Neutrik NC5MXX-BAG Male 5-Pin XLR Connector – Black Housing, Silver Contacts
Build professional DMX, lighting-control, digital signal and equipment-specific 5-pin XLR cables with the Neutrik NC5MXX-BAG Male 5-Pin XLR Cable Connector, part of Neutrik’s internationally recognised XX Series.
The NC5MXX-BAG combines a rugged black KTL-coated zinc die-cast housing, silver-plated brass contacts, solder termination, an improved chuck-type strain-relief system and a polyurethane cable gland designed for demanding professional use.
For entertainment production, the 5-pin XLR format is particularly important in professional lighting and control systems. Neutrik specifically supports 5-pin XLR within professional DMX512 / DMX512-A cable assemblies, while its 3-to-5-pin DMX adaptors describe 5-pole XLR as the newer DMX connector format compared with legacy 3-pole implementations.
Whether you are building DMX leads for moving lights, repairing touring lighting cables, manufacturing control interconnects or maintaining venue and hire-company stock, the NC5MXX-BAG provides the rugged construction and serviceability expected from a genuine Neutrik professional connector.
Genuine Neutrik XX Series 5-Pin XLR
The NC5MXX-BAG belongs to Neutrik’s professional XX Series, developed as the successor to the earlier X Series.
Neutrik identifies improvements including:
- Improved mechanical durability
- Windowless male locking recess
- Improved cable strain relief
- Higher cable pull-out force
- Easier and faster assembly
- Polyurethane cable-bending protection
- Protected internal shell thread
- Optional colour-coding accessories
The connector is designed for professional cable systems where reliability, serviceability and repeated handling matter.
5-Pin Male XLR Cable Connector
The NC5MXX-BAG is a 5-pole male XLR cable connector using solder contacts.
Professional applications may include:
- DMX512 lighting-control cables
- DMX512-A systems
- Moving-light data
- LED fixture control
- Theatre lighting systems
- Touring lighting
- Architectural lighting control
- Festival lighting
- Broadcast and studio control systems
- Equipment-specific 5-pin audio/control connections
- Professional digital interconnects where 5-pin XLR is specified
Always confirm the required wiring, cable type and equipment specification before assembly.
The physical presence of a 5-pin XLR connector alone does not determine the electrical or data standard used by the completed cable.
Ideal for Professional DMX Lighting Cables
One of the strongest applications for the NC5MXX-BAG is professional DMX lighting-control cable construction.
DMX is widely used throughout entertainment production to control equipment such as:
- Moving-head fixtures
- LED luminaires
- Dimmers
- Effects equipment
- Architectural fixtures
- Lighting consoles
- Splitters
- Nodes
- Distribution equipment
Neutrik’s current professional DMX cable documentation specifically supports cable assemblies using 3-pin or 5-pin XLR connectors for DMX512/DMX512-A applications.
For professional new-build DMX infrastructure, 5-pin XLR provides the recognised modern format associated with the DMX standard.
Use Proper DMX Cable
A professional 5-pin XLR connector does not turn ordinary cable into proper DMX cable.
For DMX applications, the cable itself should have the correct data-transmission characteristics.
Neutrik’s current professional DMX cable assemblies use cable with a nominal characteristic impedance of 120 Ω.
When building a DMX lead:
- Use cable designed for DMX/data transmission
- Follow the appropriate DMX wiring convention
- Maintain shielding correctly
- Keep conductor preparation neat
- Avoid unnecessary untwisting
- Terminate carefully
- Test the finished cable
Using professional connectors and suitable data cable together provides a far more dependable result than simply fitting XLR connectors to inappropriate cable.
Touring Lighting and Production
Lighting cables on tour can experience significant daily handling.
They are repeatedly:
- Deployed
- Connected
- Disconnected
- Coiled
- Packed
- Loaded into cases
- Transported
- Unpacked
- Reinstalled
The NC5MXX-BAG’s rugged die-cast shell, improved strain relief and polyurethane cable gland make it particularly well suited to professionally constructed touring-control cables.
