Introduction

Setting up a MIDI pedalboard is easier than it looks. Once you understand how MIDI connections work, you'll be able to connect multiple pedals to a single MIDI controller and manage your entire rig with ease.

This guide covers the physical side of MIDI—how devices connect and communicate with one another.

MIDI and Audio Are Separate

Before getting started, it's important to understand that MIDI and audio are completely separate signals.

• Audio signals carry your guitar sound.
• MIDI signals carry control messages, such as preset changes, bypass commands, and parameter adjustments.

Because MIDI does not affect your audio path, the order of your MIDI connections doesn't impact your tone. Connect your devices in whatever way is most practical for your pedalboard layout.

Connecting a Pedal to a MIDI Controller

Every MIDI setup starts with a MIDI controller.

The controller sends MIDI messages from its MIDI Out port to control other devices. To connect your first pedal:

1. Connect the controller's MIDI Out to the pedal's MIDI In.
2. Use either a 5-pin MIDI cable or a TRS MIDI cable, depending on the ports available on your devices.

Once connected, the controller can send MIDI commands directly to that pedal.

Connecting Multiple MIDI Pedals

Most MIDI-capable pedals include a MIDI Thru port.

A MIDI Thru port passes incoming MIDI messages to the next device in the chain, allowing multiple pedals to be connected together.

Example:

MIDI Controller ↓ Pedal 1 (MIDI In) ↓ Pedal 1 (MIDI Thru) ↓ Pedal 2 (MIDI In) ↓ Pedal 2 (MIDI Thru) ↓ Pedal 3

This process, known as daisy-chaining, can continue until all pedals are connected.

To control each pedal independently, assign every device its own unique MIDI channel.

What If a Pedal Doesn't Have MIDI Thru?

Some pedals have a MIDI In port but no MIDI Thru port.

Option 1: Place It Last

If only one pedal lacks MIDI Thru, simply place it at the end of your MIDI chain.

Option 2: Use Multiple MIDI Outputs

Many MIDI controllers provide multiple MIDI outputs, allowing you to connect directly to several pedals without relying on daisy-chaining.

For example, Morningstar controllers offer multiple MIDI output options, making it easy to connect devices that cannot pass MIDI through.

Option 3: Use a MIDI Box

A MIDI Box splits one MIDI output into several MIDI outputs.

Benefits include:

• Connecting more MIDI devices from a single controller output
• Avoiding dead ends in your MIDI chain
• Expanding your setup without replacing your controller

Simply connect your controller's MIDI output to the MIDI Box, then connect each pedal to one of the MIDI Box outputs.

MIDI Connector Types

Modern MIDI devices typically use one of two connector types:

5-Pin MIDI (DIN5)

The original MIDI connector introduced in 1983.

Advantages:

• Widely supported
• Extremely reliable
• Common on many MIDI devices

TRS MIDI

TRS MIDI uses standard stereo-style connectors and comes in two sizes:

• 1/4-inch TRS
• 3.5mm TRS

Both carry the same MIDI data and function identically. The only difference is connector size.

Advantages:

• Smaller footprint
• Lower manufacturing cost
• Easier cable routing
• Widely adopted by modern pedal manufacturers

Many current MIDI devices from brands such as Boss, Strymon, Chase Bliss, Meris, Neunaber, and Jackson Audio use TRS MIDI connections.

TRS MIDI Standards

TRS MIDI can use different wiring standards:

• Type A (MIDI Standard)
• Type B
• Tip Active
• Ring Active

The good news is that most modern devices use Type A, the official MIDI standard.

If your device uses a different configuration, you'll need a MIDI controller or adapter that supports the required TRS standard.

Morningstar controllers allow each TRS MIDI output to be configured independently, ensuring compatibility with virtually any TRS MIDI device.

Connecting 5-Pin MIDI and TRS MIDI Devices

Need to connect devices that use different MIDI connector types?

Simply use an appropriate adaptor cable. Almost all the options you need are available for purchase here.

These cables convert between 5-pin MIDI and TRS MIDI while preserving full MIDI functionality.

What If My Pedals Don't Have MIDI?

Many analog pedals—especially overdrives, distortions, fuzzes, and preamps—do not support MIDI.

You can still include them in a MIDI-controlled rig by using a MIDI loop switcher.

A MIDI loop switcher allows you to:

• Engage pedals automatically
• Bypass pedals automatically
• Save pedal combinations as presets
• Recall entire pedalboard configurations with a single MIDI command

Devices such as the Morningstar ML5, ML5R and ML10X make it easy to integrate non-MIDI pedals into a MIDI-based setup.

Choosing MIDI Cables

The good news is that most quality MIDI cables perform equally well.

When selecting MIDI cables, focus on:

• Available space on your pedalboard
• Connector orientation
• Low-profile designs
• Ease of cable routing

TRS MIDI Cables

TRS MIDI is simple:

• Any standard stereo TRS cable will work.
• Choose straight, angled, or low-profile connectors based on your setup.

5-Pin MIDI Cables

5-pin MIDI cables require a little more planning.

Unlike TRS connectors, 5-pin MIDI plugs cannot rotate once connected. This means the cable exits in a fixed direction, which can sometimes block nearby ports.

Features worth considering include:

• Adjustable connector orientation
• Low-profile plugs
• Compact housings for tight pedalboard layouts

We designed our own low-profile 5-PIN MIDI cable that allows you to orientate the cable in another direction you need.

Key Takeaways

• MIDI and audio signals are completely separate.
• Connect your controller's MIDI Out to a pedal's MIDI In.
• Use MIDI Thru ports to daisy-chain multiple pedals.
• Assign each device its own MIDI channel.
• Place pedals without MIDI Thru at the end of the chain, use additional outputs, or add a MIDI Box.
• Modern MIDI devices typically use either 5-pin MIDI or TRS MIDI connectors.
• Non-MIDI pedals can still be controlled using a MIDI loop switcher.
• Choose MIDI cables based on fit, routing, and space requirements

With the right connections in place, building a MIDI-controlled pedalboard is straightforward — and gives you powerful control over your entire rig.

Updated on: 10/06/2026