Summary of theMIDInator Arduino MIDI controller
TheMIDInator is a custom MIDI controller built by Switch & Lever using an Arduino Mega 2560. It features extensive inputs like potentiometers, rotary encoders, a joystick, switches, and a keypad to send data to a DAW via serial USB. A Hairless MIDI to Serial Bridge program on the computer is required to translate these commands for audio software.
Parts used in theMIDInator:
- Arduino Mega 2560
- Potentiometers
- Rotary encoders
- Joystick
- Switches
- Keypad
- Hairless MIDI to Serial Bridge software
theMIDInator MIDI controller has been created by Switch & Lever using an Arduino Mega with its 54 digital IO and 16 analog pins to provide a wealth of inputs enabling data to pass onto a digital audio workstation (DAW) to create the actual sound. Watch the overview video below to learn more about the project and the build process when creating an Arduino MIDI controller.
“What do you do when you don’t have enough controls on your MIDI keyboard? You build a MIDI controller of course! Using an Arduino and some basic components this is an easier feat than you may imagine!”
TheMIDInator is a MIDI controller based on an Arduino MEGA 2560. It uses a few potentiometers, rotary encoders, a joystick, switches and a keypad as inputs and sends MIDI commands via serial USB interface to the computer. For this controller to work properly a program such as Hairless MIDI to Serial Bridge needs to be running on the computer to receive the commands. This can then be piped into your DAW of choice.”
Source: theMIDInator Arduino MIDI controller
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What is the core microcontroller used in theMIDInator?
The project uses an Arduino Mega 2560 which provides 54 digital IO and 16 analog pins. -
How does the controller send data to a computer?
It sends MIDI commands via a serial USB interface to the computer. -
What software is needed on the computer to make it work?
A program such as Hairless MIDI to Serial Bridge must be running to receive the commands. -
Can this controller be connected to any music software?
Yes, the commands can be piped into a digital audio workstation of choice. -
What types of physical inputs are included in the build?
The build includes potentiometers, rotary encoders, a joystick, switches, and a keypad. -
Why would someone build this specific controller?
It is built to provide more controls when there are not enough on an existing MIDI keyboard. -
Who created the theMIDInator project?
The project was created by Switch & Lever.
