In the early 1980s, MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) started a new era in communication between different synthesizers. As a result, other electronic musical instruments such as samplers, master keyboards or effects units were soon equipped with the new standard. For the connection between the individual devices are still today MIDI cable used. The most common and cheapest version are 5-pin MIDI cable , MIDI cable with 7-pin plugs are rarer and more expensive. For connecting the instruments with PC. laptopand Co are so-called MIDI-USB converter cables available. exotic MIDI cable are equipped with a 5-pole plug at one end and a 7-pin plug at the other end. The 5- and 7-pin plugs of the MIDI cable are so-called DIN plug and accordingly standardized.

5-pin MIDI cable

5-pin MIDI cables fit almost all musical instruments. Depending on the size of the data to be transmitted, cables are available in which not all poles are occupied. For most cables, however, all 5-poles are active and can be used. There are also differences in terms of connector design. Depending on the available space, cables with straight or angled plugs or with a straight and angled plug can be used. For high-quality cables, the plastic plugs have been permanently pressed onto the cables. Typical lengths for MIDI cables are 1.5 meters, 3 meters and 5 meters. Cables with a length of up to 20 meters are also available if required.

Transmedia’s MIDI cable is a 5 meter shielded cable. The cable is equipped with a standard 5-pin DIN plug on each end. With this cable all 5 poles are occupied and can be used.

7-pin MIDI cable

7-pin MIDI cables are designed to provide additional power to various devices. For example, these cables can be powered by another device that has the same port, without the need for a separate midi foot controller equipped with a corresponding 7-pin MIDI connector power adaptermust be connected. 5 poles of the cable are used to transmit the MIDI commands and 2 poles transmit the power. 7-pin cables are particularly useful when there is no outlet nearby.

Designacable’s 7-pin MIDI cable is available in lengths from 75 cm to 25 meters. The black sheathed cable is equipped with very robust metal plugs and designed especially for use on stage.

MIDI-USB converter cable

If you want to connect your synthesizer to a PC or a laptop, you usually need a so-called MIDI-USB converter or adapter cable, because almost no computer has a MIDI port. MIDI-USB converter cables have a USB plug at one end and a MIDI IN plug and a MIDI OUT plug at the other end. In the cable itself sits the converter, which converts the transmitted data into signals, which on a computer, for example with a mixerSoftware that can be processed. For those who do not want to use a special cable, retailers also offer so-called MIDI interfaces with connectors for MIDI and USB. Basically, the MIDI interfaces do exactly the same thing as a MIDI-to-USB converter cable.

The LogiLink MIDI-to-USB adapter cable can transmit up to 16 Midi Input and 16 Midi Output channels. Power is supplied to the adapter through the computer’s USB port. LEDs serve as an indication of the operating status and the current data flow direction.

When choosing a MIDI cable, there is hardly anything special to consider. Of course, only the number of poles must match the poles in the device socket. For the plug versions, keep in mind where the MIDI cable should be used. For home use and the practice room plastic plugs are perfectly adequate. For appearances, however, one should better select cables with sturdy metal plugs.