Potential environments include:
- Concert tours
- Theatre tours
- Music festivals
- Arena shows
- Corporate events
- Awards shows
- Temporary installations
- Touring lighting packages
A serviceable connector is also valuable on tour because damaged cable ends can often be repaired in the production workshop or tech area rather than requiring the entire cable to be discarded.
Theatre Lighting Systems
Five-pin XLR remains highly relevant throughout professional theatre lighting infrastructure.
The NC5MXX-BAG can be used when constructing suitable data cables for:
- Lighting desks
- Moving lights
- LED fixtures
- DMX splitters
- Nodes
- Dimmer systems
- Effects equipment
- Stage infrastructure
- Touring lighting systems
- Temporary production control
For theatres maintaining large cable inventories, keeping replacement 5-pin connectors available can significantly simplify maintenance.
A damaged connector can often be replaced while retaining the original cable if the cable itself remains electrically and mechanically serviceable.
Film and Television Lighting
Modern film and television lighting increasingly incorporates DMX-controlled fixtures and networked lighting systems.
Five-pin XLR cable assemblies may be used across:
- Studio lighting
- Location lighting
- LED fixtures
- Moving lights
- Lighting-control systems
- Effects equipment
- Broadcast studios
- Television entertainment
- Film stages
- Virtual-production environments
Location equipment is continually transported and redeployed, making robust and field-serviceable connectors particularly useful.
The black connector finish also blends neatly into typical black production cabling and equipment.
Broadcast Production
Broadcast facilities may use 5-pin XLR across lighting-control and equipment-specific signal systems.
Potential applications include:
- Studio lighting
- Entertainment broadcasts
- Live music television
- Outside broadcast
- Temporary studio systems
- Production-control interconnects
- Stage lighting
Always identify the actual electrical or data standard before wiring a cable.
A 5-pin XLR connector can support different equipment-specific applications, and pin assignments should never be assumed solely from connector shape.
Black KTL-Coated Metal Housing
Neutrik specifies the NC5MXX-BAG housing as:
Shell: Zinc die-cast ZnAl4Cu1
Shell Coating: Black KTL.
This is the technically correct description of the black metal body.
The shell should therefore not be described as black nickel finished.
The rugged die-cast construction provides mechanical protection around the internal contact system and termination.
The black finish is particularly suited to professional production environments where dark cable hardware is preferred around:
- Stages
- Lighting rigs
- Studios
- Touring systems
- Broadcast facilities
- AV installations
Silver-Plated Brass Contacts
Neutrik specifies the NC5MXX-BAG contacts as:
Material: Brass CuZn39Pb3
Plating: 2 µm silver over 2 µm nickel.
That is more precise than simply describing the connector as having “silver contacts”.
The manufacturer specifies:
Contact Resistance: ≤3 mΩ
Rated Current: 7.5 A per contact
Rated Voltage: <50 V.
These are connector-component specifications.
The completed cable’s actual capabilities remain dependent on:
- Cable type
- Conductor size
- Wiring
- Application
- Equipment
- Assembly workmanship
- Relevant standards
The NC5MXX-BAG should not be treated as a mains-power connector merely because an individual contact-current rating is published.
Important Difference from 3-Pin XX Connectors
The technical ratings for Neutrik’s 5-pin XX connectors are not identical to the common 3-pin versions.
The NC5MXX-BAG is specified at:
Maximum Conductor Size: 1.0mm² / 18 AWG
Rated Current: 7.5 A per contact
Capacitance Between Contacts: ≤7 pF.
By comparison, Neutrik’s 3-pin NC3MXX family permits larger conductors and carries a higher per-contact rating.
That distinction is important when creating technical specifications across a Shopify catalogue: specifications from the 3-pin version should not simply be copied onto a 5-pin product page.
3.5mm to 8.0mm Cable Diameter
Neutrik specifies the standard NC5MXX-BAG for cable outside diameters from:
3.5mm to 8.0mm.
This accommodates a wide range of professional DMX, digital and control cables.
Cable outside diameter should always be checked before connector assembly.
For larger cables, Neutrik also offers the BXX-14 large bushing/chuck arrangement for approximately 8–10mm cable O.D.
