Neutrik NC3MXX-BAG Male 3-Pin XLR Connector – Black Housing, Silver Contacts
Build and repair professional audio cables with the Neutrik NC3MXX-BAG Male 3-Pin XLR Cable Connector, part of Neutrik’s internationally recognised XX Series of professional XLR cable connectors.
The NC3MXX-BAG combines a rugged black KTL-coated zinc die-cast housing with silver-plated brass contacts, solder termination, Neutrik’s improved chuck-type strain-relief system and polyurethane cable-bending protection.
It is an excellent professional connector for microphone cables, balanced analogue audio, theatre, touring, live sound, broadcast, film and television, recording studios, AV systems and production cable assemblies.
Neutrik describes the XX Series as the next generation of its established XLR cable-connector platform, incorporating improvements to reliability, assembly, contact integrity and cable strain relief.
Whether you are manufacturing new microphone cables, repairing touring leads, rebuilding venue stock or maintaining workshop spares, the NC3MXX-BAG provides the rugged, serviceable construction expected from a genuine Neutrik professional connector.
Black-Housing Neutrik XX Series XLR Connector
The NC3MXX-BAG belongs to Neutrik’s professional XX Series.
This particular variant combines:
- Black metal housing
- Silver-plated contacts
- 3-pin male XLR configuration
- Solder termination
- Improved chuck-type strain relief
- Polyurethane cable gland
- Protected internal shell thread
- Optional colour coding
The black connector body gives cable manufacturers and production departments another identification and aesthetic option compared with Neutrik’s standard nickel-housing NC3MXX.
It can be particularly useful in entertainment environments where black equipment and cable hardware are preferred around stages, studios and production systems.
NC3MXX-BAG Means Black Housing and Silver Contacts
There are several very similar Neutrik XX-series 3-pin male connectors, so the exact model number matters.
The NC3MXX-BAG is specified by Neutrik as:
Black metal housing + silver contacts.
By comparison:
NC3MXX: Nickel housing + silver contacts
NC3MXX-B: Black housing + gold contacts
NC3MXX-BAG: Black housing + silver contacts
This means the NC3MXX-BAG is an ideal choice where you specifically want the visual appearance of Neutrik’s black metal shell while retaining silver-plated contacts.
Always order by the complete Neutrik part number when contact plating or housing finish matters.
Black KTL-Coated Zinc Die-Cast Housing
Neutrik specifies the NC3MXX-BAG shell as:
Material: Zinc die-cast ZnAl4Cu1
Shell Coating: Black KTL
The result is the professional black metal body that differentiates the BAG version from the standard nickel-finish NC3MXX.
The rugged die-cast housing is designed for professional environments including:
- Concert touring
- Theatre
- Live events
- Broadcast
- Recording studios
- Film and television
- Professional AV
- Venue installations
- Equipment-hire inventory
For production cables that may be repeatedly plugged, unplugged, coiled, packed and transported, the connector housing provides important mechanical protection around the internal contact assembly.
Silver-Plated Brass Contacts
The NC3MXX-BAG uses brass CuZn39Pb3 contacts with 2 µm silver plating.
Neutrik specifies:
Contact Material: Brass (CuZn39Pb3)
Contact Plating: 2 µm Ag
Contact Resistance: ≤3 mΩ
Rated Current: 16 A per contact
Rated Voltage: <50 V
The silver-contact configuration distinguishes NC3MXX-BAG from Neutrik’s NC3MXX-B black-body variant, which uses gold-plated contacts.
These values describe the connector component itself. The capabilities of any completed cable will also depend on its cable type, conductor size, wiring, termination quality, equipment and application.
The NC3MXX-BAG is primarily a professional signal connector and should not be treated as a mains-power connector merely because a component current rating is published.
Improved Male Locking Recess
One of Neutrik’s XX-series improvements is the revised male locking recess.
The NC3MXX-BAG uses a windowless locking recess, which Neutrik states creates a more stringent housing and increases mechanical durability.
For professional cables, this provides a robust mating interface while retaining compatibility with appropriate female XLR connectors.
