Gear article
Roland MIDI Gold Series 15ft Angled Cable
The Roland MIDI Gold Series 15ft (4.5m) is a high-performance data interconnect designed for reliable MIDI communication between musical instruments and hardware. It features gold-plated contacts and a right-angle connector design to facilitate secure connections in tight spaces while maintaining signal integrity.
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The Roland MIDI Gold Series 4.5m cable is a professional-grade solution for connecting synthesizers, sequencers, drum machines, and MIDI controllers. Part of Roland's premium accessory line, this cable is engineered to handle the constant data flow required by modern MIDI systems without latency or signal loss. Its most distinguishing physical characteristic is the right-angle design on one of the connectors, which helps reduce the footprint of equipment setups and prevents stress on the MIDI ports of hardware.
Technical Features and Construction
The cable is built with multi-strand copper wire, which provides a balance of flexibility and conductivity for ultra-reliable data transmission. To combat the electromagnetic interference (EMI) often found in studio and stage environments, Roland utilizes high-density spiral shielding. This shielding is designed to eliminate unwanted noise and ensure that MIDI messages, such as SysEx or clock data, are delivered without corruption. The exterior is finished with a heavy-duty woven outer jacket, offering superior durability compared to standard PVC-sleeved alternatives.
Connector Design
The 'Gold' designation refers to the high-quality connectors which feature gold-plated contacts. Gold is preferred in professional audio and data applications due to its resistance to corrosion over time, ensuring a consistent electrical connection. The inclusion of a right-angled connector is particularly beneficial for instruments placed against walls or for rack-mounted equipment where depth is limited.
Target Audience
This cable is suited for touring musicians, studio engineers, and home producers who require a dependable link between their MIDI-enabled devices. The 4.5-metre length provides sufficient reach for larger stage setups or routing cables through studio furniture. Because it is designed for 'Gold' standards, it is intended for users who prioritise long-term reliability over the lower cost of generic consumer-grade cables.
Comparison to Alternatives
When compared to standard cables, such as the Studiospares Standard XLR or Ernie Ball instrument cables, the Roland MIDI Gold serves a specific data-transmission purpose rather than an analogue audio one. While generic MIDI cables often use nickel-plated contacts and thin plastic jackets, the Roland Gold series competes with high-end options like the Adam Hall 5 STAR or Neutrik-based assemblies by offering woven protection and right-angle ergonomics that are less common in standard budget MIDI leads.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the length of this specific Roland MIDI cable?
- The cable is 15 feet long, which is approximately 4.5 metres.
- Does this cable have gold-plated contacts?
- Yes, it features high-quality connectors with gold-plated contacts for ultra-reliable performance and corrosion resistance.
- What is the benefit of the right-angle design?
- The right-angle design allows for a lower profile connection, which is ideal for tight spaces and helps prevent tension on the instrument's MIDI port.
- How does the cable prevent interference?
- It uses high-density spiral shielding to eliminate possible interference or unwanted noise from external electrical sources.
- What type of wire is used inside the cable?
- The cable features multi-strand copper wire specifically chosen for reliable data transmission.
- Is the outer jacket made of plastic?
- While it has protective layers, it features a heavy-duty woven outer jacket designed to ensure long-lasting durability.
- Can this cable be used for audio signals?
- No, this is a MIDI cable designed for data transmission between digital instruments; it is not meant for analogue audio signals like an XLR or Jack cable.
- What is the typical price for this cable?
- The typical price range for this model is approximately GBP 20.
- Is this cable suitable for live performances?
- Yes, the heavy-duty woven jacket and reliable shielding make it well-suited for the rigours of live stage use.
- How many pins are on the connectors?
- Standard MIDI connectors like this one utilize a 5-pin DIN configuration.
- Does the woven jacket affect flexibility?
- The woven jacket is designed to be heavy-duty for protection, yet the multi-strand copper core ensures the cable remains manageable for routing.
- Is both ends of the cable angled?
- The manufacturer description specifies a right-angle design for the cable's connectors to facilitate better cable management.
