The GM5 is a USB MIDI interface IC from Ploytec. It provides up to 5 independent MIDI inputs and 5 independent MIDI outputs. It is only available in a surface mount package, and only in large (250+) quantities. TK organizes regular bulk orders for this IC.

The MBHP “USB GM5 Module” is a simple PCB which holds the GM5 IC, and all required components for one MIDI input and output. It does not require any other MBHP modules to provide basic USB<>MIDI I/O functionality. A single MIDI input and MIDI output jack may be mounted to the board, or connected via SIL headers. An additional 4 inputs and outputs may be connected to the module via a single header, in which case each physical i/o would require its own support parts (optocouplers, resistors, diodes etc). “Digital I/O” pins are also available for direct interface to a Core module, with no need for optocouplers.

An alternative to this module is the “GM5x5x5”, a standalone 5×5 USB MIDI interface on a single PCB.

Another alternative is the USB PIC module, in which USB is wired directly to a PIC-based Core running special (non-MIOS) firmware. Further development of this module is unlikely, given the low cost and great performance of the GM5.

No drivers need to be installed to use the GM5 with Linux or Mac OS X computers. It is a class-compliant device.

Windows computers may work with the GM5 using the Microsoft's driver, however the Ploytec driver works better.