What is the problem?
- People often search for the right cables or adaptors to interconnect with other devices and sometimes don’t even know that there is a difference between TRS Type A and Type B.
- The MIDI Association allegedly recommends TRS Type A as the standard.
- Official MIDI 2.0 specs also lean towards TRS-A, so newer devices often default to A.
This can lead to unnecessary frustration and wasted time while trying to make music or interconnect with other devices.
What should this feature achieve?
This request proposes two possible future solutions for new hardware.
Within the hardware:
- MIDI In to be A/B agnostic in the future (using GitHub - jakplugg/PSI_MIDI: Either way 3.5mm TRS MIDI for your device.)
- MIDI Out to be A/B switchable (physically via a jumper/switch or digitally via a setting)
Outside the hardware:
- Add two DIN to TRS Adapters with every device
- Add two 3.5mm TRS-B to TRS-A converters with every device
Doing this will increase customer satisfaction and hopefully send a signal to other manufacturers to finally settle for one standard.
I’m pretty certain that customers wouldn’t mind paying a couple bucks more for the additional hardware or cable cost, as it alleviates all the headaches these two standards create.
Are there any workarounds?
Have the right type and right amount of cables laying around AND remember which one is which 
Any links to related discussions?
- Plenty of topics here on Backstage
Any references to other products?
- Michigan Synth Works has used Jakpluggs solution for a while now
- Plenty of other hardware exists that allows you to switch between A/B