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First, distinguish USB MIDI from USB game-controller input
A 15-pin gameport plug does not guarantee one universal signaling method. In the documented DB15 interface, four pins carry button inputs and four carry analog-axis signals ranging from 0 V to 5 V. Later joysticks may use proprietary digital protocols despite having the same connector. A converter therefore needs to support the joystick’s protocol, and it needs firmware or software that produces the intended USB device class.
USB HID makes a computer see a joystick or game controller. USB MIDI makes it see a musical control device sending MIDI messages such as pitch bend or modulation. One does not automatically provide the other. A passive connector or a legacy MIDI interface for a sound-card gameport does not, by itself, turn joystick movement into USB MIDI. Necroware’s gameport-to-USB project
What the available approaches actually do
| Approach | What it does | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy PC software | Reads a joystick through a computer’s gameport and maps axes to MIDI messages. | Requires a computer with gameport input and compatible software; it is not a verified modern standalone USB-MIDI converter. |
| Sound-card gameport MIDI interface | Connects MIDI instruments to MIDI-capable pins on an old sound-card gameport. | It is not documented as reading joystick axes or producing USB MIDI. |
| Gameport-to-USB HID adapter | Lets a compatible legacy joystick function as a USB game controller. | HID controller input is not MIDI output. |
| DIY microcontroller build | A supported gameport joystick can be read by a microcontroller project and exposed as USB HID. | The documented build is not a validated USB-MIDI design; MIDI firmware and a complete tested implementation are not established. |
| Direct joystick-to-USB-MIDI box | No reviewed source verifies a current finished product or maintained turnkey design. | Availability and compatibility remain unverified. |
Use legacy software if the computer still has gameport input
The Converter 1.5 manual documents a software route: joystick A’s X axis can control pitch bend, while its Y axis can send modulation-wheel controller data, on MIDI channel 1. The computer reads the joystick and the software maps its movement to MIDI; this is not the same as plugging the joystick into a USB-MIDI dongle. Converter 1.5 manual
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- FORE 1 MIDI in / 1 MIDI out MIDI interface, 16 MIDI input & output channels. Connecting keyboard, MIDI keyboard, synthesizer, electric drum and any device with input & output to computer/laptop for recording and editing your track.
- Plug & Play, with a Built-in driver and Intelligent LED Indicator. No extra difficult driver installation. Easy set up, truly plug and play. MIDI converter shows different light indicators & status. Red is Power, Blue is signal transfer & connections. Watch the video to get more details about how to use.
- No delay MIDI Input and Output. High-performance FTP processing chip, stable and fast speed MIDI data transmission. GarageBand, FL studio12, FL studio20, DirectMusic, CoreMIDI, Cubase, Sonar, MIDI Connections, etc. Supported.
- Conveniently integrated USB and cables. High quality wire with multi-layer protection. Technology of resistance to electromagnetic interference, ensuring the audio transmission rapidly and safely without damage. USB bus-powered, 6.5Ft.
- Designed & Produced by FORE. Compatible with iOS & Android, Windows / Mac OS. You can use the USB A-C Adapter to connect to Type-A or Type-C port. || Attention: "USB A-C Adapter" is not included in the package. ||
Expect calibration and performance limitations
- The manual warns that gameport axes may be inaccurate, which can make them unsuitable for precise pitch control.
- Heavy MIDI or audio interrupt activity can interfere with accurate axis-range readings.
- This documents a historical software method, not current compatibility with modern operating systems or a plug-and-play USB device.
Do not confuse it with a MIDI adapter for an old sound card
The mlaux “Game port to MIDI adapter” is for attaching MIDI devices through the MIDI-capable pins of a joystick/gameport socket on an old sound card. Its documented circuit uses a DA-15 connector, two DIN-5 MIDI sockets, a 74HCT04 hex inverter, an H11L1M optoisolator, four 270-ohm resistors, a 0.1 μF capacitor, and a 1N4148 diode. That is a legacy MIDI interface, not a joystick sensor and not a USB-MIDI converter. mlaux Game port to MIDI adapter
For retro gaming, choose USB HID—not MIDI
If the goal is to use a gameport joystick with a modern computer or an emulator, a gameport-to-USB HID adapter is the relevant category. Necroware documents an Arduino Pro Micro project based on the ATmega32U4 that reads selected analog and digital joystick protocols and sends USB HID. Compatibility depends on the joystick model and selected protocol; check the project’s support information rather than assuming that every DB15 controller works.
Rank #2
- [Premium] Developed by CME with 30+ years of experience and contributing board member of the MIDI Association, providing trusted, human-centric 24/7 support via cme-pro(dot)com/support, lifetime updates, and hassle-free replacement.
- [Computers] Explore future-proof tech with advanced MIDI features: filter, mapping, routing. USB MIDI cable (1-in-1-out), 16 channels. Plug & play on macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, Linux, ChromeOS - no drivers needed!
- [Instruments] Handy colored MIDI plugs. Smart LED indicators. Works with all MIDI instruments including digital drum, digital piano, portable keyboard, MIDI controller, synthesizer, EWI and groovebox.
