RS485 cable replace DMX cable?

No. Many RS485 cables are designed for industrial equipment, access control systems, and instrumentation where distances between devices are typically only 5-50m.

These applications have low cable requirements, often needing only simple twisted pairs with loose shielding. Such cables are generally unsuitable for lighting transmission.

Q4. Where to buy the good quality DMX cable?

CANARE, Belden.
Of course, if you’re seeking a reliable supplier offering excellent value for money, we warmly welcome you to contact TOURYCABLE.