Although the connectors are externally identical, audio 5-pin DIN and MIDI 5-pin are not compatible because they use different pinouts and signal types.
The difference between an audio 5-pin DIN and a 5-pin MIDI connector lies in the assignment and use of the pins as well as the function:
audio 5-pin DIN
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Use : Transmission of analog audio signals (e.g. from old hi-fi equipment).
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Pin assignment :
- Typically the pins are used for stereo signals: - Pin 3: Ground - Pin 2: Left channel (signal) - Pin 5: Right channel (signal) - Pins 1 and 4 can be unused or optional for additional functions.
- Signal type : Analog audio connections (line level).
5-pin MIDI
- Use : Transmission of digital MIDI data (musical instruments or control devices).
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Pin assignment :
- Pins 4 and 5: signal lines (data transmission).
- Pin 2: Ground.
- Pins 1 and 3: Optional, often unused.
- Signal type : Digital data (serial protocol with 31.25 kbit/s).
- Voltage : Signal transmission occurs via an electrical voltage.