The KSR Amps EX5 is a MIDI Control Interface in pedal form, and the first release in the company's Utility Series line. Its job is simple: it takes MIDI commands in and switches things with them, giving you five isolated TRS outputs, each with two contacts, that can be set as latching, positive pulse, or negative pulse per output. That covers amp channel switching, footswitch jacks on pedals, and similar remote-control duties from any MIDI controller. KSR describes it as "the first in our new Utility Series line of products!"1
Outputs and MIDI control
Each of the five TRS outputs carries two contacts, and each contact can be configured independently as latching, positive pulse, or negative pulse. Latching holds a connection on or off, which suits amp channel switching, while pulse modes send a short momentary signal for devices that expect a tap. Programming is done on the pedal itself with what KSR calls a "Simple 2 button interface for programming"1.
The ten contacts map to consecutive MIDI CC numbers:
| Contact | MIDI CC |
|---|---|
| L1 | 80 |
| L2 | 81 |
| L3 | 82 |
| L4 | 83 |
| L5 | 84 |
| L6 | 85 |
| L7 | 86 |
| L8 | 87 |
| L9 | 88 |
| L10 | 89 |
All ten are latching loops1. With MIDI In and Out on board, the EX5 can sit in a MIDI chain rather than terminating it. For more on where a unit like this fits, see Midi Pedals and Switching Pedals.
Power and size
The EX5 runs on DC 9V at 200 mA or more, supplied either through its power jack or through MIDI phantom power. The phantom option matters on a board: if your MIDI controller supplies phantom power down the MIDI cable, the EX5 needs no separate supply. The 200 mA minimum current draw is worth noting when planning a daisy chain, since it is higher than a typical single pedal1.
The EX5 draws at least 200 mA, more than many standard pedal power outputs provide per outlet. Plan your supply accordingly.
The enclosure measures 4.37" x 2.37" x 1.22" and weighs 1 lbs, so it takes up modest room on a board1.
Finish, price and availability
Black sparkle is the standard finish, and KSR notes that custom colors are available by request. The pedal lists at $199.00, with the product page showing a current price of $149.00 as of June 20261. Stock was shown as limited, with backorders possible1.
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Questions
How many outputs does the KSR EX5 have?
The EX5 has five isolated TRS outputs, each with two contacts. Each output can be configured as latching, positive pulse, or negative pulse, so it can suit different amps and devices. The outputs are numbered L1 through L10 in the MIDI CC list, covering the two contacts across the five jacks.
Can the KSR EX5 run on MIDI phantom power?
Yes. KSR Amps specifies power as DC 9V at 200 mA or more, supplied either through the power jack or through MIDI phantom power. That means a MIDI controller that provides phantom power can run the EX5 without a separate power supply, which helps keep a board tidy.
What MIDI CC numbers does the KSR EX5 respond to?
The EX5 responds to MIDI CC numbers 80 through 89, mapped to its ten latching loop contacts: L1 on CC 80, L2 on 81, L3 on 82, L4 on 83, L5 on 84, L6 on 85, L7 on 86, L8 on 87, L9 on 88 and L10 on 89. You program the unit with its two-button interface.
What finish does the KSR EX5 come in?
Black sparkle is the standard finish. KSR Amps also takes custom color requests, so you can ask for a different finish when ordering.
How much does the KSR EX5 cost?
The EX5 lists at $199.00 and was priced at $149.00 on KSR Amps' product page as of June 2026. The lower figure appears to be the current selling price against the $199.00 original price.
Sources (1)
- EX5 - MIDI Control Interface - KSR Amps, KSR Amps, 2022-05-02