These items came in for review just as I was contemplating writing a feature on the subject, so I thought I'd terminate two airborne vertebrates with one igneous projectile by combining the review with an abridged version of the article. Like me, the vast majority of SOS readers have MIDI systems, and if yours has evolved the way mine has, it's probably too big to be easily managed yet not really complex enough to warrant a MIDI programmable patchbay. Most of the routine editing tasks could be handled using a few simple patch cords — but DIN plugs and sockets weren't really built to be continually plugged in and out. I was musing on this dilemma and came to the conclusion that a conventional stereo jack patchbay might be the way to go — that way you can do all your patching with stereo jack leads. The only problem is that you have to go to the trouble of making special MIDI-to-stereo-jack leads to feed the rear of the patchbay. While this isn't difficult, wiring up DIN plugs is one of my least favourite occupations.

I was still thinking about this when the phone rang. It was P&R informing me that they'd come up with a range of readymade, low cost MIDI-to-stereo-jack leads which would enable their stereo jack studio patchbays to be used for MIDI. A set duly arrived for evaluation, the available cable lengths being from 1 to 6 metres. I'd rather expected cheap moulded leads, but these are hand made cables using coloured Musiflex cable terminated with a chromed steel jack at one end and a durable MIDI plug at the other. Also included was a version with a professional MIDI DIN fitted to one end — I didn't recognise the make of the plug but it was heavily built and had an effective strain relief system. In addition, there was a very short lead with a stereo jack at one end and an in-line DIN socket at the other which could be used for converting existing MIDI leads to stereo jacks. The price of these cables starts at just £2.63 including VAT, while a 48-way, stereo jack patchbay costs £89.95. The company also provide standard jack patch leads in different lengths, both mono and stereo, and they carry a range of inexpensive MIDI cables.

I feel that this solution to MIDI repatching is both straightforward and practical, though I'd recommend not mixing audio with MIDI on the same patchbay, both to avoid the possibility of crosstalk, and to avoid accidentally plugging a MIDI signal into an audio input. The quality of the leads supplied is very good, and the low cost almost makes it pointless soldering up your own.

Further Information

MIDI patching cables from £2.63; 48-way stereo jack patchbay £89.95. Prices inc VAT.

P&R Audio, (Contact Details).