What is the 5-Pin to 3-Pin XLR Adapter Wiring?
Although the DMX-512 standard requires the use of 5-pin XLR connectors, some DMX controlled equipment uses 3-pin connectors (typically because they cost less).
Often times it is necessary to convert between 5-pin and 3-pin cables and fixtures.
Wiring
Standard practice for assembling a 5-pin to 3-pin XLR adapter is to connect:
Pin 1 to Pin 1
Pin 2 to Pin 2
Pin 3 to Pin 3
Pins 4 and 5 on the 5-pin XLR connector are left unconnected.
A 5-pin to 3-pin adapter uses a Male 5-pin and Female 3-pin XLR connectors.
A 3-pin to 5-pin adapter uses a Male 3-pin and Female 5-pin XLR connectors.
| 5-Pin XLR | 3-Pin XLR | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Pin 1 | Signal Ground |
| Pin 2 | Pin 2 | DMX Data - |
| Pin 3 | Pin 3 | DMX Data + |
| Pin 4 | n/c | Aux Data - |
| Pin 5 | n/c | Aux Data |