DB15 Pinout
The two-row 15-pin D-sub used as the classic PC game/MIDI port (DA-15).
Overview
Commonly called DB15, this two-row 15-pin D-subminiature (correctly DA-15, in an A-size shell with rows of 8 and 7 pins) was the classic PC game port on sound cards. It connects up to two analog joysticks (X/Y axes) and four buttons, and also carried MIDI in/out on pins 12 and 15.
Each axis is read as a variable resistance against the +5V supply, while button lines are active-low digital inputs. Note this is distinct from the three-row HD-15 VGA connector, which is a different (DE-size) part.
Pinout
| Pin | Name | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | +5V | POWER | Power supply to joystick |
| 2 | Button 1 (/B1) | SIGNAL | Joystick 1 button 1 (active low) |
| 3 | X1 | SIGNAL | Joystick 1 X-axis (analog) |
| 4 | Ground | GND | Ground |
| 5 | Ground | GND | Ground |
| 6 | Y1 | SIGNAL | Joystick 1 Y-axis (analog) |
| 7 | Button 2 (/B2) | SIGNAL | Joystick 1 button 2 (active low) |
| 8 | +5V | POWER | Power supply |
| 9 | +5V | POWER | Power supply |
| 10 | Button 3 (/B3) | SIGNAL | Joystick 2 button 1 (active low) |
| 11 | X2 | SIGNAL | Joystick 2 X-axis (analog) |
| 12 | Ground / MIDI Out | GND | Ground; MIDI transmit on MIDI-capable cards |
| 13 | Y2 | SIGNAL | Joystick 2 Y-axis (analog) |
| 14 | Button 4 (/B4) | SIGNAL | Joystick 2 button 2 (active low) |
| 15 | +5V / MIDI In | POWER | Power supply; MIDI receive on MIDI-capable cards |
Notes
- Correct D-sub designation is DA-15 (A shell); 'DB15' is common but technically wrong.
- Pins 12 and 15 carry MIDI out/in on sound cards with a MIDI breakout.
- Not the same as the three-row HD-15 VGA connector.
Reference: PC Game Port (DA-15) standard / InterfaceBus joystick pinout· verified 2026-06-27