Collection: MIDI Cables 9 9 products

What a MIDI cable carries

MIDI is data, not audio: notes, velocity, controller movements, program changes and clock. A MIDI cable connects the MIDI OUT (or THRU) of one device to the MIDI IN of the next. If you also want to hear the instrument, you still need audio cables.

5-pin DIN and TRS MIDI

The traditional MIDI connector is the round 5-pin DIN. Many compact synths, controllers and Eurorack modules now use 3.5 mm TRS jacks instead, connected through a small adapter or a TRS-to-DIN cable. TRS MIDI comes in two wiring standards, Type A and Type B, and they are not interchangeable. Check the manual of your device to see which one it uses, or choose an adapter that matches.

Chaining and splitting

MIDI THRU passes incoming data on to another device, so you can chain several instruments from one controller and set each to its own MIDI channel. Long chains can introduce timing issues; a MIDI thru box or an interface with several outputs keeps larger setups tight.

Length and reliability

The MIDI standard specifies cables of up to 15 metres, which covers most stages and studios. Inside a studio, short cables reduce clutter. A sturdy plug and strain relief matter more than anything else, because MIDI cables are often plugged in and out. If a connection is unreliable, swap the cable before you start changing settings, as worn plugs are a common cause of stuck or missing notes.