Correct strain-relief sizing matters because the connector’s chuck needs to grip the outer cable jacket properly.
Maximum 1.0mm² / 18 AWG Conductors
Neutrik specifies a maximum conductor size of:
1.0mm² / 18 AWG.
This should be considered together with:
- Cable outside diameter
- Number of conductors
- Insulation thickness
- Shield construction
- Data requirements
- Required flexibility
Both the individual conductors and complete cable construction must fit correctly within the connector.
Professional Solder Termination
The NC5MXX-BAG uses solder contacts.
This makes it suitable for professional workshop construction and repair of:
- DMX leads
- Lighting-control cables
- Custom 5-pin interconnects
- Touring cables
- Venue stock
- Hire-company inventory
Correct soldering technique remains essential.
Avoid:
- Cold solder joints
- Excessive solder
- Loose strands
- Solder bridges
- Incorrect pin assignment
- Excessive stripped conductor
- Shielding shorts
- Poor cable preparation
A premium connector cannot compensate for poor cable assembly.
Every finished data or signal cable should be appropriately tested before being placed into production service.
Improved Chuck-Type Strain Relief
The NC5MXX-BAG incorporates Neutrik’s improved chuck-type strain-relief system.
Neutrik states that the design provides higher cable pull-out force while making assembly easier and faster.
Effective strain relief helps prevent normal mechanical cable loads from being transferred directly to:
- Solder joints
- Conductors
- Cable shielding
- Connector contacts
This is particularly valuable for touring and hire cables that may experience substantial repeated handling.
Polyurethane Cable Gland
The connector includes a polyurethane gland designed to provide protection against cable-bending stresses.
The cable exit is a common failure point because production cables are constantly:
- Coiled
- Bent
- Packed
- Pulled from trunks
- Routed around fixtures
- Connected to consoles
- Connected to splitters
- Deployed around stages
Good bending support helps distribute those forces rather than concentrating them directly behind the electrical termination.
Improved Windowless Locking Recess
The XX-series male connector incorporates an improved locking recess without the traditional housing window.
Neutrik states that this creates a more rigid housing and increases durability.
This feature is particularly valuable for professional cables that may be connected and disconnected regularly throughout:
- Touring
- Theatre
- Festivals
- Equipment hire
- Studio production
- AV installations
More Than 1,000 Mating Cycles
Neutrik specifies the NC5MXX-BAG for:
More than 1,000 mating cycles.
This makes it appropriate for repeated-use professional applications.
Actual cable service life will also depend on:
- Handling
- Cable construction
- Connector assembly
- Storage
- Contamination
- Maintenance
- Mating equipment
Insertion and Withdrawal Force
Neutrik specifies:
Insertion Force: ≤20 N
Withdrawal Force: ≤20 N.
If a connector becomes unusually difficult to insert or remove, inspect it rather than forcing the connection.
Possible causes may include:
- Contact damage
- Shell deformation
- Contamination
- Incorrect mating connector
- Foreign material
IP40 Protection Class
The standard NC5MXX-BAG is specified at IP40.
That means it should not be marketed as waterproof or weatherproof.
For outdoor production:
- Protect connections from rain
- Keep connectors out of standing water
- Use suitable weather protection
- Follow fixture and equipment requirements
- Consider the environmental rating of the complete cable system
For applications requiring genuinely sealed 5-pin XLR, Neutrik also manufactures dedicated heavy-duty products such as the NC5MXX-HD-D, which can achieve IP67 protection when correctly mated with the corresponding heavy-duty female connector.
Operating Temperature
Neutrik specifies an operating temperature range of:
-30°C to +80°C.
The complete cable assembly may have a narrower operating range depending on:
- Cable jacket
- Conductors
- Solder
- Equipment
- Environmental exposure
Always assess the complete system rather than relying solely on the connector rating.
Electrical Performance
Neutrik specifies the NC5MXX-BAG with:
Capacitance Between Contacts: ≤7 pF
Contact Resistance: ≤3 mΩ
Insulation Resistance: >10 GΩ initially
Dielectric Strength: 1.5 kV DC
Rated Current: 7.5 A per contact
Rated Voltage: <50 V.
