5pin

5pin refers to the 5-pin DIN connector, a family of circular multipin electrical connectors standardized in the DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) system. The most common variant uses five pins arranged in a semicircle within a round shell and is designed for relatively low-frequency signals. This connector was widely adopted in the 1970s and 1980s for audio equipment interconnections, including between amplifiers, tape decks, and other consumer electronics, as well as for early computer peripherals.

In addition to its use in audio devices, the 5-pin DIN connector became the standard interface for MIDI, the Musical Instrument Digital Interface, introduced in the early 1980s. MIDI uses a 5-pin DIN connector to carry serial data between keyboards, synthesizers, and controllers, and it remains a familiar sight on many music devices despite the growth of USB and other digital interfaces. The physical form is easily recognizable by its circular metal shell, keyed orientation, and five internal contacts.

Pinouts are not universal across all 5-pin DIN applications; the same connector shell can be wired differently depending on the device, so compatibility depends on both the connector and the mating counterpart. While largely superseded by more modern connectors in new equipment, 5-pin DIN remains relevant for legacy systems and certain niche applications, particularly in audio gear and vintage MIDI setups. Adapters and cables are available to bridge 5-pin DIN devices with contemporary interfaces, but proper pinout matching is essential for safe operation.