This is especially relevant where cables experience repeated connection cycles across:
- Touring
- Equipment hire
- Theatre
- Venue systems
- Broadcast
- Corporate AV
- Studio production
Improved Chuck-Type Strain Relief
The NC3MXX-BAG incorporates Neutrik’s improved chuck-type strain-relief system.
Neutrik states that the XX-series design provides:
- Higher cable pull-out force
- Easier assembly
- Faster assembly
Effective strain relief is critical in professional cable construction because repeated pulling and bending should not be transferred directly to:
- Solder joints
- Signal conductors
- Cable shield
- Connector contacts
The chuck system grips the cable jacket so that mechanical loads are managed by the connector assembly.
This is especially useful for cables subjected to regular handling during touring, theatre, live events and equipment-hire applications.
Polyurethane Cable Gland
The NC3MXX-BAG includes a polyurethane gland designed to provide protection against cable bending stress.
The rear connector entry is a common stress point because professional cables are frequently:
- Coiled
- Uncoiled
- Bent
- Packed into road cases
- Connected behind racks
- Routed around stage boxes
- Pulled during deployment
- Transported between venues
Good cable-bending protection helps distribute these mechanical forces over a wider area rather than concentrating them immediately behind the solder termination.
Cable Diameter – 3.5mm to 8.0mm
Neutrik specifies the standard NC3MXX-BAG for cable outside diameters from:
3.5mm to 8.0mm
This covers a wide selection of professional microphone, balanced audio and signal cables.
Always check the actual outside diameter of the cable before purchasing or assembling the connector.
For larger cables, Neutrik offers the BXX-14 large bushing with chuck-type strain relief, designed for cable outside diameters from approximately 8mm to 10mm.
Correct strain-relief sizing is important because the chuck needs to grip the cable jacket correctly.
Up to 2.5mm² / 14 AWG Conductors
Neutrik specifies a maximum conductor size of:
2.5mm² / 14 AWG
for the NC3MXX-BAG.
This gives the connector considerable flexibility across professional signal-cable construction.
Actual cable suitability should still be assessed by considering:
- Individual conductor size
- Overall cable diameter
- Insulation thickness
- Shield construction
- Required electrical performance
- Intended application
Both the conductor and complete cable must fit the connector correctly.
Professional Solder Termination
The NC3MXX-BAG uses solder contacts.
This makes it suitable for:
- Custom cable manufacturing
- Microphone cable construction
- Venue cable repair
- Touring repairs
- Hire-company workshops
- Production-company maintenance
- Studio cable building
Solder termination allows experienced technicians to create robust serviceable cable assemblies.
Correct workmanship remains essential.
Avoid:
- Cold solder joints
- Excessive solder
- Incorrect pin assignment
- Loose conductor strands
- Excessive stripped conductor
- Shielding shorts
- Poor cable preparation
- Incorrect strain-relief assembly
Every completed cable should be appropriately tested before returning to production service.
Professional Microphone Cable Construction
One of the most common uses for the NC3MXX-BAG is building professional microphone leads.
A conventional balanced microphone cable typically combines:
- Neutrik NC3MXX-BAG male XLR
- Compatible female 3-pin XLR connector
- Suitable balanced microphone cable
A common professional analogue-audio pin arrangement is:
Pin 1: Shield / ground
Pin 2: Positive / hot
Pin 3: Negative / cold
Always confirm the required wiring for the equipment and application being serviced.
Correct connector choice is only one component of a reliable microphone cable.
The completed assembly also depends on:
- Cable quality
- Cable preparation
- Soldering
- Shield termination
- Strain relief
- Testing
- Handling
Balanced Analogue Audio
The NC3MXX-BAG is equally useful for professional balanced analogue line-level cables.
Applications may include:
- Mixing consoles
- Stage boxes
- DSP systems
- Audio interfaces
- Wireless receivers
- System processors
- Playback racks
- Recording equipment
- Broadcast systems
- Powered loudspeaker signal connections
When used with appropriate cable and correctly designed balanced equipment, balanced connections provide effective rejection of common-mode interference over long cable runs.
Theatre and Performing Arts
XLR connectivity remains fundamental throughout professional theatre audio.
