“Music is a large part of the entertainment industry, and is enjoyed by many around the world. While music is accessible to those who enjoy it, creating music is not always easy since some users might not have access to the instruments or technology needed to create the sounds they want. Our solution for this is a DIY MIDI controller, a simple-to-use physical interface that allows you to create sounds and music virtually through your computer. MIDI controllers have been in the music industry for many years.[1] The controllers themselves can be fairly expensive.[2] The goal of this instructable is to allow users to create their own MIDI controller for a reasonable price of less than $100 [3]. The sky’s the limit when it comes to what sounds, music and beats you can create using your MIDI controller with any DJ software of your choosing.
Electronics:
- Arduino Micro [A000053] [4]
- Arcade Push Buttons [AV-24MM-Black-Buttons] [5]
- Rotary Potentiometers [WH148 10kohm] [6]
- Slide Potentiometers [DR-US-448] [7]
- LEDs [B07PG84V17] [8]
- 25ft solid core 22 gauge wire [PVC22AWG1007SOF25Y] [9]
- Half Size Breadboard [2183-4000-ND] [10]
Frame construction materials:
- 1/4”x6”x12” Lexan Sheet [PC1/4-6x12_EXACT] [11]
- 1/16”x12”x12” Lexan Sheet [PC1/4-12x12_EXACT] [12]
- #8-32 Thread 2” Aluminum Standoffs [36-2221-ND] [13]
- #8-32 Thread .625” Screws [276-4993] [14]
- #6-32 Thread .5” Screws [90272A144] [15]
A bill of materials is shown above. These were some of the cheapest options found, however if you find other components that you would like to add or use feel free! The only semi-permanent option here is the Arduino Micro. The MIDI controller requires native USB. Therefore, you must be careful when choosing your microcontroller as some do not have native USB. At the end of the instructable there are other microcontroller options that support native USB, and they should work wonderfully with this project.”