Whirlwind Connect Series MIDI interface cables are sold through but not manufactured by renowned audio-equipment manufacturer Whirlwind. The Connect Series is an inexpensive line of MIDI cables on par with other five-dollar MIDI connector cables. They are a cheap solution for DIY musicians on a budget, but they don't provide the same level of quality as many of the other MIDI cables on our lineup. They certainly don't compare with the high-end custom cables that Whirlwind builds and sells to those who want premium cables at a higher price.

For the purposes of this review, we will primarily discuss the Connect Series MIDI cables. We will, however, provide specifications and details regarding Whirlwind's custom MIDI interface cables as well for those who are interested in purchasing a premium product rather than a generic cable. It is important to mention that the ratings and ranking for this manufacturer apply only to the Connect Series cables and not to the premium Whirlwind cables.

Whirlwind Connect Series 5 pin MIDI cables have a molded, one-piece PVC jacket that is available in black, blue, red or white. The male-to-male MIDI connectors have nickel-plated pins, copper conductors and shielding. The copper MIDI wire is not oxygen free, and the shield is not full coverage, although it provides roughly 95-percent coverage from electromagnetic interference.

Whirlwind's custom cables, on the other hand, are made with Canare Star Quad microphone cable. This premium cable features a braided copper shield, high-level flexibility even in cold weather, cross-linked polyethylene insulation and comes in 10 matte jacket colors. These cables use Switchcraft DIN connectors that come with a variety of pin configurations.

Whirlwind Connect Series MIDI cords are less durable than more expensive cables, but their solid-shell molding does give them greater strength at the connector joint. Because they are made from cheaper materials, they will not last as long as the best MIDI cables, obviously, and so they only come with a five-year warranty. Basically, they work well for simple setups that don't require long cords or many different cables.

Connect Series cables are available in 3-, 6-, 10- and 20-foot lengths. If you need a cable of a different length, Whirlwind makes custom-length premium cables. The premium cables also have more color options and connector types.

Whirlwind provides solid customer support, but they aren't the quickest to respond to email inquiries. Once they do, however, they are helpful and do their best to answer your questions in a timely manner. You can also contact them by phone, which we recommend if you need quick answers.

Their website is well designed but lacks a FAQs page and online specifications or manuals for the Connect Series MIDI cables. They do, however, have a number of insightful tech articles that can educate you about different aspects of audio wiring and electronics in general.