The NC3MXX-BAG can be used for cable assemblies connecting:
- Wired microphones
- Mixing consoles
- Stage boxes
- Wireless receiver systems
- Playback systems
- Audio interfaces
- Production racks
- Appropriate communications systems
- Temporary production audio infrastructure
For theatres maintaining large cable inventories, field-serviceable connectors are particularly useful.
If a connector is damaged while the cable itself remains serviceable, technicians can often replace the connector rather than discarding the complete lead.
Maintaining spare connectors in the venue workshop or touring workbox can reduce downtime during rehearsals and performances.
Concert Touring and Live Sound
Touring cables work hard.
Across a tour they may be repeatedly:
- Deployed
- Connected
- Disconnected
- Walked on
- Coiled
- Packed
- Loaded
- Transported
- Unpacked
- Re-deployed
The NC3MXX-BAG’s rugged metal shell, improved strain relief and polyurethane cable-bending protection make it particularly suited to professionally assembled touring inventory.
Potential applications include:
- Vocal microphone cables
- Instrument microphone cables
- Stage audio
- Monitor systems
- FOH systems
- Touring stage racks
- Playback systems
- Signal distribution
- Temporary event systems
The black connector body can also create a visually consistent appearance alongside black professional cabling and production equipment.
Film and Television Production
Professional film and television audio systems rely heavily on robust XLR connectivity.
Potential NC3MXX-BAG applications include:
- Location sound
- Boom microphone cables
- Interview microphones
- Studio sound
- Production audio
- Wireless receiver outputs
- Field mixers
- Audio recorders
- Camera-audio interfaces
- Broadcast infrastructure
Location cables are regularly packed, transported and redeployed, making mechanically robust and serviceable connectors particularly useful.
Where the cable remains electrically sound, replacing a damaged connector can often be more economical and practical than replacing the complete cable.
Broadcast Applications
Broadcast environments require reliable signal connections across both permanent and temporary systems.
Potential applications include:
- Studio microphones
- Outside broadcast
- Audio racks
- Production interconnects
- Temporary broadcast systems
- Stage audio
- Interview setups
- Live music broadcast
For facilities that maintain their own technical workshops, replacement NC3MXX-BAG connectors provide a professional option for both cable manufacture and routine servicing.
Recording Studios
The NC3MXX-BAG is equally suitable for studio cable systems.
Potential applications include:
- Microphone leads
- Patch cables
- Outboard equipment
- Audio interfaces
- Studio tie lines
- Monitor systems
- Recording racks
- Wall-box connections
Studio cable inventory may experience less physical abuse than touring stock, but dependable contact performance and serviceability remain valuable.
AV, Conference and Corporate Production
Professional AV systems regularly use 3-pin XLR across:
- Microphones
- Mixing consoles
- DSP systems
- Audio interfaces
- Powered speaker signal connections
- Presentation systems
- Conference audio
- Breakout systems
- Temporary event installations
AV companies maintaining their own cable inventory can use NC3MXX-BAG connectors for both new cable construction and repairs.
The black body may be particularly attractive for systems where technicians want connectors to blend visually with black equipment, draping and production infrastructure.
Equipment-Hire Companies
Rental cable inventory often receives particularly heavy use.
The NC3MXX-BAG is well suited to:
- Building new hire cables
- Repairing damaged microphone leads
- Workshop spare stock
- Touring packages
- Custom cable lengths
- Production preparation
Standardising connector families can also make workshop servicing easier because technicians become familiar with the same:
- Assembly method
- Strain relief
- Accessories
- Replacement parts
- Colour-coding system
Schools and Performing Arts Centres
Schools, universities and performing arts centres can maintain substantial microphone and audio-cable inventories.
The NC3MXX-BAG provides a professional option for:
- Theatre microphone cables
- Music department leads
- Recording facilities
- Performing arts venues
- Cable repairs
- Custom cable manufacture
- Technical-production training
Cable building and repair should be carried out by appropriately skilled personnel and completed cables should be tested before use.
AES3 / AES-EBU Digital Audio
Three-pin XLR connectors are also used for professional AES3 digital-audio connections.
Where NC3MXX-BAG is used to build a digital audio cable, select cable with the correct transmission characteristics and impedance for the application.
The connector alone does not make an assembly suitable for AES3.
Correct:
- Cable selection
- Termination
- Shielding
- Wiring
- Testing
remain important.
