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MIDI Cables

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) cables are essential for connecting MIDI devices such as keyboards, synthesizers, drum machines, controllers, sound modules, and MIDI interfaces. The standard 5-pin DIN connector is the most commonly used connector in live music settings.

Pulse Midi Cables PULSE 5 pin MIDI (DIN) Cable TourStock
£5.83 - £9.99
£5.83 excl. VAT
£6.99 inc. VAT
£5.83 - £9.99
£5.83 excl. VAT
£6.99 inc. VAT

PULSE 5 pin MIDI (DIN) Cable

Pulse
5 in stock

Designed for reliable and accurate data transmission, this 5-pin DIN plug to 5-pin DIN plug MIDI lead ensures that your MIDI signals are transferre...

View full details
£5.83 - £9.99
£5.83 excl. VAT
£6.99 inc. VAT
£5.83 - £9.99
£5.83 excl. VAT
£6.99 inc. VAT


Are All Midi Cables The Same?

MIDI Cables tend to be standardised in their wiring configuration. The main variations you will find on the market are shielding quality and connector style/types.

Below are some of the common variations you might find.

1.) Standard 5-Pin MIDI Cable

Pin Configuration: 5 pins (only 3 pins typically active – pin 2 for ground, pin 4 for data transmission, pin 5 for data reception).

  • The most common type of MIDI cable, used for sending MIDI data (notes, control changes, program changes) between instruments, controllers, and computers in a live or studio setting.
  • Typically available in lengths from 1 meter to 10 meters.
  • Common in: Connecting MIDI keyboards to sound modules, synthesizers, or audio interfaces, used frequently in both live and studio setups.

2.) Heavy-Duty/Shielded MIDI Cables

Pin Configuration: 5 pins, same as standard MIDI.

  • These cables feature better shielding to prevent interference from stage lights, power cables, or RF sources.
  • Built with thicker outer jackets, these cables are more resistant to wear, tear, and tangling, making them ideal for heavy-duty touring use.
  • Common in: Live performances, particularly on larger stages where there’s significant electromagnetic interference and the cables need to handle rough handling.

3.) Right-Angle MIDI Cables

Pin Configuration: 5 pins, same as standard MIDI.

  • These cables have one or both connectors angled at 90 degrees to allow for cleaner, more space-efficient cable management, especially in cramped setups or for devices mounted in racks.
  • Common in: Pedalboards, tight rack setups, or where MIDI devices are positioned close to walls or other gear, minimizing cable protrusion.

4.) Long-Distance MIDI Cables

Pin Configuration: 5 pins, standard MIDI configuration.

  • These cables are designed for longer runs (over 10 meters), with reinforced shielding to ensure that signal integrity is maintained over greater distances.
  • Signal Strength: Since MIDI signals can degrade over long distances, these cables often feature thicker shielding or built-in boosters to ensure signal strength is preserved.
  • Common in: Large venues, live performance rigs where MIDI gear is placed far apart (such as connecting a controller on stage to a sound module or computer off-stage).

5.) MIDI-to-TRS Adapters/Cables

Pin Configuration: Adapt 5-pin DIN connectors to TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) mini-jack connectors.

  • Some modern synthesizers and controllers use TRS jacks instead of 5-pin DIN connectors for MIDI communication.
  • These adapter cables convert traditional 5-pin MIDI to TRS, allowing compatibility between older and newer gear.
  • Common in: Hybrid setups where legacy MIDI devices with 5-pin DIN connections need to interface with more compact devices that use TRS for MIDI.

6.) MIDI Splitter or Merge Cables

Pin Configuration: 5 pins, but with multiple ends for splitting or merging MIDI signals.

  • These cables allow one MIDI output to control multiple devices (MIDI splitters) or combine multiple MIDI signals into a single input (MIDI merge cables). 
  • Useful in live performance setups where a single controller might need to trigger several sound modules simultaneously or where multiple controllers need to be routed into a single sound source.
  • Common in: Multi-instrument setups, where one keyboard or controller is used to play sounds from several devices at once or where several controllers feed into a single sound module.

7.) MIDI-to-USB Interface Cables

Pin Configuration: 5-pin MIDI on one end, USB on the other.

  • These cables allow for direct connection between traditional MIDI devices and modern computers or interfaces via USB. They are useful for live music setups that rely on DAWs or software instruments.
  • Common in: Connecting MIDI controllers to computers for controlling virtual instruments or sequences during live performances, or syncing hardware with software during live sets.


How Long Can A MIDI Cable Be?

MIDI signals generally hold up well over distances up to 10 meters, but for longer distances, look for long-distance MIDI cables or use a MIDI Thru box to boost signal.


Typical Applications in Live Music

  • Connecting MIDI controllers (keyboards, pads, etc.) to sound modules or synthesizers for live performances.
  • Syncing MIDI-enabled lighting or effects systems with music equipment.
  • Triggering backing tracks, sequences, or virtual instruments via MIDI in a live performance setting.
  • Linking foot controllers (e.g., MIDI foot pedals) to control various hardware or software-based instruments.

These cables are fundamental to maintaining stable communication between various MIDI devices in live music setups, helping ensure seamless performance across all gear.


MIDI 5 Pin Wiring Diagram

MIdi 5 Pin Wiring Diagram