What is the primary function of the Boss BMIDI-PB1?

The Boss BMIDI-PB1 is a 30cm MIDI cable designed to transmit digital MIDI data between devices. Its main purpose is to provide a space-saving connection on pedalboards using an adjustable connector.

How long is the BMIDI-PB1 cable?

The cable is 30 centimetres long, which is equivalent to approximately 1 foot. This makes it ideal for short patches between adjacent pedals or controllers.

What makes the connector on this cable unique?

It features a three-way multi-directional design. This allows the user to rotate and lock the cable exit angle to suit their specific hardware layout and save space.

Is the cable compatible with non-Boss equipment?

Yes, it is compatible with any device that features a standard 5-pin MIDI input or output port. While optimised for Boss gear, it follows industry-standard MIDI specifications.

What type of wire is used in the BMIDI-PB1?

The cable is constructed using high-quality oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire. This ensures a clean signal and reduces the likelihood of data errors or noise interference.

Is the cable flexible enough for tight pedalboard layouts?

Yes, Boss has designed the cable to be incredibly flexible. This allows it to be routed around other pedals and power supplies without straining the connectors.

Can the MIDI angle be locked once set?

Yes, the custom connector allows you to move the cable to your preferred orientation and then lock it into place. This ensures the setting remains secure during transport and performance.

How does this cable help with noise reduction?

The use of oxygen-free copper and quality shielding helps deliver a clean signal. This construction minimises unwanted electromagnetic noise that can sometimes affect digital signals.

Which specific Boss products is this cable recommended for?

It is highly recommended for the Boss 500 series pedals (DD-500, RV-500, MD-500) and the ES-5 and ES-8 switching systems. These devices often require multiple MIDI connections in tight spaces.

What is the typical price for the BMIDI-PB1?

The cable typically retails for approximately £15. This reflects its professional-grade construction and specialized adjustable housing.

Does the BMIDI-PB1 use a 5-pin or a TRS connector?

It uses a standard 5-pin MIDI connector. It is not the 3.5mm TRS MIDI type found on some smaller modern pedals, though it can be used with adapters.

Is this cable suitable for DMX lighting applications?

While DMX and MIDI both use 5-pin connectors, they have different impedance requirements. For professional lighting, a dedicated cable like the Adam Hall 5 STAR DMX cable is generally preferred over a MIDI cable.

Gear article

Boss BMIDI-PB1 MIDI Cable

The Boss BMIDI-PB1 is a 30cm (1ft) professional MIDI cable designed specifically for space-constrained pedalboards and studio setups. It features a unique multi-directional three-way connector that allows users to adjust and lock the cable angle to optimise signal routing and equipment layout.

See live prices

Overview

The Boss BMIDI-PB1 is a specialised utility cable engineered to address the physical limitations of standard MIDI connectors. Measuring 30cm in length, it is intended for short-range patches between pedals, controllers, and switching systems. The hallmark of the design is its versatile multi-directional connector, which enables users to exit the MIDI port at various angles, thereby saving vertical or horizontal space on a crowded board.

Construction and Signal Quality

Built to high professional standards, the cable utilises oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire. This material choice is significant for maintaining signal integrity and ensuring a clean data stream, which is critical for MIDI clock and PC/CC message accuracy. The construction is noted for being both durable and highly flexible, allowing it to be routed through tight gaps without risking internal wire breakage. The shielding is designed to reduce unwanted electromagnetic noise, ensuring that the digital communication between devices remains uncorrupted.

The Three-Way Connector

The BMIDI-PB1's primary innovation is the custom Boss three-way connector. Standard MIDI cables often feature bulky, straight, or fixed-angle housing that can block adjacent ports or prevent a pedalboard lid from closing. The BMIDI-PB1 allows the user to:

Adjust the orientation of the cable exit.
Lock the cable into a preferred position to prevent shifting.
Optimise the physical footprint of the MIDI connection on the back of the device.

Compatibility

While the BMIDI-PB1 is a standard 5-pin MIDI cable compatible with any device featuring a traditional MIDI I/O, it is specifically optimised for the Boss ecosystem. This includes the Boss 500 series digital pedals (such as the RV-500 or DD-500) and the ES-5 and ES-8 effects switching systems. Its compact nature makes it an ideal companion for high-density setups where multiple MIDI connections are required in close proximity.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard MIDI cables, such as the Studiospares 30cm patch cable, the BMIDI-PB1 offers significantly more flexibility regarding physical orientation. While generic cables are often cheaper, they lack the adjustable housing that prevents port obstruction. In the broader context of patch cables, such as the Ernie Ball P06049 or various XLR options like the Neutrik NC3FRX, the BMIDI-PB1 fills a specific niche for digital control rather than analogue audio or DMX lighting, though it shares the same commitment to right-angled space-saving seen in Neutrik's professional connectors.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Boss BMIDI-PB1?: The Boss BMIDI-PB1 is a 30cm MIDI cable designed to transmit digital MIDI data between devices. Its main purpose is to provide a space-saving connection on pedalboards using an adjustable connector.
How long is the BMIDI-PB1 cable?: The cable is 30 centimetres long, which is equivalent to approximately 1 foot. This makes it ideal for short patches between adjacent pedals or controllers.
What makes the connector on this cable unique?: It features a three-way multi-directional design. This allows the user to rotate and lock the cable exit angle to suit their specific hardware layout and save space.
Is the cable compatible with non-Boss equipment?: Yes, it is compatible with any device that features a standard 5-pin MIDI input or output port. While optimised for Boss gear, it follows industry-standard MIDI specifications.
What type of wire is used in the BMIDI-PB1?: The cable is constructed using high-quality oxygen-free copper (OFC) wire. This ensures a clean signal and reduces the likelihood of data errors or noise interference.
Is the cable flexible enough for tight pedalboard layouts?: Yes, Boss has designed the cable to be incredibly flexible. This allows it to be routed around other pedals and power supplies without straining the connectors.
Can the MIDI angle be locked once set?: Yes, the custom connector allows you to move the cable to your preferred orientation and then lock it into place. This ensures the setting remains secure during transport and performance.
How does this cable help with noise reduction?: The use of oxygen-free copper and quality shielding helps deliver a clean signal. This construction minimises unwanted electromagnetic noise that can sometimes affect digital signals.
Which specific Boss products is this cable recommended for?: It is highly recommended for the Boss 500 series pedals (DD-500, RV-500, MD-500) and the ES-5 and ES-8 switching systems. These devices often require multiple MIDI connections in tight spaces.
What is the typical price for the BMIDI-PB1?: The cable typically retails for approximately £15. This reflects its professional-grade construction and specialized adjustable housing.
Does the BMIDI-PB1 use a 5-pin or a TRS connector?: It uses a standard 5-pin MIDI connector. It is not the 3.5mm TRS MIDI type found on some smaller modern pedals, though it can be used with adapters.
Is this cable suitable for DMX lighting applications?: While DMX and MIDI both use 5-pin connectors, they have different impedance requirements. For professional lighting, a dedicated cable like the Adam Hall 5 STAR DMX cable is generally preferred over a MIDI cable.