3-Pin XLR and Lighting / DMX
Three-pin XLR connectors are encountered on some lighting equipment, particularly legacy and equipment-specific 3-pin DMX implementations.
However, connector shape should not be confused with the requirements of the data system.
Where an NC3MXX-BAG is used for an appropriate lighting or control application:
- Confirm that the equipment uses 3-pin XLR
- Confirm the required pin assignment
- Use cable designed for the relevant data protocol
- Do not assume standard microphone cable is automatically suitable
- Test the finished cable appropriately
For professional DMX infrastructure, 5-pin XLR remains an important connector format.
More Than 1,000 Mating Cycles
Neutrik specifies the NC3MXX-BAG for:
More than 1,000 mating cycles
This makes the connector suited to repeated-use environments including:
- Touring
- Venue patching
- Theatre
- Equipment hire
- Recording
- AV
- Broadcast
- Film production
Actual service life will also depend on cable construction, assembly quality, handling, contamination, storage and maintenance.
Controlled Insertion and Withdrawal
Neutrik specifies:
Insertion Force: ≤20 N
Withdrawal Force: ≤20 N
These specifications relate to mating the NC3MXX-BAG with compatible connectors.
A connector that becomes unusually difficult to mate or disconnect should be inspected rather than forced.
Possible causes include:
- Bent contacts
- Foreign material
- Damaged shells
- Incorrect mating parts
- Mechanical deformation
IP40 Protection
Neutrik specifies the NC3MXX-BAG as IP40.
This is a professional connector, but it is not a waterproof or weatherproof connector.
For outdoor production:
- Protect connections from rain
- Keep connectors away from standing water
- Use suitable weather protection
- Consider the rating of the entire cable assembly
- Follow equipment-manufacturer requirements
A black metal shell does not make the connector suitable for exposed wet-weather operation.
Operating Temperature
The NC3MXX-BAG has a specified operating temperature range of:
-30°C to +80°C
The usable temperature range of a finished cable will also depend on:
- Cable
- Solder
- Other connectors
- Connected equipment
- Installation method
Always assess the complete cable system.
Electrical Performance
Neutrik specifies the NC3MXX-BAG with:
Contact Resistance: ≤3 mΩ
Capacitance Between Contacts: ≤4 pF
Insulation Resistance: >10 GΩ initially
Dielectric Strength: 1.5 kV DC
Rated Current: 16 A per contact
Rated Voltage: <50 V
These are connector-component specifications and should be interpreted within the intended signal application and limits of the complete system.
Protected Internal Shell Thread
Neutrik specifically identifies the XX-series protected internal shell thread as a feature intended to reduce the risk of damage.
For technicians building and repairing connectors regularly, this can make workshop assembly and repeated servicing more straightforward.
Always begin threaded assembly carefully to avoid cross-threading.
Colour Coding and Identification
Neutrik supports several optional XX-series coding accessories.
These include:
- Coloured bushings
- Coloured coding rings
- Black bushing with clear coding ring
- Transparent custom-labelling coding ring
The colour ring can also be changed without unsoldering the connector insert.
These options are useful for production companies wanting to identify cables according to:
- Length
- Department
- Signal type
- Production
- Venue
- Ownership
- Equipment system
Colour coding can significantly speed up cable identification in large touring, venue and hire inventories.
NC3MXX-BAG vs NC3MXX
Both connectors use silver-plated contacts, but their housing finish differs.
NC3MXX: Nickel housing / silver contacts
NC3MXX-BAG: Black KTL-coated housing / silver contacts
Choose the NC3MXX-BAG when a black connector body is preferred for:
- Stage appearance
- Touring inventory
- Equipment identification
- Cable aesthetics
- Black production systems
The underlying XX-series construction and professional application remain closely related.
NC3MXX-BAG vs NC3MXX-B
These two black Neutrik connectors are particularly easy to confuse.
NC3MXX-BAG: Black housing / silver contacts
NC3MXX-B: Black housing / gold contacts
The complete model number should therefore be checked carefully when ordering.
If you specifically need black with silver contacts, order NC3MXX-BAG.
Male and Female XLR Pairing
For conventional professional microphone cable construction, the NC3MXX-BAG can be paired with an appropriate Neutrik female 3-pin cable connector.