These figures form part of the connector’s published component specification.
For DMX, cable transmission performance is equally important, which is why professional DMX cable should be selected according to the data-system requirements rather than choosing cable solely on current-carrying capability.
Professional DMX Cable vs Microphone Cable
This is particularly important for customers building lighting-control cables.
Although XLR connectors are widely used across both audio and lighting, professional DMX cable is a data cable.
Neutrik’s own current professional DMX assemblies use cable specified at a nominal 120 Ω characteristic impedance.
For professional lighting systems, use cable intended for DMX rather than assuming any microphone cable with five conductors will provide suitable data performance.
This becomes increasingly important across:
- Longer cable runs
- Larger universes
- Moving-light systems
- Touring networks
- Festival lighting
- Permanent installations
Five-Pin DMX vs Three-Pin DMX
Three-pin XLR remains common on some entertainment lighting equipment, particularly legacy and lower-cost devices.
However, Neutrik itself describes its DMX adaptor products as solving interconnection between the older 3-pole and newer 5-pole DMX standard.
For this reason, the NC5MXX-BAG can be positioned strongly as a professional connector for 5-pin DMX cable construction.
Where interfacing between 3-pin and 5-pin equipment:
- Use a correctly wired adaptor
- Confirm the equipment pinout
- Maintain proper DMX cable characteristics
- Never improvise wiring without checking the equipment documentation
Lighting Consoles and Control Systems
Five-pin XLR cable assemblies are commonly used around professional lighting-control infrastructure.
Potential applications include cables between:
- Lighting consoles
- DMX splitters
- Nodes
- Moving lights
- Dimmer systems
- Effects devices
- Architectural controllers
- Touring lighting racks
For production companies carrying large lighting packages, maintaining correctly constructed and clearly labelled DMX cables helps streamline setup and fault finding.
Festival and Event Production
Large festivals may operate extensive lighting-control systems across:
- Main stages
- Secondary stages
- Artist areas
- Site lighting
- Architectural installations
- Special-effects systems
The NC5MXX-BAG is well suited to custom professional DMX leads used within those systems.
The black body also creates a clean appearance when used with professional black data cable and touring equipment.
Corporate AV and Exhibitions
Five-pin DMX is not limited to concerts and theatre.
It may also form part of lighting-control systems for:
- Corporate events
- Product launches
- Conferences
- Exhibitions
- Brand activations
- Awards events
- Architectural installations
- Temporary displays
AV and exhibition suppliers maintaining professional lighting inventory can use replacement NC5MXX-BAG connectors for both new cable construction and workshop repairs.
Other Equipment-Specific 5-Pin Applications
Five-pin XLR is also used in various specialist systems beyond DMX.
Depending on the equipment, applications may include:
- Communications
- Control
- Audio
- Intercom
- Specialist equipment interfaces
Do not assume that all 5-pin XLR equipment uses the same wiring.
Before constructing any non-DMX cable:
- Identify the equipment.
- Obtain the manufacturer pinout.
- Select the correct cable.
- Confirm conductor requirements.
- Assemble carefully.
- Test before use.
Colour Coding and Identification
Neutrik supports optional coloured XX-series rings and bushings.
These accessories can help production companies identify cables according to:
- Length
- Universe
- Department
- Stage
- Signal type
- Production
- Venue
- Ownership
Neutrik also offers a transparent coding ring for customised labelling.
Colour identification can be particularly useful across large DMX inventories where technicians need to quickly distinguish cable lengths or systems.
NC5MXX-BAG vs NC5MXX
Both are professional Neutrik 5-pin male XX-series connectors with silver-plated contacts.
The key visible difference is the housing:
NC5MXX: Nickel housing / silver contacts
NC5MXX-BAG: Black KTL-coated housing / silver contacts.
Choose the NC5MXX-BAG where a black connector is preferred for:
- Touring lighting
- Black cable assemblies
- Stage aesthetics
- Equipment identification
- Production consistency
NC5MXX-BAG vs NC5MXX-B
The model numbers are very similar but the contact finishes differ.
NC5MXX-BAG: Black housing / silver-plated contacts
NC5MXX-B: Black housing / gold-plated contacts.
