What is the specific length of the Roland RMIDI-G5A?

The cable is 1.5 metres long, which is equivalent to approximately 5 feet. This makes it ideal for short-to-medium distance connections within a rack or desktop setup.

What type of connectors does this cable use?

The cable features 5-pin DIN connectors, which is the industry standard for MIDI hardware. It specifically features a right-angle design for space-saving installations.

What material is used for the cable jacket?

The RMIDI-G5A features a heavy-duty woven outer jacket. This provides enhanced durability and flexibility compared to standard PVC or plastic jackets.

Why are the contacts gold-plated?

Gold-plating is used because it does not tarnish or corrode over time. This ensures an ultra-reliable electrical connection and consistent data transmission throughout the life of the cable.

How does this cable prevent electrical noise?

It utilizes high-density spiral shielding to block electromagnetic interference. This ensures that the MIDI data signal remains clean and free from unwanted noise.

Is this cable suitable for guitar pedalboards?

Yes, the right-angle design is particularly well-suited for pedalboards where space is limited. It allows for tighter placement of pedals compared to straight connectors.

What is the typical price for this cable?

The Roland RMIDI-G5A typically retails for approximately £15.00. This reflects its position as a premium 'Gold Series' product.

Does the cable use standard copper wiring?

The cable uses multi-strand copper wire. This configuration is designed for ultra-reliable data transmission and better flexibility.

Can this cable be used for phantom power over MIDI?

The cable is built to standard 5-pin MIDI specifications with high-quality copper. If your devices support phantom power over standard MIDI pins, this high-grade cable will facilitate that transmission.

How does the woven jacket affect handling?

The woven jacket makes the cable more resistant to tangling and allows it to lay flatter on surfaces. It also protects the internal wiring from being crushed or kinked.

Is the RMIDI-G5A compatible with all MIDI devices?

Yes, it is compatible with any device that uses a standard 5-pin DIN MIDI port. This includes synthesisers, drum machines, audio interfaces, and MIDI controllers.

Why should I choose the angled version over a straight MIDI cable?

The angled version is preferred when you need to save space behind your equipment. It reduces the depth required for the connection and puts less strain on the device's MIDI port.

Gear article

Roland RMIDI-G5A Gold Series MIDI Cable

The Roland RMIDI-G5A is a 1.5-metre (5ft) professional-grade MIDI cable designed for ultra-reliable data transmission between electronic musical instruments and studio hardware. Part of the Roland Gold Series, it features high-density shielding, gold-plated contacts, and a space-saving right-angled connector design.

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Overview and Construction

The Roland RMIDI-G5A is a specialized MIDI interconnect designed to provide a high-fidelity pathway for digital data transmission. Unlike standard plastic-jacketed cables, the Gold Series utilizes multi-strand copper wire core construction. This design is intended to maintain signal integrity over repeated use, ensuring that MIDI clock, note data, and Sysex messages are delivered without latency or data dropouts.

The exterior of the cable is protected by a heavy-duty woven jacket. This tactile outer layer serves two purposes: providing physical durability against abrasion and preventing the cable from kinking or tangling in complex studio setups. The RMIDI-G5A is specifically 1.5 metres (5 feet) in length, making it suitable for connecting adjacent rack units or controllers.

Shielding and Interference Protection

A critical component of the RMIDI-G5A is its high-density spiral shielding. In environments with high electromagnetic interference (EMI)—such as those filled with wireless routers, power supplies, or lighting rigs—data signals can become corrupted. The spiral shielding acts as a barrier, eliminating unwanted noise and potential interference that could disrupt the communication between MIDI-enabled devices.

The connectors themselves are finished with gold-plated contacts. Gold is highly resistant to corrosion compared to standard nickel or silver plating, ensuring a low-resistance connection that remains reliable over several years of plugging and unplugging.

Right-Angle Design Philosophy

The 'A' in the RMIDI-G5A model name denotes its angled design. One of the primary challenges in modern pedalboards and compact studio desks is the lack of clearance behind equipment. Standard straight MIDI connectors can protrude several centimetres, putting stress on the device's internal PCB or preventing the unit from being pushed flush against a wall.

By utilizing a right-angled connector, the cable allows for a significantly smaller footprint. This makes it an ideal choice for guitarists using MIDI-controlled pedals or synthesiser enthusiasts working with densely packed desktop modules.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard budget cables, such as the Essentials Dual Jack to RCA Phono 3m or entry-level XLR cables like the Studiospares Standard 60cm, the Roland Gold MIDI cable represents a higher tier of build quality focused on digital data rather than analogue audio.

While typical MIDI cables may use simple plastic moulding, the RMIDI-G5A's woven jacket and gold-plated pins align it more closely with professional-grade patch solutions like the Neutrik NC3FRX right-angled connectors. Unlike longer antenna cables like the LD Systems WS100BNC10 or DMX lighting cables like the Adam Hall 5-Star 20m, the Roland cable is specifically voiced for short-range, high-reliability data bursts within a musical context.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the specific length of the Roland RMIDI-G5A?: The cable is 1.5 metres long, which is equivalent to approximately 5 feet. This makes it ideal for short-to-medium distance connections within a rack or desktop setup.
What type of connectors does this cable use?: The cable features 5-pin DIN connectors, which is the industry standard for MIDI hardware. It specifically features a right-angle design for space-saving installations.
What material is used for the cable jacket?: The RMIDI-G5A features a heavy-duty woven outer jacket. This provides enhanced durability and flexibility compared to standard PVC or plastic jackets.
Why are the contacts gold-plated?: Gold-plating is used because it does not tarnish or corrode over time. This ensures an ultra-reliable electrical connection and consistent data transmission throughout the life of the cable.
How does this cable prevent electrical noise?: It utilizes high-density spiral shielding to block electromagnetic interference. This ensures that the MIDI data signal remains clean and free from unwanted noise.
Is this cable suitable for guitar pedalboards?: Yes, the right-angle design is particularly well-suited for pedalboards where space is limited. It allows for tighter placement of pedals compared to straight connectors.
What is the typical price for this cable?: The Roland RMIDI-G5A typically retails for approximately £15.00. This reflects its position as a premium 'Gold Series' product.
Does the cable use standard copper wiring?: The cable uses multi-strand copper wire. This configuration is designed for ultra-reliable data transmission and better flexibility.
Can this cable be used for phantom power over MIDI?: The cable is built to standard 5-pin MIDI specifications with high-quality copper. If your devices support phantom power over standard MIDI pins, this high-grade cable will facilitate that transmission.
How does the woven jacket affect handling?: The woven jacket makes the cable more resistant to tangling and allows it to lay flatter on surfaces. It also protects the internal wiring from being crushed or kinked.
Is the RMIDI-G5A compatible with all MIDI devices?: Yes, it is compatible with any device that uses a standard 5-pin DIN MIDI port. This includes synthesisers, drum machines, audio interfaces, and MIDI controllers.
Why should I choose the angled version over a straight MIDI cable?: The angled version is preferred when you need to save space behind your equipment. It reduces the depth required for the connection and puts less strain on the device's MIDI port.