What is the primary function of this cable?

The primary function is to transmit MIDI data between compatible electronic instruments and equipment. It handles music notes, timecode, and system exclusive data.

How long is the Roland MIDI Cable 5ft?

The cable is 5 feet long, which is approximately 1.5 metres. This length is ideal for short-distance connections in a studio or stage setup.

What kind of connectors does this cable use?

It uses professional-quality 5-pin DIN connectors. These connectors are nickel-plated to ensure durability and a reliable electrical connection.

Does this cable protect against interference?

Yes, it features high-density spiral shielding. This shielding is designed to block external interference that could corrupt the digital data stream.

Can I use this cable for phantom power?

While the cable has 4 conductor wires, it is designed for MIDI data transmission. Users should check their specific hardware requirements for MIDI phantom power compatibility.

Is this cable suitable for sys-ex data transfers?

Yes, the Roland Black Series is specifically designed to ensure every byte of sys-ex data is transferred. This makes it reliable for firmware updates and patch backups.

How many internal wires does the cable have?

The cable is constructed with 4 conductor wires. This internal configuration supports the standard requirements for MIDI communication.

What is the typical price for this cable in the UK?

The typical price range for this specific 1.5m Roland cable is approximately £7.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Can I use this cable for DMX lighting?

No, you should not use MIDI cables for DMX lighting. Although they may share similar connectors, the impedance and wiring requirements for DMX (like the Adam Hall 5-pin cables) are different.

Is the cable flexible for touring use?

The Black Series is designed for professional quality and durability. The materials used balance the need for protection with enough flexibility for standard stage and studio routing.

Does the nickel plating affect the signal?

Nickel plating provides a hard-wearing surface for the connectors. It ensures long-term reliability and consistent data transfer through repeated plug-in cycles.

Can this cable be used with a USB interface?

It can be used with a USB audio or MIDI interface that has physical 5-pin MIDI ports. It cannot be plugged directly into a USB port without the appropriate interface hardware.

Gear article

Roland Black Series MIDI Cable (1.5m)

The Roland Black Series MIDI Cable is a professional-grade interconnect designed for the reliable transmission of musical data between electronic instruments and studio hardware. Measuring 1.5 metres (5 feet) in length, it features high-density spiral shielding and nickel connectors to ensure signal integrity across music, timecode, and sys-ex data streams.

See live prices

Overview

The Roland Black Series MIDI Cable serves as a critical link in modern music production environments, facilitating communication between controllers, synthesizers, and audio interfaces. By adhering to the standard 5-pin DIN architecture, this cable enables the bidirectional flow of MIDI information. The 1.5-metre length is specifically tailored for desktop setups or rack-mounted equipment where excess cabling could lead to clutter.

Technical Construction

This cable is engineered with a 4-conductor internal wire structure. To protect the digital data stream from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), Roland employs a high-density spiral shielding. The connectors are finished with professional-quality nickel plating, providing a robust contact point that resists corrosion over time. This construction is designed to ensure that time-sensitive data, such as clock signals and system exclusive (sys-ex) messages, are transferred without dropped bytes.

Applications and Compatibility

The cable is universally compatible with any hardware featuring standard 5-pin MIDI ports. This includes:

Connecting MIDI keyboards to external sound modules.
Synchronising sequencers and drum machines via MIDI clock.
Interfacing audio interfaces with vintage hardware synthesizers.
Daisy-chaining effects processors for centralised control.

Market Comparison

In the broader landscape of studio cabling, the Roland Black Series occupies a middle ground between generic budget cables and high-end boutique options. While products like the Studiospares Standard XLR or Ernie Ball instrument cables serve audio signal paths, the Roland MIDI cable is dedicated to digital control data. Compared to DMX lighting cables—such as those produced by Adam Hall—MIDI cables utilise different wiring configurations despite having similar appearances, making the Roland-specific build essential for musical data integrity.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of this cable?: The primary function is to transmit MIDI data between compatible electronic instruments and equipment. It handles music notes, timecode, and system exclusive data.
How long is the Roland MIDI Cable 5ft?: The cable is 5 feet long, which is approximately 1.5 metres. This length is ideal for short-distance connections in a studio or stage setup.
What kind of connectors does this cable use?: It uses professional-quality 5-pin DIN connectors. These connectors are nickel-plated to ensure durability and a reliable electrical connection.
Does this cable protect against interference?: Yes, it features high-density spiral shielding. This shielding is designed to block external interference that could corrupt the digital data stream.
Can I use this cable for phantom power?: While the cable has 4 conductor wires, it is designed for MIDI data transmission. Users should check their specific hardware requirements for MIDI phantom power compatibility.
Is this cable suitable for sys-ex data transfers?: Yes, the Roland Black Series is specifically designed to ensure every byte of sys-ex data is transferred. This makes it reliable for firmware updates and patch backups.
How many internal wires does the cable have?: The cable is constructed with 4 conductor wires. This internal configuration supports the standard requirements for MIDI communication.
What is the typical price for this cable in the UK?: The typical price range for this specific 1.5m Roland cable is approximately £7.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Can I use this cable for DMX lighting?: No, you should not use MIDI cables for DMX lighting. Although they may share similar connectors, the impedance and wiring requirements for DMX (like the Adam Hall 5-pin cables) are different.
Is the cable flexible for touring use?: The Black Series is designed for professional quality and durability. The materials used balance the need for protection with enough flexibility for standard stage and studio routing.
Does the nickel plating affect the signal?: Nickel plating provides a hard-wearing surface for the connectors. It ensures long-term reliability and consistent data transfer through repeated plug-in cycles.
Can this cable be used with a USB interface?: It can be used with a USB audio or MIDI interface that has physical 5-pin MIDI ports. It cannot be plugged directly into a USB port without the appropriate interface hardware.