This is an adapter that is for connecting lighting devices with a 5 pin male XLR connector to devices with a 3 pin female XLR connector. For other adapters, see our DMX high def video production catalog.
This is perfect for interfacing professional lighting consoles such as those made by ETC and Behringer with a 5 pin output with American DJ’s 3-pin DMX controllable lighting instruments and dimmers.
Brand new. Made in the U.S.A.
On lighting equipment, Female XLR connectors are the output, and Male XLR connectors are for the inputs. The last device connected must be terminated with the switch on the device or with a terminating plug.
Some lighting devices such as some early RoboScans and Smartec Intelligent lighting have pins 2 and 3 with reversed polarity. DMX 512 is the communication protocol used for lighting control devices. The standard specifies the use of 5 pin connectors. Some manufactures selling to DJ’s and night clubs use 3 pin connectors and microphone cable to keep the cost down. Microphone cable does not meet the specs for the DMX512 standard. A digital ready cable is specified. ProPlex cable made by TMB is very popular.
This adapter is made with Neutrik connectors and a colored label ring. It is labeled DMX 5M-3F adapter. The adapter is constructed to meet DMX512 requirements. This adapter conforms to the wiring configuration set forth by American DJ and others for connecting their 3 pin DMX devices to 5 pin devices.
This is also available in a reversed version. We have more adapters and terminators. We may have them available in different configurations. If the type you need it is not shown, please contact us.
The Martin control system is similar to DMX 512. It uses the same signal format that DMX512 is based on which is RS485. The difference is that on new Martin products did not support DMX 512, but later versions supported both, and some new models only use DMX512. On some of those dual models, a polarity reverser was needed to connect from a DMX 512 controller because of Martin
control protocol had the pins wired opposite.