- [Performance] Ultra-fast 32-bit processor for extreme accuracy, high-speed optocoupler for error-free transmission, close to zero latency and jitter. High quality 6.5ft (2m) cable with all technology integrated into USB connector to reduce cable clutter.
- [MIDI] Supports all MIDI channels and messages, including notes, controllers, clock, sysex, MTC & MPE. Free UxMIDI Tools software (Mac/Win) for MIDI filtering (per channel) and MIDI routing (merge/split).
Calibration is part of the setup
Necroware says to keep analog axes centered when the adapter initializes over USB. The separate raphnet adapter instructions call for connecting the joystick before USB, holding it centered for ten seconds, then moving each axis through its full range. These are instructions for their respective HID adapters, not general calibration rules for a hypothetical USB-MIDI converter. raphnet USB gameport adapter
Raphnet describes support for standard two-axis, four-button controllers and lists Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X support. Its page reports the adapter out of stock and displays $27.99; neither the listed price nor availability should be treated as a current quote. The page describes a game-controller adapter, not MIDI output.
Rank #3
- High-Performance MIDI Interface: One-in/one-out MIDI interface with high-performance FPT processing for low latency and tighter clock timing
- Wide Compatibility: Compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems, and now with iOS on the iPad via the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit
- Visual Data Indicators: Data indicators for both MIDI input and output to monitor signal flow
- Integrated Cable Design: Conveniently integrated USB and MIDI cables for streamlined connectivity without additional adapters
- USB Bus-Powered Operation: No external power supply needed as the device operates via USB bus power
What a DIY builder can—and cannot—take from the HID project
The Necroware project documents an Arduino Pro Micro/ATmega32U4, a DB15 female connector, four 100 kΩ resistors, and a four-position DIP switch, with an optional socket. Its firmware selects among supported joystick protocols and produces USB HID. These parts and documentation are a starting point only for the documented HID use case; they do not establish that the board alone converts joystick movement into USB MIDI.
The project cautions that the MicroUSB board version’s connector is not robust and recommends its USB-C board variant. A MIDI build would require a suitable MIDI-output implementation and a validated circuit and firmware, none of which is established by the HID project. Do not assume that substituting firmware or changing a setting will produce a working USB-MIDI device.
Rank #4
- FORE 1 MIDI in / 1 MIDI out MIDI interface, 16 MIDI input & output channels. Connecting keyboard, MIDI keyboard, synthesizer, electric drum and any device with input & output to iOS Phone/Pad, computer/laptop for recording and editing your track.
- Plug & Play, with a Built-in driver and Intelligent LED Indicator. No extra difficult driver installation. Easy set up, truly plug and play. MIDI converter shows different light indicators & status. Blue is Power, Red is signal transfer & connections.
- No delay MIDI Input and Output. High-performance FTP processing chip, stable and fast speed MIDI data transmission. GarageBand, FL studio12, FL studio20, DirectMusic, CoreMIDI, Cubase, Sonar, MIDI Connections, etc. Supported.
- Conveniently integrated USB and cables. High quality wire with multi-layer protection. Technology of resistance to electromagnetic interference, ensuring the audio transmission rapidly and safely without damage. USB bus-powered, 6.5Ft.
- Designed & Produced by FORE. Compatible with iOS & Android, Windows / Mac OS. You can use the USB A-C Adapter to connect to Type-A or Type-C port. || Attention: "USB A-C Adapter" is not included in the package. ||
Choose the route that matches the job
- Retro gaming: Look for a gameport-to-USB HID adapter compatible with the exact joystick and its protocol.
- Musical control on a legacy PC: The documented Converter 1.5 approach maps axes to MIDI, provided the computer has working gameport input and the software environment supports it.
- Connecting MIDI gear to an old sound card: A gameport MIDI interface such as the mlaux circuit serves that different purpose.
- A modern standalone joystick-to-USB-MIDI converter: No reviewed source verifies a current product or a complete maintained design. Treat any candidate as unverified until it explicitly supports the joystick’s protocol and USB MIDI output.
When evaluating a future design, check its supported analog and digital joystick protocols, axes and buttons, calibration behavior, USB class, latency, host-software requirements, and whether it outputs USB MIDI directly or relies on a computer bridge. Those details determine whether it solves the musical-control problem rather than merely making the joystick appear as a game controller.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Easy to turn your PC into a music studio. Start by connecting an electronic musical instrument to your computer with the provided USB MIDI cable. Within minutes you'll be able to play songs while they are being recorded on your PC. With appropriate software, you can overdub additional instruments, then edit, mix and even print sheet music of your final compositions.
- Easy to install adapter features MIDI in and out cables along with USB PC interface plug | Please Note: Some setups will require both MIDI plugs to be plugged in for use
- MIDI adapter cable supports up to sixteen channels in and sixteen channels out | Adapter features LED power, in and out indicator lights
- Wide Compatibility. Work with Windows XP/Vista/7/8.1/10 and Mac OS. Cable length: 2M (6.5ft). Note: Turn off the keyboard & any other musical instrument. Close the Audio software. Not support Hot-swapping.
- Package Contents: 1x USB to Midi Interface Cable, 1x Instruction Sheet. Attention: For using on iOS devices, Original authentic Camera Connection Kit is needed or it may not work.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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