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DIY USB midi Controller
Hi,
I've been using the nanokontrol as a controller for the ipad. I really like the ability to program the nanokontrol and also that I'm able to select different presets so that I can use different presets for different apps. But I would like more knobs and controls. So I was thinking maybe diy'ing. But so far, what I have found on diy'ing one, are just like fixed amount of knobs and without a preset function. Does anyone know of any controllers out there that I could diy or even tutorials that I can follow so I that I could build one myself, like 32 knobs, 8 faders, 16 buttons. Or maybe even some makers who sell as kits?
Comments
ah and of course, like maybe 4 to 6 presets that I can save and edit as well.
https://shik.tech
I think the problem with such a big generic controller is that you quickly loose overview of the meaning of its controls. Yes, there can be overlays that you can scribble on but then you are still missing a meaningful layout. I kind of gave up on this idea of a synth controller. I think for sound design the touch UI is good enough and it has a meaningful layout.
For a live situationI think it’s better to use a controller that was designed for a synth or a synth that sends out its knob movements like the Arturia MicroFreak. The MF really works well as a synth controller. Then it has a layout that you know and where you blindly find the right controls. As I am a huge Model D fan, I‘ve built a DIY controller for it and I‘m using this controller also for other synths.
This design is open source and you can obtain the PCB layout and instructions: https://github.com/maasijam/model_d_controller
I still have 4 sets of the PCBs at home because the minimum order quantity at the factory in China was 5 pcs. I would give away a set for the shipping cost if you are interested.
ah cool. that sounds like something up my alley.
yes I can see how it will get complicated with all the knobs. with my nanokontrol, due to the limited knobs, it keeps things a little in perspective.
the pcb u made looks good. sound good! Let me think about this. The Shik one looks enticing due to the presets ability.
For curiousity sake, is there a possibility to modify your board? like replace the switches with knobs or faders?
I wonder if for Shik N32b has the ability to 'control overtake' like in ableton?
If you mean "Pick-Up" mode (track only after knob matches control), that can only work in hardware if the host or app sends the current value to the controller. That is generally not the case unless the app includes the configuration of the specific controller. Apps like LK and Loopy Pro have certain controllers built-in.
Overtake support is determined by the app, not the controller. The app throws out any values above or below the current value until the controller sends the current value, then it starts accepting new values. So, if a control in the app is at 72 and the knob on the controller is sweeping up from 24, nothing will happen until the controller gets to 72, then the app will accept 73, 74, etc.
I don't think you'll find any DIY controllers or even commercial ones that handle overtake independent of the target app supporting it.
There's an important difference between potentiometers and encoders. A potentiometer sends absolute values according to the knob position. An encoder sends a +1 or -1 value depending on the direction it's turned, then the software increases or decreases it's control value based on that. Apps need to support encoders in order to work with them.
I didn’t design the Model D controller and I also have no know-how for that. I just assembled one following the instructions.
BTW, a fader is basically the same electrically as a potentiometer knob. In general, you should be able to swap out faders for knobs in a DIY project, though you may need to pay attention to the ohms of the faders to be sure they're compatible.
Why not get a LaunchControl XL?
You can get one for under £100 second hand and it'll give you
everything you've already listed except you will only have 24 knobs not 32.
For more advanced DIY there is Control Surface MIDI library for Arduino. It’s not very hard to build a custom MIDI controller with BLE support on a cheap ESP32 board and optionally some multiplexers. However, some experience with wiring, soldering and basic programming may be needed.
I was checking it out, but I didn't find any info on saving different presets, like on the nanokontrol (well there's 4 banks of it). It seems like there's only user and default. Am i right on this?
Ok thanks guys for the info on 'pickup' mode.
I was also actually thinking of 'hacking' my nanokontrol. I've got 2 of them and was thinking of putting them into 1 case, replace 1 set of faders for knobs, then I'll get something almost similar to the LaunchContol XL.
I try to stay away from bluetooth, but would rather go with midi then I can also kontrol some hardware.
The LC XL has 16 scenes or banks in total.
Eight are User which are configurable and the other eight are set Factory scenes.
I've seen this done.
It looks rather cool.
@edk, as a recovering DIY midi controller nerd myself, be careful of the rabbit hole. Its super easy to stop being a musician and start becoming an electrical engineer.
oh yes I hear you on that!
After looking at the options, format, size, usability and cost. I'm kindof deciding on getting the Shik with midi as a plus plus point.
@edk
i've found it to be easier and more productive to find an off the shelf controller that has the layout closest to what im working with, and using mozaic to remember the cc values to prevent jumps and controller configurations on a per project basis.
If the controller is easily scriptable (like novation stuff) i'll take it a step further.
There's many companies providing modular MIDI controllers:
https://special-waves.com/
https://monogramcc.com/workflows/audio/
http://lividinstruments.com/news/elements-modular-midi-control-system/
https://intech.studio/
... and definitely much more.
USB-MIDI and DIN-MIDI options are also available, more additional components required. However,
That's true