MIDI controller
A custom MIDI controller built to the client's specification.
Massimiliano had a very exact vision of the controller he wanted to build, with a dramatic wedge-shaped case, LEDs in the corners, gloss black finish and a distinctive display on the rear of the casing. He helpfully provided concept images and photos of a cardboard model that were useful as references to turn his dream into reality.
There are 59 knobs, 10 faders, 18 push buttons and four toggle switches, all of which output MIDI CC messages. The toggle switches can be assigned to either gate or pulse mode, depending on their position on startup.
There are also various LEDs that can be controlled by MIDI notes, with the velocity values setting the brightness. These provide useful visual feedback for live performances when connected to Ableton.
The oscilloscope display on the rear accepts external audio, and was programmed by my talented friend Will.
The casing is made of 1.5mm sheet aluminium, sprayed with 2K paint. The casing metalwork worked out absolutely perfectly, with the folds accurate to the nearest 0.1mm. I'm not sure whether it's practice or just luck.
Get in touch if you'd like a custom MIDI controller! It's very easy to link something like this to Ableton Live. All you need to do is click the MIDI learn button to start the mapping process, and then click on a parameter within the software. Move a physical knob, fader or button, and that's all it takes to link the two.
This is the second MIDI controller I've made recently, the other one was an interactive DJ desk.
A set of custom PCBs were created to monitor all of the controls and turn the knob positions into MIDI data.
To test the MIDI functionality, a sketch with a bar graph display was created using Processing.
What MIDI controller would you like to commission?
As well as knobs, switches and faders, there are loads of other types of sensors to connect to your audio setup!
Potential sensors could include:
Pressure, proximity, temperature, humidity, motion, flow of liquid, flow of gas, ultrasonic, force, vibration, position, light, colour, infrared, types of gas, accelerometer, hall effect, microphone, hydrophone, pickup, rotary speed / position, linear speed / position, anemometer, Geiger counter, airspeed, depth gauge, compass, capacitive, flex, impact, inclinometer, laser rangefinder, piezoelectric, rotary encoder, phototransistor, barometer, viscometer, auxanometer etc. etc.
Get in touch to discuss your idea!
