Archive for the 'DIY Electronics' Category

The new MIDI CPU accepts input from switches, potentiometers, rotary encoders, switch matrices and external digital & analog signals.  In response, it generates virtually any type of MIDI message.  Buy now!

The MIDI CPU ships fully assembled.  Simply attach MIDI connectors, control components, and a battery or DC power supply.

Features include:

• 24 independent input terminals
• Monitors up to 128 switches, 14 potentiometers, or 12 encoders
• Allows mixed input types
• Merges MIDI input with locally generated messages—multiple units share a single MIDI Out port
• Powered via battery or DC supply between 3.3V and 12V
• Measures only 66mm x 38mm (2.6″ x 1.5″)
• Configured via MIDI SysEx message
• User-upgradeable firmware

The MIDI CPU has a long list of potential applications.  Build your own traditional footswitch, keyboard, or “knob box” controller.  Build your own alternative MIDI controller—optical theremin, fret-based controller, etc.  Generate MIDI note patterns or CC waveforms from digital or analog signals.  Re-purpose a “consumer” keyboard, calculator, game controller, or other electronic device as a MIDI controller.

These possibilities will be explored with “how-to” information at the blog and forums.

Have you registered yet?  The forums are the best place to ask for product information or technical support.

Larry Cotton’s 3-octave “player marimba” was featured in MAKE, Volume 4.  Larry added two MD24 MIDI Decoders and the marimba can now be controlled by any MIDI sequencer or keyboard.

Larry’s other contributions to MAKE are listed here.

Michael Una wrote a review of the MD24 MIDI decoder for Create Digital Music.  Included is a video of Michael’s DIY sequencers synced with Ableton Live via MIDI notes.  More from Michael Una here.

exFade’s modified Synsonics drum machine, MIDI-controlled via MSA-T MIDI decoder:

Bryan Benting’s MIDI-controlled electrical outlets and 48-output MIDI-to-gate box (with MSA-T-driven power relays and two MD24 kits for gate triggers) with MIDI-controlled lighting videos (video 1, video 2):

SYNCHRO’s externally-housed MIDISpeak installations:

Concretedog’s MSA-R mini review:

k1ds3ns4t10n’s MSA-P assembly photos:

Forum member GoatBoy used the MSA-R to provide MIDI control for an array of solenoid-activated bells.  (Note: The MSA-T and MSA-P may be better choices for solenoid-based projects.)

Spunky Toofers used an Akai EWI 3000 to trigger a MIDISpeak and effects.

Siempre La Luna documented the MIDISpeak assembly process and installation process.

Thomas S. photographed his MIDI Xbox controller for use with music games.

An inexpensive 1 x MIDI In / 5 x MIDI Thru circuit has been added to the library.

MIDI-modified Stylophone controlled with a bent TR-505 and MSA-R (Diabolical Devices):

MIDI2600-Internal installation video (Siempre La Luna):

DIY MIDI drum machine incorporating an MSA kit and a Farfisa organ percussion module (Quiet Channel):

MIDISpeak dual-mode installation (Erik Tinberg):

This Is The Sound, the new release from Burnkit2600 which features MSA-R controlled bent percussion:

Custom MSA-R based MIDI control box with video (The Umbrella Company):

Steve Averill’s robot drummer, using the MD24 for MIDI servo control:

Atari 2600 + MIDI2600 + Synthcart + Ableton Live + Modular Synth demo (SYNCHRO):

Bob Lloyd’s animatronic Halloween program, which uses MSA-T MIDI decoders for MIDI lighting control:

A MIDI retrofit of the Synare Percussion Synth using the MSA-P (the simulacre):

A vintage Ace Tone Rhythm Ace drum machine, MIDI retrofitted by Kerry Bradley using a MIDI2600 kit (Note: the new MD24 is a better choice for this type of project):

Sciame Uno (Francesco Meneghini and William Bottin), an installation that includes a mechanical chaos generator, MIDI theremin, Grillo Parlante and MIDISpeak:

DIY 8-circuit MIDI lighting controller with power relays controlled by an MSA-T (Graham Meredith):

MIDISpeak demo video (EraSer of circuitbend.it):

A dual-mode (ROM / Keypad) MIDISpeak installation (Cedric Bodereau):

The popular DB-25 Panel Mount Plates have been restocked.