DMX 5 to 3 pin adapter - 3 pin female to 5 pin male. Original DMX cables were 5-pin to distinguish them from 3-pin audio cables. Nowadays, many DMX fixtures are equipped with 3-pin XLR connectors, and 3-pin DMX cables are commonly used. Note that standard audio XLR cables cannot be used, as they have a lower impedance; DMX cables have an impedance of 110 ohms. Since 5-pin cables also contain three conductors, there is no electronic difference between 5-pin and 3-pin XLR cables.