Alvin's Cables XLR 4 Pin Female to D-Tap Coiled Power Cable for Practilite 602 & compatible camcorder/monitors

What this cable is for

This Alvin’s Cables coiled power lead is designed to link a Power Tap output (male D-tap) to a 4-pin XLR input (female XLR 4 pin). In day-to-day kit terms, it’s the sort of cable you reach for when your camera, monitor, or power accessory setup uses different connection types and you don’t want to bodge together adapters.

The description base calls out use cases such as the Practilite 602, a DSLR camcorder setup, and Sony F55/SXS cameras, plus monitors like the TVlogic LVM-170A and SmallHD 1303 (and “so on”). On paper, that makes it a practical “one cable to connect power safely” choice for production workflows where you’re balancing reliability, neat cabling, and repeatable connections.

At a glance: the key connections

The cable is built around two fixed ends: - Plug A: XLR 4 Pin Female - Plug B: D-tap Male

It’s also described as a coiled power cable, with a minimum length of 12 inches and a maximum length of 36 inches. That coiling matters more than people expect: in real setups—on cages, rigs, and monitor arms—it helps keep slack under control rather than turning your power run into an untidy loop.

One more sensible detail: the cable is stated to be tested before shipping to help ensure there are no short circuits or potential breakdown issues. That doesn’t guarantee it will suit every exact rig (because that depends on your device’s input requirements), but it does suggest at least some basic quality control.

What you’ll notice in use

If you’re powering a compatible monitor or accessory from a battery system with a D-tap output, this kind of cable tends to remove a lot of guesswork. The connection style is straightforward: you don’t need to fiddle with loose adapters mid-shoot, and the coiled form factor can make it easier to route power neatly when you move the camera or adjust the monitor position.

For example, you might mount your monitor on your rig, connect the monitor’s 4-pin XLR input to the cable’s XLR end, then plug the D-tap side into the battery tap. As you adjust the angle of the monitor or shift the camera position, the coil gives a bit of give rather than forcing tension on the connectors.

Where it shines (and where it can fall short)

This cable makes the most sense if your kit already uses the same power ecosystem at either end: a D-tap (male) source feeding into an XLR 4-pin (female) device input.

It’s also a reasonable fit if you want a cable that’s been tested for basic electrical safety before shipping—useful when you’re trying to avoid “mystery power” issues on set.

That said, a limitation worth bearing in mind: cable compatibility is very dependent on what your device actually expects. If your monitor or camera uses a different voltage/power standard, or a different connector layout than described, this is unlikely to be the right fix. Also, the cable length is capped (12 inches minimum to 36 inches maximum). If your setup needs a longer run or very flexible routing over a bigger distance, it may feel short on paper.

Getting the right one: what to check before buying

Before you commit, it’s worth double-checking a few things so you don’t end up with an expensive mismatch:

1) Connector type match at both ends You want the device side to accept a 4-pin XLR female connection, and the power side to be a D-tap male output.

2) Your system’s power tap setup The cable is presented as converting from a Power Tap plug (male) to a 4-pin XLR connector. If your battery system uses a different tap or you’re not sure you have a D-tap output, measure twice.

3) Cable length for your rig With 12–36 inches of range, think about your typical layout: camera-to-monitor distance, rig geometry, and where the battery sits.

4) Intended use device The listing mentions specific devices and monitors, but it’s still “compatible on the basis of connection/power expectations”. If you’re outside those examples, confirm compatibility rather than assuming.

What’s included and reliability notes

The base description focuses on the cable itself and notes that each cable was tested to ensure no short circuit and no potential breakdown problems before shipping. It also states that if the cable you receive is defective, you should contact the seller.

One practical point: since cable length can be customised (the listing mentions other lengths are possible if you message), this can be worth considering if your build needs something other than the stated 12–36 inch range.

Final verdict

Is it worth it?

Worth considering if you specifically need a coiled power cable that converts D-tap male to a 4-pin XLR female for powering compatible cameras/accessories/monitors such as the Practilite 602, Sony F55/SXS mentioned, or the referenced monitors.

It might not be the best choice if your device doesn’t accept 4-pin XLR female for power, if your power source isn’t D-tap, or if you regularly require a longer run than the 12–36 inch range.

If you’re building a consistent, neat rig and you value a tested cable over improvising with adapters, this kind of lead can make a lot of sense. If you’re unsure about connector or power requirements, it’s better to confirm compatibility first—because this is a “right cable for the right ends” product.

Quick FAQs

Does this cable work as a D-tap to 4-pin XLR converter?

Yes—based on the description, it converts from a D-tap style power tap (male) to a 4-pin XLR connector (female).

How long is the cable?

The listing states a min length of 12 inches and a max length of 36 inches.

Can the cable length be changed?

The description says cables can be customised with other lengths if you message.

Is it tested before shipping?

It’s stated that every cable is tested to ensure there are no short circuit and no potential breakdown problems before shipping.

What devices is it for?

The base description names Practilite 602, DSLR camcorder setups, Sony F55/SXS cameras, and monitors including TVlogic LVM-170A and SmallHD 1303, plus “and so on”.