For a matching black-body/silver-contact aesthetic, select the appropriate corresponding female XX-series configuration according to the required system.
Always select connector gender, contact finish and wiring according to the equipment and cable application.
Workshop and Repair Stock
The NC3MXX-BAG is a useful workshop component for:
- Production companies
- Theatre technical departments
- Audio technicians
- Touring companies
- Equipment-hire businesses
- Broadcast facilities
- Recording studios
- AV companies
- Schools and performing arts venues
A damaged connector does not necessarily mean an otherwise serviceable cable needs to be discarded.
After installing a replacement connector, test the finished cable for correct continuity, pin assignment and unwanted shorts before returning it to production.
Installation Considerations
When assembling an NC3MXX-BAG:
- Confirm cable outside diameter is within the standard 3.5–8.0mm range.
- Slide the boot and strain-relief components onto the cable before soldering.
- Prepare the cable jacket and conductors carefully.
- Confirm the correct pin assignment.
- Make clean solder joints.
- Avoid unnecessary exposed conductor.
- Prevent shield strands from shorting against signal contacts.
- Install the chuck strain relief correctly.
- Assemble the shell without cross-threading.
- Test the completed cable before use.
Professional connector performance depends on professional assembly.
Product Specifications
Brand: Neutrik
Model: NC3MXX-BAG
Series: XX Series
Connection Type: XLR
Connector Type: Cable connector
Gender: Male
Number of Poles: 3
Termination: Solder contacts
Housing Material: Zinc die-cast ZnAl4Cu1
Housing Finish: Black KTL coating
Contact Material: Brass CuZn39Pb3
Contact Plating: 2 µm silver
Insert: Polyamide PA66
Boot / Gland: Polyurethane
Strain Relief: Polyacetal POM chuck-type system
Locking Element: Zinc die-cast
Locking System: Latch lock
Cable Outside Diameter: 3.5–8.0mm
Maximum Conductor Size: 2.5mm² / 14 AWG
Insertion Force: ≤20 N
Withdrawal Force: ≤20 N
Contact Resistance: ≤3 mΩ
Capacitance Between Contacts: ≤4 pF
Insulation Resistance: >10 GΩ initially
Dielectric Strength: 1.5 kV DC
Rated Current: 16 A per contact
Rated Voltage: <50 V
Mechanical Life: >1,000 mating cycles
Protection Class: IP40
Flammability: UL 94 V-0
Operating Temperature: -30°C to +80°C
Standard Compliance: IEC 61076-2-103
Solderability: Complies with IEC 60068-2-20
Why Choose the Neutrik NC3MXX-BAG?
The NC3MXX-BAG is an excellent choice where professional cable construction requires:
- Genuine Neutrik quality
- Professional 3-pin male XLR connectivity
- Black metal connector housing
- Silver-plated contacts
- Rugged zinc die-cast construction
- Improved XX-series strain relief
- Polyurethane bend protection
- Solder termination
- Field serviceability
- More than 1,000 specified mating cycles
- Common professional cable-diameter support
- Optional cable colour coding
It provides the proven functionality of Neutrik’s XX-series male XLR platform with a professional black-housing and silver-contact configuration.
Why Buy Neutrik NC3MXX-BAG from GigLife?
GigLife supplies professional connectors, cables, adaptors, tapes, consumables and technical accessories specifically for the entertainment and production industries.
With more than 25 years of hands-on live entertainment industry experience, GigLife understands that an XLR connector is not simply another component—it becomes part of a cable that may be plugged, unplugged, coiled, toured, repaired and relied upon show after show.
Products are selected by people who work in production and understand the requirements of:
- Audio professionals
- Theatre technicians
- Touring crews
- Production companies
- Film and television departments
- Broadcast facilities
- Recording studios
- AV companies
- Festivals
- Schools and performing arts centres
- Conference venues
- Exhibition contractors
- Equipment-hire businesses
Whether you are building microphone cables, repairing touring stock, preparing a production package or maintaining your workshop inventory, GigLife supplies professional components chosen by people who understand the job.
Orders are dispatched from Brisbane, with Australia-wide shipping available.
GigLife is proudly by the professionals… for the professionals.
