DMX Cables & Lighting Cables

At Markertek, we have a high quality DMX cables for sale at excellent prices. If you're controlling a lighting rig from a central location, you'll need DMX cables to sync lights with your control board or computer system. Today, the DMX format is used to control virtually anything, including fog machines and electronic billboards.

What is a DMX Cable?

Short for "Digital Multiplex", today's DMX cables control stage lighting rigs and special effects. Our cables meet the DMX512 standard where a single cable can control up to 512 channels of action from your lighting console. Every major video production studio, music venue and theater employs DMX cables in its arsenal. Purchasing a quality DMX cable from Markertek ensures seamless transitions and unintended light triggering.

Can I Use DMX Cable for Audio?

DMX cables are designed for use as a lighting/machine control trigger. If you don't have another option, they may work as a last-minute XLR replacement, but you run the risk of technical issues and some DMX cables have a 5-pin connector versus the 3-pin needed in typical audio applications. DMX transmits data at a higher frequency and bandwidth than your average microphone cable, so it's not meant for transmitting audio signals.

DMX Cable 3 Pin vs. 5 Pin

Depending on the fixtures, DMX cables can be found in a 3-pin or 5-pin configuration. For many years, 3-pin cables were the most common option, but the 5-pin version (known as DMX512) was developed to distinguish DMX from XLR audio cables. In the future, the extra 2 pins may be used to transmit additional data.

How to Tell the Difference Between DMX and XLR

It's often hard to distinguish between 3-pin DMX and XLR audio cables. If you look closely at the DMX cable, however, you should be able to find lettering that reads "Shielded Data Cable". We recommend organizing cables with separate colored VELCRO® Rip-Ties. We've also noticed Sescom brand DMX cables feature Neutrik's blue I.D. ring for quick identification making it really easy.

To learn more about our DMX cable selection, call us toll-free at 800-522-2025 or chat with us online. We offer free shipping on all orders, even if you're just purchasing a single cable.