What Is an MIDI Cable?

MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) is an electronic standard designed to allow various electronic devices to communicate with each other. MIDI systems are mostly used by the music industry, allowing various digital musical instruments and recording devices to control each other. MIDI cables are used to transmit data among the various MIDI instruments and devices.

MIDI Sockets

MIDI cables plug into sockets provided on MIDI-enabled equipment, connecting them together. Sockets are designated MIDI-IN, MIDI-THRU and MIDI-OUT.

MIDI Cable Connections

Control information is sent from the MIDI-OUT socket of a device; one end of a MIDI cable plugs into the MIDI-OUT socket, and the other end plugs into the MIDI-IN of a receiving device.

Typical Uses for MIDI

Other MIDI Controllers

Maximum MIDI Cable Length

The length of the standard MIDI cable should not extend beyond 50 feet, as performance problems may occur.

Resources

• Source for MIDI cables and equipment