Retrokits - RetroKits - RK002 Smart MIDI Cable
€69.00
Net: €57.98
In stock
Retrokits RK-002 — Programmable MIDI Cable: Arpeggiator, Euclidean Rhythms, Polyphony, Device-Specific Firmware & Arduino-Based Custom Coding
The RK-002 looks like a MIDI cable, but there is a small processor inside that can change MIDI data while it passes through. That makes it useful for solving specific device quirks, adding extra behaviour to existing instruments, or placing a little MIDI utility in a setup without adding another box, power supply or menu-heavy processor.
Depending on the firmware, it can do very practical things: add velocity handling to a Volca FM, expand the Volca Sample’s MIDI behaviour, bring arpeggiator or Euclidean-style functions into a setup, or add PolyMUX-style polyphonic control to compatible devices like the Digitakt. Firmware can be loaded from Retrokits’ DUY Exchange Portal, and users who want to go deeper can also write their own with the Arduino IDE and RK-002 library.
A small cable for making MIDI setups more flexible, especially when a device needs just that one extra trick. It's a clever way to add features to MIDI gear that was never built to have them.
Features:
- Smart MIDI cable with built-in MIDI processor
- Processes, modifies and generates MIDI data in real time
- Runs different firmware for different devices and MIDI functions
- Example uses include arpeggiator, Euclidean sequencing and PolyMUX-style polyphony
- Device-specific firmware available for instruments such as Volca Sample, Volca FM, Kaossilator and Digitakt
- Custom firmware possible via Arduino IDE and RK-002 Arduino library
- Firmware updates and apps available via Retrokits’ DUY Exchange Portal
- MIDI-powered operation, no separate power supply required
- Includes TRSA-DIN5 cable
- Works best from a proper MIDI-powered port or suitable powered MIDI interface / thru setup
Short note: The cable draws its power from the MIDI bus, so no PSU or batteries needed — just plug it in. One thing to keep in mind: not every MIDI sender supplies bus power, and the RK-002 shouldn't share a port with other MIDI-powered gear. If that's what you want, you might look into a powered thru box like Retrokits' RK-004 or RK-006 to run it reliably.