With a vast array of MIDI interface cables from dozens of manufacturers and retailers to choose from, finding the best MIDI cable can be quite a chore. Ultimately, choosing one that will work best for your setup depends on the way in which you use MIDI technology and how concerned you are with having top-grade equipment. RapcoHorizon Concert Series cables provide a versatile solution with great color and length options for musicians who want durable, mid-grade MIDI cables with a lifetime warranty.
There are many features that make the RapcoHorizon an attractive option for MIDI users. The MIDI wire in these cables consists of four 24-gauge center conductors made from high-quality, nearly oxygen-free copper for smooth data transmission and longevity. The polyethylene insulation, nylon filler and bare annealed copper serve shield eliminate nearly all signal interference and provide 95 percent coverage to deliver pristine data transmission.
The MIDI interface requires only three pins – one grounded shield and two data lines – and RapcoHorizon offers both 3-pin and 5-pin male-to-male MIDI cables for different applications. In the 5-pin configuration, all the connectors are discretely wired, which means that every pin is wired and functional. The additional two pins can be used for tape-synchro signals, phantom power or other applications depending on the equipment to which they are connected. All connectors are silver plated, which is not quite but nearly as reliable as gold-plated connectors.
RapcoHorizon MIDI interface cables are encased in a matte PVC jacket that is highly flexible and durable with a low memory that keeps them from becoming a tangled mess during the process of rolling and unrolling them and running them between pieces of MIDI equipment. Each cable is individually tested to ensure that it meets RapcoHorizon's standards for both performance and quality. Plus, they will replace any MIDI cord if it or the MIDI connector breaks or fails during standard use for as long as you own and use the cable.
In addition to the standard 5-foot, 5-pin MIDI cables we evaluated for this site, RapcoHorizon offers cables in a virtually unlimited number of lengths. In addition to their 17 pre-made lengths, they offer other lengths upon request to fully meet the needs of their customers. There are also seven color options to further customize your array of MIDI cables and help you differentiate between cables in complex setups.
While they do not sell dual or USB MIDI cables, they do sell their cable in bulk to allow you to make your own MIDI cords, patch cords and other specific-application audio cables from their high-quality cable configurations. Of all the manufacturers on our lineup, they provide the most options for jacket color and length, earning them high marks in this category as well.
RapcoHorizon's customer support team is excellent, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. You can reach them by phone or email, and they will respond within 24 hours. Everyone we dealt with was courteous and did their best to answer our questions or refer us to someone who could. Their website offers more detailed product information than most other MIDI cable manufacturers, including an online spec sheet and multiple product images. Plus, their limited lifetime warranty covers their MIDI cables for all problems apart from damage due to consumer neglect. Overall, they scored very well in this category.
If you need an inexpensive yet long-lasting MIDI cable from a manufacturer that provides solid, timely product support and a comprehensive lifetime warranty, you should definitely consider the RapcoHorizon Concert Series MIDI interface cables. Not only will they last for the rest of your life – or be replaced free of charge if they don't – but they won't cost you as much as some of your other options for MIDI cords and will work just as well.
