The Amphenol AC3M5FW is a pre-wired in-line XLR adapter that converts a 3-pole male XLR to a 5-pole female XLR, in a metal shell with a nickel finish. Amphenol lists it as comparable to Neutrik's NA3M5M-type adapters. The most common use is in stage lighting: many DMX512 controllers, dimmers and fixtures use 5-pin XLR sockets as the DMX standard specifies, while lots of affordable LED fixtures, hazers and controllers use 3-pin XLR, so an adapter like this lets a 3-pin cable or device plug into a 5-pin port without re-terminating cables. Because it is pre-wired inside a single rigid body, it is quicker and more robust than a short adapter cable, and the metal housing stands up to rental and touring use. The 5-pole female end carries the standard latch to lock onto a male 5-pin connector. Typical buyers are lighting technicians, rental companies, DJs, churches and schools mixing 3-pin and 5-pin DMX equipment. Check pin assignment against your devices if they use the spare pins 4 and 5.