Can a DMX Cable Be Run Through a Microphone Cable Snake?

The XLR cable works for microphones and looks similar to the DMX cable.

Digital Multiplexing (DMX) cables are used to send control signals to different stage equipment. Microphone cables are used to collect the sound from microphones and run it through a sound board for amplification and transmission through speakers. Both cables use the same connector type and can be plugged into the same receptacles, however there are some key differences between them.

XLR

The microphone cable standard has been developing since mics were first used. By 1955 Cannon had created an O type connector that was later replaced by the P type and still later by the X type. The X type connector was modified to add a latch (XL), then to add a resilient compound to house the connections (XLR). By 1988 the majority of the audio industry had adopted the XLR standard.

DMX

DMX cable was developed based on the ubiquitous XLR design to allow computers to control stage elements such as lights. During development it was determined that the standards for XLR cables were too low to permit accurate, consistent transmission of data through the cable. They were too prone to interference and signal loss, so DMX cables were developed with much higher shielding to prevent signal loss and degradation. DMX also refers to the software used to control devices connected with DMX cables.

Cable Snake

In a portable stage setup situation a cable snake is often employed. Essentially it duplicates the connections from the sound board in a small panel that can be positioned on the stage and connected to the equipment at the back of the room by a long cable (the snake). In this way the board operator can be farther away from the stage than the microphone cables would normally permit.

Compatibility

While DMX cables are based on XLR cables and they will both plug into the same receptacles, there are some significant differences. The resistance of an XLR cable is only 70 Ohms whereas the DMX has over 100 Ohms of impedance. The higher resistance of the DMX cable requires more flow of electricity to overcome and creates a more stable data signal. The lower resistance of the XLR cable allows it to pull fainter audio signals to be amplified. So DMX cables can plug into a microphone cable snake and they will work, but with a loss of data quality that may result in stuttering or shaking in the units being controlled. You can use XLR cables in a pinch, but they are not a long-term replacement for DMX cables.

References

• Sound First: XLR Connectors
• DJ Tutor: DMX Cable vs Microphone Cable