DIN 5-Pin Pinout Diagram for MIDI and Keyboard Wiring
5-pin circular connector
Standards: DIN 41524, MIDI 1.0, MIDI 2.0
What is the DIN 5-Pin pinout?
The DIN 5-Pin Connector (MIDI/Keyboard) has 5 pins. Pin 1 is NC (reserved). Pin 2 is GND (shield). Pin 3 is NC (reserved). Pin 4 is +5V (power). Plus 1 more pins.
Standards: DIN 41524, MIDI 1.0, MIDI 2.0
Pin Assignment Table
| Pin | Signal | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NC | reserved | Not Connected (MIDI) |
| 2 | GND | shield | Shield / Ground (connect at source only) |
| 3 | NC | reserved | Not Connected (MIDI) |
| 4 | +5V | power | +5V Current Source (through 220 ohm resistor) |
| 5 | DATA | data | Data Line (Current Sink via optoisolator) |
Signal Types
Common Applications
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Browse more printable connector references →The DIN 5-Pin connector has 5 pins: Pin 1 (NC), Pin 2 (GND), Pin 3 (NC), and Pin 4 (+5V, +5V). Plus 1 more pins. Common in MIDI instruments and Legacy AT keyboards.
DIN 5-Pin MIDI Pinout Guide
The 5-pin DIN connector has been the standard for MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) since 1983. It uses a current loop signaling method at 31.25 kbaud that provides excellent noise immunity and electrical isolation between connected devices. The MIDI standard defines three port types: MIDI IN (receives data), MIDI OUT (sends data), and MIDI THRU (passes through received data unchanged to chain multiple devices).
Wiring Tips & Best Practices
MIDI uses current loop signaling with 5mA loop current. Only pins 2, 4, and 5 are used for MIDI. Pin 4 provides +5V through a 220 ohm resistor (current source). Pin 5 is the data line (current sink). The receiver end MUST use an optoisolator (typically 6N138 or H11L1) for electrical isolation - this prevents ground loops between devices. Standard MIDI cables have pins 1 and 3 disconnected, with shield connected to pin 2 at the source end only.
Common Issues
Using shielded cable longer than 15m causes signal degradation due to capacitance loading the current loop. AT/XT keyboard pinout is completely different from MIDI - never interchange cables as this can damage equipment. Pin 2 should only be grounded at the source end to avoid ground loops causing hum. Some vintage European audio equipment used non-standard DIN assignments for audio signals. When building DIY MIDI interfaces, ensure the optoisolator is fast enough (rise time < 2 microseconds) to handle the 31.25 kbaud data rate.
Why Use Interactive Diagrams?
- Accuracy: Hover over pins to see exact signal names and descriptions
- Clarity: Color-coded by signal type (power, ground, data)
- Printable: Export clean diagrams for shop floor reference