MIDI adapter cables link older 5-pin DIN gear to a computer or tablet, or carry MIDI between pedals and keyboards that use 3.5 mm jacks. Most USB versions carry two leads, one marked IN and one marked OUT, and many add small LED lights to show traffic.
The six cables below cover USB-A and USB-C computer links plus a BOSS 3.5 mm to 5-pin lead. Plugs, channel counts and indicator lights come from each listing page. We have not used these cables ourselves, and latency or signal claims are the makers’ own.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.
What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Computer plug | USB-A, USB-C or an included adapter decides which laptops work |
| Ends | Standard 5-pin DIN differs from 3.5 mm TRS MIDI |
| LED lights | In and out lights help show whether data is flowing |
| Drivers | Class-compliant cables are listed as plug and play |
Specs at a Glance
| Cable | Computer side | Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CME U2MIDI Pro | USB-A | 6.5 ft | Filter and mapper; 16 channels; LEDs |
| Roland UM-ONE-MK2 | USB, bus powered | Not stated | One in, one out; indicators; 3.2 oz |
| LEKATO LUM-03 | USB-C | 6.5 ft | 16 channels; 100 g; in and out LEDs |
| TNP | USB-A plus USB-C adapter | 6 ft | 1 in 1 out; LEDs; MIDI data only |
| BOSS BMIDI-1-35 | None; 3.5 mm TRS to 5-pin DIN | 1 ft | Right-angle TRS plug; oxygen-free copper |
| Fasgear | USB-C plus USB-A adapter | 6 ft | LED indicator; MIDI in and out |
The 6 Best MIDI Adapter Cables
1. CME U2MIDI Pro
A 6.5 foot USB-A to 5-pin MIDI cable with a filter and mapper, 16 channels, colored MIDI plugs and LED indicators. The maker lists it as working on macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux and ChromeOS without drivers.
Suits: users who want routing options. Strengths: filter, mapper and broad system support. Weaknesses: USB-A end only. Skip it if you want the simplest cable.
2. Roland UM-ONE-MK2
A compact Roland interface with built-in USB and MIDI leads. The title says one in two out but the bullets say one-in/one-out, so confirm the port count on the page. It is bus powered, shows input and output indicators and weighs 3.2 ounces.
Suits: Mac, Windows or iPad use with a known name. Strengths: bus power and indicators. Weaknesses: conflicting port wording. Skip it if you need a very long cable.
View Roland UM-ONE-MK2 One in Two Out MIDI Cable on Amazon
3. LEKATO LUM-03 USB-C
A 6.5 foot USB-C MIDI cable with one in and one out lead, 16 channels and indicator lights. The bullets describe a built-in driver and plug and play use. The listing weight is 100 grams.
Suits: USB-C laptops. Strengths: a direct Type-C plug. Weaknesses: the compatible-devices field is oddly worded. Skip it if your computer has USB-A only.
4. TNP MIDI to USB 6 FT
A 6 foot USB-A MIDI cable with an included USB-C adapter, a 1 in 1 out interface and LED lights. The bullets stress that it carries MIDI data, not audio, and say the lead marked IN goes to a MIDI OUT socket.
Suits: mixed USB-A and USB-C computers. Strengths: an adapter in the box. Weaknesses: an extra part to lose. Skip it if you want one fixed plug.
View TNP MIDI to USB Cable with USB-C Adapter 5-Pin in/Out Interface 6 FT on Amazon
5. BOSS BMIDI-1-35
A one foot lead with a right-angle 3.5 mm TRS plug and a 5-pin DIN plug, made for BOSS products with 3.5 mm TRS MIDI jacks. It is a three-conductor cable, and pins 1 and 3 on the DIN end are unconnected. The listing mentions oxygen-free copper wire and a PVC jacket.
Suits: pedalboards with BOSS 3.5 mm MIDI ports. Strengths: slim right-angle plug. Weaknesses: not a computer link. Skip it if you need USB.
View BOSS MIDI Cable BMIDI-1-35 1 Foot Compatible with MIDI to 3.5mm Devices on Amazon
6. Fasgear USB C MIDI 6ft
A 6 foot black cable with 5-pin MIDI ends and a USB-C plug, plus a USB-C to USB-A adapter. A data LED is listed for MIDI in and out, and the bullets note that Android phones need OTG support.
Suits: laptops and Android hosts. Strengths: adapter and LED indicator. Weaknesses: OTG caveat for phones. Skip it if you want channel-filter features.
View Fasgear USB C MIDI Cable 6ft Black on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Plug the lead marked IN into the MIDI OUT socket, and OUT into MIDI IN.
- Pick the USB MIDI device in your music software.
- Keep the cable away from power adapters when possible.
- Coil loosely when packing.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Swapping the IN and OUT leads.
- Buying a 3.5 mm MIDI lead for a standard 5-pin port.
- Expecting audio to pass through a MIDI cable.
- Ignoring the computer plug type.
MIDI Adapter Cables FAQ
Which ones suit USB-C directly?
The LEKATO lists a Type-C plug, and the Fasgear lists USB-C with a USB-A adapter.
Which one is not a computer link?
The BOSS BMIDI-1-35 joins 3.5 mm TRS MIDI jacks to 5-pin DIN gear.
The Short Version
For filter and mapper features, the CME U2MIDI Pro. For a known interface, the Roland UM-ONE-MK2. For USB-C, the LEKATO. For an included adapter, the TNP. For BOSS pedals, the BMIDI-1-35. For USB-C plus LED, the Fasgear.
