QTX DMX Lighting Lead 3-Pin XLR Plug to 3-Pin XLR Socket - 3m

The QTX DMX Lighting Lead is a 3m shielded cable with a 3-pin XLR male plug at one end and a 3-pin XLR female socket at the other, designed to carry DMX512 control signals between lighting controllers and fixtures. The 4mm outer diameter cable uses internal shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference, maintaining signal integrity across the run.

Designed for stage lighting, studio setups and event installations where fixtures need to be daisy-chained or patched into a DMX controller, the 3m length suits close-proximity runs between adjacent fixtures, from a dimmer pack to a fixture, or from a controller to the first fixture in a chain. The flexible outer jacket allows the cable to be routed around rigging and truss without kinking, and the XLR connectors lock securely to prevent accidental disconnection during use.

The cable conforms to the DMX512-A standard, which specifies 3-pin XLR as the connector type for basic lighting control systems. The shielding on the inner conductors reduces the risk of signal degradation from nearby mains cables or RF interference, which can otherwise cause flickering or erratic behaviour in DMX-controlled fixtures. The 3m length keeps cable clutter manageable in smaller rigs while providing enough reach for typical fixture spacing on a bar or stand.

What's the difference between DMX cable and standard XLR audio cable?

DMX cable uses a specific impedance (110Ω) and twisted-pair construction to carry the DMX512 digital signal accurately. Standard audio XLR cable has different impedance and may cause signal errors or dropouts when used for DMX over longer runs. For short 3m runs the difference is less critical, but DMX-rated cable is always the correct choice for lighting control.

Can I daisy-chain multiple fixtures using this cable?

Yes. The 3-pin XLR socket on one end connects to the DMX output of a controller or the DMX output of the previous fixture in the chain, and the 3-pin XLR plug on the other end connects to the DMX input of the next fixture. The DMX512 standard supports up to 32 fixtures on a single chain, though practical limits depend on the quality of the fixtures and cable.

Is this cable suitable for outdoor use?

The cable itself is flexible and shielded, but it is not rated for permanent outdoor installation or exposure to water. For outdoor events where the cable may be exposed to rain or ground moisture, it should be protected or replaced with an IP-rated outdoor DMX cable.

What length runs are possible before needing a DMX booster?

The DMX512-A standard recommends a maximum run of 300m before signal degradation becomes a concern. In practice, runs beyond 150m often benefit from a DMX splitter or booster to maintain signal quality, especially if the chain includes more than 16 fixtures. For a 3m cable, signal loss is not a concern.