If you specifically require the black-body version with silver contacts, NC5MXX-BAG is the correct variant.
Male and Female 5-Pin Pairing
For professional 5-pin cable construction, the NC5MXX-BAG can be paired with the corresponding Neutrik NC5FXX-BAG Female 5-Pin XLR Connector where a matching black-housing/silver-contact assembly is required.
Neutrik specifies the NC5FXX-BAG with the same 3.5–8.0mm cable O.D. range, 1.0mm² / 18 AWG maximum wire size, silver-plated contacts and black KTL-coated housing.
Using matching professional connectors at both ends helps create a consistent, serviceable cable assembly.
Workshop and Cable-Repair Stock
Replacement 5-pin connectors are valuable workshop components for:
- Lighting companies
- Theatre technical departments
- Touring productions
- Equipment-hire businesses
- Broadcast facilities
- Production companies
- AV suppliers
- Schools
- Performing arts centres
A damaged connector does not necessarily mean the complete DMX cable needs to be discarded.
If the cable itself remains in good condition, a skilled technician may be able to replace the damaged connector and return the cable to service after appropriate testing.
Schools and Performing Arts Centres
Schools and performing arts facilities increasingly operate professional lighting systems using DMX control.
The NC5MXX-BAG is suitable for professional cable-building and repair applications within:
- School theatres
- Performing arts centres
- Drama departments
- Lighting programs
- Technical-production training
- Music venues
- Auditoriums
Cable construction and repair should be undertaken by people with appropriate technical skills and test equipment.
Installation Considerations
When assembling an NC5MXX-BAG:
- Confirm the cable outside diameter is within 3.5–8.0mm.
- Confirm individual conductor size does not exceed 1.0mm² / 18 AWG.
- Slide the boot and strain-relief components onto the cable before soldering.
- Prepare the cable jacket carefully.
- Confirm the correct application pinout.
- Make clean solder joints.
- Avoid excessive conductor untwisting in data cables.
- Ensure shield strands cannot short to other contacts.
- Assemble the chuck strain relief correctly.
- Avoid cross-threading the shell.
- Test the finished cable before production use.
For DMX applications, also confirm that the cable itself meets the requirements of the data system.
Product Specifications
Brand: Neutrik
Model: NC5MXX-BAG
Series: XX Series
Connection Type: XLR
Connector Type: Cable connector
Gender: Male
Number of Poles: 5
Termination: Solder contacts
Housing Material: Zinc die-cast ZnAl4Cu1
Housing Finish: Black KTL coating
Contact Material: Brass CuZn39Pb3
Contact Plating: 2 µm silver over 2 µm nickel
Insert Material: Polyamide PA66
Boot / Gland: Polyurethane
Strain Relief: Chuck-type system
Locking System: Latch lock
Cable Outside Diameter: 3.5–8.0mm
Maximum Conductor Size: 1.0mm² / 18 AWG
Insertion Force: ≤20 N
Withdrawal Force: ≤20 N
Contact Resistance: ≤3 mΩ
Capacitance Between Contacts: ≤7 pF
Insulation Resistance: >10 GΩ initially
Dielectric Strength: 1.5 kV DC
Rated Current: 7.5 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: IEC 60068-2-20 compliant.
Why Choose the Neutrik NC5MXX-BAG?
The NC5MXX-BAG is an excellent choice where professional cable construction requires:
- Genuine Neutrik quality
- 5-pin male XLR connectivity
- Professional DMX cable construction
- 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
- Support for common professional data-cable diameters
- Optional colour coding
For entertainment professionals building 5-pin DMX and specialist control cables, it combines a professional connector format with Neutrik’s established XX-series construction.
Why Buy Neutrik NC5MXX-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 a connector 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:
- Lighting technicians
- Audio professionals
- Theatre technicians
- Touring crews
- Production companies
- Film and television departments
- Broadcast facilities
- Festivals
- AV companies
- Schools and performing arts centres
- Conference venues
- Exhibition contractors
- Equipment-hire businesses
Whether you are building DMX leads, repairing venue lighting stock, preparing a touring package or maintaining 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.
